Abstract

This report describes the epidemiological features of the first outbreak caused by KPC3 carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-3-KP) in Spain and how it was effectively controlled. From 16 September 2009 to the end of February 2010, seven patients infected or colonised with KPC-3-KP were detected. Stool surveillance cultures were recovered from patients, doctors, nurses, nursing assistants, cleaners and hospital porters working in the affected units. Hand swabs were taken from workers and patients’ relatives for culturing. Environmental samples were also taken. Patients infected or colonised with KPC-3-KP were placed in single rooms under contact precautions and 4% chlorhexidine soap was used for their daily hygiene. Staff attended educational seminars and workshops on hand hygiene and isolation of patients. An alcohol-based disinfectant was used for surface cleaning and disinfecting. The floor was cleaned with a disinfectant containing benzalkonium chloride and didecyldimethylammonium. All samples collected were negative for KPC-3-KP. After implementing the control measures, no further cases were reported in the affected units. All cases had comorbidities, long hospital stay and aggressive/intensive antimicrobial treatment. This study emphasises the importance of early intensification of infection control to interrupt the transmission of KPC-producing organisms.

Links

Publisher Full Text

Authors

Robustillo Rodela A, Díaz-Agero Pérez C, Sanchez Sagrado T, Ruiz-Garbajosa P, Pita López MJ, Monge V

Institution

Service of Preventive Medicine, University Hospital Ramón y Cajal, and Health Research Institute, Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria, IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain.

Source

Euro surveillance : bulletin européen sur les maladies transmissibles = European communicable disease bulletin 17:7 2012 pg

MeSH

Adult
Aged
Anti-Bacterial Agents
Bacterial Proteins
Carbapenems
Disease Outbreaks
Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial
Electrophoresis, Gel, Pulsed-Field
Feces
Female
Humans
Infection Control
Klebsiella Infections
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Male
Microbial Sensitivity Tests
Middle Aged
Patient Isolation
Polymerase Chain Reaction
Spain
Young Adult
beta-Lactamases

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22370016