Comparative efficacy evaluation of disinfectants routinely used in hospital practice: India

Abstract
AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare practically achieved disinfection efficacy of some locally available disinfectants on surfaces and infectious microbiological hospital waste.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven disinfectants were tested at concentrations recommended by manufacturers on rough and smooth surfaces that were contaminated experimentally by locally circulating isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains, standard isolate of Salmonella typhi and Candida albicans. Reduction in microbial counts before and after surface disinfection was expressed as log reduction. A very heavy microbial waste load was simulated by immersing culture plates with heavy microbial growth in disinfectants. Daily, a sample of disinfectant was taken and subjected to in-use test.
RESULTS: The highest average log reduction of test microbes on the rough surface was given by DesNet (5.05) and Bacillocid special (5.02). A comparable average log reduction of test microbes on a smooth steel surface was noted (5.68, 5.67, 5.50) for Lysol, Bacillocid sp. and DesNet, respectively. In the discard jars, Bacillocid special worked satisfactorily for 4 days, DesNet for 3 days and Hi-giene Germitol for 1 day. The remainder of the disinfectants failed in the in-use test on Day 1. Phenolics, although widely used in our settings, may not be as good surface disinfectants as newer formulations like DesNet and Bacillocid special.
CONCLUSIONS: Newer quaternary ammonium compounds and aldehyde formulations were found to be the best disinfectants for disinfection of heavy contamination.
KEYWORDS: Disinfectant, evaluation, hospital practice

REFERENCE

Singh M, Sharma R, Gupta PK, Rana JK, Sharma M, Taneja N. Comparative efficacyevaluation of disinfectants routinely used in hospital practice: India. Indian J 
Crit Care Med. 2012 Jul;16(3):123-9. doi: 10.4103/0972-5229.102067. PubMed PMID: 
23188950; PubMed Central PMCID: PMC3506067

Biorisk assessment of medical diagnostic laboratories in Nigeria

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess public and private medical diagnostic laboratories in Nigeria for the presence of biosafety equipment, devices, and measures.
METHODS: A total of 80 diagnostic laboratories in biosafety level 3 were assessed for the presence of biosafety equipment, devices, and compliance rate with biosafety practices. A detailed questionnaire and checklist was used to obtain the relevant information from enlisted laboratories.
RESULTS: The results showed the presence of an isolated unit for microbiological work, leak-proof working benches, self-closing doors, emergency exits, fire extinguisher(s), autoclaves, and hand washing sinks in 21.3%, 71.3%, 15.0%, 1.3%, 11.3%, 82.5%, and 67.5%, respectively, of all laboratories surveyed. It was observed that public diagnostic laboratories were significantly more likely to have an isolated unit for microbiological work (p = 0.001), hand washing sink (p = 0.003), and an autoclave (p ≤ 0.001) than private ones. Routine use of hand gloves, biosafety cabinet, and a first aid box was observed in 35.0%, 20.0%, and 2.5%, respectively, of all laboratories examined. Written standard operating procedures, biosafety manuals, and biohazard signs on door entrances were observed in 6.3%, 1.3%, and 3.8%, respectively, of all audited laboratories. No biosafety officer(s) or records of previous spills, or injuries and accidents, were observed in all diagnostic laboratories studied.
CONCLUSION: In all laboratories (public and private) surveyed, marked deficiencies were observed in the area of administrative control responsible for implementing biosafety. Increased emphasis on provision of biosafety devices and compliance with standard codes of practices issued by relevant authorities is strongly advocated.
KEYWORDS: Nigeria, biosafety, diagnostic laboratories, occupational infection, risk

REFERENCIA:

Oladeinde BH, Omoregie R, Odia I, Osakue EO, Imade OS. Biorisk assessment ofmedical diagnostic laboratories in Nigeria. Saf Health Work. 2013 Jun;4(2):100-4.
doi: 10.1016/j.shaw.2013.04.006. Epub 2013 Apr 25. PubMed PMID: 23961333.

A Literature Review of Laboratory-Acquired Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a bacterial zoonotic disease which has been associated with laboratory-acquired infections. No recent reviews have addressed the characteristics of laboratory-acquired brucellosis (LAB). English-language literature was reviewed to identify reports of laboratory exposures to Brucella spp. and LAB cases between 1982 and 2007. Evaluation of twenty-eight case reports identified 167 potentially exposed laboratory workers of which 71 had LAB. Nine reports were identified that summarized an additional 186 cases of LAB. Only 18 (11%) exposures were due to laboratory accidents, 147 (88%) exposures were due to aerosolization of organisms during routine identification activities and 2 (1%) exposures were unknown. Brucella melitensis was the causative agent for 80% (135/167) of the exposures. Workers with high risk exposures were 9.3 times more likely to develop LAB than workers with low risk exposures (95% CI, 3.0-38.6; P<0.0001); they were also 0.009 times as likely to develop LAB if they took antimicrobial PEP than those who did not take PEP (95% CI, 0-0.042; P<0.0001). Median incubation period in case and summary reports was eight weeks (range 1-40 weeks). Antimicrobial PEP is effective in preventing LAB. The incubation period may be used to identify appropriate serological and symptom surveillance timeframes for exposed laboratory workers.
REFERENCIA:
Traxler RM, Lehman MW, Bosserman EA, Guerra MA, Smith TL. A Literature Review of Laboratory-Acquired Brucellosis. J Clin Microbiol. 2013 Jul 3. Pay-per-view

Biosafety Guidelines for Handling Microorganisms in the Teaching Laboratory: Development and Rationale

Teaching microbiology laboratory
www.mmg.msu.edu

The safe handling of microorganisms in the teaching laboratory is a top priority. However, in the absence of a standard set of biosafety guidelines tailored to the teaching laboratory, individual educators and institutions have been left to develop their own plans. This has resulted in a lack of consistency, and differing levels of biosafety practices across institutions. Influenced by the lack of clear guidelines and a recent outbreak of Salmonella infections that was traced back to teaching laboratory exposures, the Education Board of the American Society for Microbiology charged a task force to develop a uniform set of biosafety guidelines for working with microorganisms in the teaching laboratory. These guidelines represent best practices for safely handling microbes, based on the safety requirements found in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC's) Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical Laboratories (BMBL). Guidelines for safely handling microbes at both biosafety level 1 (BSL1) and biosafety level 2 (BSL2) were developed. The guidelines are brief by design for ease of use and are accompanied by an extensive appendix containing explanatory notes, sample documents, and additional resources. These guidelines provide educators with a clear and consistent way to safely work with microorganisms in the teaching laboratory.
REFERENCE:
Emmert EA; ASM Task Committee on Laboratory Biosafety. Biosafety guidelines for handling microorganisms in the teaching laboratory: development and rationale. J Microbiol Biol Educ. 2013 May 6;14(1):78-83.
DESCARGAR ARCHIVOS

Antibiotic resistance: The last resort

Vea imagen AQUI

Oficiales de salud observan con horror como las bacterias llegan a ser resistente al poderoso antibiótico carbapenema, uno de los más recientes medicamentos en los estantes.

Como regla, los oficiales de salud de alto rango evitan utilizar adjetivos apocalípticos. Por lo que fué preocupante escuchar a Thomas Frieden y Sally Davies advertir de la "pesadilla" que se acerca y de la "amenaza catastrófica" con pocos días de diferencia en Marzo.
Los oficiales estaban hablando de el incremento en una clase de bacteria poco conocida, resistente a antibióticos: Enterobacterias resistentes al cabapenema (CREs). Davies, Oficial Médico en Jefe del Reino Unido, describe a los CREs como un riesgo tan serio como el terrorismo. "Tenemos un problema muy serio, y necesitamos sonar la alarma", mencionó Frieden, director del CDC en Atlanta Georgia.
Estas baceries ocasionan infecciones en vejiga, pulmones y sangre, causando shock séptico y amanazar la vida.
Continúa en inglés:

• Maryn McKenna. Antibiotic resistance: The last resort. 
  Nature
   
  499,
   
  394–396
   
  (25 July 2013)
• Gracias a Candela I. por avisarnos de este artículo. 

Bioaerosols in the Workplace: Evaluation, Control and Prevention Guide

Microorganisms are ubiquitous in any environment and are called bioaerosols when they are present in the air. While no inhalation exposure standard has yet been established, the international scientific community nevertheless acknowledges that some bioaerosols have an adverse effect on air quality and workers’ health. This well-illustrated practical guide describes the approach recommended by the IRSST for the evaluation, control and prevention of bioaerosol exposure. It contains a synthesis of the most recent information on bioaerosols in the workplace and their effects on health, a discussion of concentrations measured in different contexts, and proposed exposure values. The guide describes evaluation strategies as well as methods for the interpretation and application of results. Finally, it presents strategies and methods for the control and prevention of bioaerosol exposure, and discusses certain specific cases. This guide, which explains the possibilities and limitations of such an approach, is aimed at stakeholders in all sectors in which bioaerosols can be present in high concentrations.
REFERENCIA:
Bioaerosols in the Workplace: Evaluation, Control and Prevention Guide. Goyer, N; Lavoie, J; Lazure, L; Marchand, G. Studies and Research Projects / Technical Guide  T-24, Montréal, IRSST, 2001, 72 pages

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning - Validation of System Cleaning Initiation Criteria under Real Conditions

The cleanliness of a ventilation system invariably affects the quality of the air that it distributes. However, it is difficult for building managers to assess the relevance of having their systems cleaned and to choose from among all the proposals from cleaning specialists because no objective method exists for evaluating the dustiness of systems. In the context of a previous project, the researchers developed a method for collecting surface dusts in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) ducts and identified criteria for initiating cleaning. The method was validated in the laboratory and compared to those methods mentioned in the scientific literature [Association pour la prévention et l’étude de la contamination (ASPEC), of France, and the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), of the United States]. They all proved feasible by using their corresponding cleaning initiation criterion.
In a new study, which this report describes, the same team validated the criteria for these methods in the ventilation systems of occupied non-industrial buildings. Once again, the results were conclusive. Building managers can now rely on the objective criteria of the offered methods, rather than basing themselves solely on visual inspection, which is subjective.

REFERENCIA
Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning - Validation of System Cleaning Initiation Criteria under Real Conditions.

Development of a Procedure to Measure the Effectiveness of N95 Respirator Filters against Nanoparticles

There is an increasing concern about the potential health hazards posed to workers exposed to inhalation of nanoparticles (NPs). Common sources of nanoparticles in working environments include fumes and exhausts from different processes like laser ablation and milling. Nanoparticles have potential toxic properties: a high particle surface area, number concentration, and surface reactivity. Inhalation, the most common route of nanoparticle exposure, has been shown to cause adverse effects on pulmonary functions, and the deposited particles in the lung can be translocated to the blood system by passing through the pulmonary protection barriers. Filtration is the simplest and most common method of aerosol control. It is widely used in mechanical ventilation and respiratory protection. However, concerns have been raised regarding the effectiveness of filters for capturing nanoparticles.
In this study, the performance of one model of N95 NIOSH approved filtering face-piece respirator (FFR) was characterized against poly-dispersed and mono-dispersed NPs using two different experimental set-ups. With poly-dispersed NPs, a methodology was developed to measure the performance of the N95 respirators against NaCl aerosols in the size range of 15 to 200 nm in three scenarios. First, the initial particle penetration through N95 respirator was examined at four constant airflow rates: 85, 135, 270 and 360 liters/min. Second, the effect of time on the particle loading was investigated for duration of five hours. Third, the effect of the relative humidity (RH) (10, 30 and 70%) on the particle penetration was assessed at 85 liters/min.
REFERENCIA
Development of a Procedure to Measure the Effectiveness of N95 Respirator Filters against Nanoparticles

Characterization and Control of Occupational Exposure to Nanoparticles and Ultrafine Particles

Many workers are exposed to a range of particles present on a nanometric scale. In occupational hygiene, it is common to differentiate manufactured nanoparticles (NP) from ultrafine particles (UFP) coming from natural, human or industrial sources.
The main objective of this research was to assess occupational UFP and NP exposures. The secondary objective was comprehensive testing of the assessment capabilities regarding occupational NP and UFP exposures in an industrial and laboratory context.
REFERENCIA:
Characterization and Control of Occupational Exposure to Nanoparticles and Ultrafine Particles

Needlestick Resistance of Protective Gloves: Development of a Test Method

Hand injuries, which represent approximately 21% of CSST-compensated injuries, affect several professions, including blue collar workers, prison guards, and police officers, who run a high risk of being pricked by contaminated needles. Current standardized test methods do not correctly evaluate the resistance of protective gloves to these punctures and do not take into account the effect of the presence of a hand inside the glove. The aim of this study is to develop a method for characterizing the actual resistance of gloves to puncture by very pointed objects such as needles, with this method later becoming the subject of a standard. It will also determine the degree of dexterity and sensitivity that this protective equipment offers to workers. The data collected will help users choose the puncture-resistant gloves most appropriate for their task, thus promoting their wear and helping to reduce the number of injuries to workers’ hands. These results will be exportable to other activity sectors, including the hospital environment, and will be useful to manufacturers for improving their products.
REFERENCIA
Needlestick Resistance of Protective Gloves: Development of a Test Method. Dolez, P; Soulati, K; Gauvin, C; Lara, J; Vu-Khanh, T. Studies and Research Projects / Technical Guide  RG-738, Montréal, IRSST, 2012, 62 pages.

Efecto de los desinfectantes sobre la funcionalidad de los monitores de glucosa

El monitoreo de los niveles de glucosa es parte integran del manejo rutinario de la diabetes. Para minimizar el riesgo de transmisión de patógenos transmisibles por la sangre, el CDC recomienta que los medidores de glucosa sean desinfectados después de cada uso, especialmente cuando es utilizado para pruebas en diferentes pacientes. El objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la compatibilidad de algunos desinfectantes comunes con ciertos sistemas de medición de glucosa en sangre.

Monitoring blood glucose levels is an integral part of routine diabetes management. To minimize the risk of  transmission of bloodborne pathogens during monitoring, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that glucose meters be disinfected after each use whenever they are used to test multiple patients. The objective of this study is to assess the compatibility of some common disinfectants with certain blood glucose meter systems.
REFERENCIA:
Mahoney JJ and Lim CG, Effect of Disinfectants on Glucose Monitors. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2012 January; 6(1): 81–85.

Transporte de sustancias infecciosas

Transportation fo Dangerous
Goods  Bulletin

El gobierno de Canadá acaba de publicar una guía (en inglés) para el empaque y envío de sustancias peligrosas que pueden descargar aqui. 

This Bulletin explains the requirements of the Transportation Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations when shipping infectious substances. It does not change, create, amend or allow deviations from the Transportation Dangerous Goods (TDG) Regulations. For specific details, consult the TDG Regulations.

 Las regulaciones para 2013-2014 de la Organización Mundial de la salud, fueron publicadas desde enero de este año, y pueden verlas aquí.

This publication provides information for identifying, classifying, marking, labelling, packaging, documenting and refrigerating infectious substances for transportation and ensuring their safe delivery. The document provides practical guidance to facilitate compliance with applicable international regulations for the transport of infectious substances by all modes of transport, both nationally and internationally.

ABSA Conference Kansas City 2013

The 56th Annual Biological Safety Conference program will be online soon at http://www.absaconference.org. 

The Conference will be October 17-23, 2013 at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Conference will highlight 4 full days and over 30 Preconference Courses and 3 full days of the Scientific Program. Please note: Due to a marathon in Kansas City during the time of our conference, it is suggested you make your hotel reservations soon to ensure a room in the conference hotel. Hotel deadline is September 30, 2013

La #bioseguridad es muy divertida! #FF @who

No me había imaginado que la seguridad de laboratorio es tan divertida!!

De laborpraxis.de

5to. Simposio de Bioseguridad y Biocustodia

• El programa detallado de cursos presimposio, reuniones, conferencias, mesas de discusión y todo lo referente al programa académico y comercial está en la página www.sibb.info. 
• Los costos puede consultarlos en la página de "Inscripción". 
• El registro a cada uno de estos eventos debe realizarse en la página www.amexbio.wildapricot.org
• El programa preeliminas de cursos y simposio se puede DESCARGAR AQUI.
• Los trabajos aceptados ya se encuentran publicados aquí.
• Información sobre la sede aquí.