Gastroenteritis related to Pseudomonas aeruginosa: an outbreak

ABSTRACT

Thirty-eight soldiers with a few hours history of vomiting and loose motions were admitted at Pak Fd Level II hospital, United Nations Mission in Liberia, on 3rd May 2004. The illness started with vomiting which was followed by diarrhea. Seven had severe dehydration on admission. The stools were initially loose but became blood mixed in about 12 hours. The patients were managed with IV fluids and injectable antibiotics. In the next 48 hours, the frequency of stools decreased and the colour of stools changed to green. On culture, predominant growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was obtained from majority of the stool specimens. The isolate was sensitive to ciprofloxacin, the antibiotic being used for treatment of the cases. The patients became completely asymptomatic in next 3-5 days. On investigation it was found that all the individuals had taken their lunch about 5-6 hours back. They had taken 'langer' cooked food of 'daal' and 'chapatti'. The samples of left over food and water were collected for cultures. A similar isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was found in the water consumed. The water was being brought from a nearby lake for washingtbathing purpose and was accidentally consumed for drinking on that day