Mycobacterium gordonae in fiberoptic bronchoscopes

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Infectious Diseases
• Healthcare Epidemiology

Background:

• Nosocomial infections and pseudoinfections have been linked to inadequate high-level disinfection of bronchoscopes.
• Mycobacterial contamination poses a significant risk in healthcare settings due to potential outbreaks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of different disinfectants and procedures against Mycobacterium gordonae contamination on bronchoscopes.
• To determine optimal disinfection parameters, including exposure time, temperature, and method (manual vs. automated).

Main Methods:

• Bronchoscopes were experimentally contaminated with Mycobacterium gordonae at two inoculum levels.
• Disinfection was performed using glutaraldehyde, iodophor, and peracetic acid in manual and automated systems.
• Evaluations were conducted after varying exposure times (10-20 minutes) and temperatures (20°C and ≥25°C).

Main Results:

• Manual disinfection failed to eliminate M. gordonae after 10-minute exposure at 20°C in four of five procedures.
• All five manual procedures were effective at 20°C after 20-minute exposure.
• At ≥25°C, three manual and three automated procedures eliminated contamination within 10-12 minutes, with automated cycles ranging from 20-45 minutes.

Conclusions:

• Standard disinfection protocols may be insufficient for M. gordonae, necessitating longer exposure times or higher temperatures.
• Manual disinfection requires a minimum 20-minute exposure at 20°C.
• Automated disinfection systems show comparable efficacy to manual methods and may offer reduced occupational hazards.