Outbreak of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase–ProducingKlebsiella Pneumoniaein a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Linked to Artificial Nails

Abstract

AbstractBackground:From April to June 2001, an outbreak of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)–producingKlebsiella pneumoniaeinfections was investigated in our neonatal intensive care unit.Methods:Cultures of the gastrointestinal tracts of patients, the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs), and the environment were performed to detect potential reservoirs for ESBL-producingK. pneumoniae. Strains ofK. pneumoniaewere typed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis usingXbal. Acase–control study was performed to determine risk factors for acquisition of the outbreak clone (clone A); cases were infants infected or colonized with clone A and controls (3 per case) were infants with negative surveillance cultures.Results:During the study period, 19 case-infants, of whom 13 were detected by surveillance cultures, harbored clone A. The overall attack rate for the outbreak strain was 45%; 9 of 19 infants presented with invasive disease (n = 6) or developed invasive disease (n = 3) after colonization was detected. Clone A was found on the hands of 2 HCWs, 1 of whom wore artificial nails, and on the designated stethoscope of a case-infant. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that length of stay per day (odds ratio [OR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI95], 1.02 to 1.09) and exposure to the HCW wearing artificial fingernails (OR, 7.87; CI95, 1.75 to 35.36) were associated with infection or colonization with clone A.Conclusion:Short, well-groomed, natural nails should be mandatory for HCWs with direct patient contact.