Investigation on Clusters of Infection with Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in Hospitals in 2011

Jih-Ching Huang1, Jung-Jung Mu2, Chien-Hua Chu1, Jer-Jea Yen1, Feng-Yee Chang3

2012 Vol.28 NO.9

Correspondence Author： Jih-Ching Huang

Abstract：

The issue of healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug resistant bacteria is becoming a major concern globally in both healthcare and public health sectors. In order to strengthen the surveillance of the relevant infections in this country, the Centers for Disease Control in Taiwan (Taiwan CDC) has collected carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) strains from regional hospitals and medical centers through the implementation of research program. Following the identification of the KPC-producing (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase- producing) Enterobacteriaceae by the Taiwan CDC’s laboratory, an epidemiological investigation was launched, which found two clusters of infection have occurred and all the cases involved were inpatients in the hospitals located in northern Taiwan. Based on the experiences obtained from the investigation, we explore how the hospitals involving cluster infections of KPC-positive patients rapidly collect data on laboratory test, prescribed drugs, and progression of disease during hospital stay, how they work together with health authorities to determine the areas at high risk of infections and to perform essential infection control measures and general control procedures to prevent the spreading of infections. In addition, we have examined the effectiveness of the MDR bacteria surveillance system and the relevant infection control measures in the hospitals.