An automated contact model for transmission of dry surface biofilms of Acinetobacter baumannii in healthcare
An automated contact model for transmission of dry surface biofilms of Acinetobacter baumannii in healthcare
Dry surface biofilms have been recognised across environmental and equipment surfaces in hospitals and could explain how microbial contamination can survive for an extended period and may play a key role in the transmission of hospital-acquired infections. Despite little being known on how they form and proliferate in clinical settings, DSB models for disinfectant efficacy testing exist. In this study we develop a novel biofilm model to represent formation within hospitals, by emulating patient to surface interactions. The model generates a DSB through the transmission of artificial human sweat (AHS) and clinically relevant pathogens using a synthetic thumb capable of emulating human contact. The DNA, glycoconjugates and protein composition of the model biofilm, along with structural features of the microcolonies was determined using fluorescent stains visualised by epifluorescence microscopy and compared with published clinical data. The model repeatably transferred trace amounts of microorganisms and AHS, every 5 minutes for up to 120 hours onto stainless steel coupons to generate a biofilm model averaging 1.16 x 103 CFU/cm2 falling within the reported range for clinical DSB (4.20 x 102 to 1.60 x 107 bacteria/cm2). Micrographs revealed the heterogeneity of the biofilm across the surface; and reveal protein as the principal component within the matrix, followed by glycoconjugates and DNA. Our in vitro DSB model exhibits many phenotypical characteristics and traits to those reported in situ. The model highlights key features often overlooked and the potential for downstream applications such as antibiofilm claims using more realistic microbial challenges.
acinetobacter baumannii, cleaning, dry surface biofilms, Healthcare-associated infections, transmission
175-183
Watson, Fergus
c4c3927e-47bf-4448-a0c2-13a767e28ad8
Chewins, John
07e26e61-1058-4872-8c54-500a0c4b3c26
Wilks, Sandra
86c1f41a-12b3-451c-9245-b1a21775e993
Keevil, Bill
cb7de0a7-ce33-4cfa-af52-07f99e5650eb
November 2023
Watson, Fergus
c4c3927e-47bf-4448-a0c2-13a767e28ad8
Chewins, John
07e26e61-1058-4872-8c54-500a0c4b3c26
Wilks, Sandra
86c1f41a-12b3-451c-9245-b1a21775e993
Keevil, Bill
cb7de0a7-ce33-4cfa-af52-07f99e5650eb
Watson, Fergus, Chewins, John, Wilks, Sandra and Keevil, Bill
(2023)
An automated contact model for transmission of dry surface biofilms of Acinetobacter baumannii in healthcare.
The Journal of hospital infection, 141, .
(doi:10.1016/j.jhin.2023.06.015).
Abstract
Dry surface biofilms have been recognised across environmental and equipment surfaces in hospitals and could explain how microbial contamination can survive for an extended period and may play a key role in the transmission of hospital-acquired infections. Despite little being known on how they form and proliferate in clinical settings, DSB models for disinfectant efficacy testing exist. In this study we develop a novel biofilm model to represent formation within hospitals, by emulating patient to surface interactions. The model generates a DSB through the transmission of artificial human sweat (AHS) and clinically relevant pathogens using a synthetic thumb capable of emulating human contact. The DNA, glycoconjugates and protein composition of the model biofilm, along with structural features of the microcolonies was determined using fluorescent stains visualised by epifluorescence microscopy and compared with published clinical data. The model repeatably transferred trace amounts of microorganisms and AHS, every 5 minutes for up to 120 hours onto stainless steel coupons to generate a biofilm model averaging 1.16 x 103 CFU/cm2 falling within the reported range for clinical DSB (4.20 x 102 to 1.60 x 107 bacteria/cm2). Micrographs revealed the heterogeneity of the biofilm across the surface; and reveal protein as the principal component within the matrix, followed by glycoconjugates and DNA. Our in vitro DSB model exhibits many phenotypical characteristics and traits to those reported in situ. The model highlights key features often overlooked and the potential for downstream applications such as antibiofilm claims using more realistic microbial challenges.
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Accepted/In Press date: 14 June 2023
e-pub ahead of print date: 20 June 2023
Published date: November 2023
Additional Information:
Funding Information:
This study was funded by the Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851 .
Keywords:
acinetobacter baumannii, cleaning, dry surface biofilms, Healthcare-associated infections, transmission
Identifiers
Local EPrints ID: 483366
URI: http://eprints.soton.ac.uk/id/eprint/483366
ISSN: 0195-6701
PURE UUID: cfca19b4-b238-40c6-929d-4766a7f27673
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Date deposited: 30 Oct 2023 10:17
Last modified: 18 Mar 2024 02:54
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Author:
John Chewins
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