Sinus contamination with Pseudomonas paucimobilis: a pseudoepidemic due to contaminated irrigation fluid

Infect Control. 1981 May-Jun;2(3):233-5. doi: 10.1017/s0195941700055120.

Abstract

During a five-week period, Pseudomonas paucimobilis was isolated from maxillary sinus irrigation washes of four patients who attended an ear, nose and throat clinic. The saline irrigation solution was found to be contaminated with the same organism. Further investigation demonstrated the organism in a majority of hospital sinks surveyed. Although P. paucimobilis was isolated from clinical specimens, the presence of the organism did not appear to have clinical significance.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross Infection / etiology
  • Equipment and Supplies, Hospital
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Maxillary Sinus / microbiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pseudomonas / isolation & purification*
  • Pseudomonas Infections / etiology
  • Sodium Chloride
  • Therapeutic Irrigation / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Sodium Chloride