Germs on the preemie ward in Meppen

Multidrug-resistant germs infect preemies at the Meppen Clinic

05/11/2012

Multidrug-resistant pathogens are a growing problem in hospitals throughout Germany. At the same time, the dangerous germs are becoming increasingly common in particularly sensitive hospital areas such as the premature care centers. In Meppen, five preemies have now become infected.

According to the Ministry of Social Affairs in Hannover, the multidrug-resistant pathogens that were detected at the clinic in Meppen, Emsland, are a multidrug-resistant variant of the intestinal bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli). Five premature babies had been infected with the germs, but were not yet ill.

Infections with multidrug-resistant pathogens in clinics
Infections with multidrug-resistant pathogens are not uncommon in Germany. For those affected, the infection is often a significant risk because the germs can not be treated with conventional antibiotics. Immunocompromised patients and premature babies, whose immune system is not yet formed, are particularly endangered by the pathogens. The dramatic consequences of the spread of multidrug-resistant germs in a premature care unit was demonstrated at the end of last year, when three premature babies died as a result of a corresponding infection in Bremen. The spread of the germs at the preemie ward of the Klinikum Bremen-Mitte could not be brought under control despite extensive hygiene measures after the death of the infants and in February 2012 died here two more preemies as a result of infection with the multidrug-resistant pathogens.

Comprehensive hygiene and disinfection measures initiated
In Meppen, according to the Ministry of Health, the current five preemies have been infected with the multidrug-resistant pathogens ESBL - E. coli. However, the infants are „only populated and not ill“, stressed a spokeswoman for the district of Emsland. In order to prevent the spread of the germs, the infected children were housed isolated in the Meppen hospital Ludmillenstift, the station was closed for new admissions, and the staff and all other premature babies examined. Furthermore, at the preemie station, extensive disinfection measures were carried out. „According to our current knowledge, the hospital has taken the necessary measures to curb the events and in particular immediately informs the responsible medical officer of the district of Emsland“, a spokesman for the Lower Saxony Ministry of Social Affairs, Women, Family, Health and Integration praised the resolute action against the multidrug-resistant pathogens. According to its own statements, the district of Emsland has implemented the necessary measures in close coordination and cooperation with the Ludmillenstift, the Lower Saxony State Health Office and the Ministry of Social Affairs, Women, Family, Health and Integration. The tightened hygiene measures will continue according to authorities in the coming days to prevent the spread of the pathogens and other infections. (Fp)

Also read:
Every sixth cancer case: germs cause cancer
Germs prevent autoimmune diseases
Resistant germs due to antibiotic animal husbandry

Image: Gerd Altmann, Pixelio.de