Infection with Pseudomonas maltophilia hospital outbreak due to contaminated disinfectant

Abstract

Between August, 1973, and May, 1974, Pseudomonas maltophilia was isolated from 63 patients in the King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Subiaco, Western Australia. Primary cultures were obtained mainly from specimens of urine from adults, and from intraarterial catheter tips and umbilical swabs from neonates. In most cases the organism appeared to be a contaminant, but in seven it was responsible for infection. The source of the organism was deionized water used for diluting Savlon concentrate (chlorhexidine, 1-5%; cetrimide, 15%). In the 17 months since the method of preparation and distribution of Savlon to the wards was altered, Ps. maltophilia has not been isolated from either clinical specimens or hospital disinfectants.