The risk of contaminated ultrasound gels in the intensive care unit: lessons from an outbreak of <i>Burkholderia cenocepacia</i>.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Burkholderia cenocepacia is an environmental Gram-negative bacterium, resistant to many antibiotics and antiseptics, that can survive in aqueous hospital environments. We investigated an outbreak of B. cenocepacia in the intensive care unit (ICU) of Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, aiming to identify the source and prevent further transmission.

Methods

The outbreak was detected after two ICU patients developed B. cenocepacia bacteremia. Environmental samples, including ultrasound gels, and disinfectants, were collected. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to determine clonality between clinical and environmental isolates. Immediate actions were taken, including a recall of ultrasound gel batches and the use of sterile gel sachets for high-ris

SUBMITTER: Ahamed Sha B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12281230 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature