Role of VITEK 2 automated system in Outbreak of Multidrug Resistant Isolates in Critical Care Units- A Case Study

Dr Raksha K

Volume : VII, Issue : XII, December - 2018

Role of VITEK 2 automated system in Outbreak of Multidrug Resistant Isolates in Critical Care Units- A Case Study

Dr Raksha K

Abstract :

BACKGROUND: The role of Microbiology laboratory in aiding Infection Control has increased over the past few decades and with the availability of automated systems, similar isolates with identical antibiotic susceptibility pattern provide us an important alert. Here we describe a practical approach to an outeak of multidrug resistant microbial isolates through our experience with multidrug resistant Acinetobacter species in our medical intensive care unit.

METHODOLOGY: An approach to outeak management through fishbone diagram and root cause analysis revealed colonization of suction jars with multidrug resistant isolates of Klebsiella and Acinetobacter species. Corrective action was taken on time with cleaning of suction jars as per recommended protocol with subsequent audits showing no such incidence.

RESULTS: The clinical isolates i.e Acinetobacter species and the isolates through epidemiological surveillance i. Acinetobacter and Klebsiella species although were multidrug resistant there was no significant association, despite which they pose a high risk for the admitted patients in the critical care units and majority of the times these go underreported.

CONCLUSION: There exists a significant high risk in critical care settings for transmission of multidrug resistant pathogens. The microbiology laboratory if well equipped with automated VITEK 2 System can give a timely alert to aid in the containment of outeak and prevent the spread of multidrug resistant health care associated infections.