Amplified rates of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) present an increasing challenge in healthcare establishments. Punctual detection through active surveillance stands as pivotal for effective infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship. A recent study explored the prevalence and microbiological profile of MDRO colonization among hospitalized patients at AHEPA University Hospital in Thessaloniki, Greece.
This prospective surveillance study was conducted from October 2024 to January 2025 across various hospital wards. Screening swabs from the rectum, groin, and nares were collected upon admission or during hospitalization. The microbiological analysis focused on primary MDROs, including Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Candida auris, and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
Among 1,206 patients screened, 308 – or 25.5% – tested positive for at least one MDRO. The rectal swabs revealed the highest detection rates, chiefly identifying K. pneumoniae and VRE. Nasal swabs rarely detected MDROs, while Candida auris was most frequently isolated from groin swabs. Internal medicine wards demonstrated the highest colonization burden. Contact tracing and prolonged hospitalization surfaced as the most common reasons for screening.
The study underscores the high prevalence and diverse spectrum of MDRO colonization in a Greek tertiary hospital. Precise screening, especially of rectal and groin sites, enables rapid detection and effective infection control. A consistent surveillance system is deemed crucial in mitigating MDRO transmission.