Plasma sterilization of selected ophthalmic instruments for combined intraocular surgery.

Plasma sterilization is a nontoxic fast procedure for thermolabile and thermostable microsurgical instruments. We report data on the microbicidal effectiveness for daily routine surgical instruments like steel scissors, trephination devices, microstripper and Vitro-Cat as well as irrigation/aspiration instruments. When these instruments were cleaned from blood and saline, and when H2O2 intensifiers (adapters) were applied where necessary plasma sterilization proved to be a microbiologically safe procedure with legally adequate reduction factors of > 6 log.

[H2O2 low temperature plasma sterilization. New possibilities for use with eye surgery instruments]. / H2O2-Niedrigtemperatur-Plasmasterilisation (NTP). Neue Möglichkeiten für den Einsatz augenchirurgischer Instrumente.

The H2O2-low-temperature-plasma-sterilization (STERRAD 100) works with a temperature below 50 degrees C (140 degrees F). This system is appliable for thermostabile materials as well as for thermolabile materials. The efficancy of this new system is shown by a biological test with Bacillus pumilus spores. 5 typical ophthalmic surgical instruments were contaminated. After sterilization the numerical reduction of the microorganisms had to be at least 6 log levels. Corrosion caused by hydrogene peroxide was excluded after exposing steal with a high quantity of this substrate. Electromicroscopy analysations of the surfaces of stainless steal after LTP, steam sterilization and hot-air sterilization are compared. Options and limitations of this new sterilization technique are discussed. A newly developed operating system with a complete instrumental box (OP-Set) will be introduced.

Influence of cefpirome on pharyngeal and faecal flora after single and multiple intravenous administrations of cefpirome to healthy volunteers.

The effect of single and multiple 2 g doses of i.v. cefpirome on pharyngeal and faecal flora was studied in ten male volunteers. There was no effect on pharyngeal flora. After a single dose, cefpirome had no effect on faecal flora but numbers of Escherichia coli were reduced below the detection limit during multiple dose treatment. No strains of Clostridium difficile were selected in this study and only a slight increase in the numbers of Candida spp. were found. Cefpirome, therefore, has little, if any, effect on faecal or pharyngeal flora.

Influence of fosfomycin on the intestinal and pharyngeal flora of man.

The influence of 5 g fosfomycin i.v. every 12 hours on the intestinal and pharyngeal flora was studied in eight healthy, male volunteers. The Escherichia coli counts were markedly reduced during application and returned to normal in all subjects within a maximum period of 12 days. The total count of Enterococci was reduced by one to two decimal potencies under medication. There was no change in the counts of Bacteroides and anaerobic lactobacteria. No selection of Clostridium difficile was observed. Throughout the study period the pharyngeal flora of all subjects was consistent, and no changes were seen. No selection of Candida spp. was observed.

Fleroxacin: safety, tolerance and effect on the faecal flora of healthy volunteers.

The safety, tolerance, and influence on the faecal flora of volunteers of fleroxacin was studied following a daily dose of 800 mg for seven days. A major reduction was seen in the numbers of Escherichia coli, but there was no change in anaerobic bacteria or the faecal streptococci. Ophthalmological examinations and laboratory evaluations revealed no untoward effect. Reduced appetite and flatulence were observed in one volunteer each, two reported loose stools, and five complained of sleep disturbances. All volunteers completed the study.