Microbiological characteristics, transmission routes, and mitigation measures in bronchoscope-associated investigations: Summary of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consultations, 2014-2022

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol. 2023 Dec;44(12):2052-2055. doi: 10.1017/ice.2023.229. Epub 2023 Nov 6.

Abstract

In this summary of US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consultations with state and local health departments concerning their bronchoscope-associated investigations from 2014 through 2022, bronchoscope reprocessing gaps and exposure to nonsterile water sources appeared to be the major routes of transmission of infectious pathogens, which were primarily water-associated bacteria.

MeSH terms

  • Bronchoscopes*
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.
  • Communicable Diseases*
  • Humans
  • Referral and Consultation
  • United States
  • Water

Substances

  • Water