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Pseudo-outbreak of Phaeoacremonium parasiticum from a hospital ice dispenser

Molly Blake1, John M Embil, Elly Trepman

  • 1Infection Prevention and Control Unit, Health Sciences Centre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.

Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|July 16, 2014
PubMed

Insights

A pseudo-outbreak of Phaeoacremonium parasiticum occurred in 31 patients due to contaminated ice during bronchoscopy procedures. Enhanced cleaning protocols and equipment disinfection successfully prevented further infections.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Mycology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pulmonology

Background:

  • Phaeoacremonium parasiticum is a fungus that can cause infections.
  • Contaminated medical equipment can lead to pseudo-outbreaks in healthcare settings.
  • Bronchoscopy is an endoscopic diagnostic procedure used in pulmonology.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cause of a pseudo-outbreak of Phaeoacremonium parasiticum in patients undergoing bronchoscopy.
  • To identify the source of contamination and implement control measures.

Main Methods:

  • Samples from 31 patients undergoing bronchoscopy were analyzed.
  • The source of contamination was traced to ice used for hemorrhage control.
  • Equipment cleaning and bronchoscopy reprocessing protocols were reviewed and modified.

Main Results:

  • Phaeoacremonium parasiticum was identified in bronchoscopy specimens from 31 patients.
  • The outbreak was linked to contaminated ice used during the procedure.
  • No recurrences were observed after implementing improved disinfection and reprocessing techniques.

Conclusions:

  • Deficiencies in equipment cleaning and disinfection practices can lead to fungal pseudo-outbreaks during bronchoscopy.
  • Modifying bronchoscopy techniques and enhancing equipment sterilization are crucial for preventing iatrogenic infections.

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