An outbreak of Serratia marcescens infections related to contaminated chlorhexidine

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 1998 Oct;19(10):791-4. doi: 10.1086/647728.

Abstract

An outbreak of Serratia marcescens infections occurred in a university tertiary-care hospital. Alcohol-free chlorhexidine solutions were contaminated with S marcescens. The majority of patient and chlorhexidine strains had similar pulsed field-gel electrophoresis banding patterns. Chlorhexidine was recalled, and the rate of S marcescens isolation returned to baseline. Chlorhexidine without alcohol should not be used as an antiseptic.

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local*
  • Chlorhexidine*
  • Cross Infection / etiology*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology
  • Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field
  • Female
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quebec
  • Serratia Infections / etiology*
  • Serratia Infections / microbiology
  • Serratia marcescens / isolation & purification*

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Chlorhexidine