Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Author Spotlight: Exploring the Antibacterial Effects of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles in Overcoming Antibiotic Resistance
Published on: September 27, 2024
The role of hospital environment in transmissions of multidrug-resistant gram-negative organisms
Po Ying Chia1,2,3, Sharmila Sengupta1, Anjanna Kukreja4
1National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Jln Tan Tock Seng, Singapore.
Abstract:
Infections by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative organisms (GN) are associated with a high mortality rate and present an increasing challenge to the healthcare system worldwide. In recent years, increasing evidence supports the association between the healthcare environment and transmission of MDRGN to patients and healthcare workers. To better understand the role of the environment in transmission and acquisition of MDRGN, we conducted a utilitarian review based on literature published from 2014 until 2019.
Insights
Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative organism infections pose a global health threat. This review examines the healthcare environment's role in transmitting these dangerous pathogens.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Healthcare Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative (MDRGN) infections are a significant global health concern with high mortality rates.
- The healthcare environment is increasingly implicated in the transmission of MDRGN to patients and healthcare professionals.
- Understanding environmental transmission routes is crucial for effective infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize existing literature on the role of the healthcare environment in MDRGN transmission.
- To identify key environmental factors contributing to the spread of MDRGN infections.
- To provide insights for mitigating environmental transmission of MDRGN.
Main Methods:
- A utilitarian literature review was conducted.
- Searched databases for studies published between 2014 and 2019.
- Focused on research investigating the healthcare environment and MDRGN transmission.
Main Results:
- The healthcare environment serves as a reservoir for MDRGN.
- Contaminated surfaces, equipment, and air can facilitate pathogen spread.
- Inadequate cleaning and disinfection practices exacerbate environmental transmission.
Conclusions:
- The healthcare environment plays a critical role in MDRGN transmission.
- Environmental contamination is a significant risk factor for patient and healthcare worker acquisition of MDRGN.
- Enhanced environmental cleaning, disinfection, and surveillance are essential to combat MDRGN spread.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:17Transmission-based Precautions I: Contact, Enteric, and Droplets
Contact Precautions:
Contact precautions are the measures taken to prevent the transmission of infectious agents, especially epidemiologically important microorganisms such as MRSA or influenza, primarily transmitted through direct or indirect contact with an...
01:30Development of Antibiotic Resistance
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies.
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...