Outbreak ofSerratia marcescensInfection in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 303-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
G.A. Prasad ◽  
Paula G. Jones ◽  
Jacqueline Michaels ◽  
Jeffery S. Garland ◽  
Chandra R. Shivpuri

AbstractWe report an outbreak ofSerratia marcescensinfection in the neonatal intensive care unit of a community hospital. The outbreak involved eight neonates, (five infected and three colonized), one of whom died. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis confirmed that all isolates were identical strains. Cohorting and isolation of the infected neonates helped to control the outbreak. No environmental source of infection was found.

2003 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 237-241 ◽  
Author(s):  
Guadalupe Miranda-Novales ◽  
Blanca Leaños-Miranda ◽  
Rita Dı́az-Ramos ◽  
Lourdes González-Tejeda ◽  
Leoncio Peregrino-Bejarano ◽  
...  

2004 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 730-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwan Kew Lai ◽  
Stephen P. Baker ◽  
Sally A. Fontecchio

AbstractObjective:To investigate a cluster of patients infected and colonized withSerratia marcescensin a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Methods:In June 2001, two neonates in the NICU had clinical infections withS. marcescensand one died. Infection control surveillance data for the NICU revealed that S.marcescenswas rarely isolated from clinical specimens. Surveillance and environmental cultures were performed and isolates were typed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Staff and neonates were cohorted and a waterless, alcohol-based handwashing agent was introduced. A case-control study was performed.Results:From June 2 through August 20, 2001, 11 neonates withS. marcescensinfection and colonization were identified. The incidence ofS. marcescensinfections increased from 0.19 per 1,000 patient-days in 2000 to 0.52 per 1,000 patient-days in 2001 (P< .0001). In the first 3 weeks of the investigation, there were 2 sets of patients and sinks with indistinguishable strains; however, in subsequent weeks, all isolates were of unique strains, signifying no further transmission of the two initial predominant strains. Neonates withS. marcescenswere more likely to have a lower gestational age and birth weight. There was no association between cases and healthcare workers (HCWs).Conclusions:A cluster ofS. marcescenswas quickly terminated after the introduction of preventive measures including cohorting of infected and colonized neonates and HCWs, contact precautions, surveillance cultures, and a waterless, alcohol-based hand antiseptic. Chromosomal typing determined that strains with an indistinguishable pattern were no longer present in the unit after control measures were implemented.


2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (7) ◽  
pp. 801-808 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cara Bicking Kinsey ◽  
Samir Koirala ◽  
Benjamin Solomon ◽  
Jon Rosenberg ◽  
Byron F. Robinson ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVETo investigate an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections and colonization in a neonatal intensive care unit.DESIGNInfection control assessment, environmental evaluation, and case-control study.SETTINGNewly built community-based hospital, 28-bed neonatal intensive care unit.PATIENTSNeonatal intensive care unit patients receiving care between June 1, 2013, and September 30, 2014.METHODSCase finding was performed through microbiology record review. Infection control observations, interviews, and environmental assessment were performed. A matched case-control study was conducted to identify risk factors for P. aeruginosa infection. Patient and environmental isolates were collected for pulsed-field gel electrophoresis to determine strain relatedness.RESULTSIn total, 31 cases were identified. Case clusters were temporally associated with absence of point-of-use filters on faucets in patient rooms. After adjusting for gestational age, case patients were more likely to have been in a room without a point-of-use filter (odds ratio [OR], 37.55; 95% confidence interval [CI], 7.16–∞). Case patients had higher odds of exposure to peripherally inserted central catheters (OR, 7.20; 95% CI, 1.75–37.30) and invasive ventilation (OR, 5.79; 95% CI, 1.39–30.62). Of 42 environmental samples, 28 (67%) grew P. aeruginosa. Isolates from the 2 most recent case patients were indistinguishable by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis from water-related samples obtained from these case-patient rooms.CONCLUSIONSThis outbreak was attributed to contaminated water. Interruption of the outbreak with point-of-use filters provided a short-term solution; however, eradication of P. aeruginosa in water and fixtures was necessary to protect patients. This outbreak highlights the importance of understanding the risks of stagnant water in healthcare facilities.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:801–808


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