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Bacterial and fungal growth in intravenous fat emulsions
Abstract:
Growth of bacterial and fungal organisms in i.v. fat emulsions was studied. A total of 81 isolates of 15 bacterial and fungal strains were used to inoculate (in test tubes) 10% soybean oil emulsion (Intralipid, Cutter Laboratories), 10% safflower oil emulsion (Liposyn, Abbott Laboratories), trypticase soya broth, and 0.9% sodium chloride at about 2500 organisms/ml. Duplicate samples and negative controls were prepared. Samples were handled under two procedures after inoculation: (1) initially refrigerated overnight, then stored at room temperature for 24 hours, and (2) stored only at room temperature for 24 hours. Samples were taken at 3, 7, and 24 hours after the samples were placed at room temperature, and colony counts were performed. Most organisms grew equally well in the fat emulsions and trypticase soya broth. Fungal strains grew more slowly than bacterial strains but reached equal numbers by 24 hours. Organisms grew quite slowly in sodium chloride, and negative controls showed no growth. These i.v. fat emulsions supported bacterial and fungal growth at the same level as trypticase soya broth.
Insights
Intravenous fat emulsions support bacterial and fungal growth similarly to trypticase soya broth. This study investigated microbial proliferation in common i.v. fat emulsions.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pharmaceutical Science
Background:
- Intravenous (i.v.) fat emulsions are crucial for parenteral nutrition.
- Assessing the potential for microbial contamination and growth within these emulsions is vital for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the growth of common bacterial and fungal organisms in two types of i.v. fat emulsions.
- To compare microbial growth in fat emulsions against standard microbiological growth media.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial and fungal isolates were inoculated into 10% soybean oil emulsion (Intralipid) and 10% safflower oil emulsion (Liposyn).
- Growth media included trypticase soya broth and 0.9% sodium chloride.
- Samples were incubated under refrigeration and room temperature conditions.
- Colony counts were performed at 3, 7, and 24 hours.
Main Results:
- Most tested organisms exhibited comparable growth in both i.v. fat emulsions and trypticase soya broth.
- Fungal strains demonstrated slower initial growth compared to bacterial strains, but reached similar population densities by 24 hours.
- Minimal growth was observed in sodium chloride, and negative controls remained sterile.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous fat emulsions can support the growth of a variety of bacterial and fungal organisms.
- The growth potential in these emulsions is similar to that of standard microbiological broths.
- Findings highlight the importance of strict aseptic techniques during the preparation and administration of i.v. fat emulsions.