 |
|
Antibiotic resistant bacteria frequently transmitted between intensive care patients
December 18, 2003Bacteria with resistance to multiple antibiotics will become more common in intensive care units unless hospitals improve their hygiene standards. Research published in Critical Care this week shows that there is an "unexpectedly high" level of transmission of bacteria between intensive care patients.
Intensive care patients are especially vulnerable to picking up infections in hospital, due to their poor health. Researchers from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that 70% of intensive care patients studied were colonized with bacteria from other patients in the unit.
The researchers investigated the transmission of several strains of Staphylococcus bacteria, called CoNS. These strains are the primary cause of circulatory infections picked up in hospitals, and the third most common cause of all hospital infections. "These species have the ability to survive in the ICU surroundings on medical devices and equipment for weeks up to months," say the researchers. "They are specifically prone to causing catheter-related infections."
The team, led by Professor Charlotta Edlund, took swabs from the upper and lower airways of 20 intensive care patients that had required mechanical ventilation for at least three days. The researchers cultured the bacteria from these swabs and analysed the genetic fingerprints of Staphylococcus strains to identify bacteria that were identical or closely related. They could then assess the transmission rates of bacteria between patients, by seeing which patients harboured the same bacterial strains.
17 of the patients were colonised by CoNS during their hospital stay. In six of these cases, the bacteria had colonised the lower airways after the patient was ventilated, suggesting that the procedure itself had introduced the bacteria. 14 of the patients had either passed on a bacterial strain to another patient or received a bacterial strain from another patient. Worryingly, one patient passed on bacteria to a patient they had never met, having being discharged about three weeks prior to the other's arrival. This implies that the strain had survived in the ward during this period, perhaps on staff or on additional patients.
"Local guidelines for antibiotic use, close cooperation with infectious diseases specialists and restrictions with invasive treatment are strategies that can improve infection control and lower the incidence of hospital infections," write the authors. "Hand hygiene among hospital staff is [also] an important factor for preventing these infections."
The antibiotic resistance of the bacterial strains was analysed. 95% were resistant to penicillin, 86% to oxacillin, 48% to erythromycin, 42% to clindamycin, 54% to gentamicin, and 66% to ciprofloxacin. None were resistant to vancomycin, which is currently used to treat MRSA and other infections caused by other antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Resistance to multiple antibiotics was commonly seen. 21% of the bacterial strains were resistant to six, 34% to at least five, and 59% to at least four of the tested antibiotics. "This multi-resistance will lead to higher consumption of broadspectrum antibiotics such as vancomycin, promoting the development of antibiotic resistance."
CoNS normally live on our skin without causing us any harm, but they can colonise airways or invasive devises (such as tubes used in mechanical ventilation), especially in people with weak immune systems. Although these bacteria do not always cause disease, colonisation is a risk factor for infection with other, more dangerous, antibiotic resistant bacterial strains.
BioMed Central Limited
Bacteria Current Events and Bacteria News RSSMetabolic reactions: Less is more in single-celled organisms
A Northwestern University study has found a surprising similarity among four quite different organisms. The simplest organism, a bacterium called H. pylori, uses the same number of biochemical reactions (around 300) as yeast, the largest, most complex organism of the group, when optimizing growth.
Novel bioreactor enhances interleukin-12 production in genetically-modified tobacco plants
Interleukin-12 is a naturally occurring protein essential for the proper functioning of the human immune system.
Researchers identify cell group key to Lyme disease arthritis
A research team led by the La Jolla Institute for Allergy & Immunology and Albany Medical College has illuminated the important role of natural killer (NK) T cells in Lyme disease, demonstrating that the once little understood white blood cells are central to clearing the bacterial infection and reducing the intensity and duration of arthritis associated with Lyme disease.
Blood tests can help detect presence of necrotizing soft tissue infections
With less than half of patients with necrotizing soft tissue infections displaying the physical signs of these very serious infections, researchers have found two simple blood tests can help physicians diagnose what is commonly known as "flesh-eating bacteria," according to a study in the December issue of The American Journal of Surgery.
Vaccine and drug research aimed at ticks and mosquitoes to prevent disease transmission
Most successful vaccines and drugs rely on protecting humans or animals by blocking certain bacteria from growing in their systems. But, a new theory actually hopes to take stopping infectious diseases such as West Nile virus and Malaria to the next level by disabling insects from transmitting these viruses.
Research in twins defines shared features of the human gut microbial communities: variations linked to obesity
Trillions of microbes make their home in the gut, where they help to break down and extract energy and nutrients from the food we eat. Yet, scientists have understood little about how this distinctive mix of microbes varies from one individual to the next.
Rivers are carbon processors, not inert pipelines
Microorganisms in rivers and streams play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle that has not previously been considered.
Vitamin D found to fight placental infection
In a paper available at the online site of the journal Biology of Reproduction, a team of UCLA researchers reports for the first time that vitamin D induces immune responses in placental tissues by stimulating production of the antimicrobial protein cathelicidin.
CSHL scientists discover a new way in which epigenetic information is inherited
Hereditary information flows from parents to offspring not just through DNA but also through the millions of proteins and other molecules that cling to it.
Researchers identify how binge drinking may drive heart disease
As the holidays arrive, a group of researchers has identified the precise mechanisms by which binge drinking contributes to clogs in arteries that lead to heart attack and stroke, according to a study published today in the journal Atherosclerosis.
More Bacteria Current Events and Bacteria News Articles
 | A Field Guide to Bacteria (Comstock Book) by Betsey Dexter Dyer Pocket-guide to observing bacteria without a laboratory or fancy equipment. Presents all the major taxonomic groups of bacteria in a useable, accessible format for amateur naturalists who may or may not have access to a microscope. Includes ideas for planning field trips to explore bacteria in their natural environments. Illustrated, some color. Softcover, hardcover... |
 | The Killers Within: The Deadly Rise of Drug-Resistant Bacteria by Michael Shnayerson, Mark J. Plotkin A battle is taking place on the frontiers of medicine between rapidly evolving bacteria that threaten our health and the doctors who are struggling to outwit them. These bacteria are everywhere: in and on our bodies, in homes, schools, hospitals, crowded airplaines, day-care centers. And, as THE KILLERS WITHIN makes frighteningly clear, so far the bacteria are... |
 | Bacteria for Breakfast: Probiotics for Good Health by Kelly Dowhower Karpa, PhD, RPh Although in Western society the beneficial aspects of bacteria have been increasingly minimized, we actually need bacteria in our digestive tracts for good health. This resource explains, to laymen and physicians, how probiotics support immune function, prevent urogenital infections, and maintain good gastrintestinal... |
 | Molecular Genetics of Bacteria (Snyder, Molecular Genetics of Bacteria) by Larry Snyder, Wendy Champness This landmark volume provides the single most comprehensive and authoritative textbook on bacterial molecular genetics. Perfect for advanced undergraduate and graduate-level courses, the text presents the latest research on the subject in a clearly written and well-illustrated style. It provides descriptive background information, detailed experimental methods, examples of genetic analyses, and... |
 | Prentice Hall Science Explorer: From Bacteria to Plants by Michael J. Padilla, Ioannis Miaoulis, Martha Cyr |
 | Science Explorer from Bacteria to Plants (Prentice Hall science explorer) |
 | Respiration in Archaea and Bacteria: Diversity of Prokaryotic Respiratory Systems (Advances in Photosynthesis and Respiration) The book summarizes the achievements of the past decade in the biochemistry, bioenergetics, structural and molecular biology of respiratory processes in selected genera of the domain Bacteria along with an extensive coverage of the redox chains of extremophiles belonging to the Archaean domain. The volume is a unique piece of work since it contains a series of chapters dealing with metabolic... |
 | The Five-Second Rule and Other Myths About Germs: What Everyone Should Know About Bacteria, Viruses, Mold, and Mildew by Anne E. Maczulak |
 | Why Size Matters: From Bacteria to Blue Whales by John Tyler Bonner John Tyler Bonner, one of our most distinguished and creative biologists, here offers a completely new perspective on the role of size in biology. In his hallmark friendly style, he explores the universal impact of being the right size. By examining stories ranging from Alice in Wonderland to Gulliver's Travels, he shows that humans have always been fascinated by things big and small. Why then... |
 | Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria (Storey Medicinal Herb Guide) by Stephen Harrod Buhner Current information about antibiotic resistant microbes and the herbs that are effective in fighting... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |