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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
Isolation and Identification of Waterborne Antibiotic-Resistant Bacteria and Molecular Characterization of their Antibiotic Resistance Genes
Published on: March 3, 2023
[Nosocomial outbreaks and resistant microorganisms]
Akke K van der Bij1, Katina Kardamanidis, Florine N J Frakking
1*De leden van het Signaleringsoverleg Ziekenhuisinfecties en Antimicrobiële Resistentie worden aan het eind van dit artikel genoemd.
Objective:
To determine the number and duration of nosocomial outbreaks caused by highly resistant microorganisms (HRMO) posing a potential threat to public health, in order to undertake a risk assessment.
Design:
Descriptive study.
Method:
Data on nosocomial outbreaks were collected from April 2012 to June 2014. The following characteristics were recorded at the start and end of each outbreak: type of microorganism, reason for reporting, phase of outbreak, number of patients colonised and infected, and infection prevention measures implemented.
Results:
47 medical institutions reported 87 outbreaks (mean: 3 outbreaks per month). 20 outbreaks were reported in 2012 (2.2/month), 39 in 2013 (3.3/month), and 28 in the first six months of 2014 (4.7/month). Outbreaks of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (n = 26), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; n = 23) and resistant or highly resistant Enterobacteriaceae (n = 17) were reported most frequently. 65 outbreaks (75%) were controlled within two months of reporting.
Conclusion:
Transparent reporting of HRMO outbreaks is important for correct public perceptions of the safety of hospitals and nursing homes in the Netherlands. Reports to the Hospital-acquired Infection and Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring Group show that HRMO outbreaks are an almost daily occurrence in Dutch hospitals. However, most outbreaks are quickly controlled without posing a threat to public health.
Insights
Highly resistant microorganism (HRMO) outbreaks occur frequently in Dutch hospitals, with vancomycin-resistant enterococci and MRSA being common. Most HRMO outbreaks are controlled within two months, posing minimal public health risk.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Nosocomial outbreaks caused by highly resistant microorganisms (HRMO) present a significant public health challenge.
- Accurate data on the frequency and duration of these outbreaks are crucial for risk assessment and effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the number and duration of nosocomial outbreaks caused by HRMO.
- To inform public perception and risk assessment related to hospital-acquired infections.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study design was employed.
- Data on HRMO outbreaks were collected from 47 medical institutions between April 2012 and June 2014.
- Key outbreak characteristics, including microorganism type, patient numbers, and control measures, were recorded.
Main Results:
- A total of 87 HRMO outbreaks were reported, averaging 3 outbreaks per month, with an increasing trend observed over time.
- The most frequent causative agents included vancomycin-resistant enterococci (n=26), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA; n=23), and resistant Enterobacteriaceae (n=17).
- The majority of outbreaks (75%) were successfully controlled within two months of reporting.
Conclusions:
- Transparent reporting of HRMO outbreaks is vital for accurate public understanding of healthcare safety.
- Reports indicate HRMO outbreaks are a near-daily occurrence in Dutch hospitals.
- Despite their frequency, most outbreaks are rapidly contained, mitigating widespread public health threats.
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