Nosocomially acquired bacteriuria due to Proteus rettgeri and Providencia stuartii

An unusual outbreak of nosocomially acquired bacteriuria due to gentamicin-resistant strains of Proteus rettgeri and Providencia stuartii occurred in 48 patients with indwelling urethral catheters. All strains of both species were susceptible to kanamycin. The cause of the outbreak proved to be a common source of contamination of urinary leg bags. Many strains in both species agglutinated in anti-P. rettgeri 0:26 serum.