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What is Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)?
Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is an antibiotic-resistant bacteria that is most often observed in patients with compromised immune systems. These infections typically occur in patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings. Ventilators, catheters, and long courses of certain antibiotic medications can increase the risk of developing CRE. Unfortunately, CRE infections are extremely deadly. Due to their difficult nature to treat, CRE infections contribute to death in 50 percent of patients that contract the infection.
The FDA issued a safety communication regarding cleaning and disinfecting instructions for reusable duodenoscopes.
Modified Duodenoscope Linked to Same Deadly Bacteria
According to a report filed by the FDA, five patients in a foreign medical facility underwent procedures with a duodenoscope and contracted the same deadly bacteria that had infected hospitals in the United States. However, the duodenoscope used in this case was Olympus’ remodel of their original Q180V scope. In January 2016, Olympus issued a recall on the current model, stating that a new model with a more easily cleanable mechanism would be replacing them. Alongside the new model would be new cleaning procedures as well.
Olympus attempted to correct the mechanism previously in 2010, but investigations revealed that biological material and bacteria could still enter the internal channel of the scope and remain present thereafter following the prescribed cleaning instructions.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Olympus knew of potential flaws after an outbreak occurred in the Netherlands. In addition, the Japan-based company did not alert American hospitals or the FDA regarding the potential design flaws of their scope until after the Southern California CRE outbreaks.
