Bacterial Colonization of Home Nebulizers Used by Children With Recurrent Wheeze

• Published in: Indian pediatrics 2022-05, Vol.59 (5), p.377-379
• Main Authors: Ranjan, Navkiran, Singla, Nidhi, Guglani, Vishal, Randev, Shivani, Kumar, Pankaj
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bacteria; Child; Cystic Fibrosis; Equipment Contamination - prevention & control; Humans; Maternal and Child Health; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Nebulizers and Vaporizers; Pediatric Surgery; Pediatrics; Research Paper; Respiratory Sounds
• ISSN: 0019-6061; 0974-7559
• DOI: 10.1007/s13312-022-2517-2

Objective To look for bacterial colonization of parts of home nebulizers used for children with recurrent wheeze and asthma. Methods Children aged 1 mo-12 y, using home nebulizers for recurrent cough and wheeze were enrolled from May to October, 2019. Caregivers were administered a structured questionnaire by a single researcher, during their hospital visit, to elicit information on their nebulizer cleaning practices. Samples were taken from nebulizer medicine chamber and tubing for bacterial culture and sensitivity. Results Bacterial growth was observed in 17 culture samples obtained from medicine chamber and/or tubing of nebulizers used by 12 (20.3%) out of the 59 enrolled children. The bacteria isolated were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (Methicillin resistant S. aureus and Coagulase negative staphylococci) and these were resistant to many of the commonly used antimicrobials. Almost 20% parents had never cleaned the nebulizers. Diluent re-use was significantly associated with bacterial colonization of nebulizer parts [AOR (95% CI) 20.6 (2.26–188.5); P =0.007]. Conclusion Home nebulizers, if not cleaned properly as per set protocols, may get colonized with potentially harmful bacteria. There is a need to increase awareness about their proper use amongst parents of children with recurrent wheeze.