title: Transducer related Enterobacter cloacae sepsis in post-operative cardiothoracic patients.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, Christian Medical College and Hospital, Vellore, India.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Thomas
authors.forename: M K
authors.initials: MK
authors.lastname: Lalitha
authors.forename: M V
authors.initials: MV
authors.lastname: Jesudason
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: John
mesh_terms: 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