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A pseudo-outbreak of respiratory infection with Acinetobacter species
O Sule1, H A Ludlam, C W Walker
1Clinical Microbiology and Public Health Laboratory, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, England.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology
|July 1, 1997
Abstract:
We describe an apparent outbreak of respiratory infection with Acinetobacter species involving 14 patients over 8 days. Epidemiological investigation revealed two consecutive pseudo-outbreaks of infection caused by two consecutive, unrelated laboratory errors in the processing of sputum, nasopharyngeal, and endotracheal aspirates.
Insights
An apparent Acinetobacter respiratory infection outbreak was investigated. The study found two pseudo-outbreaks caused by laboratory processing errors, not a true patient infection surge.
Area of Science:
- Clinical microbiology
- Infectious disease epidemiology
Background:
- Acinetobacter species can cause severe respiratory infections.
- Rapid identification of outbreaks is crucial for patient care and infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an apparent outbreak of Acinetobacter respiratory infections.
- To identify the source and nature of the suspected outbreak.
Main Methods:
- Epidemiological investigation of 14 patients over 8 days.
- Review of laboratory processing procedures for respiratory specimens.
Main Results:
- No true outbreak of Acinetobacter respiratory infection was identified.
- Two distinct pseudo-outbreaks were attributed to laboratory errors in specimen processing.
Conclusions:
- Laboratory errors can mimic infectious outbreaks.
- Careful review of laboratory procedures is essential to differentiate true outbreaks from pseudo-outbreaks.