In one hospital, Pseudomonas aeruginosa serotype 10 infected the biliary tract of 10% of 1300 patients who underwent gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. After each use, endoscopes were washed with an automatic reprocessor that flushed detergent and glutaraldehyde through the endoscopes followed by a tap water rinse. P. aeruginosa 10 was not isolated from the detergent, glutaraldehyde, or tap water. What was the source of the infections?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The source of the infections was likely a biofilm in the reprocessor. Biofilms are communities of microorganisms that adhere to surfaces and are encased in a protective matrix. They are notoriously difficult to eradicate and can survive the cleaning and disinfection processes, leading to contamination of medical equipment such as endoscopes. Since Pseudomonas aeruginosa was not isolated from the detergent, glutaraldehyde, or tap water used in the cleaning process, it suggests that the bacteria were harboring within the reprocessor itself, likely within a biofilm, and contaminating the endoscopes during the cleaning process.

In One Hospital, Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Serotype 10 Infected the Biliary