Pseudoepidemic of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 6 associated with contaminated bronchoscopes

J Hosp Infect. 1997 Sep;37(1):19-23. doi: 10.1016/s0195-6701(97)90069-4.

Abstract

An investigation of a pseudoepidemic of Legionella pneumophila serogroup 6 contaminating bronchoalveolar lavage specimens traced the source to contaminated tap water used to rinse disinfected bronchoscopes. The problem recurred despite plumbing changes and the installation of filters in the endoscopy unit water system because of inadequate maintenance of the filters.

MeSH terms

  • Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid / microbiology
  • Bronchoscopes*
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Disinfection / methods
  • Equipment Contamination*
  • Humans
  • Infection Control*
  • Legionella pneumophila / classification*
  • Legionella pneumophila / isolation & purification*
  • Serotyping
  • Water Microbiology*
  • Water Purification / methods