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A methodology for using Lambda phages as a proxy for pathogen transmission in hospitals.
Burke, K B; Berryhill, B A; Garcia, R; Goldberg, D A; Manuel, J A; Gannon, P R; Levin, B R; Kraft, C S; Mumma, J M.
Afiliación
  • Burke KB; Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
  • Berryhill BA; Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA; Program in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
  • Garcia R; Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
  • Goldberg DA; Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
  • Manuel JA; Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
  • Gannon PR; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
  • Levin BR; Department of Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
  • Kraft CS; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
  • Mumma JM; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA. Electronic address: jmmumma@emory.edu.
J Hosp Infect ; 133: 81-88, 2023 Mar.
Article en En | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-36682626
BACKGROUND: One major concern in hospitalized patients is acquiring infections from pathogens borne on surfaces, patients, and healthcare workers (HCWs). Fundamental to controlling healthcare-associated infections is identifying the sources of pathogens, monitoring the processes responsible for their transmission, and evaluating the efficacy of the procedures employed for restricting their transmission. AIM: To present a method using the bacteriophage Lambda (λ) to achieve these ends. METHODS: Defined densities of multiple genetically marked λ phages were inoculated at known hotspots for contamination on high-fidelity mannequins. HCWs then entered a pre-sanitized simulated hospital room and performed a series of patient care tasks on the mannequins. Sampling occurred on the scrubs and hands of the HCWs, as well as previously defined high-touch surfaces in hospital rooms. Following sampling, the rooms were decontaminated using procedures demonstrated to be effective. Following the conclusion of the simulation, the samples were tested for the presence, identity, and densities of these λ phages. FINDINGS: The data generated enabled the determination of the sources and magnitude of contamination caused by the breakdown of established infection prevention practices by HCWs. This technique enabled the standardized tracking of multiple contaminants during a single episode of patient care. Unlike other biological surrogates, λ phages are susceptible to common hospital disinfectants, and allow for a more accurate evaluation of pathogen transmission. CONCLUSION: Whereas our application of these methods focused on healthcare-associated infections and the role of HCW behaviours in their spread, these methods could be employed for identifying the sources and sites of microbial contamination in other settings.
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Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Contexto en salud: 1_ASSA2030 / 3_ND Problema de salud: 1_doencas_transmissiveis / 3_zoonosis Asunto principal: Infección Hospitalaria / Bacteriófago lambda Tipo de estudio: Prognostic_studies Límite: Humans Idioma: En Revista: J Hosp Infect Año: 2023 Tipo del documento: Article País de afiliación: Estados Unidos

Texto completo: 1 Colección: 01-internacional Base de datos: MEDLINE Contexto en salud: 1_ASSA2030 / 3_ND Problema de salud: 1_doencas_transmissiveis / 3_zoonosis Asunto principal: Infección Hospitalaria / Bacteriófago lambda Tipo de estudio: Prognostic_studies Límite: Humans Idioma: En Revista: J Hosp Infect Año: 2023 Tipo del documento: Article País de afiliación: Estados Unidos
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