Outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae neurosurgical site infections associated with a contaminated shaving razor used for preoperative scalp shaving

Am J Infect Control. 2014 Jul;42(7):805-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2014.03.023. Epub 2014 May 1.

Abstract

Between July 5 and 21, 2011, an outbreak of neurosurgical site infections with carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumonia occurred in a tertiary care hospital. The outbreak affected 7 patients. The subsequent investigation revealed that a barber's contaminated shaving razor may have caused the carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumonia outbreak. Standardized skin preparation performed by registered nurses using sterilized instruments should be emphasized.

Keywords: Nosocomial transmission; Outbreak investigation; Surgical site infections.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Bacterial Proteins / metabolism*
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Equipment and Supplies / microbiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Klebsiella Infections / epidemiology*
  • Klebsiella Infections / microbiology
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / enzymology*
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae / isolation & purification
  • Male
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / adverse effects*
  • Preoperative Care / methods
  • Surgical Wound Infection / epidemiology*
  • Surgical Wound Infection / microbiology
  • Tertiary Care Centers
  • Young Adult
  • beta-Lactamases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Bacterial Proteins
  • beta-Lactamases
  • carbapenemase