Multidrug-resistant bacteria transmitted through high-density EEG in ICU

Area of Science:

• Infectious Disease
• Neuroscience
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial contamination poses a significant challenge in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), often leading to hospital outbreaks via environmental routes.
• High-density electroencephalography (EEG) is increasingly utilized for cognitive assessment in brain-injured patients, but its non-disposable components present a potential contamination vector.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the risk of MDR bacterial cross-contamination associated with the use of bedside high-density EEG equipment in an ICU setting.
• To identify specific MDR bacterial strains transmitted through EEG procedures.

Main Methods:

• A systematic analysis of MDR bacterial contamination was conducted in an ICU.
• Specific bacteriological methods were employed to detect and identify contaminating bacterial strains on EEG equipment and in patients.

Main Results:

• A confirmed case of cross-contamination involving an extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae strain was documented.
• A potential case of cross-contamination with a carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strain was also identified.

Conclusions:

• The study confirms that high-density EEG material can serve as a medium for the cross-contamination of MDR bacteria within the ICU.
• Adherence to appropriate disinfection and sterilization procedures for EEG equipment is essential to minimize the risk of MDR bacterial transmission and protect patient safety.