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PubMed1993

Oropharyngeal flora in asthma and in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Indigenous oropharyngeal microorganisms in outpatients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that various strains of "viridans streptococci" (nongroupable alpha-hemolytic streptococci) inhabiting the oropharynx suppress the growth of gram-positive and gram-negative microorganisms. We conducted an inventory of the oropharyngeal flora from ambulatory asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and a control group to examine the interaction between viridans streptococci and potential pathogens in vivo. In addition, the difference in colonization patterns of these bacteria was studied. Oral washings from 195 patients, 48 asthma (24.6%), 147 COPD (75.4%), and 157 control subjects were examined microbiologically on two occasions with a 2-wk interval, resulting in a total of 384 and 295 oral washings, respectively. All patients were in a stable phase of disease throughout the study. The distribution of low (< or = 10(4)/ml) or high (> or = 10(5)/ml) concentrations of viridans streptococci did not differ substantially between asthma or COPD patients and control subjects. Potentially pathogenic microorganisms found in a low (< or = 10(4)/ml) or high (> or = 10(5)/ml) concentration were equally distributed between the two groups. Staphylococcus aureus and beta-hemolytic streptococci were found significantly less often in the asthma and COPD group (p < 0.005 and p < 0.0005, respectively), but the prevalence of Enterobacteriaceae species was significantly higher (p < 0.0005). No correlation was found between the concentration of viridans streptococci and the prevalence of gram-negative microorganisms. These findings suggest that viridans streptococci are probably not responsible for growth control of gram-negative microorganisms in vivo.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Assessment of infectious organisms associated with chronic rhinosinusitis in cats.

OBJECTIVE: To determine detection rates for feline herpesvirus type 1 (FHV-1), Mycoplasma spp, fungi, and bacteria in flush samples and biopsy specimens from the nasal cavities of cats with and without chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). DESIGN: Prospective study. ANIMALS: 10 CRS-affected cats and 7 cats without signs of respiratory tract disease. PROCEDURES: Nasal flush samples and biopsy specimens were collected from all cats for bacterial (aerobic and anaerobic), fungal, and mycoplasmal cultures; additional biopsy specimens were collected for virus isolation and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay (to detect FHV-1 DNA). RESULTS: Aerobic bacteria were detected in flush samples from 5 of 7 control cats; culture of flush samples from CRS-affected cats yielded aerobic bacteria (9/10 cats), anaerobic bacteria (3/10), and Mycoplasma spp (2/10). No fungal organisms were isolated from any cat. Potential pathogens were isolated significantly more often from CRS-affected cats than from control cats. Bacterial culture of biopsy specimens yielded aerobic bacteria (2/7 control cats and 4/10 CRS-affected cats) and anaerobic bacteria (2/10 CRS-affected cats). Although FHV-1 was not detected in nasal biopsy specimens from control or CRS-affected cats, FHV-1 DNA was detected via PCR assay in specimens from 4 of 7 control cats and 3 of 10 CRS-affected cats. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Compared with findings in control cats, anaerobic bacteria, Mycoplasma spp, and a variety of potentially pathogenic organisms were detected more commonly in samples from cats with CRS. In both groups, FHV-1 was detected via PCR assay as a nonviable organism or in noncultivable amounts.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Bronchial bacterial colonization in patients with resectable lung carcinoma.

The pattern and clinical implications of bronchial bacterial colonization have been widely investigated in patients with chronic lung disease, particularly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The main aim of this study was to determine the frequency and risk factors for bronchial colonization in lung cancer patients who have undergone surgical resection. Forty-one patients with resectable lung cancer (22 (54%) active smokers, 52+/-23 pack-yrs) with a mean forced expiratory volume in one second of 80+/-16% predicted, were studied with bilateral protected specimen brush and lung tissue biopsy during the surgical procedure. Quantitative bacterial culture, susceptibility tests and histological examination of samples were performed. Bronchial colonization with > or = 1 potential pathogenic micro-organism was found in 17 of 41 (41%) patients. The most frequent strains isolated were: Haemophilus influenzae (35%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (13%) and Pseudomonas spp. (9%). The risk factors for bronchial colonization were central location of the tumour (odds ratio (OR)=9.2, confidence interval (CI) 95%=2.1-39.6, p=1.003) and increased body mass index (OR=1.6, CI 95%=1.2-2.2, p=0.005). The frequency of postoperative infectious pulmonary complications was low (five cases (12%)) and no relationship was observed with bronchial colonization. Patients with resectable lung carcinoma had a high rate of bronchial colonization (41%), mainly with potential pathogenic microorganisms. The independent risk factors for colonization in these patients were central location of the tumour and a high body mass index.

Aged↗
PubMed1992

Reactivity and self-association in vivo of a human monoclonal IgG rheumatoid factor.

In order to study the pathogenic potential of IgG rheumatoid factor (IgG-RF) we generated a human monoclonal IgG4-RF-producing cell line, OR-1, by Epstein-Barr virus transformation of B cells derived from a healthy donor. Characterization of OR-1 RF specificity demonstrated that this RF binds only to IgG and not to dsDNA or seven different proteins tested. Although both OR-1 RF and C1q bind to the Fc part of IgG, no influence could be observed of OR-1 RF on the complement-fixing potential of heat-aggregated IgG, suggesting that OR-1 RF does not interfere with C1q binding to IgG. This was confirmed by blocking studies which showed that binding of OR-1 RF to IgG could be prevented by Staphylococcal protein A (SpA), but not by C1q. Comparison of OR-1 RF with SpA regarding their ability to bind to IgG derived from different species and human IgG subclasses demonstrated that OR-1 RF and SpA have an identical IgG specificity. The possibility that a structural homology exists between SpA and OR-1 RF was ruled out, however, by using affinity-purified chicken anti-SpA antibodies, which were not able to bind to OR-1 RF. The potential of self-recognition of OR-1 RF in vivo was examined by injecting OR-1 cells in SCID mice. Two months after injection IgG-RF was present in the circulation in monomeric, dimeric and polymeric forms whereas circulating IgG without RF activity, derived from an injected control cell line, was present in the monomeric form only. In vitro studies indicated that IgG-RF is secreted in monomeric form and that polymerization is a concentration-dependent phenomenon. The fact that IgG-RF is able to form immune complexes in vivo indicates that IgG-RF has a pathogenic potential by itself and therefore IgG-RF may play a role in the pathogenesis of RA.

Animals↗
PubMed1983

[Microbiological analysis of the ejaculate in andrology].

Microbiological analysis of semen in andrology is mainly performed in cases of infertility and artificial insemination. In order to localize the suggested infection and to detect urethral (asymptomatic) colonization, we recommend to analyse additional specimens of the patient, i.e. urethral swabs and first portion of urine. As a rule, quantitative microbiological analysis is necessary in cases of bacteria belonging to the group of potentially pathogenic flora. In isolating pathogenic ("specific") bacteria, the detection of a few microorganisms indicates an infectious process. We recommend the careful microscopical examination of the ejaculate to detect phagocytes, abnormal spermatozoa, trichomonads, yeasts and other cells. As a rapid microscopical examination we employ the DAPI-fluorochrome-technique. Microbiological cultures should take into consideration the isolation and identification of ureaplasmas and chlamydia trachomatis. In order to achieve a comparison of microbiological results with those of other laboratories, it is essential to define the terms "significant bacteriospermia" and "significant leukocytospermia". In other words, it is necessary to introduce a borderline between contamination and infection concerning the "nonspecific" potentially pathogenic flora.

Bacteriological Techniques↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Isolation of Listeria seeligery from cecum of vizcacha (Lagostomus maximus maximus)].

Recent food listeriosis outbreaks confirm that more faithful isolation and identification methods for Listeria monocytogenes or other potentially pathogen microorganisms are required. Furthermore, the human and animal reservoir role in the ecology of this disease must be established. Listeria spp. in the vizcacha intestinal content was determined by two isolation procedures, starting from 10 g of homogenized samples in 40 ml of PBS. I)0.1 ml was stripped on phenylethanol agar, selective agar for Listeria and acryflavin ceftazidin agar, then incubated at 37 degrees C for 48 h, suspected colonies were identified by preliminary tests (Gram, hemolysis, catalase, esculin hydrolisis and motility at 22 degrees C) and confirmatory tests (indol, methyl red, Voges Proskauer, nitrate and carbohydrate fermentation) (Table 1). Antibiotic susceptibility, protein profile by PAGE and pathogenic power in mice were determined. II) The remaining homogenate was incubated at 4 degrees C in 100 ml of Donnelly and Baigent enrichment broth, weekly or monthly with subcultures until 30 days or 6-8 months, respectively. The subcultures were followed up as in I). A L. seeligeri strain, susceptible to antibiotics suggested for L. monocytogenes and exhibiting resistance to some second and third generation cephalosporins, was isolated (Table 2). The protein profile of both species was coincident, but L. seeligeri was not virulent for mice. The finding of L. seeligeri in an animal (4.0%) used as human feeding source is of interest due to its potential pathogen power.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Heterotrophic plate count and consumer's health under special consideration of water softeners.

The phenomenon of bacterial growth in water softeners is well known since years. To upgrade the hygienic safety of water softeners, the German DIN Standard 19636 was developed, to assure that the distribution system could not be contaminated by these devices and that the drinking water to be used in the household still meets the microbiological standards according to the German drinking water guidelines, i.e. among others heterotrophic plate count (HPC) below 100 CFU/ml. Moreover, the standard for the water softeners includes a test for contamination with Pseudomonas aeruginosa which has to be disinfected during the regeneration phase. This is possible by sanitizing the resin bed during regeneration by producing chlorine. The results of the last 10 years of tests of water softeners according to DIN 19636 showed that it is possible to produce water softeners that comply with that standard. Approximately 60% of the tested models were accepted. P. aeruginosa is used as an indicator for potentially pathogenic bacteria being able to grow also in low nutrient conditions which normally prevail in drinking water. Like other heterotrophs, the numbers of P. aeruginosa increase rapidly as stagnation occurs. Normally P. aeruginosa is not present in the distributed drinking water. However, under certain conditions, P. aeruginosa can be introduced into the drinking water distribution system, for instance, during construction work. The occurrence of P. aeruginosa is shown in different cases in treatment plants, public drinking water systems and in-house installations. The compliance with DIN 19636 provides assurance that a water softener will not be a constant source of contamination, even if it is once inoculated with a potentially pathogenic bacterium like P. aeruginosa.

Bacteria↗
PubMed1996

Penetration of ceftriaxone (1 or 2 grams intravenously) into mediastinal and cardiac tissues in humans.

Penetration of ceftriaxone into heart tissues (valves, myocardium, auricles, and pericardium) and mediastinal tissues (fat and sternal bone) was evaluated after two regimens of ceftriaxone administration. Ten patients (group 1) were given 1,000 mg of ceftriaxone intravenously 30 min before anesthesia. Ten other patients (group 2) received the same dose and then a second 1,000-mg dose at the time of initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass. Similar and very satisfactory penetrations of ceftriaxone into tissue were observed for both groups. During opening and closure of the thorax, mean ceftriaxone concentration was in excess of the MIC at which 90% of the potential pathogens were inhibited (> or = 4 micrograms/g) in the thoracic fat, the sternal bone, and the pericardium. No significant differences between the two administration regimens in penetration of ceftriaxone into tissue were observed. During cardiopulmonary bypass, the ceftriaxone concentration was > or = 4 micrograms/g in the myocardium, the endocardium, and the auricle. The regimen of ceftriaxone administration did not significantly influence penetration of the drug into heart tissues. However, for some patients in the two groups and mainly in the sternal bone at the time of thorax closure (6 patients in group 1 and 5 patients in group 2), ceftriaxone levels in tissues were less than the MICs (4 micrograms/g) for some potential pathogens (methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus epidermidis). During the different steps of the surgical procedures, all (10 of 10) patients in each group had tissue ceftriaxone levels greater than the MICs for gram-negative aerobic bacilli (0.1 microgram/g), except for Pseudomonas spp.

Bone and Bones↗
PubMed2003

Morphology of the midgut trunk in the penaeid shrimp, Sicyonia ingentis, highlighting novel nuclear pore particles and fixed hemocytes.

The morphology of the midgut trunk (MGT) in the penaeid shrimp Sicyonia ingentis was examined by light and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Although the function of the MGT is poorly understood, it is not involved with the digestion and absorption of nutrients, and it appears to be the surface of a shrimp least protected from penetration by potential pathogens. As described for other decapod crustaceans, the MGT in shrimp is composed of a simple columnar epithelium separated from a layer of connective tissue by a thick basal lamina. Beneath the basal lamina is a previously unreported layer of hemocytes, exclusively of the granulocyte variety, embedded in a matrix continuous with the basal lamina and extending into the connective tissue. This layer was observed in four other species of penaeid shrimp. Granulocytes in circulation can phagocytose and encapsulate foreign material and the granules contain antibacterial molecules, lysosomal enzymes, and prophenoloxidase. We suggest that the granulocytes associated with the basal lamina have matured at this site and are well positioned to fight potential pathogens that have penetrated the epithelial layer of the MGT. A second observation is the presence of clusters of cylinders bound to the nuclear pores of the epithelial cells. The possibility that these clusters are viruses, organelles, or abnormal organelles induced by disease or toxic materials is discussed. These unique particles were observed in S. ingentis but none of the other penaeid shrimp we examined.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Recent H5N1 avian influenza A virus increases rapidly in virulence to mice after a single passage in mice.

To evaluate the potential pathogenicity to mammals of the recent H5N1 avian influenza A virus, viruses recovered from dead mice infected with A/chicken/Yamaguchi/7/2004 isolated in Japan were examined. All recovered viruses from the brains of dead mice infected with this strain (without any prior adaptation to mice) had substituted the amino acid at position 627 of the PB2 protein from glutamic acid to lysine. Their mouse lethality had increased by approximately 5 x 10(4) times over that of the original virus. Histopathological analysis reinforced the finding that these variants caused more rapid and severe damage to mice than the original virus. This revealed that it might be useful to characterize the recovered virus to assess its potential pathogenicity to mammals.

Adaptation, Biological↗
PubMed1988

Efficacy of oral sucralfate suspension in prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced mucositis.

The efficacy of orally administered sucralfate suspension in preventing and treating chemotherapy-induced mucositis was evaluated in a double-blind trial. Forty-eight children and adolescents with newly diagnosed acute nonlymphocytic leukemia were randomized to receive suspensions of either sucralfate or placebo orally every 6 hours during the first 10 weeks of intensive remission-induction chemotherapy. Patients given sucralfate suspension were less likely than subjects receiving placebo to acquire colonization with potentially pathogenic microorganisms: 14 (58%) of 24 versus 22 (92%) of 24, respectively (p = 0.008). However, no effect on preexisting colonization was noted. Subjective reporting of discomfort, objective scoring of the severity of mucositis, and the maximal percent of body weight lost during therapy were similar; 58% of patients receiving sucralfate reported no oral pain compared with 25% receiving placebo (p = 0.06). Ten episodes of gastrointestinal bleeding, 25 documented infections, and 886 days with fever were also equally distributed between sucralfate and placebo groups. We conclude that sucralfate suspension is of limited, if any efficacy, in the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Sucralfate administration can, however, reduce acquisition of alimentary colonization with potential pathogens, perhaps by interfering with adherence to mucosal membranes.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed1989

Storage temperature and viability of sporangiospores of potentially human pathogenic species of Rhizomucor from Nigerian tobacco.

The effects of temperature on storage and viability of asexual spores of Rhizomucor pusillus (Lindt) Schipper and Rhizomucor miehei (Cooney and Emerson) Schipper were studied. An optimal germination temperature of 35 degrees C was recorded for both species with good results obtained around 40 degrees C. On prolonged storage of the spores at various temperatures (-19 degrees C, 4 degrees C, 30 degrees C, 37 degrees C), the best results were obtained at 4 degrees C and 30 degrees C. Very rapid losses in viability of the spores of both fungi occurred at -19 degrees C reaching a maximum of 68% and 51%, respectively, for R. pusillus and R. miehei after 6 months of storage. Continuous exposure of the spores to 68 degrees C led to rapid losses of viability of up to 100% for those of R. pusillus after 40 min exposure. Sporangiospores of R. miehei showed more gradual losses on exposure to 68 degrees C. The potential health hazards which the presence of these fungi on tobacco products pose to man are discussed.

Humans↗
PubMed1995

Mutation analysis of the ROM1 gene in retinitis pigmentosa.

To examine the role of ROM1, a homologue of peripherin/RDS, in autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP), we screened 224 adRP and 29 simplex RP probands for ROM1 mutations. Four ROM1 alleles were designated as potentially pathogenic because they were found only in RP patients but not in 50-100 controls nor in 249 other RP probands. The substitutions P60T and T108M were present in a single allele in a subject with typical adRP, and this allele cosegregated with the disease in the small family. The putative null allele L114 [1 bp] was present in an individual with atypical RP but not in three unaffected siblings. This insertion has been previously reported to cause RP only when accompanied by a peripherin/RDS mutation, but no peripherin/RDS mutations were found in any of the four probands reported here. Two substitutions (G75D, R242Q) were present in two other probands with simplex RP. These data suggest that potentially pathogenic ROM1 mutations occur in 1% or less of patients with adRP or simplex RP. The absence of detectable peripherin/RDS mutations in these families suggests either that: (i) mutations in other digenic partners are required for pathogenic ROM1 alleles to cause retinal degeneration; (ii) these ROM1 mutations do not cause RP; or (iii) peripherin/RDS mutations are present but were not identified in these patients.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

A simian immunodeficiency virus V3 loop mutant that does not efficiently use CCR5 or common alternative coreceptors is moderately attenuated in vivo.

Sexually transmitted HIV-1 strains utilize the chemokine receptor CCR5 for viral entry and inhibitors targeting this coreceptor offer great promise for antiretroviral therapy. They also raise the question, however, whether viral variants exhibiting altered coreceptor interactions and resistance against these antiviral agents might still be pathogenic. In the present study, we analyzed a SIVmac239 envelope (Env) mutant (239DL) containing two mutations in the V3 loop which reduced viral entry via CCR5 by 10- to 20-fold, disrupted utilization of common alternative SIV coreceptors and changed the way Env engaged CCR5. To evaluate its replicative capacity and pathogenic potential in vivo we infected six rhesus macaques with 239DL. We found that 239DL replication was only slightly attenuated early during infection. Thereafter, a D324V change, which restored efficient CCR5 usage and coincided with 239wt-like levels of viral replication, emerged in two animals. In contrast, the viral geno- and phenotype remained stable in the other four rhesus macaques. Although these animals had about 100-fold reduced viral RNA loads relative to 239wt-infected macaques, they showed pronounced CD4 T-cell depletion in the intestinal lamina propria, and one developed opportunistic infections and died with simian AIDS. Thus, changes in the V3 loop that diminished CCR5 usage and altered Env interactions with CCR5 reduced the pathogenic potential of SIVmac in rhesus macaques but did not abolish it entirely.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

[Preoperative microbiologic diagnosis before elective intraocular interventions and prevention of infection with tobramycin eyedrops. Results of a multicenter study].

Preoperative conjunctival smears of 313 asymptomatic patients before cataract surgery were evaluated in an open multi-center study in 10 German surgical eye care centers from May to August 1987. 230 evaluable isolates of 198 patients (= 61.1%) on agar plates with a 48 h incubation period revealed 190 gram-positive (most frequent isolates: 62.2% coagulase negative Staph., 13.5% coagulase positive Staph.) and 40 gram negative agents (most frequent isolates: 3.0% Proteus sp., 2.2% Pseudomonas sp.). Coinfections with gram-positive organisms were seen in 22%, and with gram-negative organisms in 9% of cases. Newly acquired potentially pathogenic bacteria were demonstrated after one day (5-8 drops 3 mg/ml Tobramycin (Tobramaxin; 1 x ointment in the evening 3 mg/100 mg Tobramycin (Tobramaxin] of topical prophylaxis in 6 of 115 (= 5.2%) previously negative and 22 of 198 (= 11%) previously positive conjunctival cultures. Coagulase negative Tobramycin sensitive Staph. persisted in 41 of 110 patients (= 37.3%) and coagulase positive Tobramycin-sensitive Staph. in 4 of 30 (= 13.3%). Each of the gram-negative bacteria could be eliminated after one day of topical prophylaxis with Tobramycin eye drops and ointment in this study. The statistically determined elimination rate estimated for a one-day topical prophylaxis with Tobramycin in asymptomatic culture-positive persons was 77.5-89.8% (95% confidence interval/Pearson and Clopper). The statistically determined probability for potentially pathogenic bacteria in a previously culture-negative patient after topical preoperative Tobramycin prophylaxis was 3.1-13.2% (95% confidence interval/Pearson and Clopper). Thus, additional supportive antibiotic measures are to be taken pre- and perioperatively by the intraocular surgeon to minimize the risk of postoperative endophthalmitis.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1996

Respiratory tract colonization and infection in patients with chronic tracheostomy. A one-year study in patients living at home.

The high rate of complications, especially respiratory tract infection (RTI), reported in patients with chronic tracheostomy (CT) has discouraged physicians from using this method. However, previous studies of CT have concerned mainly hospitalized patients. We have followed the bacterial colonization patterns of the upper and lower respiratory tract and recorded all RTIs in 39 outpatients with CT during a 12-mo period. Patients were colonized with one or more potential pathogens at the stomal site and in the trachea in 95% and 83%, respectively, of all sampling occasions. Staphylococcus aureus, gram-negative enteric bacteria (GNEB), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most common colonizing bacteria at these sites. Seventy percent of bronchial-protected brush cultures were negative, despite simultaneous heavy colonization of the stomal site or the trachea. Only 18 of 39 (46%) patients were treated with antibiotics because of RTIs on a total of 30 occasions during the study year. Of these, only five episodes of pneumonia in four patients were registered, corresponding to an incidence of about 10 per 100 person years. We conclude that outpatients with chronic tracheostomy can be managed with a low risk for developing severe RTIs, despite massive airway colonization with potentially pathogenic bacteria.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

Does probiotics administration decrease serum endotoxin levels in infants?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine whether administration of probiotics to infants can change the ratio of intestinal flora and thereby decrease serum endotoxin produced by potentially pathogenic microorganisms. METHODS: Nine infants including five with of biliary atresia, two with omphalocele, one each with Hirschsprung's disease and imperforate anus were studied. All patients were stable, and no antibiotics were given during this study. A probiotic mixture consisting of Streptococcus faecalis, Clostridium butyricum and Bacillus mesentericus was administered orally to each infant at 2 g/day for 2 weeks. Fecal aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures, serum endotoxin level, and other biochemical parameters were examined. RESULTS: In fecal cultures, anaerobic bacteria including Bifidobacterium increased significantly whereas Escherichia coli, Streptococcus, and Klebsiella tended to decrease. The ratio of anaerobic to aerobic bacteria increased five times as a result of administration of probiotics, and serum endotoxin levels decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Probiotics affect intestinal bacterial flora by increasing anaerobic bacteria and decreasing the population of potentially pathogenic microorganisms. A decrease in luminal endotoxin may result in less endotoxin translocation or bacterial translocation.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2001

The dermatoscope: a potential source of nosocomial infection?

Dermatoscopes are directly placed on the skin of patients and therefore may harbour potentially pathogenic bacteria. In this study we assessed bacterial contamination of dermatoscopes during routine use and examined the effectiveness of isopropyl alcohol and disposable lens covers. Aerobic bacterial cultures were performed on randomly selected dermatoscopes after examination of 39 patients. In addition, bacterial contamination of dermatoscopes after cleaning with 70% isopropyl alcohol and after using a disposable transparent lens cover was tested. Bacteria such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, Micrococcus species and Corynebacterium species, which are usually present on the skin, were repeatedly identified. In addition, rare bacteria such as Moraxella species were found. Known nosocomial micro-organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus were recovered from hospitalized patients. Disinfection with 70% isopropyl alcohol and the use of a disposable lens cover significantly reduced the number of bacteria. Image quality was identical with and without the use of a transparent lens cover. Dermatoscopes harbour potential pathogens and may be a source of bacterial transmission. Isopropyl alcohol is an effective cleaning agent for dermatoscopes. Disposable lens covers completely prevented bacterial transmission and are therefore recommended for routine dermatoscopy, especially in hospitalized patients.

Cross Infection↗