Deadly germ infection in premature babies in Marburg?

University Hospital Marburg reports two germ infections in premature babies

08/04/2014

After a microbial infection with Klebsiella oxytoca was detected in two extremely premature twins at Marburg University Hospital, the search for the causes is in full swing. „All initiated monitoring steps were and are being undertaken jointly by the University Hospital and the Health Department“, so the press release of the hospital.

The infection with Klebsiella oxytoca was in the context of an occurred sepsis in the premature twins whose birth weight was less than 500 grams, has been reported by the University Hospital Marburg. The germs would be very common among normal people and have no particular resistance to antibiotics in the present case, so the message from the hospital on. „Despite promptly initiated, adequate antibiotic therapy“ be one of the twins, „who are likely to have an additional metabolic disease“, died, the hospital continues. The promptly initiated investigations have shown that all others „neonates treated on the ward did not colonize the aforementioned germ“ demonstrate. Consequently, there were no further illnesses or deaths.

Investigations not yet completed
So far, however, the search is still the source of infection. If this is within the jurisdiction of the hospital, it would only be a matter of time before reinfection can occur. Therefore, extensive investigations were initiated on the possible routes of infection. „All further steps and measures depend on the results of the investigations“, quotes the news agency „dpa“ the spokesman of the district Marburg-Biedenkopf. So far, however, no evidence of hygiene problems can be seen, so the district spokesman on.

Clinic germs on preemie stations a particular problem
In many cases, premature babies in various clinics in Germany have contracted a fatal infection with hospital germs. One of the most extreme examples of recent years was the Bremen-Mitte Hospital, where several deaths a year ago due to the spread of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella bacteria. Despite extensive hygiene and disinfection measures as well as multiple station closures, the situation could not be brought under control for a long time. (Fp)

Picture credits: N. Schmitz