E. coli in Neonatal Care Unit | CDC EID

EID Journal Home > Volume 16, Number 11–November 2010
Volume 16, Number 11–November 2010
Dispatch
Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase–producing Escherichia coli in Neonatal Care Unit

Sarah Tschudin-Sutter, Reno Frei, Manuel Battegay, Irene Hoesli, and Andreas F. Widmer Comments to Author
Author affiliation: University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland

Suggested citation for this article

Abstract
An outbreak of extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing Escherichia coli in a neonatal care unit began with transmission from a mother to her newborn twins during vaginal delivery. Subsequently, infection spread by healthcare worker contact with other neonates; a healthcare worker also was infected. Knowledge about transmission may improve infection control measures.

Gram-negative Enterobacteriaceae expressing extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) are among the most multidrug-resistant pathogens in hospitals and are spreading worldwide (1–3). Infections caused by ESBL–producing organisms have resulted in poor outcomes, reduced rates of clinical and microbiological responses, longer hospital stays, and greater hospital expenses (4,5). Multiple outbreaks of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in intensive care units (ICUs) and increased rates of illness and death, especially in neonatal ICUs, have been reported (6–10). Physical contact is the most likely mode of transmission. The gastrointestinal tract of colonized or infected patients is the most frequent reservoir. Several studies indicate that transient carriage of bacteria on the hands of healthcare workers (HCWs) may lead to transmission to patients (7,11).

We report an outbreak of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL E. coli) in a neonatal intermediate care unit. Initial transmission was from a mother to her newborn twins and subsequently by physical contact of HCWs with other patients; an HCW also was infected.

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E. coli in Neonatal Care Unit | CDC EID

Suggested Citation for this Article

Tschudin-Sutter S, Frei R, Battegay M, Hoesli I, Widmer AF. Extended spectrum β-lactamase–producing Escherichia coli in neonatal care unit. Emerg Infect Dis [serial on the Internet]. 2010 Nov [date cited]. http://www.cdc.gov/EID/contant/16/11/1758.htm

DOI: 10.3201/eid1611.100366