Prevalence of Multidrug Resistant Bacteria in Refugees: A Prospective Case Control Study in an Obstetric Cohort

De Murcia K., Glatz B., Willems S., Kossow A., Strobel M., Stühmer B., Schaumburg F., Mellmann A., Kipp F., Schmitz R., Möllers M.

Abstract

Purpose To determine the prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria in a cohort of pregnant refugee women. Methods In a prospective case control study, surveillance cultures for MDR bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], vancomycin-resistant enterococci [VRE], MDR Gram-negative bacteria [MRGN]) were analysed between October 2015 and June 2016 from a cohort of 50 pregnant refugee women and 50 resident controls in the obstetric unit of a German tertiary referral hospital. Results Prevalence of MRSA was noticeably higher among refugee women compared to residents (6 vs. 0%). In addition, a trend towards a higher prevalence of VRE and MDR Gram-negative bacteria in refugees was shown (1.8 vs. 0%). Conclusions Due to the higher prevalence of MDR bacteria, surveillance cultures are justified in order to prevent nosocomial spread of MDR bacteria.