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An outbreak of multi-resistant Shigella sonnei in a long-stay geriatric nursing centre
B McCall1, R Stafford, S Cherian
1Brisbane Southside Public Health Unit, Coopers Plains, Queensland, Australia. brad_mccall@qld.health.gov.au
Abstract:
An outbreak of Shigella sonnei infection in a long-stay nursing centre was detected during routine surveillance of notifications in July 1999. Subsequent investigations identified 13 cases of multi-resistant S. sonnei infection affecting nine staff, three community members associated with the centre and one resident of the centre. Each isolate of S. sonnei was genetically indistinguishable. The outbreak investigation identified contact with residents with vomiting and diarrhoea as a significant risk factor for infection amongst staff providing nursing care. This association, and the duration of the outbreak over several months, suggests that transmission was most likely person-to-person. This outbreak demonstrates the importance of infection control policies and hygiene measures in long-stay nursing facilities.
Insights
A multi-resistant Shigella sonnei outbreak in a nursing center highlights the critical need for robust infection control. Person-to-person transmission, particularly among staff caring for residents with gastrointestinal symptoms, was identified as a key factor.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Nursing facilities are vulnerable to infectious disease outbreaks.
- Shigella sonnei infections can be challenging due to antimicrobial resistance.
- Routine surveillance is crucial for early detection of outbreaks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate an outbreak of multi-resistant Shigella sonnei in a long-stay nursing center.
- To identify risk factors and transmission routes of the infection.
- To emphasize the importance of infection control in healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Routine surveillance of infectious disease notifications.
- Epidemiological investigation of identified cases.
- Genetic analysis of Shigella sonnei isolates to confirm a single source.
Main Results:
- 13 cases of multi-resistant Shigella sonnei infection were identified.
- Affected individuals included nine staff, three community members, and one resident.
- Contact with residents experiencing vomiting and diarrhea was a significant risk factor for staff infection.
Conclusions:
- The outbreak was likely transmitted person-to-person over several months.
- Effective infection control policies and hygiene measures are essential in long-stay nursing facilities.
- This case underscores the need for vigilance against multi-resistant pathogens in congregate settings.