Air ionisation and colonisation/infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter species in an intensive care unit.
OBJECTIVE
To determine effect of negative air ions on colonisation/infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Acinetobacter species in an intensive care unit.


METHODS
Prospective single-centre cross-over study in an adult general intensive care unit.


METHODS
201 patients whose stay on the unit exceeded 48 hour's duration.


METHODS
Six negative air ionisers were installed on the unit but not operational for the first 5 months of the study (control period). Devices were then operational for the following 5.5 months.


RESULTS
30 and 13 patients were colonised/infected with MRSA and Acinetobacter spp., respectively, over 10.5 months. No change in MRSA colonisation/infection was observed compared with the 5 month control period. Acinetobacter cases were reduced from 11 to 2 (p=0.007).


CONCLUSIONS
Ionisers may have a role in the prevention of Acinetobacter infections.
Kerr
Kevin G
KG
Aerobiological Research Group, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK. kevin.kerr@hdft.nhs.uk.|Department of Microbiology, Harrogate District Hospital, Lancaster Park Road, HG2 7SX, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, UK. kevin.kerr@hdft.nhs.uk.
Beggs
Clive B
CB
Aerobiological Research Group, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Dean
Stephen G
SG
Intensive Care Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK.
Thornton
Judith
J
Intensive Care Unit, St James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK.
Donnelly
Judith K
JK
Trinity and All Saints College, Leeds, UK.
Todd
Neil J
NJ
Department of Microbiology, York District Hospital, York, UK.
Sleigh
P Andrew
PA
Aerobiological Research Group, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Qureshi
Andleeb
A
Division of Microbiology, School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
Taylor
Charles C
CC
School of Mathematics, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK.
D000151:Acinetobacter Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D000336:Aerosols; D000391:Air Microbiology; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D010969:Plastics; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000635:transmission*; D055672:Static Electricity
D000336:Aerosols; D010969:Plastics