Colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms in evacuees after Hurricane Katrina

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Hurricane Katrina caused mass patient displacement, leading to challenges in healthcare.
• Limited medical records complicated infection control for evacuated patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria colonization in Hurricane Katrina evacuees.
• To identify predictors of MDR colonization in this displaced patient population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of 50 patients evacuated to Grady Memorial Hospital.
• Surveillance cultures performed on admission.
• Analysis of patient data to identify colonization predictors.

Main Results:

• 18% (9/50) of patients were colonized with MDR bacteria.
• Presence of a wound was the strongest predictor of MDR colonization.
• Contact precautions were initiated for 16 patients.

Conclusions:

• Hurricane Katrina evacuees exhibited significant MDR bacterial colonization.
• Wounds are a critical factor in predicting MDR colonization.
• Further research is required to develop reliable prediction models for MDR colonization in disaster-affected populations.