Influx of multidrug-resistant organisms by country-to-country transfer of patients

Nico T. Mutters*, Frank Günther, Anja Sander, Alexander Mischnik, Uwe Frank

*Corresponding author for this work
10 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are a worldwide problem. International migration and travel facilitate the spread of MDRO. Therefore the goal of our study was to assess the risk of influx of MDRO from patients transferred to one of Central Europe's largest hospitals from abroad. Methods: A mono-centre study was conducted. All patients transferred from other countries were screened; additional data was collected on comorbidities, etc. Presence of carbapenemases of multidrug-resistant Gram-negatives was confirmed by PCR. The association between length of stay, being colonized and/or infected by a MDRO, country of origin, diagnosis and other factors was assessed by binomial regression analyses. Results: From 2012 to 2013, one fifth of all patients were colonized with MDRO (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [4.1 %], Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci [2.9 %], multidrug-resistant Gram-negatives [12.8 %] and extensively drug-resistant Gram-negatives [3.4 %]). The Gram-negatives carried a variety of carbapenemases including OXA, VIM, KPC and NDM. The length of stay was significantly prolonged by 77.2 % in patients colonized with a MDRO, compared to those not colonized (p<0.0001). Conclusions: Country-to-Country transfer of patients to European hospitals represents a high risk of introduction of MDRO and infection control specialists should endorse containment and screening measures.

Original languageEnglish
Article number466
JournalBMC Infectious Diseases
Volume15
Issue number1
ISSN1080-6040
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28.10.2015

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Infection and Inflammation Research (ZIEL)

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