[Whirlpool and pseudomonas infection--a local outbreak]

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health

Background:

• Hot tubs and whirlpools are popular in Norway, with underrecognized health risks.
• Bathing-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections can affect multiple organ systems.
• Pseudomonas folliculitis, a common manifestation, is typically self-limiting and requires no antibiotics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a local outbreak of hot tub-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
• To highlight the varied clinical presentations and potential misdiagnosis of these infections.
• To emphasize the importance of hot tub maintenance in preventing infections.

Main Methods:

• Case study of a local outbreak involving six individuals using the same hot whirlpool.
• Clinical observation and documentation of diverse disease manifestations.
• Bacteriological analysis of hot tub water to confirm the source of infection.

Main Results:

• The outbreak involved six people with varied symptoms, initially misdiagnosed as impetigo and mastitis/mammary tumor.
• Bacteriological specimens from the hot tub strongly suggested it as the source of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection.
• The findings indicate that hot tub-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections may be more common than previously thought.

Conclusions:

• Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections from hot tubs can present with diverse symptoms and be misdiagnosed.
• Inadequate hot tub maintenance is a likely cause of such infections.
• Implementing improved guidelines for hot tub owners and utilizing dip-slide cultures can help prevent bathing-associated Pseudomonas infections.