Health care providers and patients have traditionally attributed infections acquired in hospitals to exposure to superbugs. However, new genetic data reveals a different story. Research shows that most health care-associated infections are actually caused by harmless bacteria that patients already carry on their bodies before entering the hospital. These bacteria, which colonize various parts of the body, are responsible for serious infections such as pneumonia, diarrhea, bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections.
Among health care-associated infections, surgical site infections are particularly problematic. These infections contribute significantly to the costs of hospital-acquired infections, totaling over 33 percent of the annual expenditure of $9.8 billion. Furthermore, surgical site infections often lead to hospital readmission and even death after surgery. Despite hospitals implementing strict protocols and infection prevention measures, surgical site infections still occur following about 1 in 30 procedures, with no clear explanation for their occurrence.
A team of physician-scientists at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle delved into the reasons behind surgical site infections despite following recommended protocols. By studying various bacteria and their antibiotic resistance genes simultaneously, the researchers shed light on the causes of these infections. Focusing on infections in spinal surgery, the team found that a large percentage of infections were genetically matched to bacteria that patients were carrying even before surgery.
The rise of antibiotic resistance globally poses a significant challenge in preventing infections following surgery. Infections after spine surgery, for example, are particularly devastating as they often require extensive treatments and repeat surgeries. The researchers discovered that a high percentage of infections were resistant to preventive antibiotics administered during surgery due to antibiotic-resistant microbes that patients had acquired unknowingly.
The findings from the study highlight the importance of understanding the patient’s microbiome before surgery to prevent infections effectively. Current protocols for infection prevention are often generalized, but personalized approaches based on the patient’s microbiome could enhance their effectiveness. By analyzing the patient’s microbiome, medical teams could select targeted antimicrobials tailored to the individual, potentially leading to better outcomes.
The study’s results challenge traditional infection prevention strategies that focus on the sterility of the physical environment in hospitals. While these protocols are effective in many cases, a shift towards patient-centered, individualized approaches to infection prevention could benefit both hospitals and patients. By recognizing that infections often originate from the patient’s microbiome, medical teams can take proactive measures to protect against these infections before surgical procedures.
Surgical site infections and antibiotic resistance present complex challenges in healthcare. Understanding the role of the patient’s microbiome in infections and tailoring prevention strategies accordingly could lead to significant improvements in patient outcomes. As medical research continues to advance, personalized approaches to infection prevention may become the norm, ultimately enhancing patient safety and reducing the burden of healthcare-associated infections.
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