title: Infection and endoscopy: who infects whom?
abstract: Infection is one of the major hazards of endoscopic procedures and is the commonest complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) causing death. Prevention of endoscopy-associated infections is based on adequate cleaning and disinfection regimens. Scrupulous mechanical cleaning is fundamental; even prolonged chemical disinfection will be ineffective if cleaning has not been adequate. Special measures are required to prevent ERCP-related infections. It is important to recognize various special circumstances that increase a patient's susceptibility to infection and to administer antibiotic prophylaxis when appropriate.
authors.affiliation: Gastroenterology Unit, Royal Brisbane Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: A E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Cowen
mesh_terms: D003428:Cross Infection; D004198:Disease Susceptibility; D016099:Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000635:transmission*