Abstract
The Ralstonia species (RB) and Burkholderia species (BB) are bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections in frail patients such as hemodialyzed (HD) patients. Here, we report how we managed an outbreak caused by RB and BB that occurred in a dialysis unit. From the 7th to the 16th of April 2021, an infection due to RB and BB occurred in 7 out of 39 (17.9%) HD patients with central venous catheter (CVC). Disinfectants, CVC-lock therapy solutions, water by reverse osmosis unit (ROW) and dialysis concentrates were cultured, including the biofilm from the loading plastic tubes (LPTs) that connect the hemodialysis consoles (HCs) to the ROW delivery line. The antibiotic treatment was successful for all patients. RB and BB were isolated in the biofilm of 11/37 LPTs. Three out of 11 positive LPTs were associated with the infected patients. The ROW delivery line was modified to provide a whole disinfection with the HCs connected, avoiding the risk of new contamination of the LPTs. A filtration module of 0.01 mm was added prior to the ROW delivery line. Our experience suggests that outbreaks sustained by unusual bacteria such as RB and BB should be promptly investigated to treat the infected patients with the appropriate therapy and to identify the possible source of infection, making the needful changes to achieve a safer dialysis unit.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
