Deadly germ-Alarm: 28 patients in the Cologne-based radiology practice, severely infected!

28 patients infected with the doctor with life-threatening pathogens

In a radiology practice in Cologne, there has been a severe outbreak of a life-threatening disease germ. An 84-year-old Patient has already died from the bacterium. At least 27 other people will also be infected. The case is being investigated by a court.

In a Cologne-based radiology practice in the Zeppelin road have become infected, apparently, at least 28 patients with a life-threatening bacterium. A Patient has already died of the infection. The 84-year-old Franz O. received in the practice in January of 2019 a syringe against back pain and ill then at a brain skin inflammation (Meningitis). After several months of illness, he died in mid-April at multiple organ. At the autopsy, finally, the dangerous bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa was discovered.

The hospital germ is spreading in Cologne radiology

“In the context of CT-guided periduralen Infiltration therapies in a period of approximately two and a half weeks to infections with a pansensiblen pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa”, the medical Director of the Medical care centre (MVZ) at the Neumarkt in Cologne to the newspaper “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger”. 28 patients were probably infected during this period. The Cologne public Prosecutor’s office is reviewing the case.

It started with back pain

The 84-year-old Franz O. suffered from pain in January 2019 under the back. At the Cologne medical centre, he received an injection against the pain, he was apparently the Hospital. A short time later the man became ill with a brain inflammation of the skin, in which severe complications occurred. “As a paraplegic, threatened, had emergency surgery, my husband,” says the wife to the “Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger”. 36 hours after the OP, Franz O., died of failure and then multiple organ. The Cologne public Prosecutor’s office is currently clarifying whether the death of the husband is directly related with the infection.

Cologne radiology has independently informed the Prosecutor’s office

Franz O., however, was not an isolated case. A minimum of 27 additional patients suffered serious illness in the period after a treatment in the radiology Department. Due to the large number of affected patients, the medical centre turned on finally, even the Prosecutor’s office. “We are in close contact with the affected patients and are very sorry that you have been infected in our practice,” says Herbrik. The MVZ Director, announced that the practice is responsible for the damage, if the court looks at the culpability of the doctors. Overall, the MVZ informed 297 patients in writing about the risk of infection.

One of the most serious outbreaks in Europe

The speaker of the management Board of the German society for hospital hygiene Peter Walger commented on the case, and speaks of the “most serious outbreak of this pathogen in an outpatient medical institution at all”. In Europe, there is no serious case has been described, so Walger.

What Pseudomonas aeruginosa is so dangerous?

The rod-shaped bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a frugal, resilient, and persistent. He is one of the most dreaded Hospital-acquired infections, because the pathogen can survive for a variety of disinfectants and antibiotics. Infections with the bacterium can lead to various diseases, including urinary tract infections, enterocolitis, Meningitis, ear infections, or wound infections. It is not uncommon to serious complications that can be fatal.

Why Pseudomonas aeruginosa is resistant?

The bacterium has a number of defense mechanisms. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, for example, can convert the active ingredients of some of the antibiotics so that they are ineffective. In addition, the bacteria produce a thick mucus layer, a so-called Biofilm, which shields you. The immune system can detect Pseudomonas aeruginosa, therefore, difficult and the fight. (vb)