Healthcare worker-related MRSA cluster in a German neonatology level III ICU: A true European story

作者：Scheithauer S^*; Trepels Kottek S; Haefner H; Keller D; Ittel T; Wagner N; Heimann K; Schoberer M; Schwarz R; Haase G; Waitschies B; Orlikowsky T; Lemmen S

来源：International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health, 2014, 217(2-3): 307-311.

DOI：10.1016/j.ijheh.2013.07.006

• Cross transmission
• Infection control
• Multi resistant bacteria
• Neonatology

Here we investigated a cluster of eight newly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-colonized neonates at an ICU, and present data on molecular strain characterization as well as the source identification process in which we analyze the impact of MRSA-colonized HCWs. %26lt;br%26gt;Molecular strain characterization revealed a unique pattern which was identified as spa-type t 127 - an extremely rare strain type in Germany. Environmental sampling and screening of parents of colonized neonates proved negative. However, staff screening identified one healthcare worker (HCW; 1/134) belonging to a group of recently employed Romanian HCWs who was colonized with the spa 127 strain. Subsequent screening also detected MRSA in 9/51 Romanian HCWs (18%) and 7/9 (14% of all) isolates showed the same molecular pattern as the index case (spa/PFGE type). All carriers were successfully decolonized, after which no new patient cases occurred. %26lt;br%26gt;As a result, we have now implemented a universal screening programme of all new employees as part of our infection control management strategy. %26lt;br%26gt;MRSA-colonized HCWs can act as a source for in hospital transmission. Since HCWs from high endemic countries are particular prone to being colonized, they may pose a risk to patients.

• 出版日期2014-3