This study investigated the sterility of vaccine carriers used in selected Primary Health Care (PHC) centres in Awka, Anambra State, with the aim of assessing possible bacterial contamination and determining the antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of isolated organisms. Vaccine carriers are critical components of the cold chain system, ensuring that vaccines remain potent and effective during transportation and storage. However, poor handling, inadequate cleaning, and improper maintenance can compromise their sterility, thereby posing risks to public health. Samples collected from vaccine carriers were subjected to microbiological analysis. The isolates obtained included Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing revealed varying sensitivity patterns: S. aureus showed susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (15.2 mm), streptomycin (14.3 mm), levofloxacin (12.7 mm), rifampicin (12.2 mm), and gentamicin (11.8 mm). S. epidermidis was sensitive to chloramphenicol (15.8 mm), ciprofloxacin (14.3 mm), gentamicin (12.8 mm), rifampicin (11.5 mm), and ampiclox (10.1 mm). P. aeruginosa demonstrated susceptibility to augmentin (14.5 mm), ofloxacin (13.5 mm), and cefuroxime (12.7 mm). The presence of these organisms indicates that vaccine carriers, if not adequately sterilized, can serve as reservoirs for pathogenic bacteria capable of causing nosocomial and community-acquired infections. The results highlight the urgent need for strict adherence to cleaning protocols, regular training of health workers, and periodic sterility checks on vaccine carriers. Strengthening these practices will help safeguard vaccine integrity, maintain public confidence in immunization programs, and enhance overall disease prevention efforts
Okoli et al. (Thu,) studied this question.