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Infection with Pseudomonas maltophilia hospital outbreak due to contaminated disinfectant
Abstract:
Between August, 1973, and May, 1974, Pseudomonas maltophilia was isolated from 63 patients in the King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Subiaco, Western Australia. Primary cultures were obtained mainly from specimens of urine from adults, and from intraarterial catheter tips and umbilical swabs from neonates. In most cases the organism appeared to be a contaminant, but in seven it was responsible for infection. The source of the organism was deionized water used for diluting Savlon concentrate (chlorhexidine, 1-5%; cetrimide, 15%). In the 17 months since the method of preparation and distribution of Savlon to the wards was altered, Ps. maltophilia has not been isolated from either clinical specimens or hospital disinfectants.
Insights
Pseudomonas maltophilia was identified in 63 patients, often linked to contaminated deionized water used for Savlon disinfectant. Altering preparation methods eliminated this opportunistic pathogen from clinical samples and disinfectants.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Pseudomonas maltophilia (now known as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia) is an opportunistic pathogen.
- Hospital-acquired infections are a significant concern in healthcare settings.
- Contamination of medical supplies can lead to patient infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source and clinical significance of Pseudomonas maltophilia isolates in a hospital.
- To determine the role of deionized water and disinfectant preparation in bacterial contamination.
- To assess the effectiveness of changes in preparation and distribution methods.
Main Methods:
- Bacteriological isolation and identification of Pseudomonas maltophilia from patient specimens and hospital water/disinfectant sources.
- Retrospective analysis of patient records to identify infection versus contamination.
- Comparison of isolation rates before and after modification of disinfectant preparation procedures.
Main Results:
- Pseudomonas maltophilia was isolated from 63 patients between August 1973 and May 1974.
- The primary source identified was deionized water used for diluting Savlon concentrate.
- Following changes in Savlon preparation and distribution, Ps. maltophilia was no longer isolated.
Conclusions:
- Deionized water used in disinfectant preparation was the source of Pseudomonas maltophilia contamination.
- Alterations in preparation and distribution protocols effectively controlled the organism.
- This highlights the importance of water quality and aseptic techniques in preventing hospital-acquired infections.