Journal of Hospital Infection最新文献

{"title":"Safety outcomes of a mobile laminar airflow device to perform intravitreal injections: a 3-year retrospective study","authors":"M.M. Carlà ,&nbsp;A. Scampoli ,&nbsp;L. Governatori ,&nbsp;G. Grieco ,&nbsp;R. Catalani ,&nbsp;W. Calcatelli ,&nbsp;T. Caporossi","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The increasing demand for intravitreal injections (IVIs) necessitates exploring efficient and safe alternatives to traditional operating rooms (ORs). The use of mobile laminar airflow (LAF) devices has emerged as a potential solution to create a sterile environment for IVIs outside the OR. This study investigated the safety outcomes of the Operio mobile LAF device to perform IVIs in a non-OR setting.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective study included 1420 patients who received a total of 6638 IVIs between January 2021 and December 2024 at Ospedale Fatebenefratelli Isola Tiberina – Gemelli Isola in Rome, Italy. The Operio mobile LAF device was positioned beside the operating table, directing air flow towards the surgical area. A standardized protocol was followed for patient preparation, anaesthesia, IVI administration and post-injection care. The primary outcome was the incidence of endophthalmitis.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Antivascular endothelial growth factor agents constituted 96% (6369/6638) of all IVIs. Corticosteroids accounted for the remaining 4% (269/6638) of IVIs. One case of endophthalmitis following an IVI with Mvasi was observed among the 6638 IVIs administered during the study period, a rate of 0.015%. Other complications, such as subconjunctival haemorrhage (386 eyes) and transient ocular hypertension (57 eyes), were not linked with use of the Operio mobile LAF device.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Using a portable LAF device, such as the Operio mobile LAF device, for IVIs in a non-OR setting is a safe and effective alternative to traditional ORs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"159 ","pages":"Pages 88-91"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143476954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Efficacy of Staphylococcus aureus nasal decolonization at hospital admission on reduction of any infections within 90 days – a systematic review and meta-analysis","authors":"T.C. Scheier ,&nbsp;P.W. Schreiber ,&nbsp;X. Yao ,&nbsp;J.W. Eikelboom ,&nbsp;S.D. Brugger ,&nbsp;D. Mertz","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.01.017","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.01.017","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Infections with <em>Staphylococcus aureu</em>s are associated with excess mortality and costs. Simple interventions, such as decolonization protocols, might help to reduce subsequent infections, especially in settings in which <em>S. aureus</em> is of major clinical relevance, such as healthcare-associated infections. The aim of this research was to determine whether <em>S. aureus</em> decolonization protocols, using a nasal ointment and applied at hospital admission, reduce the risk of infection. MEDLINE, EMBASE and <span><span>clinicaltrials.gov</span><svg><path></path></svg></span> were searched for all randomized controlled trials investigating the use of nasal ointments for decolonization for patients at hospital admission and reporting on infections within 90 days. Data were pooled as risk ratios using a random-effects model. The Cochrane RoB 2 tool and GRADE were used to assess the risk of bias and quality of evidence. Four (0.5%) of 833 screened studies with a total of 4150 patients met eligibility criteria. The overall certainty of evidence ranged from low to moderate across outcomes. Nasal <em>S. aureus</em> decolonization probably reduces infections (6.9% vs 9.5%; rate ratio (RR): 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.57; 0.93)) and may increase microbiological eradication (82.7% vs 55.2%; RR: 1.80 (95% CI 0.73; 4.44)) compared with placebo. It may not reduce mortality (2.5 vs 2.4; RR: 1.02 (95% CI 0.67; 1.54)) but also not lead to increased adverse effects (0.7% vs 0.6%; RR: 1.01 (95% CI 0.45; 2.30)). Results were consistent across subgroups and sensitivity analyses. In conclusion, nasal decolonization at acute-care hospital admission probably reduces the risk of infections and may result in a large increase in microbiological eradication. It may not reduce mortality and also not result in an increased number of adverse events.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"159 ","pages":"Pages 1-10"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143473295","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multidrug resistance assessment of indoor air in Portuguese long-term and acute healthcare settings","authors":"C. Santos-Marques ,&nbsp;C. Teixeira ,&nbsp;R. Pinheiro ,&nbsp;W.M. Brück ,&nbsp;S. Gonçalves Pereira","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Knowledge about air as a pool of pathogens and multidrug resistance (MDR) in healthcare units apart from hospitals is scarce.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To investigate these features in a Portuguese long-term healthcare unit (LTHU) and a central hospital (CH).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Air samples were collected and their microbial load (bacteria and fungi) determined. Bacterial isolates were randomly selected for further characterization, particularly identification by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and polymerase chain reaction screening of extended-spectrum β-lactamases, carbapenemase genes and <em>mecA</em> gene, with RAPD profile assessment of positive results of the latter.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>A total of 192 samples were collected (LTHU: 86; CH: 106). LTHU showed a statistically significantly higher bacterial load. CH bacteria and fungi loads in inpatient sites were statistically significantly lower than in outpatients or non-patient sites. A total of 164 bacterial isolates were identified (MALDI-TOF: 78; presumptively: 86), the majority belonging to <em>Staphylococcus</em> genus (LTHU: 42; CH: 57). The highest antimicrobial resistance rate was to erythromycin and vancomycin the least, in both settings. Eighteen isolates (11%) were classified as MDR (LTHU: 9; CH: 9), with 7 MDR <em>Staphylococcus</em> isolates (LTHU: 4; CH: 3) presenting <em>mecA</em>. Nine non-MDR <em>Staphylococcus</em> (LTHU: 5; CH: 4) also presented <em>mecA</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The current study highlights that healthcare unit indoor air can be an important pool of MDR pathogens and antimicrobial resistance genes. Also, LTHUs appear to have poorer air quality than hospitals, as well as supportive areas compared to curative care areas. This may suggest possible yet unknown routes of infection that need to be explored.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"159 ","pages":"Pages 115-123"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143473299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimal operating positions of two air purifiers for improving indoor air quality in hospital wards","authors":"I.H. An ,&nbsp;D.B. Kwak ,&nbsp;J. Lee ,&nbsp;S.H. Park ,&nbsp;S.J. Yook","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.006","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Maintaining high indoor air quality (IAQ) in hospital wards is crucial, particularly in settings lacking proper ventilation. This study investigates the effectiveness of air purifiers in enhancing IAQ under varying conditions, including ventilation systems and curtains.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aims to evaluate the optimal operating positions of two air purifiers to enhance IAQ in hospital wards under varying ventilation and curtain use conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This study employed a combination of experiments and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations across 20 scenarios, analysing the impact of air purifier placement on the age of air, a key IAQ metric.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>This study found that the positioning of air purifiers greatly influenced IAQ, with reductions in the age of air ranging from 19% to 44% depending on the configuration. The most effective placement involved active ventilation systems and unfolded curtains, leading to a significant decrease in the volume-averaged age of air.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study concludes that optimal placement of air purifiers in hospital wards can significantly improve IAQ, with reductions in the age of air by up to 44%. Specifically, when ventilation systems were active and curtains were unfolded, the age of air was reduced to as low as 318 s, representing a 27–44% improvement over less-effective configurations. These findings emphasize the critical role of strategic air purifier placement in reducing airborne infection risks and enhancing patient safety in healthcare environments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"159 ","pages":"Pages 42-51"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143460836","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Drain decontamination using in-situ-generated ozone","authors":"M.Z. Pajak-Zajac ,&nbsp;A. Dowdell ,&nbsp;H.E. Potts ,&nbsp;A. Smith ,&nbsp;D.A. Diver","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Sink drains can be a significant source of microbial contamination in healthcare settings due to aerosolization and splashback of pathogens caused by flowing water.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To demonstrate a method of ozone disinfection of drains using a novel generation process that suppresses pathogen growth in the drain sump, whether planktonic or dwelling in biofilms.</div></div><div><h3>Methods and results</h3><div>Highly biocidal ozone was generated <em>in situ</em> in the drain using the ambient air sealed between the water trap and a portable cold plasma device. Safety mechanisms in the device ensured that the operator was not exposed to ozone. Subsequent bacterial recovery illustrated an approximate bioburden reduction of 5 log₁₀ for biofilms in the drain itself, and 6 log₁₀ for biofilms located in the sink.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Plasma-generated ozone is a safe and effective method for controlling bioburden in periodically wetted, otherwise inaccessible pipework and drains.</div></div><div><h3>Significance and impact of study</h3><div>The portable ozone disinfection system described has demonstrated potential for controlling the escape of pathogens from drains. Compared with conventional liquid-based disinfection techniques, the portable ozone disinfection system has the following advantages: (i) a gaseous biocide can reach all surfaces inside the treatment target, without any restriction from orientation or surface tension; (b) ozone is effective in reducing planktonic and biofilm bacterial counts; and (c) ozone is generated at the point of use from air, using minimal electrical power, requiring no chemical delivery or storage, and producing no toxic residues.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"159 ","pages":"Pages 100-105"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143442784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors associated with core competencies of infection prevention and control practitioners in 511 hospitals: A large cross-sectional survey in Guizhou in southwest China.","authors":"Yao Yao, Zhuhong Zha, Bing Huang, Zhaofeng Jing, Liming Wang, Qin Wu, Yufei Zhang, Qingyang Zhao, Feng Lu, Qin Zhang, Min He, Xiaodong Xu","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The purpose of this study is to examine the determinants that influence the level of core competencies of IPCPs in different hospitals in Guizhou in Southwest China.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study conducted a cross-sectional survey of IPCPs from April to June 2022, using a competency self-assessment scale for IPCPs that encompassed 4 core dimensions, 11 sub-dimensions and 47 measurement items.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The self-assessment competency score of 1083 IPCPs from 511 hospitals was 4.891±1.204. Among the four core dimensions, the lowest self-assessment score was for professional development ability at 4.494±1.291, and among the 11 sub-dimensions, the lowest score was for comprehensive knowledge at 3.748±1.578. The core competencies of different hospitals showed that traditional Chinese medicine hospitals had the highest score of 5.306±1.071. Linear regression analysis showed that the independent factors influencing self-assessment competence were age(B=0.487, 95%CI:0.189-0.785), years of IPC practical experience(B=0.216, 95%CI:0.050-0.382), professional title(B=-0.395, 95%CI:-0.693--0.097), monthly income(B=-0.296, 95%CI:-0.484--0.107), experience in frontline epidemic response(B=0.236, 95%CI:0.098-0.382), proficiency in office software applications(B=-0.747, 95%CI:-0.898--0.596) and cultural atmosphere of hospital IPC(B=-0.406, 95%CI:-0.799--0.013).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The core competencies of IPCPs in China require enhancement. Differences in the core competencies of IPCPs in different hospitals were identified, providing substantial evidence for the further development of competency-based training programmes.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143442788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prognosis analysis and infection-related risk factors of multi-drug-resistant bacteria isolated from a general hospital in China, 2019–2023","authors":"J. Yang,&nbsp;M. Chen,&nbsp;L. Li,&nbsp;Z. Zha,&nbsp;M. Cheng,&nbsp;X. Yang","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Analysis of detection trends, infection prognosis, and risk factors for nosocomial infections (NIs) in multi-drug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) can help improve infection control efforts.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Using data from inpatients of a single-centre hospital in China from 2019 to 2023, we analysed trends of detection rate of carbapenem-resistant <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em> (CRKP), carbapenem-resistant <em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em> (CRAB), carbapenem-resistant <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> (CRPA), and meticillin-resistant <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> (MRSA). The Kaplan–Meier approach was used to evaluate the survival prognosis of patients infected with resistant and sensitive <em>K</em>. <em>pneumoniae</em>, <em>A</em>. <em>baumannii</em>, <em>P</em>. <em>aeruginosa</em> and <em>S</em>. <em>aureus</em> strains. We used a 1:1 matched case–control study to analyse risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The χ² trend test indicated a statistically significant difference in the increasing rate of CRKP (χ² = 25.481, <em>P</em>&lt;0.001). CRKP and CRAB were mainly detected in the intensive care unit (ICU) and during surgery. CRPA and MRSA were mainly detected in internal medicine. The main infection sites of MDRB NI were the respiratory and blood systems. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that patients with tumours (odds ratio (OR) = 2.886), use of corticosteroids (OR = 1.403), low albumin level (OR = 0.701), antibiotic co-administration (OR = 2.873), surgery (OR = 3.317), indwelling gastric tube (OR = 1.738), mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.616), and indwelling central venous catheterization (OR = 1.778) were independent risk variables for MDRB NI (<em>P</em>&lt;0.05). A short duration of antibiotic use (OR = 0.665) was a protective factor for MDRB NI (<em>P</em>&lt;0.05).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The high lethality of CRKP infections should not be ignored. Clinical work should focus on CRKP infections of the lower respiratory tract and blood system in the ICU and enhance oversight of the judicious use of antimicrobials.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"158 ","pages":"Pages 29-37"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143442813","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Survey of healthcare-associated sink infrastructure, and sink trap antibiotic residues and biochemistry, in 29 UK hospitals.","authors":"Rodger G, Chau K, Aranega Bou P, Moore G, Roohi A, Walker As, Stoesser N","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hospital sinks are linked to healthcare-associated infections. Antibiotics and chemicals in sink traps can select for pathogens and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Optimising sink design and usage can mitigate sink-to-patient dissemination of pathogens, but large-scale surveys of hospital sink infrastructure are lacking.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-nine UK hospitals submitted photos and metadata for sinks across three wards (ICU/medical/surgical; January-March 2023). Photos were used to classify sink design as \"optimal\" according to guidelines and published studies. Sink trap aspirates were dipstick-tested for antibiotics and chemistry. Logistic regression was used to characterise associations of ward type and sink location with optimal sink design or detectable trap antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 287 sinks surveyed 111 were in ICUs, 92 in medical wards and 84 in surgical wards; 77 were in medicines/drug preparation rooms, 97 on patient bays, 25 in patient side-rooms and 88 in sluice rooms. Sink-to-bed ratios ranged from 0.23-2.83 sinks/patient bed and were higher on ICUs (1.21 versus 0.82 and 0.84 on medical and surgical wards, respectively; p-value=0.04). The median sink-to-patient distance was 1.5m (IQR: 1.00-2.21m). Sink design varied widely; it was deemed \"optimal\" for 65/122 (53%) sinks in patient bays/side-rooms and \"optimal\" design was associated with side-room location (p-value=0.04). Antibiotics were detected in 95/287 (33%) sink traps and were associated with medicines/drug preparation rooms (p<0.001). Sink trap chemicals detected included metals, chlorine, and fluoride.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Sinks are common in hospitals, frequently close to patients, and often sub-optimally designed. Commonly used antibiotics were detected in a third of sink traps and may contribute to the selection of pathogens and AMR in these reservoirs, and subsequent transmission to patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143442819","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Optimization and evaluation of new decontamination procedures inactivating human prions.","authors":"Laetitia Herzog, Fabienne Reine, Johan Castille, Bruno Passet, Mohammed Moudjou, Roger Bonnet, Juan Maria Torres, Human Rezaei, Jean-Luc Vilotte, Vincent Béringue, Angélique Igel","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2024.12.013","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2024.12.013","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Prions are protein-only infectious agents for which no prophylactic or curative treatment exists. Infectivity bioassays based on hamster-263K prions allowed to identify processes capable of inactivating prions on medical devices. However, a 2016 publication study revealed that detergent formulations effective against hamster strain had poor efficacy against human strains. Shortly after, three probable cases of accidental Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease underscored the risk for scientists, health workers, and patients exposed to contaminated materials. The governmental guidelines were modified and emphasizing the need for formulations effective against human prions and robust in vitro and in vivo evaluation protocols. Here, we aimed to compare infectivity bioassays with those of their PMCA counterparts to propose a robust method for evaluating prionicide treatments against human prions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Stainless steel wires were contaminated with two humanized prion strains. The wires were then treated with different protocols based on a new formulation termed TFD Premium and WHO references. Residual prion seeding activity and infectivity on the wire and in wastewater were quantified using mb-PMCA and ad hoc bioassays. For vCJD, PMCA compared humanized prions and a human-derived prion isolate.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>TFD Premium proved more efficient at decontaminating humanized prions than 1 N NaOH for 1 hour at room temperature. Tg650-sCJD-VV2 were more resistant to inactivation than vCJD prions. For vCJD, strain from both sources shown similar resistant profile against TFD Premium. Finally, there was perfect alignment between the highly sensitive PMCA cell-free assay and the bioassays.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143426752","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Worker risk from ultrasonicator aerosolization in medical device reprocessing: a particulate and bio-burden approach","authors":"R.O. Anders ,&nbsp;R. Tyli ,&nbsp;E. Capistran ,&nbsp;Y.G. Guardiola ,&nbsp;G. Bassi ,&nbsp;T. D'Arpino ,&nbsp;J.A. Scott ,&nbsp;T. Mazzulli","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.01.012","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.jhin.2025.01.012","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Reprocessing reusable medical devices and surgical instruments is vital for ensuring safe health care in hospitals. Medical device reprocessing departments (MDRDs) handle the cleaning, disinfection and sterilization of these instruments. While previous research has examined bioburden on surfaces and associated patient health risks, there is limited focus on occupational hazards for MDRD workers.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>To investigate the potential bioaerosol exposure and particle concentrations generated by ultrasonic sterilizing water baths within the MDRD at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Bioaerosol sampling was conducted using Andersen-style samplers for bacterial and fungal cultures. Particle sampling was measured using optical particle samplers.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The majority of bioaerosols were composed of low-risk skin microflora and waterborne bacteria, predominantly <em>Micrococcus luteus</em> and <em>Staphylococcus</em> spp. However, potentially harmful bacteria such as <em>Citrobacter</em> spp. and <em>Acinetobacter</em> spp. were detected. Fungal genera identified included <em>Aspergillus</em>, <em>Cladosporium</em> and <em>Penicillium</em>.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Although the overall aerosol generation from ultrasonic cleaning appeared minimal, this study highlights the importance of appropriate personal protective equipment, and suggests the need for further research on ventilation and additional aerosol sources in MDRDs.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":"159 ","pages":"Pages 79-87"},"PeriodicalIF":3.9,"publicationDate":"2025-02-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143426759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}