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Multiresistant coagulase-negative staphylococci disseminate frequently between intubated patients in a

Christina Agvald-Ohman1, Bodil Lund, Charlotta Edlund

  • 1Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Huddinge University Hospital, Karolinska Instituent, Stockholm, Sweden.

Critical Care (London, England)
|February 21, 2004
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) frequently transmit between intubated patients in intensive care units. Enhanced infection control measures are needed to reduce this bacterial spread and prevent nosocomial infections.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Intensive care units (ICUs) face high rates of nosocomial infections from multiresistant pathogens.
  • Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are a leading cause of nosocomial infections and bloodstream infections.
  • CoNS colonize skin, airways, and devices, posing a risk in ICUs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate CoNS colonization in intubated ICU patients.
  • To determine the rate of CoNS cross-transmission between these patients.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty intubated patients (≥3 days ventilation) were studied.
  • Upper and lower airway samples were collected and quantitatively cultured.
  • 199 CoNS isolates from 17 patients underwent pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for genetic fingerprinting.

Main Results:

  • A high number of CoNS transmission events were detected.
  • Five CoNS genotypes were found in multiple patients.
  • 14 out of 20 patients experienced at least one probable transmission event.

Conclusions:

  • Frequent CoNS transmission occurs between ICU patients.
  • Transmission highlights the need for improved infection control strategies.
  • Reducing transmission can mitigate the risk of nosocomial infections.

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