The Emergency Medical Service Microbiome
Andrew J Hudson1, Graeme D Glaister1, Hans-Joachim Wieden2
1Alberta RNA Research and Training Institute (ARRTI), University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|December 10, 2017
Summary
Emergency medical services (EMS) personnel may transmit healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) due to pathogen reservoirs in ambulances. Further microbiome research is crucial to understand and mitigate these biosafety risks.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Emergency medical services (EMS) are vital for patient transport but pose risks for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).
- Limited knowledge exists regarding EMS biosafety, pathogen transmission, and the role of EMS microbiomes in healthcare settings.
- Hospital microbiomes are studied, but EMS environments remain under-investigated regarding pathogen reservoirs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on EMS biosafety and the role of EMS microbiomes in pathogen transmission.
- To highlight the presence of antibiotic-resistant pathogens within EMS environments.
- To emphasize the need for further research into EMS microbiomes and their impact on HAI transmission.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating the microbiome of ambulances and EMS facilities.
- Identification of common antibiotic-resistant pathogens found in EMS environments.
- Discussion of emerging technologies for microbiome characterization and risk mitigation.
Main Results:
- EMS environments harbor diverse pathogens, including antibiotic-resistant strains like MRSA, VRE, and Klebsiella pneumoniae.
- EMS microbiomes are dynamic and serve as significant reservoirs for HAIs.
- Evidence suggests EMS plays a role in pathogen transmission between healthcare facilities.
Conclusions:
- EMS microbiomes are critical reservoirs for pathogens, necessitating a deeper understanding of their role in HAI transmission.
- Widespread and in-depth microbiome studies are essential to identify transmission patterns.
- Characterizing EMS microbiomes can inform strategies to minimize HAIs and community infections.
Keywords:
DNA sequencingStaphylococcus aureusemergency medical services (EMS)health care-associated infection (HAI)microbiomepathogenspublic healthMore Related Videos
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