Can Whipple's Disease Be Transmitted by Gastroscopes?
AbstractObjective:To determine whether disinfection protocols currently used for gastroscopes are effective against cultures ofTropheryma whipplei.Design:The bactericidal activity of 2% glutaraldehyde and two peracetic acids on the Twist-Marseille strain ofT. whippleigrown in cell monolayers was determined.Patients:Two patients who were diagnosed as having Whipple's disease 3 years after they had had intestinal biopsies.Results:The disinfectants reduced bacteria by approximately 2 log10to 3 log10after 5 to 60 minutes of contact.Conclusion:The bactericidal activity of a disinfectant is usually considered significant if it causes a 5 log10or greater reduction in viable bacterial titers. Disinfecting gastroscopes with2%glutaraldehyde or peracetic acids for 20 minutes may be insufficient to prevent transmission ofT. whippleion the instruments or stop false-positive results on polymerase chain reaction.
SARS-CoV-2 Detection by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction Testing: Analysis of False Positive Results and Recommendations for Quality Control Measures
