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Infectious diseases linked to cross-contamination of flexible endoscopes
Nikki Kenters1, Elisabeth G W Huijskens2, Corianne Meier3
1Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Dordrecht, Netherlands.
Abstract:
Flexible endoscopes are widely used to examine, diagnose, and treat medical disorders. While the risk of endoscopy-related transmission of infection is estimated to be very low, more health care-associated infections are related to contaminated endoscopes than to any other medical device. Flexible endoscopes can get highly contaminated with microorganisms, secretions and blood during use. The narrow lumens and multiple internal channels make the cleaning of flexible endoscopes a complex and difficult task. Despite the availability of international, national and local endoscope reprocessing guidelines, contamination and transmission of microorganisms continue to occur. These transmissions are mostly related to the use of defective equipment, endoscope reprocessing failures, and noncompliance with recommended guidelines. This article presents an overview of publications about case reports and outbreaks related to contamination of flexible endoscopes.
Insights
Flexible endoscopes, essential for medical diagnosis, can harbor infections despite low estimated risks. Contaminated endoscopes remain a significant source of healthcare-associated infections due to reprocessing failures and guideline noncompliance.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Flexible endoscopes are crucial for diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.
- Despite low estimated risks, contaminated endoscopes are a leading cause of healthcare-associated infections.
- The complex design of flexible endoscopes complicates effective cleaning and reprocessing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review case reports and outbreaks linked to flexible endoscope contamination.
- To highlight the persistent issue of endoscope-related infections despite existing guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of publications focusing on flexible endoscope contamination.
- Analysis of case reports and outbreak investigations related to endoscopy procedures.
Main Results:
- Flexible endoscopes frequently become contaminated with biological material during use.
- Infections are transmitted due to equipment defects, inadequate reprocessing, and non-adherence to guidelines.
- Despite reprocessing guidelines, endoscope contamination and subsequent infections continue to occur.
Conclusions:
- Flexible endoscope reprocessing remains a critical challenge in preventing healthcare-associated infections.
- Addressing equipment issues and ensuring guideline compliance are essential to mitigate infection risks.
- Further research and improved protocols are needed to enhance endoscope safety.
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