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Transmission of infection by flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy and bronchoscopy

Julia Kovaleva1, Frans T M Peters, Henny C van der Mei

  • 1Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands. j.kovaleva@umcg.nl

Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|April 5, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Flexible endoscopes can harbor bacteria, forming biofilms that resist cleaning and cause infections. Microbiological surveillance is vital for detecting contamination and preventing patient infections after procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Infection Control
  • Gastroenterology and Pulmonology

Background:

  • Flexible endoscopes are essential for diagnosis and therapy but pose infection risks.
  • Contaminated endoscopes are linked to healthcare-associated infections.
  • Complex designs with narrow channels hinder effective cleaning and disinfection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review infections and cross-contaminations linked to flexible endoscopy.
  • To highlight the impact of biofilms on endoscope reprocessing.
  • To emphasize the role of microbiological surveillance in preventing infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of infections associated with flexible gastrointestinal endoscopy and bronchoscopy.
  • Analysis of the challenges in reprocessing multi-channel endoscopes.
  • Discussion of biofilm formation and its implications.

Main Results:

  • Biofilm formation on endoscope channels compromises decontamination effectiveness.
  • Inadequate reprocessing can lead to patient contamination and infection.
  • Microbiological surveillance aids in early detection of colonization and biofilm.

Conclusions:

  • Effective reprocessing of flexible endoscopes is critical to prevent patient infections.
  • Biofilms present a significant challenge to standard decontamination protocols.
  • Implementing microbiological surveillance is recommended for endoscope reprocessing.

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