Minor outbreak of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in an intensive care unit due to a contaminated sink

During a period of seven months four patients on the neurosurgical intensive care unit at a tertiary care hospital in Sweden became infected or colonized by an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strain. The investigation revealed that the source of the outbreak was a contaminated sink. By replacing the sink and its plumbing and improving routines regarding sink practices, the outbreak was successfully controlled. (c) 2012 The Healthcare Infection Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.