Clinicians at the Aristotle University School of Medicine in Greece began screening neonates upon an 2008 outbreak of VRE in the school of medicine’s neonatal intensive care unit. Between June and December 2008, they found 39.9 percent of infants were colonized with VRE.
During a first VRE outbreak, microbial screens showed only one strain of the bacteria. Screens from a second outbreak, which occurred after the apparent elimination of VRE from the NICU, showed the presence multiple VRE strains, indicating incorrect antimicrobial administration.
Further analysis showed that antibiotics for late-onset of neonatal sepsis as well as hospitalization during the first outbreak were significant factors for VRE colonization of infants.
Study authors emphasized the importance of proper antibiotic administration and infection control practices to prevent such biphasic outbreaks.
More Articles on Quality:
AHRQ, CDC, NIH Suspend Health, Quality Services as HHS Closes Due to Government Shutdown
5 Ways to Combat Change Fatigue in Hospital Quality Initiatives
IOM Releases Report From Environment and Health Roundtable
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.