Infection Controversy
Hospital, Sterilizer Manufacturer Debate Responsibility for Deadly Bacteria Outbreak
The Steris System 1 sterilizer is at the center of a public battle between Pittsburgh's Allegheny General Hospital and Steris Corp. Both parties are blaming the other for the deadly bacteria outbreak that infected 16 patients who underwent bronchoscopy at the hospital last year. One person died. (Eight other infected patients also died, but their deaths were not attributed to Pseudomonas aeruginosa, according to numerous published reports.) According to published reports, Allegheny General claims the sterilizing systems were defective. Steris claims the hospital didn't follow proper sterilizing procedures. The FDA says it is investigating.