Nosocomial outbreak of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium primarily affecting a pediatric ward in South Africa in 2012

J Clin Microbiol. 2014 Feb;52(2):627-31. doi: 10.1128/JCM.02422-13. Epub 2013 Nov 13.

Abstract

We describe a nosocomial outbreak of diarrheal disease caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium, focused on a pediatric ward in South Africa. The outbreak peaked between May 2012 and July 2012. Person-to-person transmission was the most likely mechanism of spread of the infection, expedited due to a breakdown in hand-washing and hygiene, suboptimal infection control practices, overcrowding of hospital wards, and an undesirable nurse-to-patient ratio.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cross Infection / epidemiology*
  • Cross Infection / microbiology*
  • Cross Infection / transmission
  • Diarrhea / epidemiology
  • Diarrhea / microbiology
  • Disease Outbreaks*
  • Hospitals
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Salmonella Infections / epidemiology*
  • Salmonella Infections / microbiology*
  • Salmonella Infections / transmission
  • Salmonella typhimurium / enzymology
  • Salmonella typhimurium / isolation & purification*
  • South Africa
  • beta-Lactamases / metabolism

Substances

  • beta-Lactamases