Breakthrough Approach Enhances Infection Management of Hospital
A pioneering genomic technique has emerged, offering hospitals a new way to track the spread of superbugs more efficiently. Developed by researchers from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, the University of Oslo, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo in Italy, and their collaborators, this innovative method promises to significantly improve the infection management of hospital procedures. Unlike traditional methods that culture and sequence pathogens individually, this new deep sequencing approach captures a comprehensive snapshot of all infectious bacteria present in a hospital simultaneously.
The groundbreaking study, published today in The Lancet Microbe, utilized this advanced technique to monitor bacterial populations across multiple hospital wards and intensive care units (ICUs) during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This method allowed researchers to identify the types of bacteria present in patients, including antibiotic-resistant strains known to complicate treatment. The study revealed that each ICU patient harbored at least one antibiotic-resistant bacterium, with many infected by multiple strains simultaneously.
Revolutionizing Surveillance and Control
The researchers assert that this new approach could be integrated with existing hospital surveillance systems to enhance infection control. The deep sequencing method, known as ‘pan-pathogen’ deep sequencing, provides a rapid and comprehensive analysis of bacterial genomes. By processing samples from 256 patients, the team successfully identified bacteria from various body sites, including the gut, airways, and lungs. Of the 2,418 DNA samples analyzed, 66 percent were associated with seven prevalent bacterial infections seen in hospitals.
This technique not only captures a broad range of bacteria but also tracks their spread over time, enabling hospitals to predict and manage potential outbreaks more effectively. Dr. Harry Thorpe, the first author of the study from the University of Oslo and the Wellcome Sanger Institute, highlighted the importance of this approach in staying ahead of evolving antibiotic-resistant bacteria. “Our study demonstrates how genomics can provide a comprehensive view of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, essential for predicting risks and understanding the spread of these strains.”
A Step Forward in Managing Antibiotic Resistance
The integration of this genomic technique into healthcare systems represents a significant advancement in combating antibiotic resistance. Professor Fausto Baldanti, Director of the Microbiology and Virology Unit at Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, reflected on the study’s implications, noting that superbugs remained a critical issue even amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized that the simultaneous presence of multiple drug-resistant bacteria in ICUs could have exacerbated the challenges faced during those tumultuous times.
Professor Nicholas Thomson, co-senior author from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, underscored the potential of this approach in improving hospital infection control. “Antibiotic-resistant infections are a persistent problem, and integrating deep genomic sequencing into healthcare practices offers a new tool for tracking and managing these threats. This method provides healthcare professionals with valuable insights, enabling them to better diagnose infections and control outbreaks, ultimately enhancing patient care.”
This new technique stands to transform how hospitals approach infection management of hospital environments, offering a more efficient and comprehensive solution to the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
