Clinical outcomes of intestinal transplant recipients colonized with multidrug-resistant organisms: a retrospective

Jacques Simkins1, Michele I Morris1, Jose F Camargo1

  • 1Department of Medicine/Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA.

Insights

Multidrug-resistant organism colonization is common in intestinal transplant recipients. Colonized patients face higher risks of bacteremia, impacting survival, underscoring the need for targeted interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Transplant Surgery
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Rates of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization in intestinal transplant (ITx) recipients remain largely unreported.
  • Understanding colonization patterns is crucial for managing post-transplant complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of MDRO colonization in adult ITx recipients.
  • To assess the association between MDRO colonization and subsequent bacteremia.
  • To evaluate the impact of MDRO colonization on hospitalization duration and one-year survival post-ITx.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 45 adult ITx recipients from January 2009 to December 2015.
  • Assessment of colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE), carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
  • Comparison of bacteremia rates, hospitalization days, and one-year survival between colonized and non-colonized patients.

Main Results:

  • 62% of ITx recipients (28/45) were colonized with MDRO, including VRE (50%), MRSA (16%), and CR-GNB (15%).
  • Colonized patients with VRE and CR-GNB had significantly higher rates of developing respective bacteremias compared to non-colonized patients (36% vs. 4% for VRE; 67% vs. 5% for CR-GNB).
  • While overall one-year survival did not differ, survival was significantly lower in MDRO-colonized patients who developed bacteremia (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

  • MDRO colonization is a frequent occurrence in intestinal transplant recipients.
  • Colonization with VRE and CR-GNB increases the likelihood of subsequent bacteremia.
  • MDRO colonization, particularly when leading to bacteremia, adversely affects survival in ITx patients.

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