Search and You Will Find: Detecting Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase–Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae from a Patient's Immediate Environment
Contamination of inanimate surfaces contributes to the transmission of healthcare-associated infection, a phenomenon that is well documented for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). The high rate of skin colonization with these bacteria among healthcare workers increases the risk of cross contamination via high-touch surfaces. Since gram-negative bacteria are believed to survive poorly on surfaces, their role in the transmission of infection has not been investigated as widely. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) are widespread and endemic in nosocomial settings. Given the increasing prevalence of infections involving ESBL-PE, the role of the environment in ESBL-PE transmission should be explored. This study reports the evaluation of 2 ESBL-PE recovery methods from typical hospital surface materials and their application for recovery of ESBL-PE adjacent to an ESBL-positive patient.