Spread of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a burns unit.

Summary An epidemiological investigation of the spread of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a burns unit was conducted by means of a phage-typing technique. During the period of treatment 62 per cent. of the patients were colonised with P. aeruginosa in their burns. The frequency of colonisation was correlated to the extent and depth of the burns. Thirty-three per cent. of the isolates of P. aeruginosa belonged to the same phage type, 1214/109/F8. Endogenous infection from intestinal flora to burn in the same patient was not commonly observed. In several cases P. aeruginosa was present for a long period of time in the ward environment without colonising patients being treated for open, extensive and recent burns. The reason for this is discussed. No predominant route of infection could be demonstrated. It was not possible permanently to decontaminate the environment by disinfection of wash-basins and sinks.