Outbreak of Pseudomonas infections in Norwegian hospitals traced to contaminated swabs for mouth hygiene

Since autumn 2001, several hospitals in Norway have reported an increased number of infections and colonisations with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Genetically indistinguishable strains of the bacteria have so far been found in 78 patients in nine hospitals across the country. Most patients already had severe underlying diseases that requiring treatment in intensive care units.