Resolution of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak in a hematology unit with the use of disposable sterile water filters.
We observed a significant increase of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremias during 2002. Eighty-five microbiological samples were taken from different potential sources of infection. Twenty-nine out of 46 specimens obtained from water taps, shower heads and siphons tested positive for Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Weekly pharyngeal and rectal swabs in high risk patients, use of tap water after running the tap for at least 5 minutes and use of weekly disposable sterile filters in all taps and showers resulted in a significant decrease in Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremias. Moreover, we observed a significant reduction in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-positive surveillance cultures after implementation of these measures.
Vianelli
Nicola
N
Haematology and Oncology Institute L. and A. Seràgnoli, S. Orsola Hospital, University of Bologna, via Massarenti 9, 40138, Bologna. nvianel@med.unibo.it
Giannini
Maria Benedetta
MB
Quarti
Cinzia
C
Bucci Sabattini
Maria Alessandra
MA
Fiacchini
Mauro
M
de Vivo
Antonio
A
Graldi
Paola
P
Galli
Sabrina
S
Nanetti
Anna
A
Baccarani
Michele
M
Ricci
Paolo
P
D003428:Cross Infection; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D005374:Filtration; D006757:Hospital Units; D006801:Humans; D011552:Pseudomonas Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011550:Pseudomonas aeruginosa; D018508:Water Purification / Q000379:methods*