Evaluation of Bacterial Contaminants on N95 FFRS after Reuse in Hospital Personnels: A Prospective Study in the Era of COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: N95 Filtering Face-piece Respirators (FFRs) prevent the spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and protect medical personnel. It is considered as one of the essential protective equipment. An increased demand for N95 FFRs during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has resulted in shortage crisis for the care of cases arising in hospitals. Therefore, this situation generated the need to implement alternatives like four mask policy that allows reuse of N95 FFRs in settings with limited resources. Aim: To find out the burden of bacterial isolates on N95 FFRs after reuse. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective study conducted at Govt. R.D.B.P. Jaipuria hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, from May 2021 to October 2021 on 526 used N95 FFRs after multiple or extended use by 96 hospital personnel who attended Outpatient Department (OPD) services. Swab samples were collected from both external as well as internal surface of the mask after each use and further subcultured to identify any microorganism present on them. Results: Growth of Gram positive bacilli, and micrococci were found on 499 samples out of total 526 samples. Other bacteria like Pseudomonas spp. and other gram negative were also observed in 19 samples. Furthermore, it was also observed that bacterial load on reused N95 FFRs was mainly commensal flora. Conclusion: Mainly commensal floras were found over internal and external surface of used N95 FFRs. This proves that four mask policy is optimum for judicious use of N95 FFRs and resulted in saving of funds for other more emergency works mainly in OPD settings.