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Nosocomial Outbreaks Caused by Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides

Germán Bou1, Jesús Luis Saleta, Juan Antonio Sáez Nieto

  • 1Complejo Hospitalario Universitario Juan Canalejo, La Coruña, Spain. germanbou@canalejo.org

Emerging Infectious Diseases
|May 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Hospital-acquired infections from Leuconostoc bacteria occurred in Spain. Parenteral nutrition was identified as the probable source of these bacterial outbreaks, affecting multiple hospital departments.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

  • Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides is an opportunistic pathogen.
  • Nosocomial infections pose a significant threat to patient safety.
  • Outbreaks of Leuconostoc infections have been reported in healthcare settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate outbreaks of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides infections.
  • To identify the source and transmission routes of these infections.
  • To implement control measures to prevent future outbreaks.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of patient data.
  • Microbiological identification of bacterial strains.
  • Epidemiological investigation of potential sources, including parenteral nutrition.

Main Results:

  • Two distinct outbreaks of Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides infections occurred between 2003-2004 (genotype 1, 42 patients) and in 2006 (genotypes 2-4, 6 patients).
  • Infections were identified in various hospital departments.
  • Parenteral nutrition was identified as the likely common source for the infections.

Conclusions:

  • Parenteral nutrition is a potential vehicle for nosocomial transmission of Leuconostoc bacteria.
  • Effective infection control measures are crucial to prevent and manage outbreaks of opportunistic pathogens in hospitals.
  • Surveillance and prompt investigation are essential for controlling hospital-acquired infections.

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