Respiratory Science
Vol. 6 No. 3 (2026): Respiratory Science

Risk and Prevention of Infections in the Bronchoscopy Room

Wahju Aniwidyaningsih (Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta)
Indah Puspita Sari (Clinical Microbiology Specialist Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta)
Anis Karuniawati (Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo National General Hospital, Jakarta)
Fathiyah Isbaniah (Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta)
Mia Elhidsi (Department of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Persahabatan Hospital, Jakarta)
Ni Putu Laksmi Ananda Martini (General Practitioner, Abdi Waluyo Hospital, Jakarta)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jun 2026

Abstract

Bronchoscopy is a widely used diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in pulmonary medicine, with increasing utilization as technology advances. However, it is also associated with a risk of infection, which may negatively impact patient outcomes, particularly in individuals with underlying lung disease or immunocompromised conditions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that endoscopic procedures, including bronchoscopy, are among the most frequently implicated medical devices in healthcare-associated outbreaks. Post-bronchoscopy infections, although relatively uncommon (0.2–5.2%), may lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, lung abscess, and empyema. These infections can originate from endogenous respiratory flora or from exogenous contamination related to inadequate bronchoscope reprocessing. This narrative review aims to summarize current evidence on infection risks, sources of transmission, and preventive strategies in the bronchoscopy setting, including occupational risks to healthcare workers. Strengthening infection control practices is essential to improve patient safety and reduce the risk of transmission in bronchoscopy units.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

journal

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology

Description

Focuses on original article reviews and case reports in pulmonary and critical care medicine Scope: 1. Asthma 2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 3. Lung Physiology and Sleep-Related Disorder 4. Lung Infection 5. Thoracic Oncology 6. Interstitial Lung Disease 7. Environmental Lung ...