Abstrakt

Digestive carriage of extended spectrum beta-lactamase producing enterobacteria in intensive care units caregivers: A prospective observational study.

Samia Boubeche, Pierre Bellanger, Noelle Frebourg, Jean-Francois Gehanno, Fabienne Tamion, Benoit Veber, Emilie Occhiali, Thomas Clavier

Objectives: The prevalence of digestive carriage of Extended spectrum beta-lactamase Producing Enterobacteria (EPE) has increased fivefold in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) in recent years. Contact with a carrier of this type of bacteria is a risk factor for becoming a carrier. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of EPE-digestive carriage among ICU healthcare workers. Research methodology: This prospective observational study was conducted in the medical and surgical ICUs of a French university hospital. Anonymously, participating healthcare workers took a rectal swab to conduct a bacteriological analysis. They completed a questionnaire to collect their demographic characteristics, length of practice in ICU, medical history and recent antibiotic use. We collected the same data on patients admitted for trauma (general population control group) and on patients hospitalized in the ICUs. Results: Among the 75 healthcare workers included six (8%) were EPE carriers (3 Escherichia coli, 2 Hafnia alvei and 1 Klebsiella pneumoniae). This proportion was similar to that found among 78 trauma patients (5%; p=0.52). Among all ICU patients, the EPE-carriage prevalence was higher (18%, p=0.04). Several strains of EPE found among caregivers had the same phenotype than those found in hospitalized patients. Conclusion: The prevalence of EPE carriage among ICU healthcare workers was similar to that of general population. There were similarities between some EPE phenotypes found among healthcare workers and patients, but the study did not allow us to conclude on the existence of EPE transmission between these groups