International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research

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Isolation, Characterization, and Identification of Skin Microbiome Using MALDI-TOF MS Among Microbiologists in a Non-Sterile Pharmaceutical Plant: Implication of Hand Hygiene Protocol Enhancement

Author(s) Mr. Leoh Salvacio Gonzales Dioso, Dr. Jamilah C. Baragona
Country Philippines
Abstract The human skin microbiome is a complex ecosystem of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that play a vital role in maintaining skin health, regulating immune responses, and protecting against pathogens. While significant research has explored the microbiome’s role in health and disease, work environments, particularly non-sterile pharmaceutical manufacturing plants, remain under-investigated. The non-sterile pharmaceutical plants are highly susceptible to microbial contamination, posing risks to product quality, regulatory compliance, and ultimately, patient safety and public trust. Microbiologists, through their skin microbiomes, may act as reservoirs or vectors for microbial transmission, emphasizing the need for detailed microbial profiling. Recent advancements have turned attention to the microbiome’s potential to promote skin health and understanding of disease mechanisms. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF MS) has emerged as a powerful, high-resolution, culture-independent tool for microbial identification. Hand hygiene practice is crucial in minimizing microbial cross-contamination, particularly in a non-sterile pharmaceutical industry where product safety, efficacy, and purity are important.

The study assessed the impact of a hand hygiene protocol by analyzing changes in microbial diversity, colony morphology, and transient bacterial load before and after its implementation. Microbial identification was carried out using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) at both stages. Statistical analyses, including percentages, means, and T-test, were used to evaluate the data and determine the protocol’s effectiveness.

Results showed a significant reduction in microbial diversity, with alterations in colony morphology suggesting the elimination of certain bacterial species. However, MALDI-TOF MS identification results indicated no statistically significant difference in microbial composition. Notably, transient and environmental contaminants such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus cereus were eliminated post-hand hygiene implementation, reinforcing the protocol’s efficacy in reducing contamination risks. On the contrary, an increase in coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species was observed, which is typically commensal and may pose a risk in pharmaceutical settings.

The persistence of unidentified isolates suggests limitations in microbial culture techniques and database constraints in MALDI-TOF MS. Overall, and the study emphasized the importance of stringent hand hygiene practices in controlling microbial contamination and maintaining pharmaceutical product safety, efficacy, and purity.
Keywords Skin Microbiome, Hand Hygiene, Non-sterile Pharmaceutical
Field Biology
Published In Volume 7, Issue 2, March-April 2025
Published On 2025-04-30
DOI https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i02.43418
Short DOI https://doi.org/g9g77z
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