Outbreak of extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in a neonatal intensive care unit related to the hands of a healthcare worker / Surto de Klebsiella pneumoniae produtora de beta-lactamase de espectro estendido relacionada à colonização persistente das mãos de uma profissional de saúde em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2007

RESUMO

The aim of this study was to describe the investigation of an outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae at a neonatal intensive care unit, associated with the persistently colonized hands of a nurse who had onychomycosis on her left thumb. We reviewed the use of the epidemiological method for investigating healthcare related outbreaks of infections. We also reviewed the literature concerning the hands of health care personnel. Although the hands of healthcare workers (HCW) play a role in the cross-transmission of nosocomial pathogens, there are few reports in which the persistently colonized hands act as a common source perpetuating an outbreak. In this setting, Gram-positive outbreaks are frequently reported and five Gramnegative outbreaks were reported. By means of this work, we have sought to draw attention to the role of the healthcare professional with chronic lesions on the hand skin and/or fingernails. They may pose a risk of persistent transmission of nosocomial pathogens, especially for critical patients with invasive devices. During healthcare infection outbreaks, examination of the hands of HCW should be included in the investigation

ASSUNTO(S)

klebsiella pneumoniae neonatal intensive care unit nosocomial infection/prevention and control outbreaks surtos de doenças klebsiella pneumoniae infecção hospitalar/prevenção &controle unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal

ACESSO AO ARTIGO

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