Microbial colonization of nebulizers used by asthmatic children.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the present study was to determine the microbial colonization of nebulizers used at home by asthmatic children, and to investigate their parents' cleaning and maintenance routines.


METHODS
The nebulizer equipment used at home by 39 asthmatic children was examined. Swabs taken from the inner surface of the reservoir cups, face masks and filters were cultured. Results were recorded as mean number of colony-forming units per cultured surface. Parents were interviewed regarding their cleaning and disinfection routines.


RESULTS
Twenty-six reservoir cups (66.7%), 24 face masks (61.5%), and 18 filters (78.3%) were found to be contaminated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from 17 reservoir cups (43.6%) and 12 face masks (30.8%), and Staphylococcus aureus from two face masks (5.1%). None of the parents knew that the nebulizer has a filter and that it requires periodic cleaning or changing; only eight of the parents (20.5%) received maintenance instructions from the medical staff, and only 19 (48.7%) cleaned the nebulizer equipment after use.


CONCLUSIONS
Home nebulizers are frequently colonized with microorganisms. As recommended, nebulizers should be washed after each use and air-blown dry. Nebulizer maintenance should be emphasized in educational programs for managing asthma.
Cohen
Herman A
HA
Pediatric Ambulatory Center, Schneider Children's Medical Hospital, Petah Tikva, Israel.
Kahan
Ernesto
E
Cohen
Zeev
Z
Sarrell
Michael
M
Beni
Sara
S
Grosman
Zahi
Z
Ashkenazi
Shai
S
D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D007711:Klebsiella pneumoniae / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers / Q000382:microbiology*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000302:isolation & purification; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires