Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2025
Infection of Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells Grown at an Air-Liquid Interface to Characterize Human Coronavirus-Host Interactions
Published on: September 22, 2023
An assessment of bacterial transmission via rebound tonometry: An in vitro pilot study
Jonathan Wood1, Martyn King1, Anita Dutton1
1Perth Animal Eye Hospital, Manning, Perth, Western Australia.
Background:
Bacterial contamination of medical equipment is a significant risk in both human and veterinary medicine, leading to potential cross-contamination between clinicians, technicians, patients, and healthcare professionals. Pathogens can persist on surfaces, resulting in healthcare-associated infections. Tonometry used to measure intraocular pressure for diagnosing conditions like glaucoma and uveitis, is crucial in both human and veterinary care. However, there is limited information on bacterial transmission through reused tonometer probes in veterinary patients. This pilot study aimed to explore the potential for cross-contamination of bacteria via a rebound tonometer probe using bacterial isolates linked to bacterial ulcerative keratitis in dogs.
Aim:
To evaluate the potential for bacterial transmission via rebound tonometry using the ICare® TONOVET Plus in a controlled laboratory environment. The study focused on two bacterial isolates commonly implicated in canine bacterial ulcerative keratitis: Pseudomonas aeruginosa and beta-haemolytic Streptococcus.
Methods:
Bacterial cultures were inoculated on blood agar and MacConkey agar plates. Tonometer probes were used to perform multiple corneal rebounds (CRs) readings on known bacterial samples, followed by multiple CR readings on agar growth plates, incubation, and re-examination of the agar plates for evidence of bacterial transfer. Controls included plates where the probes were only used on sterile agar.
Results:
Bacterial transmission was detected with distinct bacterial colonies corresponding to individual CR readings on the plates inoculated with Pseudomonas and beta-haemolytic Streptococcus. A control plate exhibited a single bacterial colony, likely due to inadvertent contamination.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that bacterial transmission via rebound tonometer probes is possible. Although this was an in vitro study, the findings raise concerns about cross-contamination in clinical practice. Changing tonometer probes between patients, particularly after those with bacterial ulcerative keratitis is advised until further investigation into the in vivo bacterial transmission is investigated.
Insights
Reused tonometer probes can transmit bacteria, posing a risk for cross-contamination in veterinary eye exams. This study demonstrated bacterial transfer from probes used on common canine keratitis pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Infectious Disease Control
Background:
- Bacterial contamination of medical equipment presents a significant risk for healthcare-associated infections.
- Tonometry is essential for diagnosing ocular conditions like glaucoma and uveitis in both human and veterinary medicine.
- Limited data exists on bacterial transmission via reused tonometer probes in veterinary patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential for bacterial cross-contamination using rebound tonometer probes.
- To evaluate bacterial transmission with isolates linked to canine bacterial ulcerative keratitis.
Main Methods:
- Controlled laboratory study using the ICare® TONOVET Plus rebound tonometer.
- Inoculation of tonometer probes with *Pseudomonas aeruginosa* and beta-hemolytic *Streptococcus* isolates.
- Performing corneal rebound readings on bacterial samples and sterile agar plates to detect transfer.
Main Results:
- Bacterial transmission was confirmed via distinct colonies on agar plates following probe use.
- *Pseudomonas* and beta-hemolytic *Streptococcus* were successfully transferred.
- Control plates showed minimal contamination, validating the primary findings.
Conclusions:
- Rebound tonometer probes can facilitate bacterial transmission.
- Findings suggest a potential risk of cross-contamination in clinical settings.
- Recommend probe changes between patients, especially those with ulcerative keratitis, pending further *in vivo* studies.
More Related Videos
10:26P. aeruginosa Infected 3D Co-Culture of Bronchial Epithelial Cells and Macrophages at Air-Liquid Interface for Preclinical Evaluation of Anti-Infectives
Published on: June 15, 2020
06:05Using the Overlay Assay to Qualitatively Measure Bacterial Production of and Sensitivity to Pneumococcal Bacteriocins
Published on: September 30, 2014
Related Concept Videos
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:14Assessing Body Temperature - Tympanic membrane
Step 1: Begin by practicing good hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of microorganisms.
Step 2: Turn on the thermometer and wait until the ready sign appears on the screen to ensure accurate measurement.
Step 3: Slide the probe cover in place to prevent cross-contamination.
Step 4: Instruct the patient to tilt their head to the side for comfort and check for cerumen...
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:23Assessment of blood pressure in brachial artery(two-step method)