Pseudomonas Infection of One-Day-Old Chicks Resulting from Contaminated Antibiotic Solutions

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Abstract
An achromogenic variety of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from dead and morbid chicks injected subcutaneously at 1 day old with 0.3 ml of a solution containing 15 mg/ml erythromycin accidentally contaminated with the bacterium. The isolate survived in solutions containing 15 mg/ml erythromycin and caused mortality of chicks injected with these solutions. The bacterium also survived in solutions containing 15 mg/ml erythromycin plus 5 mg/ml neomycin for as long as 5 wk. at room temperatures. Ninety-six percent of the day-old chicks chaUenged with pure cultures of the bacterium suspended in 0.85% sodium chloride solution developed necrosis and purulent exudates around the injection sites and died within 48 hr. Sibling chicks challenged only with 0.85% sodium chloride solution survived without symptoms. Investigation showed that neither the manufacturer''s lot of erythromycin nor the nonsterile water used for dilution was the source of the pseudomonas contamination. This re-emphasizes the need for rigid disinfection procedures and sterile technique in the preparation and administration of parenteral solutions.

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