Bacillus cereus infections among oncology patients at a children's hospital

John C. Christenson, Carrie Byington, E. Kent Korgenski, Elisabeth E. Adderson, Carol Bruggers, Roberta H. Adams, Eileen Jenkins, Sheri Hohmann, Karen Carroll, Judy A. Daly, Andrew T. Pavia

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: Bacillus cereus can cause severe infections in immunocompromised persons. Methods: We report 3 cases of bacteremia/septicemia (1 fatal) among oncology patients in a children's hospital. Because all cases occurred during a 10-day period, a common source outbreak was suspected. An epidemiologic investigation was performed. Molecular comparison of patient and environmental isolates was performed by using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Results: After an extensive investigation, no common hospital source could be found. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis proved that the isolates were not related. Conclusion: Sporadic infections in immunocompromised persons do occur and can be associated with significant morbidity.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)543-546
Number of pages4
JournalAmerican journal of infection control
Volume27
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology
  • Health Policy
  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
  • Infectious Diseases

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