The research scrutinizes nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant blaNDM-1-carrying Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 strain at a Dutch pediatric oncology center. Its source was traced to Ukrainian medical refugees, raising alarm on the rising risk as Europe experiences an increase in Ukrainian refugees. This points at the modulation of the epidemic landscape and emphasizes the vital role of genomic surveillance in assessing these shifts.
Nosocomial transmission of blaNDM-1 Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 was discovered between Ukrainian pediatric oncology patients and Dutch patients. Notably, this represents the first recorded instance of such transmission in the Netherlands.
Based on comprehensive genomic analysis, it was identified that two Dutch patients developed bacteremia, traced to sink drains contaminated with blaNDM-1-containing Klebsiella pneumoniae. This heightens the threat of environmental factors in cross-infection and underlines the need for stringent cleanliness protocols in hospital environments, particularly around sinks and faucets which can act as bacterial reservoirs.
The researchers carried out a detailed mapping of whole-genome multilocus sequence typing, revealing two genetic clusters among the isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae from the patients, further emphasizing the importance of genomic examination to track the source and evolution of such infections.
Through the utilization of ertapenem-containing enrichment broth along with tobramycin-containing plates, researchers were able to identify the presence of the bacteria in sink drains. This finding confirms the role of these common areas in environmentally mediated transmission.
To impede any further instances of transmission, widespread preventative measures were swiftly implemented, ranging from staff education and hygiene audits to active screening of room occupants and replacement of contaminated plumbing units.
In conclusion, these findings highlight the imperative to be vigilant about nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant bacteria, with particular emphasis on environmental factors. They also clarify the vital role played by genomic surveillance in tracking the trajectory of the epidemic and monitoring the introduction of foreign strains into local healthcare systems.
Source: https://bmcinfectdis.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12879-024-10368-2