[Peracetic acid: alternative to the sterilization of bronchofibroscopes]. / Acido peracético: alternativa a la esterilización de broncofibroscopios.

The Steris system for cold sterilization with peracetic acid was evaluated by effecting a series of contaminations of a fiberoptic bronchoscope (FB) with specimens of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii and Mycobacterium kansasi. The FB was contaminated 24 times, 8 times by each microorganism, using specimens containing more than 10(8) cfu/ml. After fixing the secretions on the FB and washing it with enzyme soap, the BF was sterilized. Specimens were taken for culturing after contamination of the FB, after washing, immediately after sterilization and 1 hour after sterilization. No microorganism growth of any of the samples was detected either immediately after sterilization or one hour later. Microbiological data confirmed contamination of the FB after aspiration and fixation of the inoculate. Chemical and biological tests with B. stearothermophilus spores as specified by the manufacturer were correct in all cases: 24 contaminations and 52 processes of prior training. The efficacy of washing with enzyme soap before sterilization stands out. In 14 of the 24 samples, culture was negative after washing and in 7 the concentration of microorganisms was less than 500 cfu/ml, which confirms the need for appropriate washing before any disinfection or sterilization process is begun. In conclusion, the Steris system based on peracetic acid is an alternative to other systems for cold sterilization or high level disinfection.

[Hepatitis C virus antibodies in hospital personnel]. / Anticuerpos frente al virus de la hepatitis C en el personal hospitalario.

BACKGROUND: The discovery of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) largely responsible for the non A non B hepatitis, and the antiHCV antibody allows epidemiologic data and risk factors of infection related to the same to be known. The aim of the authors was to know the prevalence of the antiHCV in health care staff in relation with a group of extrahospitalary workers. METHODS: A transversal seroepidemiologic study was carried out in physicians, nurses and auxiliaries with seniority of more than one year in the medical, surgical, emergency, and ICU departments and laboratories of the general hospital of reference (1200 beds). RESULTS: Of the 874 participants (93% of the candidates) 19 (2%) had HCV antibodies detected by ELISA; with positive RIBA II and positive LIA test in 14 (1.6%) of them. In 11 sera ARN of HVC was detected by PCR. Of 547 extrahospitalary workers of the control group, 2 (0.4%) had positive markers against HCV (p < 0.05). The GPT of the seropositive individuals was normal in four and equal to or less than 70 U/l in six. Seven cases (50%) also had serologic data of contagion with HCV. In 10 (1.1%) of the health care staff no risk factor other than hospitalary work was found. CONCLUSIONS: Working in departments attending HCV carriers represents an increase in risk which must be taken into account with regard to accidental exposure to fluids of patients admitted to these areas.