A methodology for using Lambda phages as a proxy for pathogen transmission in hospitals

作者：Katherine Burke, Brandon A. Berryhill, Roxanna M. García, David A. Goldberg, Joshua A. Manuel, Paige R. Gannon, Bruce R. Levin, Colleen S. Kraft, Joel Mumma · 发表于：Journal of Hospital Infection · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.1016/j.jhin.2023.01.004 · 被引用次数：10 · 研究领域：Infection Control in Healthcare、Infection Control and Ventilation、Bacillus and Francisella bacterial research

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, ...