MDRO decontamination
The problem is known and notorious and makes the headlines on a regular basis. Nosocomial infections in hospitals cost human lives and a lot of money every year. Across the EU, nosocomial infections cause additional costs of seven billion euro per year1 – an enormous additional economic burden for our health systems.
Despite all the many advances in surgery, postoperative infections remain a much feared complication which has serious health and economic consequences. Although causes are complex, it is estimated that, with the right preventive measures, half of these infections could be avoided. Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms represent a particular danger, as treatment options are severely limited. In terms of antibiotic resistance, recent years have seen a shift in emphasis from Gram-positive to Gram-negative bacteria. Resistance is increasingly being seen against antibiotics of last resort. In particular, wound infections, urinary tract infections and pneumonia in conjunction with vascular catheter-associated infections, primary sepsis and infections caused by Clostridium difficile are major challenges in terms of hygiene and infection prevention.
schülke has been facing this challenge for more than a century. Our approach: prevention is better than infection! Our universal decontamination strategies have been scientifically researched and proven. A targeted and universal decontamination, both of intensive care patients and patients before surgery, allows reducing hospital infections and thus increasing cost efficiency.
Antimicrobial resistance
Our solution approaches for a complex problem.
Despite all the advances in surgery, post-operative infections are still feared. They lead to complications with serious health consequences, and the economic impact is enormous. Although the causes are complex, serious estimations assume that 50% of these infections could be prevented by suitable measures.2,3
Antibiotic-resistant pathogens are particularly dangerous as treatment options are very limited. In addition, recent years have seen a shift from Gram-positive to Gram-negative bacteria. So-called 3- and 4-MDRGN (Multi-Drug Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria) appear more frequently. These are gram-negative pathogens that are resistant to three or four groups of antibiotics. In addition, resistance to so-called reserve antibiotics has recently been observed.
Wound infections and other nosocomial infections such as catheter-associated infections or pneumonia are often caused by the patient's own bacterial flora. Around 90% of postoperative wound infections can be assumed endogenous.
schülke products specifically target this, reduce the bacterial flora and verifiably reduce the risk of infection. Patient decontamination – generally involving a combination of whole body washing and nasal decolonisation – is performed prior to surgery (preoperative washing) and on intensive care units (preventive washing). These preventive concepts encompass the skin and nose and can be extended with a mouthwash to take into consideration another bacterial reservoir.
[1] World Health Organization (WHO), 2016: Guidelines on Core Components of Infection Prevention and Control Programmes at the National and Acute Health Care Facility Level.
[2] ECDC, 2014: Healthcare-Associated Infections.
[3] Nationales Referenzzentrum (NRZ), 2017: Bericht des Nationalen Referenzzentrums (NRZ) für gramnegative Krankenhauserreger, Zeitraum 1. Januar 2017 – 31.Dezember 2017. Epidemiologisches Bulletin 12. Juli 2018/ Nr. 28.
[4] Oliveira W.F. et al., 2017: Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis infections on implants.
[5] Angerler G., 2018: Bericht aus sieben Jahren präoperativer Staphylokokken-Eradikation in der elektiven Orthopädie.
