<i>Mycobacterium chimaera</i> Infections in a Unit of Cardio Surgery: Study at a General Hospital in Padua, Italy

Silvia Cocchio; Michele Nicoletti; Fabio Zanella; Dania Gaburro; Roberto Bianco; Gino Gerosa; Cristina Contessa; Margherita Boschetto; Paola Stano; Valentina Militello; Claudia Cozzolino; Tiziano Martello; Vincenzo Baldo

doi:10.3390/microorganisms12010029

Microorganisms (Dec 2023)

<i>Mycobacterium chimaera</i> Infections in a Unit of Cardio Surgery: Study at a General Hospital in Padua, Italy

Silvia Cocchio,
Michele Nicoletti,
Fabio Zanella,
Dania Gaburro,
Roberto Bianco,
Gino Gerosa,
Cristina Contessa,
Margherita Boschetto,
Paola Stano,
Valentina Militello,
Claudia Cozzolino,
Tiziano Martello,
Vincenzo Baldo

Affiliations

Silvia Cocchio: Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
Michele Nicoletti: Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
Fabio Zanella: Cardiocirculatory Pathophysiology Unit, Surgery Department, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
Dania Gaburro: Cardiocirculatory Pathophysiology Unit, Surgery Department, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
Roberto Bianco: Department of Cardio Surgery, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
Gino Gerosa: Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
Cristina Contessa: Department of Directional Hospital Management, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
Margherita Boschetto: Infection Control Division, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
Paola Stano: Microbiology and Virology Department, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
Valentina Militello: Microbiology and Virology Department, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
Claudia Cozzolino: Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
Tiziano Martello: Department of Directional Hospital Management, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy
Vincenzo Baldo: Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Vascular Sciences, and Public Health, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12010029
Journal volume & issue: Vol. 12, no. 1
p. 29

Abstract

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Mycobacterium chimaera is a slow-growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium already known for being able to colonize cardio surgery heater–cooler units (HCUs). This study aims to describe the real magnitude of the phenomenon, providing a methodological protocol and the results of a longitudinal survey. In the period 1 January 2017–23 May 2022, over 1191 samples were collected on 35 HCUs of two different manufacturers. Among them, we identified 118 (10.3%) positive results for M. chimaera. We propose our 4-year biosurveillance experience as a practical model to minimize microbiological patients’ risk, suggesting the need for new procedures and interventions for a safer and more ecological cardio surgery.

Published in Microorganisms

ISSN: 2076-2607 (Online)
Publisher: MDPI AG
Country of publisher: Switzerland
LCC subjects: Science: Biology (General)
Website: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/microorganisms

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