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Antibiotic-sensitive Serratia marcescens infections complicating cardiopulmonary operations: contaminated
Abstract:
A cluster of Serratia marcescens infections complicating cardiopulmonary bypass operations was traced to contaminated quaternary ammonium disinfectant. Failure of hospital personnel to clean the disinfectant spray bottles before refilling them had enabled the organisms to survive and contaminate the environment, including the extracorporeal circulator. The organisms grew in two of four formulations of quaternary ammonium disinfectant. Serratia sensitivity to ampicillin and tetracycline was an epidemiological marker of a common-source outbreak.
Insights
Contaminated disinfectant caused Serratia marcescens infections during heart surgery. Improper cleaning of quaternary ammonium disinfectant bottles allowed bacteria to survive and spread, impacting patient safety.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- A cluster of Serratia marcescens infections occurred in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.
- These infections complicated surgical outcomes, raising concerns about hospital-acquired infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the source of the Serratia marcescens outbreak.
- To determine the factors contributing to the spread of infection in a hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation to trace the source of infections.
- Microbiological analysis of environmental samples and disinfectant solutions.
- Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of isolated Serratia marcescens strains.
Main Results:
- The outbreak was traced to contaminated quaternary ammonium disinfectant.
- Improper cleaning and refilling of disinfectant bottles facilitated bacterial survival and environmental contamination.
- Serratia marcescens demonstrated growth in specific quaternary ammonium disinfectant formulations.
- Antibiotic sensitivity patterns (ampicillin and tetracycline) served as markers for the common-source outbreak.
Conclusions:
- Contaminated quaternary ammonium disinfectant is a potential source of Serratia marcescens hospital-acquired infections.
- Strict adherence to cleaning protocols for disinfectants is crucial to prevent environmental contamination and patient infections.
- Understanding microbial growth in disinfectants and using antimicrobial markers aids in identifying outbreak sources.