Predictors for multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) carriage in haemodialysis patients

J Family Med Prim Care. 2024 Feb;13(2):486-491. doi: 10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_708_23. Epub 2024 Mar 6.

Abstract

Introduction: Infections in haemodialysis (HD) patients are an important cause of morbidity, hospitalization, and mortality. Patients undergoing HD are more prone to develop bacterial infections by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs).

Objectives: This study is aimed to detect MDROs colonization in HD patients and its associated risk factors and outcome.

Methodology: A total of 62 nasal swabs and 124 rectal swabs were collected from 62 patients coming to the haemodialysis unit from of March to May 2021 and were further screened for MRSA, VRE and CRE.

Results: Out of 62 patients, 22.59% showed the presence of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) while VRE was present in four patients (4/62). CRE was found as 24.2% (15/62). Duration of dialysis was found as a significant risk factor-associated MRSA carriage, Whereas Charlson index and drug and medication were found as significant risk factor for VRE carriage.

Discussion & conclusion: HD patients are particularly vulnerable to life threatening infections. Therefore, continuous epidemiological surveillance for these MDROs, including genotypic analysis and implementation of adequate decolonization strategies, is crucial and will reduce the possibility of autoinfection as well as disrupt transmission of multi-resistant isolates to others.

Keywords: Haemodialysis; MDRO; risk factor.