We have located links that may give you full text access.
Case Reports
Journal Article
Burkholderia cepacia infections associated with intrinsically contaminated ultrasound gel: the role of microbial degradation of parabens.
Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology 2004 April
OBJECTIVE: To describe an outbreak of serious nosocomial Burkholderia cepacia infections occurring after transrectal prostate biopsy associated with ultrasound gel intrinsically contaminated with paraben-degrading microorganisms.
METHODS: A retrospective chart review prompted by a blood culture isolate of B. cepacia. Identification of microorganisms in ultrasound gel in two Canadian centers and characterization by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and assays for paraben degradation.
SETTING: Two Canadian university-affiliated, tertiary-care centers in Newfoundland and Alberta.
RESULTS: Six serious B. cepacia infections were identified at the two centers. Isolates of B. cepacia recovered from the blood of patients from both centers and the ultrasound gel used during the procedures were identical, confirming intrinsic contamination. Strains of Enterobacter cloacae isolated from ultrasound gel at the two centers were also identical. The ability to degrade parabens was proven for both B. cepacia and E. cloacae strains recovered from the ultrasound gel.
CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound gel is a potential source of infection. Contamination occurs at the time of manufacture, with organisms that degrade parabens, which are commonly used as stabilizing agents. There are far-reaching implications for the infection control community.
METHODS: A retrospective chart review prompted by a blood culture isolate of B. cepacia. Identification of microorganisms in ultrasound gel in two Canadian centers and characterization by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and assays for paraben degradation.
SETTING: Two Canadian university-affiliated, tertiary-care centers in Newfoundland and Alberta.
RESULTS: Six serious B. cepacia infections were identified at the two centers. Isolates of B. cepacia recovered from the blood of patients from both centers and the ultrasound gel used during the procedures were identical, confirming intrinsic contamination. Strains of Enterobacter cloacae isolated from ultrasound gel at the two centers were also identical. The ability to degrade parabens was proven for both B. cepacia and E. cloacae strains recovered from the ultrasound gel.
CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound gel is a potential source of infection. Contamination occurs at the time of manufacture, with organisms that degrade parabens, which are commonly used as stabilizing agents. There are far-reaching implications for the infection control community.
Full text links
Related Resources
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app
All material on this website is protected by copyright, Copyright © 1994-2024 by WebMD LLC.
This website also contains material copyrighted by 3rd parties.
By using this service, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy.
Your Privacy Choices
You can now claim free CME credits for this literature searchClaim now
Get seemless 1-tap access through your institution/university
For the best experience, use the Read mobile app