Nosocomial outbreak caused by disinfectant-resistant Serratia marcescens in an adult intensive care unit, Hungary, February to March 2022.
Euro Surveill
; 29(26)2024 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38940004
ABSTRACT
In 2022, an outbreak with severe bloodstream infections caused by Serratia marcescens occurred in an adult intensive care unit (ICU) in Hungary. Eight cases, five of whom died, were detected. Initial control measures could not stop the outbreak. We conducted a matched case-control study. In univariable analysis, the cases were more likely to be located around one sink in the ICU and had more medical procedures and medications than the controls, however, the multivariable analysis was not conclusive. Isolates from blood cultures of the cases and the ICU environment were closely related by whole genome sequencing and resistant or tolerant against the quaternary ammonium compound surface disinfectant used in the ICU. Thus, S. marcescens was able to survive in the environment despite regular cleaning and disinfection. The hospital replaced the disinfectant with another one, tightened the cleaning protocol and strengthened hand hygiene compliance among the healthcare workers. Together, these control measures have proved effective to prevent new cases. Our results highlight the importance of multidisciplinary outbreak investigations, including environmental sampling, molecular typing and testing for disinfectant resistance.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Serratia marcescens
/
Cross Infection
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Disease Outbreaks
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Serratia Infections
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Disinfectants
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Intensive Care Units
Limits:
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle aged
Country/Region as subject:
Europa
Language:
En
Journal:
Euro Surveill
Journal subject:
DOENCAS TRANSMISSIVEIS
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
Country of publication: