ing E. coli — which was highly related to the outbreak strain — and
KPC-producing K. pneumoniae were recovered from the scope's eleva-
tor channel, according to the report.
"Previous studies have shown an association between ERCP endo-
scopes and transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria," the report
notes. "The design of the ERCP endoscopes might pose a particular
challenge for cleaning and disinfection."
A highly publicized outbreak at Methodist Hospital in Houston,
Texas, was caused by biofilm transmitted between patients who
underwent arthroscopic surgery. Upon investigating the outbreak, the
FDA noted small pieces of tissue remained inside shavers, which
reportedly resulted in biofilm colonization inside the handpieces. The
organisms were transmitted even though the central sterile staff had
C E N T R A L S T E R I L E
OSE_1402_part2_Layout 1 2/6/14 2:58 PM Page 79
