Superbug Outbreak in California Linked to Deaths Results in Lawsuit

The first lawsuit associated with a recent outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) was filed recently in Los Angeles County Superior Court.  The lawsuit accuses a healthcare device manufacturer of negligence after a patient contracted CRE following a medical procedure. This person was just one of multiple patients who were recently infected at a California hospital.  Two deaths have also been associated with the CRE infections.
 
CRE is the name given to a family of pathogens that are difficult to treat because they are highly resistant to antibiotics. The term “carbapenem” describes a class of antibiotics that are frequently used to treat severe infections and are often considered as antibiotics of last resort.  Klebsiella and Escherichia coli (E. coli) are examples of Enterobacteriaceae, a normal part of human intestinal bacteria that can become carbapenem-resistant.
 
Although healthy people do not typically get CRE infections, more than 9,000 healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are caused by CRE each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CRE infections most commonly occur in healthcare environments with patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions. Patients whose care requires devices like ventilators, urinary or intravenous catheters, and patients who are taking long courses of certain antibiotics are generally considered to be most at risk for this type of infection.
 
“CRE is just one of many superbugs that are of increasing concern in both healthcare environments and due to growing concerns over community-acquired infections,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.  “C. diff, MRSA and a host of other microbial pathogens can be spread from poor hand hygiene and contaminated surfaces.  At LA Testing, we offer environmental testing solutions to identify microbial pathogens, confirm surface disinfection techniques are working and to pinpoint the source of an outbreak if one has already occurred due to surface contamination issues.”  
 
LA Testing recently sponsored a video about carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae that can be seen at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7wS6qZ5FeE.
 
To learn more about environmental testing for CRE, C. diff, MRSA and other microbial pathogens, please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 755-1794. 
 
About LA Testing
LA Testing is California’s leading laboratory for indoor air quality testing of asbestos, mold, lead, VOCs, formaldehyde, soot, char, ash and smoke damage, particulates and other chemicals.  In addition, LA Testing offers a full range of air sampling and investigative equipment to professionals and the general public. LA Testing maintains an extensive list of accreditations including: AIHA LAP LLC., AIHA ELLAP, AIHA EMLAP and AIHA IHLAP, NVLAP, State of California, State of Hawaii Department of Health and other states.  LA Testing, along with the EMSL Analytical, Inc. network, has multiple laboratories throughout California including South Pasadena, Garden Grove, San Leandro and San Diego.
 

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