2025/01/01 by Maria Gideskog, Jenny Welander, Anita Hällgren +1 · 1 voice
Medicine · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus #Clostridium difficile and Clostridium perfringens research #Bacterial Identification and Susceptibility Testing
paper · doi:10.1017/ash.2025.10251
openalex publication_date 2025/01/01 · openalex created_date 2025/12/19 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/02
Background: (VRE) are often difficult to contain. In this study, we developed and implemented a set of control measures, which resulted in a relatively limited outbreak in a secondary care hospital in Sweden. Methods: gene were further analyzed with whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Cleaning efficiency was evaluated directly after cleaning by using adenosine triphosphate (ATP) swabs, detecting organic live material. The hospital management appointed a task force consisting of experts in infectious diseases, microbiology, hospital hygiene, cleaning and representatives of the affected unit. Results: A total of 22 VRE-positive patients were identified, of which 12 isolates belonged to the same clone (ST 203) in a surgical ward. VRE screening by PCR shortened the turnaround time. The combination of rapid PCR and WGS could rule in or out cases from the outbreak within less than a week. The new cleaning routine indicated that 3 approved quality-controlled discharge cleanings were required to reduce VRE acquisition. The fast lane to decision-making on control measures resulted in rapid introduction of the above routines. Conclusions: With prompt infection control measures, the VRE outbreak was contained after 4 months. To prevent further outbreaks of VRE, active rapid screening, improved cleaning, and restriction of multiple-bed rooms are efficient measures to implement.