Biofilms and Planktonic Cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Have Similar Resistance to Killing by Antimicrobials

the preceding month. A review of respiratory care procedures revealed that when mechanical ventilators were serviced between patients, the electronic temperature probes used with servo-controlled humidifiers were wiped with inadequate disinfection. Cultures were taken of casepatient room surfaces, sinks, and ventilator equipment. S. maltophilia was recovered from room surfaces, ventilator expiratory circuits, and a temperature sensor that had been kept in ambient air after disinfection. Patients and environmental isolates were examined by randomly amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction. Three clinical isolates and one environmental isolate had the same profile, which suggests cross-contamination or common source exposure. The outbreak was controlled by adequate disinfection of the temperature sensors. No single epidemic strain was identified, but several observations support the conclusion that the temperature probes contributed to the outbreak. FROM: Rogues AM, Maugein J, Allery A, et al. Electronic ventilator temperature sensors as a potential source of respiratory tract colonization with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. J Hosp Infect 2001;49:289-292.