Abstract
The role of suction regulators in nosocomial infections has, to our knowledge, not been studied. A sampling of devices used in hospitals was conducted. Many regulators (173 [37%] of 470) were found to be colonized. A suction circuit model revealed that pathogens can disseminate throughout the circuit (retrograde and antegrade), colonizing an experimental patient stomach.
MeSH terms
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Cross Infection / epidemiology
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Cross Infection / microbiology*
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Equipment Contamination*
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Gram-Positive Cocci / isolation & purification
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Humans
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Intensive Care Units / statistics & numerical data*
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Intubation, Gastrointestinal / adverse effects
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Intubation, Gastrointestinal / instrumentation*
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Pseudomonas aeruginosa / isolation & purification
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Suction* / adverse effects
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Suction* / instrumentation