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March 18th, 2011
04:38 PM ET
Surgery prep pads recalled over bacteria fearsA Wisconsin-based medical supply company has issued a voluntary nationwide recall of wipes used to help prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes and burns over fears the products may be contaminated with a type of bacteria known as Elizabethkingia meningoseptica. H&P Industries says the Povidine iodine prep pads were distributed nationwide to health care customers, and are often used as an antiseptic to prepare the skin before surgery. The voluntary recall is particularly designed to help protect at-risk populations, including infants, people with suppressed immune systems and those about to undergo surgery. The company says that the recall affects the following brands – Cardinal Health, Medical Specialties, VHA, Triad, Triad Plus, North Safety and Total Resources – and that concerned customers should visit the recall page on the FDA website for instructions on how to return the products and report adverse events. According to a case study in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology, this type of bacteria, also referred to as Chryseobacterium meningosepticum, is typically found in fresh water, salt water and soil, and is not commonly reported as a human pathogen. The bacteria have been linked to meningitis, and can cause severe infections in infants or adults with underlying illnesses. |
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Get a behind-the-scenes look at the latest stories from CNN Chief Medical Correspondent, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Senior Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen and the CNN Medical Unit producers. They'll share news and views on health and medical trends - info that will help you take better care of yourself and the people you love. |
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yikes
How can the bacteria survive while bathed in a solution of anti-bacterial iodine? Was it a bad batch of iodine or a weak watered down batch maybe?
LOL good point
My wife had chemo therapy followed by a double mastectomy and developed an infection called mycobacterim fortuitum. Has anyone reported any causes of this bacteria due to the alcohol or iodine prep pads?