Richmond, Va.-based Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital underwent a deep clean in one unit after six patients were infected with extended spectrum beta lactamase-producing Klebsiella.
The six patients in one unit of St. Mary's tested positive for the bacteria between March 26 and April 16. After the fourth infection was identified, the hospital contacted the Virginia Department of Health with an action plan to contain the outbreak.
The action plan included the following steps:
- A deep clean of the unit involving manual cleaning and cleaning with the Tru-D SmartUVC advanced disinfection robot, which uses ultraviolet light to kill pathogens
- Proactive testing of patients
- Contact isolation in the unit
The Virginia Department of Health confirmed the hospital's action plan was comprehensive and surpassed its recommendation of how to eradicate ESBL Klebsiella.
"Bon Secours continues to take every measure possible to ensure the safety of patients, staff, visitors and their families," according to a statement sent to Becker's.
According to the CDC, an ESBL-producing organism is resistant to treatment with certain antibiotics, namely cephalosporins and monobactams, but responds to treatment with other antibiotics, like cephamycins or carbapenems.
"Infections caused by ESBL-producing pathogens are problematic because when co-resistance to other antimicrobial class is present, limited antibiotic options are available," according to a 2006 study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.
According to the CDC, Klebsiella infections in healthcare settings typically occur in patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions. Patients on ventilators or with intravenous catheters, as well as patients on long courses of antibiotics, are more susceptible.