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Colonization of pressure ulcers by multidrug-resistant microorganisms in patients receiving home care

Maria Concetta Cataldo1, Celestino Bonura, Giuseppe Caputo

  • 1Geriatric Assessment and Integrated Home Care Unit , District 10, Local Health Agency Palermo, Palermo, Italy.

Scandinavian Journal of Infectious Diseases
|July 7, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDRO) are prevalent in home care patients with pressure ulcers. These findings highlight the role of pressure ulcers in spreading MDROs within the community.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Colonization of pressure ulcers by multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDRO) in home care settings is understudied.
  • Understanding MDRO prevalence is crucial for infection control in community-based care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of MDRO colonization in pressure ulcers of home care patients.
  • To identify specific MDROs, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (MDRGN).

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 32 home care patients with pressure ulcers in Palermo, Italy.
  • Isolation and characterization of MDROs from wound swabs and environmental surfaces.
  • Data collection on patient history, including recent hospital admissions and antimicrobial therapy.

Main Results:

  • Nineteen out of 32 patients (59%) tested positive for at least one MDRO.
  • Prevalence included 1 VRE, 5 MRSA, and 17 MDRGN isolates.
  • MDROs were detected in pressure ulcers and home environment samples.

Conclusions:

  • Pressure ulcers in home care patients are a significant reservoir for MDROs.
  • These findings suggest that pressure ulcers may facilitate the introduction of MDROs into the community.
  • Implications for infection prevention strategies in home healthcare are significant.

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