Inactivation of multidrug-resistant bacteria using cold atmospheric-pressure plasma technology
Xingxing Wang1,2, Mengzhen Chen2,3,4, Ye Lu1,2
1Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
Objective:
This study aimed to investigate the impact of cold atmospheric-pressure plasma (CAP) on multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria on various surfaces under nosocomial circumstances and the underlying mechanism.
Method:
Four common MDR bacteria (carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae) were inoculated on nosocomial surfaces, which were subsequently exposed to CAP. Then the bacteria from surfaces were recovered and diluted. The killing curve was analyzed to evaluate the sterilization effects of CAP. Electron microscopy was used to evaluate the changes in cell morphology.
Result:
In the CAP-producing device, most of the MDR bacteria were nearly inactivated after 2 h of CAP treatment. Under the simulated ward, CAP exerted an inactivating effect on MDR bacteria. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that the surface of MDR bacteria became blurred, the bodies ruptured and adhered to each other after CAP treatment. The cell walls were thinner as revealed by transmission electron microscopy.
Conclusion:
CAP could inactivate the most common MDR bacteria on nosocomial surfaces in simulation ward settings by destroying the structure of pathogens. Our data provided insights into the sterilization of MDR bacteria using CAP and suggested a novel in-hospital disinfection alternative.
Insights
Cold atmospheric-pressure plasma (CAP) effectively inactivates multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria on hospital surfaces by damaging their structure. This offers a promising new method for in-hospital disinfection and infection control.
Area of Science:
- Plasma Medicine
- Microbiology
- Infection Control
Background:
- Nosocomial infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Current disinfection methods may have limitations in effectively eradicating MDR pathogens from various surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of cold atmospheric-pressure plasma (CAP) against common MDR bacteria on nosocomial surfaces.
- To elucidate the mechanism underlying CAP's bactericidal action on these pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Four prevalent MDR bacteria were inoculated onto nosocomial surfaces and treated with CAP.
- Bacterial inactivation was assessed using killing curves.
- Morphological changes in bacteria were analyzed via scanning and transmission electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- CAP treatment led to near-complete inactivation of MDR bacteria on surfaces within 2 hours.
- Electron microscopy revealed significant structural damage, including blurred surfaces, cell rupture, and thinner cell walls.
- CAP demonstrated an inactivating effect on MDR bacteria under simulated ward conditions.
Conclusions:
- Cold atmospheric-pressure plasma effectively inactivates common MDR bacteria on nosocomial surfaces by disrupting their cellular structure.
- CAP presents a viable and novel alternative for disinfection in hospital environments, aiding in the control of MDR infections.
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