Related Experiment Videos
Salmonella oslo. A focal outbreak in a hospital
Abstract:
Five patients were infected with a nontyphosal Salmonella species, Salmonella oslo. Three of the five patients had undergone endoscopy. Three possibilities existed to account for this outbreak: the positive cultures represented isolated events; there was one isolated event and a common source; or, all events were due to a common source. The results of our investigation were inconclusive, but suggested that the endoscope could have been responsible for some of the cases. Appropriate methods for sterilizing endoscopes are reviewed, including sterilization with 2.5 per cent glutaraldehyde solution and ethylene oxide gas. The organism was unusual in its resistance to chloramphenicol and ampicillin; however, it was sensitive to a sulfonamide and trimethoprim. Two patients became culture-negative for S. oslo on treatment with this combination.
Insights
A Salmonella oslo outbreak possibly linked to endoscopes affected five patients. Treatment with sulfonamide and trimethoprim proved effective, clearing the infection in two patients.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Nontyphoidal Salmonella species can cause infections, with Salmonella oslo being an uncommon pathogen.
- Endoscopic procedures carry a risk of iatrogenic infection if equipment is not properly sterilized.
Observation:
- An outbreak of Salmonella oslo infection occurred in five patients.
- Three of these patients had recently undergone endoscopic procedures.
- The investigation explored potential sources, including isolated events or a common source.
Findings:
- The investigation could not definitively identify the outbreak's source.
- Evidence suggested a possible link between the endoscope and some patient infections.
- Salmonella oslo exhibited resistance to chloramphenicol and ampicillin but sensitivity to sulfonamide and trimethoprim.
Implications:
- This case highlights the critical importance of rigorous endoscope sterilization protocols.
- Effective antibiotic treatment options for Salmonella oslo infections include sulfonamide and trimethoprim.
- Further research into preventing endoscope-associated Salmonella outbreaks is warranted.