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A Protocol to Characterize the Morphological Changes of Clostridium difficile in Response to Antibiotic Treatment
Published on: May 25, 2017
Enterococci, Clostridium difficile and ESBL-producing bacteria: epidemiology, clinical impact and prevention in ICU
Jan A Sidler1, Manuel Battegay1, Sarah Tschudin-Sutter1
1Division of Infectious Diseases and Hospital Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.
Abstract:
Most hospital-acquired infections arise from colonising bacteria. Intensive care patients and immunocompromised individuals are at highest risk for microbial invasion and subsequent infection due to multiple invasive procedures in addition to frequent application of chemotherapeutics and presence of poor microperfusion leading to mucosal disruption. In this narrative review, we summarise the literature on bacterial colonisation in intensive care patients, in particular the epidemiology, the clinical impact and respective infection control strategies of three pathogens, i.e., Enterococcus spp., extended-spectrum ß-lactamase producing gram-negative bacteria and Clostridium difficile, which have evolved from commensals to a public health concern today.
Insights
Hospital-acquired infections are often caused by bacteria. This review covers bacterial colonization in intensive care units (ICUs), focusing on Enterococcus, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing gram-negative bacteria, and Clostridium difficile.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Critical Care Medicine
- Microbiology
Background:
- Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) frequently originate from bacterial colonization.
- Intensive care unit (ICU) patients face heightened risk due to invasive procedures, chemotherapy, and compromised mucosal barriers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the epidemiology, clinical impact, and control strategies for key bacterial colonizers in ICUs.
- To highlight the public health concern posed by specific pathogens that have transitioned from commensals to threats.
Main Methods:
- Narrative literature review.
- Focus on three specific pathogens: Enterococcus spp., extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing gram-negative bacteria, and Clostridium difficile.
Main Results:
- Bacterial colonization is a primary driver of HAIs in critical care settings.
- Enterococcus, ESBL-producing gram-negative bacteria, and C. difficile represent significant challenges in ICUs.
- Understanding their epidemiology and clinical impact is crucial for effective infection control.
Conclusions:
- Effective infection control strategies are essential to mitigate the risks associated with bacterial colonization in ICUs.
- These pathogens require targeted approaches due to their evolving public health significance.
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