The Department of Health of Valle del Cauca temporarily closed the Davita SAS hemodialysis services following an Ralstonia pickettii that has infected scores since December, according to an El Pais report (computer translated).

Colombia/CIA
Colombia/CIA

According to the investigations carried out by the Inspection, Surveillance and Control Group of the Departmental Health Secretariat, on December 11, 2017, Davita SAS detected the presence of the bacteria among users of the hemodialysis service and until December 20 it was reported the situation to the departmental health authority.

“This public health event is serious as there was an outbreak in a hemodialysis unit that serves 707 patients, of which 131 have symptoms, 62 of them are contaminated by the Ralstonia Pickettii bacterium and have been treated and 14 patients are hospitalized in stable conditions “, explained the Secretary of Health of the Valley, María Cristina Lesmes.

The investigation has not yet been able to determine the source of bacterial contamination.

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Meanwhile, it is a question of determining whether the presence of this bacterium would be related to the death of two users of the hemodialysis service, which occurred on December 22, 2017 and January 3 of this year.

Ralstonia pickettii, a non-fermenting Gram-negative bacillus, is regarded as being of minor clinical significance; however, many instances of infections with this organism are reported in the literature. Infections can include bacteremia/septicemia caused by contaminated solutions.

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“Patients who are undergoing dialysis have decreased their defense system and, therefore, the risk is greater.The contagion produces a generalized infection called Sepsis,” Lesmes said.

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