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Outbreak of infection with Achromobacter xylosoxidans from contaminated intravascular pressure transducers
B Gahrn-Hansen1, P Alstrup, R Dessau
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark.
Abstract:
Achromobacter xylosoxidans contaminating transducers caused 15 cases of hospital infection. In the eight patients with bacteraemia the interval from inoculation to fever was an average of 6.6 days. All the infected patients recovered. Computerization of laboratory records allowed retrieval of previous isolates, and review of clinical records focused the problem on patients with cardiac and aortic diseases. The problem arose from the re-use of disposable equipment after disinfection with a benzalcone.
Insights
Achromobacter xylosoxidans hospital infections were linked to contaminated transducers. Re-use of disposable equipment after improper disinfection caused these outbreaks, primarily affecting patients with cardiac and aortic conditions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
- Healthcare-Associated Infections
Background:
- Contaminated medical devices are a significant source of hospital-acquired infections.
- Achromobacter xylosoxidans is an opportunistic pathogen increasingly recognized in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source and characteristics of a cluster of Achromobacter xylosoxidans infections.
- To identify risk factors and implement control measures for transducer-associated infections.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of laboratory and clinical records.
- Microbiological analysis of environmental and equipment samples.
- Epidemiological investigation to identify patient populations at risk.
Main Results:
- Fifteen cases of hospital infection were attributed to Achromobacter xylosoxidans contamination of transducers.
- Eight patients with bacteremia experienced symptoms approximately 6.6 days post-inoculation.
- Infections were linked to the reuse of disposable transducers after disinfection with benzalcone, predominantly affecting patients with cardiac and aortic diseases.
Conclusions:
- Inadequate disinfection protocols for reusable medical equipment pose a significant infection risk.
- Achromobacter xylosoxidans can cause serious hospital-acquired infections, particularly in vulnerable patient groups.
- Enhanced disinfection and strict adherence to single-use policies are crucial for preventing such outbreaks.