A Study on Bacterial Contamination of Multidose Vaccine Vials in Southeast of Iran

Background: Contaminated multipledose vaccine vials (MDVVs) have been implicated in the outbreaks of pyogenic abscesses and other bacterial infections. In this study, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of bacterial contamination of MDVVs. Methods: Over 3 months, a total of 3640 in-use MDVVs were collected from 39 urban health centres and health posts in Zahedan, southeast of Iran and inoculated on appropriate bacterial growth media. The bacteria were identified using the methods described by the American type culture collection (ATCC). Results: Bacterial contamination was identified in 6 out of 3640 (0.2%) MDVVs. The isolated microorganisms included Staphylococcus epidermidis (3 vials), Staphylococcus saprophyticus (2 vials), and Escherichia coli (1 vial). Conclusions: The present results revealed some breaches in safe injection practices and noncompliance with aseptic techniques in vaccination services provided by urban health centres and health posts. This article highlights the importance of basic infection control training and the need for increased awareness of safe injection practices among healthcare workers.