Whole genome sequencing can quickly isolate the specific strain of bacteria causing an outbreak, identify the source of contamination, and enable rapid infection prevention to stop the spread of infection, according to a study published today. The findings, based on the examination of an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in an Australian neonatal unit, appear in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology.
“Bacteria, such as P. aeruginosa, have evolved into many strains and frequently contaminate the healthcare environment, which makes it difficult to determine the source of an outbreak and control it using traditional methods,” says Rebecca Davis, MD, the study’s lead researcher. “Whole genome sequencing, determining the organism’s entire DNA sequence in real time, changes that. Our study found this technology allows us to implement rapid-response infection control protocols and stem the outbreak, which is critical for vulnerable patients, such as those in a neonatal intensive care unit.”
Researchers at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney investigated an outbreak of P. aeruginosa colonization in babies, as an increase was seen in the numbers of babies carrying this bacteria on their skin. Only one baby, however, had become ill with infection from the bacteria.
During the outbreak, researchers conducted enhanced screening practices for all babies by collecting nasal swabs. They also swabbed common areas that were possible sources of transmission, such as areas in and around sinks, including splash-backs and soap dispensers. They found 18 infants were colonized with the bacteria, which in extreme cases can be fatal.
The investigators performed real-time DNA sequencing on specimens collected from 12 babies and seven environmental locations. They found that all babies except one were colonized by a specific strain of P. aeruginosa, ST253, and that two environmental samples obtained from different sinks also tested positive for the same strain. Upon this discovery, infection control personnel took active measures including isolating the babies infected with P. aeruginosa and cleaning and/or replacing equipment associated with the sink areas that tested positive. No further babies became ill with the bacteria.
“Whole genome sequencing gave us the ability to see that all but one of the babies were infected by the same strain of P. aeruginosa, something that would not have been recognized otherwise,” says Davis. “When trying to stem infection, the ability to exclude a patient from the outbreak is just as important as the recognition of the outbreak itself. Additionally, the thorough information provided about factors of each strain, like antibiotic resistance mutations if present, and the quick processing time make it a superior tool in infection control.”
Reference: Davis R, et al. Whole genome sequencing in real-time investigation and management of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak on a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. Web (June 8, 2015)
Source: Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA)
“Ongoing Assault”: How HHS Layoffs Have Eviscerated Infection Prevention Support Across the Nation
April 1st 2025Mass layoffs at HHS and CDC have gutted critical infection prevention programs, leaving frontline professionals overwhelmed, under-resourced, and desperate to safeguard public health.
Together We Rise: Why AORN Expo 2025 Is a Must for Every Perioperative Nurse
March 31st 2025From April 5 to 8, 2025, thousands of perioperative nurses will gather in Boston for the 2025 AORN Global Surgical Conference & Expo—a transformational experience designed to elevate nursing practice, build lifelong connections, and advance surgical care.
Vet IP Roundtable 2: Infection Control and Biosecurity Challenges in Veterinary Care
March 31st 2025Veterinary IPs highlight critical gaps in cleaning protocols, training, and biosecurity, stressing the urgent need for standardized, animal-specific infection prevention practices across diverse care settings.