Question

In one hospital, pseudomonas aeruginosa serotype 10 infected the biliary tract of 10 percent 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 serotype 10 was not isolated from the detergent, glutaraldehyde, or tap water. what was the source of the infections?

Answer 1

The source of the infection most would be the first patient who contaminated the instrument used for endoscopic procedures since washing the instrument did not remove the bacteria so it does not come from the water, detergent or glutaraldehyde. Hope this helps. Have a nice day.