Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Australian hospitals: outcome of point-prevalence screening in high-risk wards

J Hosp Infect. 2019 Feb;101(2):163-166. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2018.08.008. Epub 2018 Aug 10.

Abstract

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) infections are increasingly reported in Australian hospitals, but prevalence is unknown. In 2016, Victorian hospitals conducted CPE point-prevalence surveys in high-risk wards (intensive care, haematology, transplant). Forty-three hospitals performed 134 surveys, with 1839/2342 (79%) high-risk patients screened. Twenty-four surveys were also performed in other wards. Inability to obtain patient consent was the leading reason for non-participation. In high-risk wards, no CPE cases were detected; three cases were identified in other wards. Since there is low prevalence in high-risk wards, continuous screening is not recommended. Targeted screening may be enhanced by review of patient consent processes.

Keywords: Australia; Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae; Prevalence; Surveillance.

MeSH terms

  • Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae / isolation & purification*
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / diagnosis
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / epidemiology*
  • Enterobacteriaceae Infections / microbiology*
  • Hospitals*
  • Humans
  • Mass Screening
  • Prevalence
  • Victoria / epidemiology