Dangerous intestinal germ on pediatric ward

Colon germ detected in neonates in intensive care

08/04/2015

In Dusseldorf, a antibiotic-resistant intestinal germ has been discovered in the pre-hospital intensive care unit of a clinic. Several babies are currently being treated. The source of the germs has not yet been determined.

Five babies are still being treated
In Dusseldorf, a gut bacterium resistant to certain antibiotics was discovered in the intensive care unit of a hospital. According to a news agency dpa news agency, doctors at the Florence Nightingale Hospital said that since the beginning of March, 13 preterm infants have had vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). At present, five babies were treated, six were released home. According to the information, there are two „extreme premature babies“ died, but these two deaths definitely have no connection with the germ.

Station temporarily closed for new admissions
Although there had been no new cases for a good week, the source of the germs has not been found by the hospital. In intensive care, preterm infants are also treated who weigh only 400 to 500 grams. The station was closed temporarily after the discovery of the VRE germ for new admissions. The Health Department of the city of Dusseldorf praised the offensive approach of the clinic. District manager Klaus Göbels said that the incident had already been communicated before reaching the reporting obligation.

Affected babies were isolated
After a VRE infection occurred in a small intensive care patient, the hospital had initiated a control on all premature babies and thus discovered the extent. Then special hygiene measures were initiated and the affected babies isolated. Parents would also need to wear protective clothing and disinfect their hands when visiting. Chief Medical Officer Martin Berghäuser said: „What makes us so concerned is the accumulation.“ Two of the children had an infection with the AER germ, eleven others one „colonization“. This means that there is a proof of the germ without an infection being triggered by it.

Transmission not found yet
According to the data, VRE are a bacterial species that colonize the intestine and are resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. Berghäuser explained that there are two to three other medicines for children to fight the germ. He said that the treating doctors are very dissatisfied because the transmission route has not yet been found. „I can not tell you where he came from“, said the senior physician of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care. He explained that intensive care for premature babies often uses antibiotics.

Up to 15,000 deaths from hospital germs
In German clinics, up to 15,000 people die each year after they become infected with multidrug-resistant germs. Even more sick. The dangerous pathogens do not have to kill, but especially for people with weakened immune systems - so many patients in hospitals - there is an increased risk. For example, an infection can trigger symptoms such as inflammation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting or blood poisoning. (Ad)