Baby bottle steam sterilizers disinfect home nebulizers inoculated with bacterial respiratory pathogens

Abstract

Steam treatment is an effective disinfection method. Additional studies are needed to confirm whether these results are applicable to the clinical setting.

An evaluation of different steam disinfection protocols for cystic fibrosis nebulizers

“…Similarly to the Towle study [11], we showed that steam disinfection is an efficient and simple method to disinfect nebulizers or airway clearance devices in a household setting. We found no differences in the performance of the disinfection process regardless of the bacterial strain, the steam disinfection device or the contaminated nebulizer pieces used [25,27].…”

“…As was previously demonstrated, storing of the nebulizer between each use is not necessary if it is used again within the subsequent 24 h [23]. Steam disinfection has been shown to also work perfectly for assembled nebulizer parts [11]. Steam disinfection effectively kills bacteria, so no regrowth can be expected.…”

“…As in our CF centre, steam disinfection has become increasingly regularly recommended, followed by drying with clean, ironed cotton towels prior to storing [10]. Steam disinfection is a very potent method for killing bacteria [11][12][13]. It reduces bacterial populations more effectively and is less complicated than other methods [14,15].…”

Infection Prevention and Control Guideline for Cystic Fibrosis: 2013 Update

“…Heat methods include immersion in continuously boiling water for 5 minutes; washing in a dishwasher if the equipment is dishwasher safe and the water achieves a temperature greater than 158ЊF (70ЊC) for 30 minutes; 7 use of a microwave oven if the equipment is microwave safe and can be placed in a bowl of water in a home microwave oven (2.45 Ghz) for 5 minutes; [435][436][437] or use of electric steam sterilizer (eg, baby bottle sterilizer). 438 Cold methods include soaking in 70%-90% ethyl or isopropyl alcohol for 5 minutes (avoid use near open flames) or in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 30 minutes. 439,440 These preparations will lose activity over time, and the optimal storage time is unknown.…”

Ozone disinfection of home nebulizers effectively kills common cystic fibrosis bacterial pathogens

“…Pari LC Plus® nebulizers were inoculated with strains of common CF pathogens (Table ) in two locations, the mouthpiece and the nebulizer chamber as described . Briefly, fresh cultures of bacteria were suspended in trypticase soy broth (TSB) at a concentration of 0.5 McFarland and 10 μL of this solution inoculated to the nebulizer.…”