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Increased microbial loading in aerosols produced by non-contact air-puff tonometer and relative suggestions for the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Guo, Hui; Li, Wei; Huang, Yingying; Li, Xiaoyan; Li, Zhi; Zhou, Hongxia; Sun, Enhua; Li, Li; Li, Jisheng.
  • Guo H; Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
  • Li W; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
  • Huang Y; Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
  • Li X; Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
  • Li Z; Department of Ophthalmology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
  • Zhou H; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
  • Sun E; Department of Clinical Laboratory, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
  • Li L; Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
  • Li J; Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province, China.
PLoS One ; 15(10): e0240421, 2020.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-841648
ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the microbial loading in aerosols produced after air-puff by non-contact tonometer (NCT) as well as the effect of alcohol disinfection on the inhibition of microbes and thus to provide suggestions for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in ophthalmic departments of hospitals or clinics during the great pandemics.

METHODS:

A cross-sectional study was carried out in this study. A NIDEK NCT was used for intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement for patients who visited Department of Ophthalmology in Qilu Hospital of Shandong University during March 18-25 2020. After ultra-violate (UV) light disinfection, the room air was sampled for 5 minutes. Before and after alcohol disinfection, the air samples and nozzle surface samples were respectively collected by plate exposure method and sterile moist cotton swab technique after predetermined times of NCT air-puff. Microbial colony counts were calculated after incubation for 48 hours. Finally, mass spectrometry was performed for the accurate identification of microbial species.

RESULTS:

Increased microbial colonies were detected from air samples close to NCT nozzle after air-puff compared with air samples at a distance of 1 meter from the nozzle (p = 0.001). Interestingly, none microbes were detected on the surface of NCT nozzle. Importantly, after 75% alcohol disinfection less microbes were detected in the air beside the nozzle (p = 0.003). Microbial species identification showed more than ten strains of microbes, all of which were non-pathogenic.

CONCLUSION:

Aerosols containing microbes were produced by NCT air-puff in the ophthalmic consultation room, which may be a possible virus transmission route in the department of ophthalmology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alcohol disinfection for the nozzle and the surrounding air was efficient at decreasing the microbes contained in the aerosols and theoretically this prevention measure could also inhibit the virus. This will give guidance for the prevention of virus transmission and protection of hospital staff and patients.
Subject(s)

Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Tonometry, Ocular / Coronavirus Infections / Air Microbiology / Disinfectants / Alcohols / Pandemics Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: PLoS One Journal subject: Science / Medicine Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Journal.pone.0240421

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Pneumonia, Viral / Tonometry, Ocular / Coronavirus Infections / Air Microbiology / Disinfectants / Alcohols / Pandemics Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Randomized controlled trials Limits: Humans Country/Region as subject: Asia Language: English Journal: PLoS One Journal subject: Science / Medicine Year: 2020 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: Journal.pone.0240421