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Achromobacter spp. bacteremia outbreak related to contaminated furosemide ampoules
Rajalakshmi Arjun1, Kalpana E John2, Vettakkara Kandy Muhammed Niyas1
1Department of Infectious Diseases, KIMSHEALTH, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.
Abstract:
Nosocomial outbreaks related to medication contamination are reported world-wide. A sudden increase in cases of Achromobacter spp. bacteremia led to an outbreak investigation in our setting. Line listing and environmental sampling led to identification of contaminated furosemide ampoules as the source. Molecular identification helped in species identification and in this outbreak more than one species was identified. Prompt withdrawal of the contaminated batch of ampoules curtailed the outbreak.
Insights
Nosocomial outbreaks caused by contaminated medications, like furosemide ampoules, can be stopped. Identifying the source through investigation and removing the contaminated batch quickly ended this Achromobacter bacteremia outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nosocomial outbreaks due to medication contamination pose a global health risk.
- A rise in Achromobacter spp. bacteremia cases prompted an investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the source of an Achromobacter spp. bacteremia outbreak.
- To identify the contaminated medication responsible for the nosocomial outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Conducted a line listing of cases.
- Performed environmental sampling to identify contamination sources.
- Utilized molecular identification for bacterial species analysis.
Main Results:
- Contaminated furosemide ampoules were identified as the outbreak source.
- Molecular methods revealed the presence of multiple Achromobacter species.
- The outbreak was linked to a specific batch of contaminated furosemide.
Conclusions:
- Prompt identification and withdrawal of contaminated medication are crucial for outbreak control.
- Medication contamination remains a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Molecular techniques aid in understanding complex microbial outbreaks.
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