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A pseudo-epidemic involving bone allografts
L A Mermel1, S L Josephson, C Giorgio
1Division of Infectious Diseases, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence 02903.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Microbiology laboratory contamination of bone allografts by Comomonas acidovorans and Pseudomonas species was traced to a sonicator water bath. This finding highlights the importance of sterile techniques in preventing allograft contamination.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Biomedical Science
Background:
- Bone allografts are critical in reconstructive surgery.
- Sterile processing is essential to prevent allograft contamination.
- Microbial contamination can lead to adverse patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the source of microbial contamination in sterile bone allograft specimens.
- To investigate the route of contamination for Comomonas acidovorans and Pseudomonas species.
- To assess the role of laboratory equipment in allograft safety.
Main Methods:
- Preimplantation culture of bone allograft specimens.
- Microbiological identification of bacterial isolates.
- Epidemiological investigation.
- Molecular subtyping for strain analysis.
Main Results:
- Four sterile bone allograft specimens yielded Comomonas acidovorans and Pseudomonas species upon culture.
- Epidemiological investigation identified a shared microbiology laboratory sonicator water bath as the contamination source.
- Molecular subtyping confirmed the link between environmental isolates and clinical specimens.
Conclusions:
- The sonicator water bath in the microbiology laboratory was the source of allograft contamination.
- Strict adherence to sterile techniques and equipment disinfection is crucial for allograft safety.
- Environmental contamination in laboratories poses a risk to sterile biological materials.