Came in contact urine from ESBL patient

[sjsingh]

Hi,

I was wondering if someone can help me. I had a patient I was taking care of that had unknown source of infection. While I was kneeling down and getting something of the floor, pt accidentally hit his urinal and it splatter urine all over me and my face??. Next day I found out his labs came back positive for ESBL in the urine. I don't have much knowledge about ESBL and im worried that I might of got the bacteria in me. Is there any way to find out if I was infected?

Thanks in advance 

[chare]

Did you report the exposure to your facility's occupational health?  If not, you should on your next shift.  After reviewing the patient's records, they would best be able to advise you as to risk.

Best wishes.

[Corey Narry, MSN, RN, NP]

That's good advice up there.  But just as an FYI, ESBL (extended spectrum beta lactamase) are enzymes that can inactivate beta lactam antibiotics (penicillins, cephalosporins, and aztreonam) leading to antibiotic resistance. Strains of gram negative bacteria have the enzyme most commonly Klebisella, E coli, and Enterobacter.  They are not that uncommon in health care settings now and have also been isolated in the community (rivers, sewage, livestock, contaminated meats).  

As in any similar situation, immediately wash any areas that you felt came in contact with the contaminated urine with soap and water right away and use an eye wash station if you are worried that you splashed your eyes.  There is a risk of transmission by direct contact through entry via open skin and eyes based on your scenario.  There is no way to test you right now if you are not having any manifestations of infection but it's best to report the incident to Occ Health as a precaution.