Abstract

Objective: Clinical Microbiology Laboratory is one of the basic components of an effective infection control program. In this study, the importance of early detection and reporting of clusters by our Hospital Microbiology Laboratory in the prevention of epidemics was emphasized.

Methods: Clinical samples obtained by bronchoscopic aspiration in our Hospital Bronchoscopy Unit were investigated prospectively and retrospectively. Bacteriological analysis was performed from the bronchoscope and also the rinse tanks. Antimicrobial effects of disinfectant used in the bronchoscopy unit were tested.

Results: Although microscopic findings were not compatible, Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates with the same phenotypic characteristics and antibiotic susceptibility patterns were reported from the Microbiology Laboratory P. aeruginosa was yielded in 37 clinical samples by the Infection Control Team. Contamination or colonization was detected in 34 cases, but infection findings were identified in 3 patients. Identical P. aeruginosa strains were yielded in both rinse water samples and bronchoscopic samples. As a result of investigations, low disinfectant activity and technical failure in one of the bronchoscopes were detected. Contamination was ended by changing disinfectant and bronchoscope. 

Conclusion: Early reporting of the clusters of microorganisms by Microbiology Laboratory resulted in prevention of a possible outbreak of P. aeruginosa.