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Multi-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak associated with contaminated tap water in a neurosurgery intensive

F Bert1, E Maubec, B Bruneau

  • 1Service de Microbiologie, Hopital Beaujon, Clichy, France.

The Journal of Hospital Infection
|June 9, 1998
PubMed

Insights

A multi-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa O11 outbreak in a neurosurgery ICU was linked to sinks. Interventions including improved hygiene and sink replacement controlled the spread of this dangerous bacteria.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Microbiology
  • Hospital Epidemiology

Background:

  • Multi-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa O11 outbreaks pose significant threats in healthcare settings.
  • Neurosurgery intensive care units (ICUs) are particularly vulnerable due to immunocompromised patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the source and control of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa O11 outbreak in a neurosurgery ICU.
  • To identify the transmission routes of the multi-resistant strain.

Main Methods:

  • Epidemiological surveillance of patient infections and colonization.
  • Microbiological cultures from clinical samples, tap water, and enteral nutrition solutions.
  • DNA macrorestriction analysis (XbaI) for strain typing.

Main Results:

  • 36 patients were infected or colonized with multi-resistant P. aeruginosa O11.
  • The outbreak strain was isolated from tap water and enteral nutrition solutions.
  • DNA analysis confirmed the link between patient, water, and nutrition solution isolates.
  • Infections included urinary tract infections, pneumonia, and sinusitis.

Conclusions:

  • Tap water, likely from sinks, was the probable source of the P. aeruginosa O11 outbreak.
  • Contaminated hands of healthcare workers and nutrition solutions facilitated transmission.
  • Enhanced isolation, modified enteral nutrition, and sink replacement successfully controlled the outbreak.

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