Surgery prep pads recalled over bacteria fears

A 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.