Pasteurization is effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria.
BACKGROUND
The emergence and rapid spread of multidrug-resistant isolates causing nosocomial infections, particularly pandrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, pandrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are of great concern worldwide.


METHODS
This study investigated the efficacy of pasteurization against contamination of culture tubes and plastic bags by the above 4 important multidrug-resistant bacteria. A 5-mL bacterial suspension with approximately 10(5) and 10(9) cfu/mL of each organism was inoculated into 3 sets of plastic bags and culture tubes and subjected to pasteurization in a washer at 75 degrees C for 30 minutes.


RESULTS
A nearly total eradication was found after pasteurization of these 4 drug-resistant pathogens.


CONCLUSIONS
Pasteurization was highly effective against drug-resistant bacteria. Strict adherence to appropriate infection control management for respiratory circuits is important for reducing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria among ventilator-assisted patients.
Wang
Cheng-Yi
CY
Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic Cardinal Tien Hospital, Fu-Jen Catholic University, Taipei Hsien, Taiwan.
Wu
Huey-Dong
HD
Lee
Li-Na
LN
Chang
Hou-Tai
HT
Hsu
Yeong-Long
YL
Yu
Chong-Jen
CJ
Yang
Pan-Chyr
PC
Hsueh
Po-Ren
PR
D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004203:Disinfection / Q000379:methods*; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D006361:Heating; D006801:Humans