[Clinical significance and risk factors for multidrug resistant Enterobacteriaceae colonization]

To identify the main risk factors of rectal colonization by multidrug resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MRE), and their clinical impact.

An observational, prospective cohort study was carried out, between April 2016 and June 2017, where every Monday of each week rectal samples were taken from all the patients admitted at that moment in the Intensive Care Unit. We performed a descriptive analysis of all the variables collected during the study and a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the independent association of carriers of MRE against non-carriers and several possible risk factors.

During the study period, rectal samples were collected from 208 patients. Of the 208, 30 were carriers of MRE, with a mean age of 64.3 years and a mean score of APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II) of 20.6 points. 70% of the patients with MRE had a positive result in the first rectal sample. The variables that were associated with an increased risk of rectal colonization by EMR in the regression analysis were the administration of antibiotics in the previous month (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.71-15.79) and post-surgical patients (OR 3.8; IC95% 1.51 - 9.51). Although patients with EMR had more frequent infections by these bacteria, no differences were observed in mortality between the two groups.

Post-surgical patients admitted to the ICU and those who received antibiotic treatment in the previous month have a higher probability of colonization due to MRE. The colonized patients presented more frequent infections by MRE although it was not associated to a higher mortality.