Prevalence and Risk Factors for Colonization by Multidrug-Resistant Microorganisms among Long-Term Travelers and...

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria pose a significant global health threat.
• International travel is a potential pathway for the dissemination of MDR bacteria.
• Asymptomatic colonization of travelers can facilitate bacterial spread.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the risk of MDR bacterial colonization in long-term travelers and recent migrants.
• To identify risk factors associated with MDR bacterial colonization in these populations.
• To investigate the role of international travel in the spread of MDR bacteria.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study conducted from November 2018 to February 2022.
• Collection of pharyngeal and rectal swabs from travelers and migrants.
• Identification of bacteria using chromogenic media and MALDI-TOF-MS, with resistance mechanisms determined by molecular biology techniques.

Main Results:

• 11.5% of participants (migrants and travelers) showed rectal colonization by an MDR bacterium.
• The most common isolate was extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing *Escherichia coli* (CTX-M-15).
• No colonization by MRSA or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae was detected.

Conclusions:

• The risk of MDR bacterial colonization is similar for migrants and long-term travelers.
• Previous hospital attention is the sole independent risk factor for MDR bacterial colonization.
• International travel, particularly in individuals with prior hospital exposure, warrants attention for MDR bacteria surveillance.