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Multi-resistant germs in Frankfurt waters
In March 2017, a man rushed into the Eschbach, infected with a deadly germ and dies only a short time later in the Frankfurt University Hospital. In Frankfurt this tragic case was much discussed. It was also the reason for a nationwide investigation of Frankfurt waters for dangerous bacteria. A total of 19 samples were taken by experts from the University of Bonn. Again, multi-drug resistant bacteria were found.
"The results of the sampling of all surface waters in Frankfurt are now available," said the Health Department of the City of Frankfurt am Main, City Councilor Stefan Majer. "Examination of the samples after elaborate, newly developed scientific methods at the University of Bonn took several weeks. Antibiotic-resistant pathogens were also detectable in the current investigation in different waters - in those with and without the influence of a sewage treatment plant. Other influencing factors are therefore likely, such as entry by agriculture or wild birds. "
Antibiotic-resistant germs found. Picture: Jezper - fotolia "Citizens have many questions about antibiotic-resistant germs and are worried," the Health Department continues. "We will publish the detailed findings of this special series of tests together with the routine findings in a detailed report from the health department. We also want to contribute with comprehensive information to reducing diffuse fears. In addition, Prof. Heudorf will also gladly answer local councils during their meetings. "
Already at the end of September 2017, employees of the health department as well as the University of Bonn had taken samples at all 19 bodies of water, which have been sampled regularly every three months by the health department for 30 years. The Main were examined at Fechenheim and at Höchst, the Nidda at Harheim and at Rödelheim, three places (one before and two after the sewage treatment plants) in Erlenbach, Eschbach and Urselbach and one sampling point each at Kalbach, Königsbach, Liederbach, Sulzbach, Westerbach and in the vineyard pond.
"In five samples pathogens with resistance to the reserve antibiotics carbapenems or colistin were found, only one of these pathogens was found in a body of water after a sewage treatment plant, the other samples came from waters without treatment plant influence. In addition, nucleic acids were found in eight water samples with another method, which can form a specific, the antibiotic carbapeneme-degrading enzyme, a carbapenemase type OXA -58, "reports the deputy director of the public health department, Prof. Ursel Heudorf.
"This carbapenemase of the type OXA-58 is mostly associated with environmental pathogens and has been found very rarely in pathogens in humans. The very sensitive PCR method can also detect small residues of already dead pathogens, so that no statement can be made as to whether, how and when they can be taken up in bacteria capable of reproduction ", adds Prof. Dr. med. Martin Exner, in whose institute the investigations were carried out. "Overall, carbapenemases were detected in two pathogens with carbapenem resistance, once an OXA 51 carbapenemase and once a KPC. The E. coli pathogen with KPC is currently being further investigated by whole-genome sequencing. "
In early summer, several pathogens with the carbapenemase KPC2 had been found both in the Eschbach and the Mühlgraben. In the samples taken at the end of September, such antibiotic-resistant pathogens were only detected once with KPC in Urselbach, not in Eschbach.
The health department has been advising against swimming in surface waters in Frankfurt for years and recommends washing hands after direct contact with water or mud. "The extent to which we are dealing with the increasing spread of antibiotic-resistant pathogens can only be determined by long-term studies," says hygienist Prof. Exner, who is examining waters and wastewater nationwide as part of the HyReKa study. "The current findings do not indicate any danger to the population if the recommendations of the health authorities are observed".
More information about the scientific joint project "HyReKA" can be found on their website. The project investigates the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria by wastewater, for example, from wastewater from hospitals, municipal wastewater or sewage from animal farms. On the basis of the results of the HyReKA project, recommendations for action should be formulated, in particular for politics.