The injected steroids that are linked to the current fungal meningitis outbreak are made without preservatives, meaning there is no alcohol or anything in the vials to kill bacteria. They have to be made under highly sterilized conditions. Compounding pharmacies are not as regulated as drug companies, but are still supposed to follow certain rules. The fungal meningitis is linked to bacteria known as Aspergillus, which is found on vegetation.
The New England Compounding Company is the company responsible for distributing contaminated vials of the steroids. They are now under investigation and currently have stopped production and have recalled all of their products.
Read the full story here. http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57534253/what-contaminated-the-steroid-injections-involved-in-us-meningitis-outbreak/