Nosocomial infection and pseudoinfection from contaminated endoscopes and bronchoscopes - Wisconsin and Missouri

Article Abstract:

Endoscopes and bronchoscopes are flexible fiberoptic tubes used to view the interior of the body. They should always be cleaned and disinfected between uses; however, infections have been spread by devices that remained contaminated after standard cleaning procedures. In Wisconsin, an outbreak of the bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa occurred in 16 of 240 patients who underwent endoscopic examination of the liver and pancreas (cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP), and 99 of 1,109 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopic procedures. Although the endoscopes were reprocessed according to specifications, a thick film of P. aeruginosa had colonized the holding tank, inlet water hose, and air vents. Disinfection was unsuccessful. Manual rinsing of the endoscopes after machine washing reduced infection rates, even though the machine remained colonized. A similar outbreak involving Mycobacterium chelonae occurred in Missouri and affected 14 patients who underwent bronchoscopy (viewing of the airways). The patients subsequently tested positive for M. chelonae, and because none had evidence of invasive infection, pseudoinfection was diagnosed. M. chelonae was found in rinse water from the reprocessing machine. The use of automated endoscope reprocessing machines is increasing because of the high level of disinfection required for devices that come in contact with mucous membranes. However, some of these machines may become colonized with bacteria, and cause nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections. Olympus Corporation has mailed a medical device safety alert to all customers users the EW-10 and EW-20 machines. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Causes of, Missouri, Contamination, Wisconsin, Endoscopes, Bronchoscopes

---

Nosocomial hepatitis B virus infection associated with reusable fingerstick blood sampling devices - Ohio and New York City, 1996

Article Abstract:

Health care personnel who use fingerstick blood sampling devices should be careful not to reuse the device. In 1996, 11 patients in an Ohio nursing home and 3 in a New York City hospital developed hepatitis B infection. Investigation by the CDC revealed that all had diabetes and were providing fingerstick blood samples to monitor their blood sugar levels. In both locations, the personnel who took the blood changed the lancet after every procedure but not necessarily the device itself. The device may become contaminated with blood when reused in this way.

Methods, Usage, Blood collection and preservation, Medical equipment, Disease transmission, Hepatitis B

---

Prevention of nosocomial infection in cardiac surgery by decontamination of the nasopharynx and oropharynx with chlorhexidine gluconate: A randomized controlled trial

Article Abstract:

A prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial is conducted to determine the efficiency of perioperative decontamination of the nasopharynx and oropharnx with 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate for reduction of nosocomial infection after cardiac surgery, is conducted. Results suggest that decontamination of the nasopharynx and oropharnx with chlorhexidine gluconate appears to be an effective method for reduction of nosocomial infection after cardiac surgery.

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Risk factors, Heart, Heart surgery, Clinical report

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Neurologic sequelae of domoic acid intoxication due to the ingestion of contaminated mussels. An outbreak of toxic encephalopathy caused by eating mussels contaminated with domoic acid
• Abstracts: Helicobacter pylori infection rates in relation to age and social class in a population of Welsh men. Helicobacter pylori: bridging the credibility gap
• Abstracts: Tracheal resection and reconstruction: indications, surgical procedure, and postoperative care. Differential effects of continuous versus intermittent suction on tracheal tissue
• Abstracts: Pneumococcal soft-tissue infections: possible association with connective tissue diseases. Nodular lymphangitis: a distinctive but often unrecognized syndrome
• Abstracts: Small intestinal mucosal protection mechanisms and their importance in rheumatology. Hydroxychloroquine and visual screening in a rheumatology outpatient clinic

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.