Contaminated Ventilator Air Flow Sensor Linked toBacillus cereusColonization of Newborns

Abstract

We investigated Bacillus cereus–positive tracheal aspirates from infants on ventilators in a neonatal intensive care unit. Multilocus sequence typing determined a genetic match between strains isolated from samples from a case-patient and from the air flow sensor in the ventilator. Changing the sterilization method for sensors to steam autoclaving stopped transmission.

A Case of Fulminant Bacillus cereus Lung Necrosis in a Preterm Neonate

“…Environmental reservoirs previously identified in other case series have included contaminated air filtration and ventilation equipment, bronchoscopy equipment, linen, gloves, hands of staff, intravenous catheters, alcohol-based hand wash solutions, and so on. 1,2 Specific to outbreaks in the NICU, contaminated air flow sensors, ventilator circuits, and balloons used for manual resuscitation have been linked to clusters of B. cereus recovery from respiratory samples. 2,13,14 Some of these outbreak investigations have confirmed that autoclaving of reusable ventilator equipment achieves effective sterilization, as opposed to disinfection with alcohol-based solution, which is not sporicidal.…”

“…1,2 Specific to outbreaks in the NICU, contaminated air flow sensors, ventilator circuits, and balloons used for manual resuscitation have been linked to clusters of B. cereus recovery from respiratory samples. 2,13,14 Some of these outbreak investigations have confirmed that autoclaving of reusable ventilator equipment achieves effective sterilization, as opposed to disinfection with alcohol-based solution, which is not sporicidal. 2 In our NICU specifically, ventilator circuits are systematically discarded after use, and the exhalation blocks that are reused undergo sterilization by autoclaving.…”

“…1 It produces spores, which are extraordinarily resistant to extreme environmental conditions, including heat, freezing, and radiation, in addition to alcohol-based disinfectants. 1,2 Although its recovery from cultures raises the possibility of contamination, there is growing evidence supporting its role as a dreadful nosocomial pathogen, especially among vulnerable hosts, such as preterm infants. 2 Indeed, there have been few reports of B .…”

“…1,2 Although its recovery from cultures raises the possibility of contamination, there is growing evidence supporting its role as a dreadful nosocomial pathogen, especially among vulnerable hosts, such as preterm infants. 2 Indeed, there have been few reports of B . cereus bacteremia and meningitis in neonates.…”

Q‐VENT—A novel device for emergency ventilation of the lungs in patients with respiratory failure due to diseases such as COVID‐19

“…To prevent the formation of bacterial biofilms inside the valves, a 1.75 mm filament made from a novel material for 3D printing was developed. The space inside the valves is exposed to the flow of warm and/or humid air which is often contaminated by exhalations (Motamedi et al, 2017; Turabelidze et al, 2013). The developed material is based on Phloxine B, layered silicate (Saponite) and polylactic acid.…”