OBJECTIVE: We aimed to report a community outbreak of an uncommon methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) originating in a maternity ward. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cases were defined by epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological investigations. Microbiological investigations included phenotypic analysis, molecular typing, and whole genome sequencing. To control the outbreak, we applied both national recommendations to prevent in-hospital transmission and the French High Council for Public Health guidelines on the management of community-acquired MRSA infections. RESULTS: Between March and July 2016, seven patients with MRSA infections were identified: six skin and soft tissue infections and one pulmonary infection, including six microbiologically confirmed infections. Infections occurred in community settings, but a link with the same maternity ward was found for all patients. All MRSA strains had a t690 spa type, were tetracycline-resistant, and produced Panton-Valentine leukocidin. All isolates belonged to the sequence type 88 (ST88). CONCLUSION: This outbreak highlights the largely underestimated risk of healthcare-associated infections in maternity wards. Healthcare workers should be aware of the importance of standard hygiene precautions and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers for neonates and mothers.
Auteur : Menard G, Morin Le-Bihan A, Isly H, Auger G, Le Neindre K, King L A, Martins-Simões P, Tristan A, Donnio P Y
Infectious Diseases Now, 2021, vol. 51, n°. 6, p. 540-546
