Pasteurization is effective against multidrug-resistant bacteria

Background The emergence and rapid spread of multidrug-resistant isolates causing nosocomial infections, particularly pandrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, pandrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae are of great concern worldwide. Methods This study investigated the efficacy of pasteurization against contamination of culture tubes and plastic bags by the above 4 important multidrug-resistant bacteria. A 5-mL bacterial suspension with approximately 105 and 109 cfu/mL of each organism was inoculated into 3 sets of plastic bags and culture tubes and subjected to pasteurization in a washer at 75°C for 30 minutes. Results A nearly total eradication was found after pasteurization of these 4 drug-resistant pathogens. Conclusion Pasteurization was highly effective against drug-resistant bacteria. Strict adherence to appropriate infection control management for respiratory circuits is important for reducing the spread of drug-resistant bacteria among ventilator-assisted patients.