Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are among the most dangerous multidrug-resistant hospital germs. The new multicenter research project PREVENT is now intended to systematically clarify for the first time how often bloodstream infections caused by these pathogens occur in German university hospitals and which factors significantly influence the risk.

The study was initiated by Prof. Dr. Stefanie Kampmeier, Head of the Central Facility for Hospital Hygiene and Antimicrobial Stewardship at the University Hospital Würzburg (UKW). 22 university hospitals are participating in the study as part of the NUM Infections Network (SNID). The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

Enterococci are natural intestinal inhabitants, but can cause serious infections if the immune system is weakened – especially bloodstream infections, which can lead to sepsis and can be life-threatening. VRE are also resistant to the reserve antibiotic vancomycin, which makes treatment much more difficult.

In addition to the frequency of such infections, PREVENT also analyzes the influence of patient factors, treatment strategies and hygiene measures. A special focus is on the role of isolation measures, hand disinfection and the targeted use of antibiotics. In addition, genetic fingerprints of the pathogens are to be created using whole genome sequencing in order to identify risk profiles.

Kampmeier emphasized that the current recommendations for action of the KRINKO (Commission for Infection Prevention) are still very generically formulated and are implemented very differently in practice. At the UKW, strict isolation has been dispensed with and basic hygiene and monitoring have instead been intensified – with positive results: the number of VRE bloodstream infections has decreased.

The study is intended to provide an evidence-based basis for future national recommendations for action and thus improve infection prevention in hospitals. The results will also be relevant for the work of the Bavarian Surveillance Centre (BaySurv), of which Kampmeier is section spokesperson.

PREVENT is one of six study projects that are currently being funded by the NUM Infection Network. The University Medicine Network (NUM) bundles the research activities of the 37 German university hospitals in order to gain scientific knowledge more quickly and in a more coordinated manner in crisis situations.

Further information:

PREVENT | Network University Medicine

Editor: X-Press Journalistenbüro GbR

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