Minor outbreak of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in an intensive care unit due to a contaminated sink

Abstract

During a period of seven months four patients on the neurosurgical intensive care unit at a tertiary care hospital in Sweden became infected or colonized by an extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strain. The investigation revealed that the source of the outbreak was a contaminated sink. By replacing the sink and its plumbing and improving routines regarding sink practices, the outbreak was successfully controlled.