Fungal contamination of nebuliser devices used by people with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundPoor nebuliser hygiene can result in bacterial contamination and risk of infections. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of fungal contamination of nebulisers used by adults with cystic fibrosis.MethodsA total of 170 nebulisers from 149 subjects were screened by wetting a sterile cotton swab with sterile water and swabbing each drug chamber. The swab was then plated out on Sabouraud and on Scel + agar and incubated at 27 °C for up to 2 weeks.ResultsFungal cultures were positive in 86 (57.7%) patient's devices. In 28/149 (18.8%), 39/149 (26.2%), 47/149 (31.5%) and 20/149 (13.4%) of subjects Aspergillus species, yeasts, moulds and both yeasts and moulds were isolated respectively. There was no difference in contamination rates between different devices.ConclusionNebuliser devices are frequently contaminated by moulds and yeasts and emphasis should be placed on ensuring adequate nebuliser hygiene.