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Pseudo-Outbreak of Mycobacterium scrofulaceum Linked to Cross-Contamination With a Laboratory Reference Strain

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Gina V. Oda*
Affiliation:
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
Michelle M. DeVries
Affiliation:
Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, California
*
3801 Miranda Ave, Maiktop 111-IC, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA94304

Abstract

Mycobacterium scrofulaceum was isolated from three clinical specimens over a period of 2 months. In the preceding 10 years, the institution had not reported any cases of this unusual mycobacterium. Investigation and confirmatory molecular testing indicated a laboratory control strain to be the source of contamination.

Type
Concise Communications
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 2001

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