[Clinical study of the bacterial contamination of 2 differently prepared enteral feeding solutions].

The incidence of bacterial contamination under ICU-conditions of two solutions designed for enteral feeding; the oligopeptide mixture Peptisorb and the nutrient defined diet Biosorb, were investigated. 54% of the specimens taken prior to use from the oligopeptide mixture, which is marketed as a powder and brought into solution before application, were found to be bacterially contaminated. At the end of the 6-12 h application period this percentage has risen to 79%. Prior to use the sterile packed prepared nutrient defined diet was found to be free of bacterial contamination in 97% of cases, while at the end of the period of application 21% of the samples taken contained bacteria. In most instances the solutions prepared on ICU were contaminated with gram positive spore forming bacteria and typical gram negative hospital flora. Based on the results of this investigation, only those enteral feeds which are marketed as sterile solutions should be used, in order to protect ICU patients from potential sources of contamination.