1197. Microbiological Surveillance of Duodenoscopes Before and After High-Level Disinfection Following Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)

Abstract

Background. Transmission of antibiotic-resistant bacteria during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has been linked to the complex design of the duodenoscope (scope) elevator channel and cantilever. We implemented a scope culturing program to monitor the efficacy of disinfection and to identify frequency of pre-disinfection exposure to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Methods. Facilities performing ERCPs within the Intermountain Healthcare system voluntarily submit scope cultures to the Infectious Diseases Epidemiology Laboratory. Cultures are collected at designated intervals based on procedure volumes at each site. Samples are submitted by endoscopy techs trained to collect flush and swab samples of the distal end of the scope using a previously described method before (PRE) and after (POST) high-level disinfection. Selective media is used to screen for Gram-negative bacilli-resistant to third-generation cephalosporins (ESBL) and vancomycin- resistant Enterococcus (VRE). Results. Between March 7, 2016 and April 18, 2018, 1,255 scope samples from 10 facilities were cultured (533 PRE samples and 722 POST samples). 483 (90.6%) PRE samples were positive, with 75 (15.5%) screening positive for an antibiotic-resistant organism (60 ESBL and 15 VRE). 19 (2.6%) POST samples were positive, with 4 (21.1%) screening positive for ESBL. One of the four ESBL positive POST samples had a corresponding PRE sample for comparison; E. coli and Klebsiella variicola were isolated in both indicating residual contamination. Two of the ESBL-positive POST cultures did not have corresponding PRE samples and one had a PRE culture negative for ESBL. No POST samples contained VRE. Endoscopy personnel were contacted for each positive POST culture and endoscopy reprocessing practices were reviewed. Additionally, scopes were quarantined, reprocessed and re-cultured. Scopes were returned to use once POST cultures were negative. Conclusion. Contamination of scopes with antibiotic-resistant bacteria during ERCP is common. High-level disinfection is effective at reducing bacterial burden but is imperfect. Routine surveillance for post-reprocessing bacterial colonization has been helpful to minimize patient exposure and to maintain focus on the importance of reprocessing.