Enterobacter aerogenes Primary Bacteremia in Pediatric Patients

Enterobacter aerogenes bacteremia associated with the infusion of contaminated admixed intravenous (IV) fluid occurred in seven patients in a pediatric hospital over a five-day period. Clinical illness was characterized by spiking fever in all patients. The temporal clustering of cases allowed for rapid recognition of the problem. The primary control measure was the prompt replacement of the IV fluids, although IV antibiotics were also administered. Hospital pharmacy practices for admixing IV solutions should follow published recommendations to minimize this source of potential contamination of fluids.