A loophole in soap dispensers mediates contamination with Gram‐negative bacteria

Lucassen, Ralf; van Leuven, Nicole; Bockmühl, Dirk

doi:10.1002/mbo3.1384

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 21 publications

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“…While many epidemiological studies report on the resistance rates of these pathogens globally, the data on rising rates of antiseptic and disinfectant resistance is scarce, however, these resistance mechanisms should be appreciated during IPC initiatives [ 17 ]. For example, it was shown that hands heavily contaminated (10 6 colony-forming units [CFU]/fingertip) with A. baumannii could survive the effects of many antiseptics and disinfectants, or that these bacteria could survive in soap dispensers [ 18 , 19 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of antibiotic and disinfectant susceptibility in biofilm-forming Acinetobacter baumannii: A focus on environmental isolates

Pallós,

Gajdács,

Urbán

et al. 2024

EuJMI

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The clinical role of Acinetobacter baumannii has been highlighted in numerous infectious syndromes with a high mortality rate, due to the high prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates. The treatment and eradication of this pathogen is hindered by biofilm-formation, providing protection from noxious environmental factors and antimicrobials. The aim of this study was to assess the antibiotic susceptibility, antiseptic susceptibility and biofilm-forming capacity using phenotypic methods in environmental A. baumannii isolates. One hundred and fourteen (n = 114) isolates were collected, originating from various environmental sources and geographical regions. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was carried out using the disk diffusion method, while antiseptic susceptibility was performed using the agar dilution method. Determination of biofilm-forming capacity was carried out using a microtiter-plate based method. Resistance in environmental A. baumannii isolates were highest for ciprofloxacin (64.03%, n = 73), levofloxacin (62.18%, n = 71) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (61.40%, n = 70), while lowest for colistin (1.75%, n = 2). Efflux pump overexpression was seen in 48.25% of isolates (n = 55), 49.12% (n = 56) were classified as MDR. 6.14% (n = 7), 9.65% (n = 11), 24.65% (n = 28) and 59.65% (n = 68) of isolates were non-biofilm producers, weak, medium, and strong biofilm producers, respectively. No significant differences were observed between non-MDR vs. MDR isolates regarding their distribution of biofilm-producers (P = 0.655). The MIC ranges for the tested antiseptics were as follows: benzalkonium chloride 16–128 μg mL−1, chlorhexidine digluconate 4–128 μg mL−1, formaldehyde 64–256 μg mL−1 and triclosan 2–16 μg mL−1, respectively. The conscientious use of antiseptics, together with periodic surveillance, is essential to curb the spread of these bacteria, and to maintain current infection prevention capabilities.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of antibiotic and disinfectant susceptibility in biofilm-forming Acinetobacter baumannii: A focus on environmental isolates

Pallós,

Gajdács,

Urbán

et al. 2024

EuJMI

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Eye infection risks from Pseudomonas aeruginosa via hand soap and eye drops

Gitter,

Mena,

Mendez

et al. 2024

Appl Environ Microbiol

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Eye infections from bacterial contamination of bulk-refillable liquid soap dispensers and artificial tear eye drops continue to occur, resulting in adverse health outcomes that include impaired vision or eye enucleation. Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ), a common cause of eye infections, can grow in eye drop containers and refillable soap dispensers to high numbers. To assess the risk of eye infection, a quantitative microbial risk assessment for P. aeruginosa was conducted to predict the probability of an eye infection for two potential exposure scenarios: (i) individuals using bacteria-contaminated eye drops and (ii) contact lens wearers washing their hands with bacteria-contaminated liquid soap prior to placing the lens. The median risk of an eye infection using contaminated eye drops and hand soap for both single and multiple exposure events (per day) ranged from 10 –1 to 10 −4 , with contaminated eye drops having the greater risk. The concentration of P. aeruginosa was identified as the parameter contributing the greatest variance on eye infection risk; therefore, the prevalence and level of bacterial contamination of the product would have the greatest influence on health risk. Using eye drops in a single-use container or with preservatives can mitigate bacterial growth, and using non-refillable soap dispensers is recommended to reduce contamination of hand soap. Given the opportunistic nature of P. aeruginosa and its ability to thrive in unique environments, additional safeguards to mitigate bacterial growth and exposure are warranted. IMPORTANCE Pseudomonas aeruginosa ( P. aeruginosa ) is a pathogen that can persist in a variety of unusual environments and continues to pose a significant risk for public health. This quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) estimates the potential human health risks, specifically for eye infections, associated with exposure to P. aeruginosa in bacteria-contaminated artificial tear eye drops and hand soap. This study applies the risk assessment framework of QMRA to evaluate eye infection risks through both consumer products. The study examines the prevalence of this pathogen in eye drops and soap, as well as the critical need to implement measures that will mitigate bacterial exposure (e.g., single-use soap dispensers and eye drops with preservatives). Additionally, limitations and challenges are discussed, including the need to incorporate data regarding consumer practices, which may improve exposure assessments and health risk estimates.

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Bacterial contamination of mobile handwashing stations in hospital settings in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Kalema,

Heroes,

Kahindo

et al. 2024

Antimicrob Resist Infect Control

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A loophole in soap dispensers mediates contamination with Gram‐negative bacteria

Cited by 3 publications

References 21 publications

Characterization of antibiotic and disinfectant susceptibility in biofilm-forming Acinetobacter baumannii: A focus on environmental isolates

Characterization of antibiotic and disinfectant susceptibility in biofilm-forming Acinetobacter baumannii: A focus on environmental isolates

Eye infection risks from Pseudomonas aeruginosa via hand soap and eye drops

Bacterial contamination of mobile handwashing stations in hospital settings in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

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