Publication:

Epidemiological analysis of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infection cluster among mechanically ventilated pediatric intensive care patients

Background Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is frequently found in hospital environments and usually associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly in patients in the intensive care units (ICU). The current study report an outbreak of E. meningoseptica infection/colonization in the pediatric intensive care unit, highlighted the infection control methods used to stem the spread.

Methods During a period of 7 months, May-November 2015, 4 patients were infected/ colonized by E. meningoseptica. Infection control measures were re-emphasized after each case and environmental swabs were cultured to detect possible source. Follow up for 25 months to ensure eradication of the pathogen.

Results Four patients were colonized/ infected with E. meningoseptica, their mean age 22 months. The average time patients spent in ICU between admission and isolation of E. meningoseptica was 27.5±19.2 days. All patients were mechanically ventilated. 25% E. meningoseptica isolated from blood causing healthcare associated Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI) while it was isolated from endotracheal tube (ETT) secretion in 75% as healthcare associated colonization. The 4 isolates confirmed as identical using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Conclusions Intensive infection control measures including healthcare workers education, emphasizing hand hygiene, comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of equipment and the environment are important to eradicate the bacterium.