Risk factors for colonization by carbapenemase-producing bacteria in Spanish long-term care facilities: a multicentre...

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Microbiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPB) represent a significant global health threat.
• Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are recognized reservoirs for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO).
• Limited data exists on CPB prevalence and associated risk factors within LTCF populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of MDRO, specifically CPB, among residents of LTCFs.
• To identify independent risk factors associated with CPB colonization in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

• A point-prevalence study was conducted across 14 LTCFs in Tenerife, Spain.
• Nasal and rectal swabs were analyzed for various MDRO, including CPB.
• Antimicrobial susceptibility testing, molecular resistance gene detection, and statistical analyses were performed to identify risk factors.

Main Results:

• A total of 760 residents were included; 9.3% were colonized with CPB.
• Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most common CPB, followed by MDR Acinetobacter baumannii and E. coli.
• Independent risk factors for CPB colonization included male sex, high health requirements, and previous hospitalization.

Conclusions:

• LTCFs serve as critical reservoirs for MDRO, including CPB.
• Identifying colonization predictors allows for targeted management of high-risk residents.
• Enhanced antimicrobial stewardship and infection control measures are crucial to mitigate MDRO transmission in LTCFs.