Contaminated medicaments in use in a hospital for diseases of the skin

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Microbiology
• Pharmaceutical Science

Background:

• Topical medicaments are widely used for skin diseases.
• The potential for microbial contamination in these preparations is a significant concern for patient safety.
• Emulsifying ointments are common vehicles for topical therapies and can be used as soap substitutes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate microbial contamination in topical medicaments used by dermatology patients.
• To identify specific microorganisms present in commonly used topical preparations.
• To determine the potential for cross-contamination in the use of these medicaments.

Main Methods:

• Samples of topical medicaments, specifically a diluted emulsifying ointment, were collected.
• Microbial analysis was performed to isolate and identify contaminating organisms.
• The study investigated the potential routes of contamination, including patient-to-medicament transfer.

Main Results:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common opportunistic pathogen, was isolated from stock pots of the diluted emulsifying ointment.
• The emulsifying ointment was used as a soap substitute, increasing the risk of contamination.
• Evidence of cross-contamination between patients and the medicament was established.

Conclusions:

• Diluted emulsifying ointments used as soap substitutes can become contaminated with bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Patient use of topical medicaments poses a risk of cross-contamination, potentially leading to infection transmission.
• Strict hygiene practices and formulation considerations are crucial to prevent microbial contamination in topical dermatological preparations.