Outbreak of a Multiply Resistant Klebsiella Infection in a Paediatric Ward at Frere Hospital

Abstract

An outbreak of Klebsiella pneumoniae septicaemia (KPS) was detected in a general paediatric ward at Frere Hospital. An investigation was made to determine the source as well as any contradictory factors. The findings showed that this was a nosocomially acquired infection of low virulence. Mainly immunocornpromised children within the ward were being infected' the probable source being handbasin in the ward' and the likely mode of transmission of the organism was by hand. The control measures instituted include admitting immunocompromised patients to other wards, rigid adherence to hand washing between patients and regular flushing of handbasins with a drain cleaner. In the three months following the implementation of these measures only one further patient with KPS was detected. This was felt to be due to the control measures instituted and underlined to us the importance of continual surveillance of blood culture results and strict adherence to accepted hygiene measures.