Hospital in Macaíba reports multidrug-resistant bacteria outbreak

The Hospital Regional Alfredo Mesquita Filho in Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte, recorded an outbreak of multidrug-resistant bacteria between May and July. An investigation by the Hospital Infection Control Commission (CCIH) and the Patient Safety Nucleus (NSP) identified 16 instances of infection or colonization involving 15 patients.

While eight patients died during their hospitalization, the State Secretariat of Public Health (Sesap) stated that there is no proven causal link between the bacteria and these deaths, noting that the patients presented various clinical conditions. The investigation classified the event as a “healthcare-associated infection outbreak by multidrug-resistant microorganisms” and noted cross-transmission between patients.

The identified microorganism is a Klebsiella bacterium, specifically the KPC strain. Sesap officials have declared the situation under control, stating that there are currently no patients actively infecting others within the facility. Two patients related to the outbreak remain in the hospital: one has been cleared of colonization, and another remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under isolation and antibiotic treatment.