Outbreak of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a neonatal unit

An outbreak of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Klebsiella pneumo niae (ESBLKp) in a neonatal unit was controlled using simple measures. Norm ally, the control of such infections can be time consuming and expensive. S even cases of septicaemia resulted in two deaths. ESBLKp isolates were subt yped by pulsed field gel electrophoresis, and four of the five isolates typ ed were identical. Control of the outbreak was achieved by altered empiric antibiotic treatment for late onset sepsis and prevention of cross infectio n by strict attention to hand washing. Widespread colonisation of babies in the unit was presumed, so initial surveillance cultures were not performed . No further episodes of sepsis occurred.