Outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae neurosurgical site infections associated with a contaminated shaving razor used for preoperative scalp shaving.

Between July 5 and 21, 2011, an outbreak of neurosurgical site infections with carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumonia occurred in a tertiary care hospital. The outbreak affected 7 patients. The subsequent investigation revealed that a barber's contaminated shaving razor may have caused the carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumonia outbreak. Standardized skin preparation performed by registered nurses using sterilized instruments should be emphasized.