Flavobacterium meningosepticum in the hospital environment.

Abstract

Ten strains of Flavobacterium meningosepticum were isolated from routine clinical material during a period of two years. Of a number of antibiotics tested, clindamycin was the only one to which they were fully sensitive. The organism was found in chlorhexidine gluconate (Hibitane) solutions in use on the wards for the storage of thermometers and for routine disinfection.

Outbreaks Associated with Contaminated Antiseptics and Disinfectants

“…The inappropriate use of chlorhexidine as a disinfectant has also led to outbreaks. Examples include the use of contaminated chlorhexidine solutions to disinfect glass reservoirs containing urinary bladder irrigants (51), plastic clamps (48), and thermometers (17). Outbreaks due to contaminated chlorhexidine/cetrimide solutions have also been reported (8,13,93).…”

Rare Elizabethkingia meningosepticum meningitis case in an immunocompetent adult

“…4,5 As a biofilm-forming organism, it commonly colonizes sink drains and medical equipment such as ventilators, intravascular catheters and surgical tools, as well as solutions such as chlorhexidine. 7 Hospital isolates are thought to be the underlying cause of sporadic nosocomial outbreaks. Positive screening cultures should, however, be interpreted cautiously, as only 60% have shown clinical correlation with an infectious process.…”

Flavobacterium meningosepticum as an opportunist.

“…Flavobacterium meningosepticum is ubiquitous in the hospital environment (Olsen, 1967) and has been found even in antiseptic solutions such as chlorhexidine (Coyle-Gilchrist et al, 1976). In this case an intense search for the source of infection was not made.…”