An outbreak of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection associated with contamination of bronchoscopes and an endoscope washer-disinfector

Over a two-month period, two distinct types of Pseudomonas aeruginosa resis tant to ceftazidime and azlocillin were isolated from bronchial specimens o f ITU patients who had been previously broncho-scoped. The source of the ou tbreak was probably a faulty contaminated bronchoscope washer-disinfector w hich had been purchased a year earlier but not properly maintained. This pa per describes the outbreak, the identification and elimination of the sourc e, and the steps taken to prevent recurrence. Several automated, closed was her-disinfectors had been bought by the hospital in response to health and safety concerns about glutaraldehyde disinfection toxicity, but the operati on and maintenance of these machines had not been supervised. Several other washer-disinfectors were also found to be faulty The potential hazards of automated endoscope washer-disinfectors and the importance of controlled pr ofessional maintenance, servicing and training is discussed. (C) 2000 The H ospital Infection Society.