Development and evaluation of novel antimicrobial solutions against biofilms and planktonic microbial growth

<p>"Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential in healthcare. They are inserted into the vena cava of the heart, where they provide a direct route for medical support into the bloodstream. However, when CVCs become colonized by microorganisms, this direct route into the bloodstream can often result in catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). These infections can be enormously costly,i ncreasing hospitalization costs up to $71,000 per CRBSI and also result in approximately 24,000 deaths per year (Halton, et. al 2007; Maki, et. al2006, Price, et. al 2010). CRBSIs are the leading cause of death due to nosocomial infections (Price, et. al 2010). This study implemented a multiphase approach to test the efficacy of three novel antimicrobial solutions. Each solution is compiled of three reagents; Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), hydrogen peroxide, and ethanol, were used against planktonic (free-floating) microorganisms and biofilms (aggregated microorganisms). The Planktonic assay implemented use of a Millipore Filtration system. The Biofilm assays incorporated the MBEC plate, which included use of a 96-well plate with a specially designed pegged lid. Using these assays, the efficacy of the three novel chemical solutions were evaluated as high-level disinfectant, sporicidal, and biofilm disruptor and eradicators. These assays included evaluating the solutions against the four microorganisms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Candida albicans, and Bacillus cereus endospores. The Planktonic assay demonstrated the effectiveness of these solutions as high-level disinfectant solutions per FDA standards, which includes use as a sporacidial agent. The solutions were capable of causing a 10⁸ reduction in endospores at 2m and 15m depending on the solutions tested. Furthermore, these solutions are sufficient in inhibiting biofilm formation"--Document.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science (MS) in Biology

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis: EWU Only

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Biology

Year

2012

Author dc:creator

• Morgan, Lucy

• Disinfection and disinfectants
• Hospital buildings--Sanitation
• Cardiovascular system
• Catheters
• Biofilms
• Biology

Statement dc:rights

• Access perpetually restricted to EWU users with an active EWU NetID

Repository record dc:identifier

https://dc.ewu.edu/theses/17

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dc.ewu.edu:theses-1016