RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Contamination is a key element in cystic fibrosis. For this reason, nebulizer hygiene is an important, but complex and time-consuming task for cystic fibrosis patients. The aim of this study was to compare different steam disinfection and drying protocols. METHODS: One hundred nebulizer parts were inoculated with cystic fibrosis-related bacteria in high concentrations (Burkholderia multivorans 3.9 × 10(10)/ml, Staphylococcus aureus 8.9 × 10(8/)ml and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 2.1 × 10(9)/ml). Tubes with Mycobacterium abscessus complex were additionally tested. Six steam disinfectors were compared. Different methods of drying were examined. RESULTS: All tested bacteria were efficiently killed by the different steam disinfectors tested. The risk of contamination depended on the method of drying. CONCLUSIONS: Steam disinfection is a safe disinfection method. It is better to leave the nebulizers wet after steam disinfection than to manipulate them by active drying, which seems to be a source of recontamination.