Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)
12:18

Subcutaneous Infection of Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Published on: February 9, 2011

Pseudooutbreak of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia bacteremia in a general ward

Yoon Soo Park1, Sue-Yun Kim, Shin Young Park

  • 1Division of Infectious Diseases, Gachon University, Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea. karmacho@gilhospital.com

American Journal of Infection Control
|February 5, 2008
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

A healthcare worker

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hospital Epidemiology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is a common nosocomial pathogen.
  • This study investigated risk factors for a bloodstream pseudooutbreak of S. maltophilia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify risk factors contributing to a bloodstream pseudooutbreak of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia.
  • To analyze infection control lapses and healthcare worker practices during the event.

Main Methods:

  • Conducted an epidemiologic investigation and a case-control study.
  • Utilized pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) for strain typing.
  • Reviewed infection control practices and healthcare worker procedures.

Main Results:

  • All 7 S. maltophilia isolates exhibited identical antibiograms and PFGE patterns.
  • Identified multiple infection control breaches, including reuse of saline for antibiotic dilution.
  • A single healthcare worker collecting blood samples from 6 of 7 patients was a significant risk factor (P < .05).

Conclusions:

  • Combined infection control lapses and specific healthcare worker actions likely caused the S. maltophilia pseudooutbreak.
  • Highlights the importance of strict adherence to infection control protocols to prevent nosocomial infections.

Related Concept Videos

Pneumonia I: Introduction01:29

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an infection of the lower respiratory tract that leads to inflammation of the lung parenchyma, often resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory exudate in the alveoli and airways. Unlike the watery, low-protein fluid exudate in pulmonary edema, the exudate in this case is a thick fluid rich in immune cells, proteins, and debris produced during infection and inflammation.This impairs gas exchange and can lead to consolidation of lung tissue. The infection may be caused by a...
Pneumonia I: Introduction01:30

Pneumonia I: Introduction

Pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that targets the lungs, specifically the alveoli. These tiny air sacs, essential for oxygen exchange, become engorged with pus and fluid, severely hindering breathing, decreasing oxygen absorption, and causing significant pain and discomfort during respiration.
Risk Factors
Various factors influence the likelihood of developing pneumonia. Age plays a crucial role, with infants, children under two, and individuals over 65 at increased risk due to their...
Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance01:25

Clinical Significance of Antibiotic Resistance

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) presents a critical public health threat, arising from its capacity to resist β-lactam antibiotics due to acquisition of the mecA gene within the staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec). This gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which impairs binding efficacy of methicillin and other β-lactams. MRSA has evolved into distinct clonal lineages impacting humans and animals alike, reinforcing its significance within the One...
Atypical Pneumonia01:14

Atypical Pneumonia

Atypical pneumonia, often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae, is a form of pulmonary infection that differs from the classical presentation of bacterial pneumonia in both its cause and clinical symptoms. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a pleomorphic bacterium notable for its lack of a rigid cell wall. This structural characteristic imparts resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics and significantly influences the bacterium’s behavior within the human host.Other pathogens responsible for the disease include...
Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management01:28

Acute Pyelonephritis II: Diagnostic Studies and Management

Introduction:For diagnosing acute pyelonephritis, a comprehensive patient history is collected to identify symptoms such as dysuria, frequent or urgent urination, flank pain, or costovertebral angle (CVA) tenderness that may suggest a kidney infection.Physical ExaminationDuring the physical examination, CVA tenderness is assessed. This involves gentle percussion over the costovertebral angle, where tenderness often indicates a kidney infection.Diagnostic TestsUrinalysis: Used to identify white...
Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic01:26

Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) occur in a healthcare facility while a person receives care for another ailment. This category also includes work-related infections among healthcare staff.
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...