Transducer related Enterobacter cloacae sepsis in post-operative cardiothoracic patients.
The use of intra-arterial pressure monitoring devices in patients undergoing major cardiac surgery is on the increase. Here we document an outbreak of Enterobacter cloacae septicaemia among seven post-operative cardiothoracic patients. Detailed investigations revealed the source of this nosocomial problem to be contaminated transducer heads. The need to follow strict aseptic measures in handling intra-arterial devices is emphasized, in order to minimize the morbidity and mortality in otherwise low-risk post-operative patients.
Thomas
A
A
Department of Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India.
Lalitha
M K
MK
Jesudason
M V
MV
John
S
S
D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D016972:Enterobacter cloacae / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004756:Enterobacteriaceae Infections / Q000209:etiology*; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D006801:Humans; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D014160:Transducers, Pressure