Researchers tested more than 4,000 adults for multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae on admission into hospital by means of stool samples or rectal swabs.
Enterobacteriaceae are a normal part of the gut flora and are not pathogenic when they are in the gut. However, they can cause infections in other organs that are difficult to treat. For this study, researchers played close attention to third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, a group of problematic multidrug-resistant bacteria.
Here are four notes:
1. Researchers found 4,376 adults tested positive for third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae pathogens on admission to a participating hospital. Of this figure, 416 were carriers.
2. Thus, researchers found every 10th patient admitted to a participating hospital was colonised with multidrug-resistant pathogens.
3. Researchers also discovered patients who had taken antibiotics and traveled outside Europe prior to hospital admission are at a higher risk.
4. The study researchers recommended improving hygiene measures, using antibiotics rationally and increasing antibiotic resistance training for physicians.
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