title: Colonization of Yankauer suction catheters with pathogenic organisms.
abstract: Oral suction devices may be fomites for nosocomial infections. This study was designed to evaluate the rate of contamination of Yankauer suction catheters. Among the 20 catheters tested, 16 (80%) yielded cultures for pathogens. Seven (35%) were colonized with multiple pathogens. Among the organisms encountered included methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). These devices should be handled and stored with appropriate care.
authors.affiliation: Sharp Memorial Hospital, San Diego, CA 92123, USA. melissa.brown@sharp.com
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Willms
mesh_terms: D001419:Bacteria / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002404:Catheterization; D016983:Enterococcus / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D050456:Fomites; D006761:Hospitals; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000145:classification / Q000302:isolation & purification; D020713:Vancomycin Resistance