Continued transmission of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from a wash hand basin tap in a critical care unit. Issue 1 (September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Garvey, M.I.; Bradley, C.W.; Tracey, J.; Oppenheim, B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of hospital infection. Volume 94:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 8
• Page End: 12
• Publication Date: 2016-09
• Subjects: Pseudomonas aeruginosa -- Water -- Critical care -- Water outlets -- Outbreak -- Nosocomial; Cross infection -- Periodicals; Cross infection -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Periodicals; Nosocomial infections -- Prevention -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- Periodicals; Cross Infection -- prevention & control -- Periodicals; Infection Control -- Periodicals; Electronic journals; 614.44
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2016.05.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0195-6701

Abstract

Summary: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important nosocomial pathogen, colonizing hospital water supplies including taps and sinks. We report a cluster of P. aeruginosa acquisitions during a period of five months from tap water to patients occupying the same burns single room in a critical care unit. Pseudomonas aeruginosa cultured from clinical isolates from four different patients was indistinguishable from water strains by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Water outlets in critical care may be a source of P. aeruginosa despite following the national guidance, and updated guidance and improved control measures are needed to reduce the risks of transmission to patients.