Comparison of sampling techniques and sterilization methods for Bacillus anthracis-contaminated surfaces
Gulhane Medical Journal, cilt.66, sa.4, ss.190-195, 2024 (Scopus, TRDizin)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 66 Sayı: 4
- Basım Tarihi: 2024
- Doi Numarası: 10.4274/gulhane.galenos.2024.44827
- Dergi Adı: Gulhane Medical Journal
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
- Sayfa Sayıları: ss.190-195
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Bacillus anthracis, decontamination, recovery, sampling, sterilization
- Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet
Özet
Aims: Sampling techniques and disinfection methods are essential for surfaces in critical areas for human health, such as food processing areas, hospital operating rooms, and laboratories. Thus, in the case of biological warfare agent use, the detection and decontamination of contamination sites have become a public health concern. From this perspective, our study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two distinct sampling techniques and three sterilization methods for surfaces contaminated with B. anthracis spores. Methods: To collect samples from surfaces and for recovery, two methods, including a moistened technique using sterile cotton swabs and a dry cotton swab technique following the suspension of the contaminated surfaces in saline solution, were applied. To sterilize the contaminated surface, 0.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 3% H2 O2, and UVC-254 were applied for various durations. Results: The suspension method yielded a recovery of 427.50 cu for B. anthracis, whereas the moistened method yielded 272.50 cu (p=0.003). Among the decontamination methods tested, complete sterilization was achieved within 15 min using 0.5% NaOCl and within 6 h with 3% H2 O2, whereas UVC-254 led to a decrease in the spore count by up to 96.73% after 24 h. Conclusions: In the evaluation of surface contamination and sterilization-disinfection, sampling with a dry cotton swab by forming a suspension on the surface increased recovery. Thus, it was concluded that the use of NaOCl is appropriate for decontaminating B. anthracis spores on surfaces resistant to oxidation, whereas H2 O2 is preferable for more delicate surfaces.