Possible pseudotransmission of Enterobacter cloacae associated with an endobronchial ultrasound scope.

During an investigation of positive environmental cultures with Enterobacter cloacae from an endobronchial ultrasound scope, possible pseudotransmission was discovered between 2 patients. All reprocessing steps were adhered to and the original equipment manufacture's quality control assessment of the scope could not determine the root cause. Our findings appear to be the first documented case of pseudotransmission from an endobronchial ultrasound scope and suggest bacterial transmission may exist in endoscopes without an elevator channel.

A systematic approach to quantifying infection prevention staffing and coverage needs.

Background: This article describes a large nonprofit health care system's approach at quantifying the actual number of infection preventionist (IP) and relative support staff required to build and sustain effective infection prevention programs.

Methods: A list of all physical locations within the organization requiring infection prevention coverage were identified via survey, including department-level detail for 34 hospitals, 583 ambulatory sites, and 26 in-home and long-term care programs across 5 states. Required IP activities for each physical location were also tallied by task.