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Propagation of highly resistant germs in Stuttgart Hospital
The spread of resistant germs in German hospitals is a significant problem that many victims fall victim to each year. The Bad Cannstatt hospital is currently reporting evidence of a highly resistant germ in five patients in the intensive care unit. Comprehensive security measures were taken to prevent further spread of the germs.
Infections with clinical germs are responsible for a variety of complications in inpatient hospital stays and not infrequently have life-threatening consequences for those affected. Therefore, those responsible for the detection of highly resistant microorganisms in patients in the intensive care unit at the Bad Cannstatt hospital were extremely concerned. Immediately extensive hygiene measures were initiated and the intensive care unit was closed for further admissions.
The highly resistant bacteria of the genus Acinetobacter baumannii have spread to the intensive care unit of the hospital Bad Cannstatt. (Image: ag visual / fotolia.com) Five out of seven ICU patients affected
According to a report from the Stuttgart Hospital, five of seven patients in the intensive care unit of the Bad Cannstatt hospital have detected the highly resistant bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii. "The intensive care unit is closed for further admissions" and "Hygienists of the Institute for Hospital Hygiene at the Klinikum Stuttgart are on site every day," reports the hospital. According to the experts, "intensive care emergencies" are referred to "the Katharinenhospital or other surrounding hospitals" and the rescue center is informed accordingly. The health department of the city of Stuttgart is also involved.
Strict hygiene regulations and regular check-ups
So far, the condition of the populated patients according to the statement of the doctors is stable and those affected show no symptoms of infection. Under particularly strict hygiene regulations, patients are cared for by their own nursing team and are regularly examined for the bacterium, reports the hospital. In addition, protective measures have been taken so that the germ can not spread. Thus, for example, the visit by relatives was limited to one person per patient and the visitors receive precise instructions about the necessary hygiene measures. Special protective clothing is provided by the clinic for this purpose.
Bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii extremely resistant
With the measures taken, the experts around Prof. Dr. Matthias Trautmann, Head of the Institute for Hospital Hygiene at the Klinikum Stuttgart, to prevent the spread of highly resistant germs. However, the proven bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii is a true survivor. The germs are also largely insensitive to environmental influences and can survive relatively long on surfaces. Here, the bacteria form so-called biofilms in which they multiply. On wet surfaces, they can also move relatively quickly through the biofilms and even dried, the germs remain viable for weeks, report the experts of the Stuttgart Hospital.
Most antibiotics have no effect
The infections with Acinetobacter baumannii are especially critical for old, critically ill and immunocompromised people, explain the physicians. Since the germs are resistant to most available antibiotics (except for the antibiotic colistin), there are few options for treatment. Its high resistance owes Acinetobacter baumannii the ability to communicate with other germs. The germ "belongs to the group of MRGN pathogens that share information with each other and thus increase their resistance to antibiotics"; report the Stuttgart hygiene experts.
Propagation path of the germs unclear
How the germs in the intensive care unit of the hospital Bad Cannstatt could spread at all, remains so far open. Although the first evidence of the pathogens in a newly admitted patient was already taken at the beginning of December according to media reports, appropriate safety measures were actually taken to avoid transmission in any case. This has obviously not been successful and currently five out of seven ICU patients are affected. It remains to be seen to what extent the measures taken will succeed. Not infrequently, eliminating the germ load in such cases is much more difficult than hoped. (Fp)