An Outbreak of<i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>Respiratory Tract Infections Associated with Intrinsically Contaminated Ultrasound Transmission Gel

Abstract

We describe an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa respiratory tract infections related to intrinsically contaminated ultrasound gel used for intraoperative transesophageal echocardiograms in cardiovascular surgery patients. This investigation led to a product safety alert by the Food and Drug Administration and the development of guidelines for appropriate use of ultrasound gel.