Fungal contamination of nebuliser devices used by people with cystic fibrosis

Abstract Background Poor nebuliser hygiene can result in bacterial contamination and risk of infections. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of fungal contamination of nebulisers used by adults with cystic fibrosis. Methods A total of 170 nebulisers from 149 subjects were screened by...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of cystic fibrosis 2016-01, Vol.15 (1), p.74-77
Main Authors: Peckham, D, Williams, K, Wynne, S, Denton, M, Pollard, K, Barton, R
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Aerosols
Anti-Bacterial Agents - administration & dosage
Biofilm
Cystic Fibrosis - drug therapy
Device
Equipment Contamination - prevention & control
Expectorants - administration & dosage
Female
Fungi
Fungi - isolation & purification
Humans
Male
Nebuliser
Nebulizers and Vaporizers - microbiology
Patient Education as Topic
Pulmonary/Respiratory
Quality Improvement
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Summary:Abstract Background Poor nebuliser hygiene can result in bacterial contamination and risk of infections. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of fungal contamination of nebulisers used by adults with cystic fibrosis. Methods A total of 170 nebulisers from 149 subjects were screened by wetting a sterile cotton swab with sterile water and swabbing each drug chamber. The swab was then plated out on Sabouraud and on Scel + agar and incubated at 27 °C for up to 2 weeks. Results Fungal cultures were positive in 86 (57.7%) patient's devices. In 28/149 (18.8%), 39/149 (26.2%), 47/149 (31.5%) and 20/149 (13.4%) of subjects Aspergillus species, yeasts, moulds and both yeasts and moulds were isolated respectively. There was no difference in contamination rates between different devices. Conclusion Nebuliser devices are frequently contaminated by moulds and yeasts and emphasis should be placed on ensuring adequate nebuliser hygiene.
ISSN:1569-1993
1873-5010
DOI:10.1016/j.jcf.2015.06.004