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Hospital microbial environment: need for continual surveillance
Abstract:
In an epidemic of nosocomial infection, Pseudomonas cepacia emerged as a significant pathogen capable of causing severe infection. The epidemic was controlled by tracing and controlling the source of the infection, which proved to be "sterile" water and "in-use" dilution antiseptic. Problems of sterile water were controlled by regular maintenance of equipment and surveillance. Antiseptic problems were overcome by changing the type of antiseptic, and paying attention to correct concentration of "in-use" dilution. A four-year follow-up of the water supply shows no further problems. Further infectious episodes caused by P. cepacia have not been encountered.
Insights
Nosocomial infection caused by Pseudomonas cepacia was controlled by identifying and managing contaminated sterile water and antiseptic solutions. Regular maintenance, surveillance, and adjusted antiseptic protocols resolved the outbreak.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Pseudomonas cepacia identified as a significant pathogen in a nosocomial infection epidemic.
- Severe infections were linked to contaminated "sterile" water and "in-use" dilution antiseptic.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the source identification and control strategies for a Pseudomonas cepacia outbreak.
- To present findings on the long-term effectiveness of implemented control measures.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation to trace the source of Pseudomonas cepacia.
- Implementation of enhanced maintenance and surveillance for water systems.
- Modification of antiseptic type and strict adherence to "in-use" dilution concentrations.
Main Results:
- The nosocomial infection epidemic was successfully controlled after identifying contaminated water and antiseptic.
- Regular equipment maintenance and surveillance resolved sterile water issues.
- Changing antiseptic type and ensuring correct dilution eliminated antiseptic-related problems.
Conclusions:
- Contaminated "sterile" water and "in-use" antiseptics were the sources of the Pseudomonas cepacia outbreak.
- Targeted interventions effectively controlled the epidemic and prevented recurrence.
- A four-year follow-up confirmed the sustained efficacy of the control measures.