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Serratia Marcescens Meningitis Associated With a Contaminated Benzalkonium Chloride Solution

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Robert L. Sautter ,
L.H. Mattman  and
Ruben C. Legaspi
Robert L. Sautter*
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
L.H. Mattman
Affiliation:
Department of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
Ruben C. Legaspi
Affiliation:
Department of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, South Macomb Hospital, Warren, Michigan
*
Harrisburg Hospital, Harrisburg, PA 17101
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Abstract

Serratia marcescens is recognized as an important and potentially hazardous nosocomial pathogen. The organism has been implicated here as the first reported case of S. marcescens meningitis associated with skin disinfection. A quaternary ammonium compound (QAC—Benzalkonium Chloride), was used to sterilize the skin prior to injection in a physician's office. Epidemiological studies were initiated. Six spray bottles containing disinfectant, the opened stock bottle of QAC, and an unopened bottle of disinfectant were all cultured. S. marcescens was noted growing in the spray bottles as well as in the opened stock bottle. Anti-biograms of the patient and epidemiological isolates are essentially the same. It is our contention as well as that of the Centers for Disease Control that an appropriate skin disinfectant such as Tincture of Chlorhexidine, Iodophors, or Tincture of Iodine should be used, and that physicians performing surgical techniques in the office be aware of the potential hazard of contamination. The consequences of nosocomial infection with resistant organisms warrant every precaution by health care professionals.

Type
Original Articles
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 5 , Issue 5 , May 1984 , pp. 223 - 225
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1984

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