title: A bacteriological examination of breast pumps.
abstract: In an investigation of the source of an outbreak of Serratia marcescens infection in a special care baby unit, several breast pumps used in the hospital and community were examined. The epidemic strain was isolated from two pumps and other Gram-negative organisms, Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis were isolated from seven. The findings indicate that breast pumps may be a potential source of contamination of the user, her breast milk, infant and environment. Our recommendations regarding the use of breast pumps are presented.
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology* / Q000635:transmission; D001431:Bacteriological Techniques; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D004203:Disinfection / Q000592:standards; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007494:Ireland; D008895:Milk, Human; D009725:Nurseries, Hospital / Q000592:standards*; D012706:Serratia marcescens / Q000302:isolation & purification