Ability of bacteria isolated from the hospital environment to proliferate in infusion fluids

The ability of some bacteria isolated from environmental sources to grow in commonly administered infusion fluids was investigated. Infusion fluids may become contaminated with bacteria present in the environment in which they are being administered and the ability of such bacteria to proliferate within commonly used infusion fluids is therefore clinically significant. Bacteria present in the air and sink drains in wards at the Ife State Hospital were isolated, identified, and comprised fifteen Gram-positive and five Gram-negative organisms. Fourteen of the organisms obtained were introduced into sterile distilled water and five different infusion fluid preparations and were monitored over a 48 h period. It was found that, in general, Gram-positive organisms did not grow in the fluids used, while Gram-negative organisms were able to proliferate in the same fluids. Some Gram-positive organisms showed remarkable ability to remain viable in infusion fluids for more than 48 h.