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Subtyping of Shigella sonnei for tracing nosocomial transmission
J Korpela1, P Kärpänoja, R Taipalinen
1Department of Clinical Microbiology, Päijät-Häme Central Hospital, Lahti, Finland.
Abstract:
Nosocomial transfer of Shigella spp. occurred between two patients sharing the patient room and toilet in a ward for internal medicine. Both patients had travelled abroad shortly before the onset of illness. Based on the epidemiology of Shigella sonnei strains imported into Finland, nosocomial infection was strongly suspected. The isolates of S. sonnei were subtyped using ribotyping, plasmid analysis and antibiotic resistance patterns. The greatest discrimination between the strains was achieved by ribotyping. The results of the typing scheme confirmed the nosocomial transmission of S. sonnei. The outbreak did not spread further within the ward. The importance of isolation of a patient with diarrhoea in a hospital setting is emphasized.
Insights
Nosocomial transmission of Shigella sonnei occurred between two patients in a hospital ward. Ribotyping confirmed the spread, highlighting the need for patient isolation to prevent further outbreaks.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Nosocomial infections pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Shigella species are common causes of bacterial gastroenteritis.
- International travel can introduce infectious agents into new environments.
Observation:
- Two patients in an internal medicine ward developed Shigella sonnei infections.
- Both patients had recent international travel history.
- The patients shared a room and toilet facility.
Findings:
- Molecular subtyping, particularly ribotyping, confirmed nosocomial transmission of Shigella sonnei between the two patients.
- The outbreak was successfully contained within the ward.
- No further spread was detected.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of prompt recognition and isolation of patients with diarrhea in hospital settings.
- Effective infection control measures are crucial to prevent the spread of nosocomial pathogens.
- Understanding transmission dynamics aids in preventing future outbreaks.