Infection control and hospital epidemiology : the official journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Nov 1989
Pseudoepidemic of Rhodotorula rubra in patients undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy.
Between March and June 1988, Rhodotorula rubra was isolated from the bronchial washings of 30 of 56 (54%) patients undergoing bronchoscopy at a North Carolina community hospital. Pulmonary disease consistent with invasive fungal pneumonia was not apparent for any patient. Repeat sputum cultures were performed on 11 patients, none of whom were positive for R rubra. ⋯ Despite published disinfection guidelines, pseudoepidemics and infections from contaminated equipment continue to appear. This pseudoepidemic investigation revealed a site for contaminating bronchoscopes that has not been previously reported, the inner cannula cleaning brushes. This emphasizes the need for stringent adherence to recommended cleaning and disinfection guidelines.