Controlling a VRE Outbreak in a Neurosurgical Unit
Author Information
Author(s): V C C Cheng, J F W Chan, T W M Tai, Y Y Ho, I W S Li, K K W To, P L Ho, K Y Yuen
Primary Institution: Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Hypothesis
What are the risk factors for the nosocomial acquisition of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) in a neurosurgical unit?
Conclusion
Stringent infection control measures and hand hygiene successfully limited the spread of VREfm during the outbreak.
Supporting Evidence
- The outbreak involved four cases of VREfm in a neurosurgical unit.
- Only 1.6% of screened patients were found to be positive for VREfm.
- Two environmental samples were also positive for VREfm.
Takeaway
Doctors found some patients in a hospital had a germ that was hard to treat, but they were able to stop it from spreading by being very careful and washing their hands.
Methodology
The study involved screening clinical and environmental samples, contact tracing, and a case-control analysis to identify risk factors.
Limitations
The small number of cases limited the case-control analysis.
Participant Demographics
Four patients with VREfm were involved, with a mean age of 75.8 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
P=0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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