Nosocomial pseudoepidemics and pseudoinfections: An increasing problem

The infection control practitioner often relies on microbiologic data in order to conduct nosocomial infection surveillance and control activities. On the basis of a review of the medical literature, false positive culture and stained smear results representing pseudoinfection are being reported with greater frequency. Documented cases and clusters of pseudoinfections are reviewed, and the epidemiologic characteristics and methods for detection and prevention of this increasingly recognized problem are discussed.