Mycobacterium chelonae isolated from rinse water within an endoscope washer–disinfector

Sterilization and Disinfection

“…1,2 Many infections were reported throughout the world due to use of contaminated endoscopes. [3][4][5][6][7] Hence, adequate decontamination techniques for medical and surgical devices are needed in all the health care facilities. The health care providers are equally responsible for the reduction and elimination of such infections.…”

Endoscope disinfection using chlorine dioxide in an automated washer-disinfector

“…3,8 In support of this, disinfection with chlorine dioxide successfully eradicated glutaraldehyde-resistant M. chelonae isolated from rinse water within the endoscope reprocessor. 22 Although described by manufacturers as 'user-safe', an unpleasant irritating odour is given off during preparation and use, and health surveillance of staff is still needed. As the quantity of fumes increases with the concentration of chlorine dioxide, 8 the authors sought to successively evaluate microbicidal properties of low-level solutions.…”

Epidemiology and prevention of infections related to endoscopy

“…The development of automated endoscopic reprocessing (AER) machines has greatly improved endoscope reprocessing by standardizing and automating the procedures; however, these machines have important limitations, and several outbreaks have resulted from design flaws or contamination of this equipment [25][26][27][28]. AER machines cannot monitor the disinfectant concentrations or always detect cases in which the endoscope has not been connected to the machine properly.…”