Microbial Contamination of Nebulizers in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis

Objective: Nebulizer contamination has potential harmful effects on the respiratory system. The aim was to investigate the contamination profile of the nebulizers in cystic fibrosis patients and evaluate the relationship between hygiene practices and microbial contamination. Materials and Methods: Microbiological swab samples were taken from 3 different locations of the nebulizers of 102 patients. A questionnaire regarding nebulizer hygiene practices was applied to participants. Results: Contamination rate was 40.2%, while chambers were the most contaminated area. The bacterial contamination rate was 37.3%, with gram-negative bacterial growth being predominant. The organisms identified were mostly environmental or floral. Only 3 of the patients were performing the whole steps correctly. This number was not sufficient to assess the relationship between nebulizer cleaning and disinfection practices and microbial growth from nebulizers. When the relationship between nebulizer cleaning/disinfection frequencies, methods, and storage locations was evaluated separately with microbial growth from nebulizers, no statistically significant relationship was found for all (P > .05 for all). Conclusion: The nebulizer contamination rate with pathogenic microorganisms is low in the present study. Regular educational interventions regarding nebulizer hygiene practices should be implemented in all Cystic Fibrosis Centers.