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Unusual multiresistant Staphylococcus aureus in a newborn nursery
Abstract:
An apparently unique strain of Staphylococcus aureus, resistant to penicillins (including penicillinase-resistant penicillins), cephalosporins, cephamycins, aminoglycosides (all but amikacin), tetracycline, lincomycin, erythromycin, and, in a lesser percentage, to chloramphenicol as well, was isolated on more than 100 occasions over a 20-month period in a general hospital in San Sebastian, Spain. Forty-two (60%) of the 70 patients infected were patients in the newborn nursery. Many of these infants contracted serious disease. In the epidemiologic study of the nursery, this Staphylococcus strain was found in the air and on the clothing of the staff, although no nasal, perineal, or axillary carriers were found among the personnel.
Insights
A unique Staphylococcus aureus strain resistant to multiple antibiotics was identified in a Spanish hospital. This multidrug-resistant organism caused serious infections, particularly in the newborn nursery, spreading via air and staff clothing.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Emergence of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus poses a significant public health threat.
- Multidrug-resistant bacterial strains necessitate continuous surveillance and infection control measures in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the isolation and characterization of a unique, highly resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain.
- To investigate the epidemiology of this strain within a general hospital, focusing on patient populations and potential transmission routes.
Main Methods:
- Bacterial isolation and antibiotic susceptibility testing.
- Epidemiological investigation including environmental sampling and staff screening.
- Clinical data review for infected patients.
Main Results:
- A unique Staphylococcus aureus strain exhibiting resistance to penicillins, cephalosporins, aminoglycosides (except amikacin), tetracycline, lincomycin, and erythromycin was isolated over 20 months.
- Sixty percent (42/70) of infected patients were neonates, with many experiencing severe illness.
- The resistant strain was detected in the nursery air and on staff clothing, but not in personnel nasal, perineal, or axillary carriage sites.
Conclusions:
- A highly multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain poses a significant risk, especially to vulnerable populations like newborns.
- Environmental contamination and staff attire are potential reservoirs for transmission within a hospital setting.
- Effective infection control strategies are crucial to manage outbreaks of such resistant pathogens.