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A Pseudoepidemic of Rhodotorula rubra: A Marker for Microbial Contamination of the Bronchoscope

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Margaret E. Hagan ,
Stephen A. Klotz ,
William Bartholomew ,
Lonna Potter  and
Michael Nelson
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Abstract

Rhodotorula rubra was isolated from bronchoscopy specimens from 11 patients. An investigation of the bronchoscopy equipment and the bronchoscopy suite revealed contamination of the suction channel with R rubra, as well as potentially pathogenic bacteria. Disinfection control methods included gas sterilization of the bronchoscope and the institution of an alcohol and air flush through the suction channel to allow complete drying of the scope between each patient use. We have had no further isolates of R rubra from bronchoscopy specimens since these measures were instituted, and repeat cultures from the suction channel have been negative.

Information

Type
Concise Communications
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 16 , Issue 12 , December 1995 , pp. 727 - 728
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1995

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