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Environmental Contamination With Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in an Outpatient Setting

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2015

Theresa L. Smith ,
Peter C. Iwen ,
Susan B. Olson  and
Mark E. Rupp
Theresa L. Smith
Affiliation:
Departments of Internal Medicine, Pathology and Microbiology, and Hospital Infection Control Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
Peter C. Iwen
Affiliation:
Departments of Internal Medicine, Pathology and Microbiology, and Hospital Infection Control Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
Susan B. Olson
Affiliation:
Departments of Internal Medicine, Pathology and Microbiology, and Hospital Infection Control Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
Mark E. Rupp
Affiliation:
Departments of Internal Medicine, Pathology and Microbiology, and Hospital Infection Control Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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Abstract

Eleven cancer patients colonized with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) were followed as outpatients. Environmental cultures were obtained from clinic rooms before and after patient care. Environmental contamination occurred in 29% of encounters. Superficial disinfection did not eradicate contamination, although more thorough cleaning did. We conclude that environmental VRE contamination occurs in the outpatient setting. Infection control practices, similar to those used in the inpatient setting, may be necessary for outpatient clinics

Type
Concise Communications
Information
Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology , Volume 19 , Issue 7 , July 1998 , pp. 515 - 518
Copyright
Copyright © The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America 1998

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