Bacteria Contamination Reported in IVs

Patients in Chicago contracted a bacterial disease from syringes filed with intravenous fluids used to prevent blood clots.

Officials with Rush University medical center said as many as 21 Chicago-area patients contracted an infection caused by Serratia marcescens, the Chicago Tribune reported Wednesday.

Officials said the cases involved in-home use syringes filled with the drug heparin used to prevent blood clots.

The company Sierra Pre-Filled manufactures heparin for distribution and is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, Medical News Today reported Wednesday. The company recalled the contaminated lot.

S. mercescens causes the eye infections conjunctivitis, keratitis, endophthalmities and tear duct infections. It is a common bacteria found in damp environments.

Hospital officials said there are as many as 20 similar cases in Texas and suspect other cases may emerge.

The Chicago area patients responded positively to antibiotics and hospital officials expect a full recovery.