Poorly Cleaned Endoscopes cause Bacterial Infections for 38 Patients of Chicago-Area Hospital.

A patient of a Chicago area hospital is filing a lawsuit claiming that she, along with 43 other patients, contracted a bacterial infection from an improperly cleaned endoscope. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has confirmed 38 cases of exposure to CRE bacteria from this particular hospital. CRE bacteria is naturally found as part of human gut bacteria however, according to the CDC, this type of bacterial infection can be difficult to treat and can contribute to death in up to 50% of patients who become infected. Cases like these emphasize the importance for robust endoscope reprocessing practices in Hospitals and Clinics as a way to preserve patient safety.

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