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Further studies on the sources of Klebsiella aerogenes in hospital patients

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

E. Mary Cooke
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, University of Leeds LS2 9NL
Roselene Pool
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, University of Leeds LS2 9NL
Janet C. Brayson
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, University of Leeds LS2 9NL
A. S. Edmondson
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, University of Leeds LS2 9NL
Mary E. Munro
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, University of Leeds LS2 9NL
Ruth Shinebaum
Affiliation:
Department of Microbiology, University of Leeds LS2 9NL
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We report an investigation into faecal carriage of Klebsiella aerogenes and the distribution of this organism in the environment of three wards. In all three wards faecal carriage rates were high (60–70%). The faecal carriage rate increased with antibiotic administration and with length of in-patient stay. K. aerogenes was widely distributed in the ward environment and was found on the hands of nursing staff. Clusters of isolations of K. aerogenes of the same serotype were demonstrated indicating either patient-to-patient transfer or a common source of infection. The results indicate that even under conditions in which there are no outbreaks of K. aerogenes infection, there is a large reservoir of this organism both in the bowel of patients and in the ward environment.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1979

References

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