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A pseudoepidemic due to Salmonella typhimurium
Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease
|December 1, 1983
Summary
A Salmonella typhimurium pseudoepidemic in a hospital lab affected 10 patients. Contaminated rubber pipette bulbs were identified as the cause of false-positive cultures.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Infectious disease epidemiology
Background:
- Pseudoepidemics can arise from laboratory contamination.
- Salmonella typhimurium is a common cause of foodborne illness and can cause laboratory-associated infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the cause of a Salmonella typhimurium pseudoepidemic in a clinical microbiology laboratory.
- To identify the source of contamination and prevent future occurrences.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of laboratory records and patient data.
- Environmental sampling and testing of laboratory equipment.
- Microbiological analysis of suspected contaminated materials.
Main Results:
- A pseudoepidemic involving 10 patients was identified.
- Contaminated rubber pipette bulbs were implicated as the source of Salmonella typhimurium.
- One patient received unnecessary antibiotic treatment due to false-positive results.
Conclusions:
- Rubber pipette bulbs can be a source of laboratory contamination and false-positive cultures.
- Strict adherence to laboratory safety protocols is crucial to prevent pseudoepidemics.
- Environmental monitoring and equipment maintenance are essential in clinical microbiology laboratories.