RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Candida auris a frequently multidrug-resistant yeast species that poses a global health threat due to its high potential for hospital outbreaks. While C. auris has become endemic in parts of Asia and Africa, transmissions have so far rarely been reported in Western Europe except for Great Britain and Spain. We describe the first documented patient-to-patient transmission of C. auris in Germany in a COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) and infection control measures implemented to prevent further spread of the pathogen. METHODS: Identification of C. auris was performed by MALDI-TOF and confirmed by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequencing. Antifungal susceptibility testing was carried out. We conducted repeated cross-sectional examinations for the presence of C. auris in the patients of the affected ICU and investigated possible routes of transmission. RESULTS: The index patient had been transferred to Germany from a hospital in Northern Africa and was found to be colonised with C. auris. The contact patient developed C. auris sepsis. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures included strict isolation of the two C. auris patients and regular screening of non-affected patients. No further case occurred during the subsequent weeks. Reusable blades used in video laryngoscope-guided intubation were considered as the most likely vehicle of transmission. CONCLUSIONS: In view of its high risk of transmission, vigilance regarding C. auris colonisation in patients referred from endemic countries is crucial. Strict and immediate IPC measures may have the potential to prevent C. auris outbreaks.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Candida , Antifúngicos/farmacologia , Antifúngicos/uso terapêutico , COVID-19/prevenção & controle , Candida/genética , Candida auris , Estudos Transversais , Humanos , Unidades de Terapia Intensiva , Testes de Sensibilidade MicrobianaAssuntos
Vírus da Influenza A Subtipo H2N2/isolamento & purificação , Influenza Humana/transmissão , Pessoal de Laboratório Médico , Exposição Ocupacional , Anticorpos Antivirais/sangue , Alemanha/epidemiologia , Testes de Inibição da Hemaglutinação , Humanos , Influenza Humana/epidemiologia , Influenza Humana/virologia , Estudos SoroepidemiológicosRESUMO
A nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Agona caused by aniseed-containing herbal tea occurred from October 2002 through July 2003 among infants in Germany. Consumers should adhere strictly to brewing instructions, although in exceptional cases this precaution may not be protective, particularly when preparing tea for vulnerable age groups.