Enterobacter cloacae septicemia in a bum center: Epidemiology and control of an outbreak

C. Glen Mayhall, V. Archer Lamb, William E. Gayle, Boyd W. Haynes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

65 Scopus citations

Abstract

An outbreak of infections due to Enterobacter cloacae occurred in the burn center at the Medical College of Virginia (Richmond, Virginia) in 1976. Fifteen patients had bacteremia due to E. cloacae-, 10 cases of bacteremia occurred during a six-week period in January and February. The development of bacteremia was significantly related to the extent of third-degree burn and to admission to the burn center in January and February but not to the presence of an intravenous cannula, underlying disease, or antimicrobial therapy. E. cloacae was spread by contaminated hands of personnel and by cross-contamination of hydrotherapy water. A shortage of staff appeared to be an important factor in the occurrence of the outbreak. Control measures included an increase in the number of personnel, instruction of personnel in proper aseptic technique, and adoption of a new hydrotherapy protocol.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)166-171
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Infectious Diseases
Volume139
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 1979
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine

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