ABSTRACT
A duodenoscope is complex instrument with an elevator and an elevator wire channel which are difficult to access and not readily amenable to cleaning and disinfection. Lapses in endoscope reprocessing have been regarded as a major cause of duodenoscope-associated transmission of infection. However, recent outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae or other multidrug-resistant organisms have emerged in spite of proper adherence to the manufacturer's reprocessing instructions. It is the time to reestablish reprocessing protocol appropriate for duodenoscope and revise a new design of duodenoscope that makes reprocessing easier in order to prevent cross-transmission of infection by duodenoscope. This manuscript reviews current state of duodenoscope-associated infections, recent measures from the United States government agencies and its limitations, and future strategies to prevent duodenoscope-associated infections.