Two Premature Infants Die from Infection Linked to Contaminated Soap

Two premature infants tragically died from an infection linked to contaminated washing up liquid at San Maurizo Hospital in Bolzano, Italy. The deaths occurred within hours of each other on August 12 and August 13, 2023, raising alarms about the presence of increasingly multi-antibiotic resistant bacteria in hospital settings.

The infants, born just three weeks prior, weighed less than two pounds at the time of their passing. One was delivered during the 23rd week of pregnancy, while the other arrived in the 27th week. Both babies contracted an infection caused by Serratia marcescens, a bacterium known for its resilience and opportunistic nature, particularly in vulnerable populations such as premature newborns.

Investigation Underway Following Fatalities

In response to these heartbreaking events, an inquiry has been initiated by health authorities at the hospital. Hospital director Pierpaolo Bertoli stated, “Unfortunately, the babies later developed sepsis, which later proved fatal.” The presence of Serratia marcescens in medical environments is a growing concern, as highlighted by experts in the field.

Professor Brendan Wren from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine characterized this bacterium as potentially lethal to newborns, emphasizing its ability to thrive in various settings, including dishwashing soap. He explained, “It is an opportunistic pathogen that can cause lethal human infection, particularly for immunocompromised individuals including newborn and premature babies.”

The hospital has since recalled all dishwashing soap used in the facility, suspecting that the infection may be linked to this industrial cleaning agent. Bertoli assured the public that the hospital has implemented stringent preventive measures to curb the transmission of germs, stating, “The ward staff strictly adheres to hygiene measures. Unfortunately, these two cases could not be prevented.”

Impact on Hospital Operations and Ongoing Investigations

Following the fatalities, San Maurizo Hospital has temporarily ceased admitting high-risk premature infants. Those already hospitalized have been transferred to facilities nearly 40 miles away to ensure their safety. A police investigation is also underway as authorities work to determine the source of the contamination.

This tragic incident comes shortly after another health scare in Italy, where Valeria Sollai, a 62-year-old woman, died from suspected food poisoning linked to contaminated guacamole at a food festival in Sardinia. Her death followed that of Roberta Pitzalis, aged 38, who passed away earlier this month under similar circumstances. Several others, including two children, have required hospitalization due to the outbreak.

These incidents highlight the urgent need for heightened vigilance in health and food safety protocols to protect vulnerable populations from preventable infections. The ongoing investigations aim to unravel the causes of these tragic outcomes and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.