Evaluation of Alternative Uses of Commercial Antimicrobials
Abstract
Methods for sanitization of medical tools are sought and efficacy of existing materiel sourced to austere medical facilities should be examined. This study tested the efficacy of commercially available, FDA-approved wound cleansers for alternative use as a potential sanitizer of stainless-steel medical devices found at improvised medical facilities. Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus cultures were inoculated onto sterile stainless-steel carriers. After cleaner treatment, samples were held at different temperatures for different lengths of time. Additional ex vivo challenges were performed using slurry harvested from porcine cecum. Colony forming units and log reduction were calculated. Significance was determined using one-way ANOVA and multiple comparisons between treatment groups was calculated using Tukey's multiple comparisons test. All wound cleansers demonstrated statistically significantly bactericidal activity against lab bacteria and ex vivo cecal slurry. E. coli and S. aureus resulted in approximately a 5-6 log reduction on average. While treatment of ex vivo samples did not result in total kill, significant reductions in bacterial load was observed in all groups. These results indicate that FDA approved wound cleaners show promise as a potential sanitizer in resource limited environments.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 17, 2024
- Accession Number
- AD1228149
Entities
People
- Jason M. Rall
Organizations
- 59th Medical Wing