Worrying levels of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria isolated from cell phones and uniforms of Peruvian intensive care unit workers.

BACKGROUND

Healthcare worker (HCW) uniforms and cell phones are involved in pathogen transmission. This study aimed to characterize pathogenic microorganism isolates from HCW uniforms and cell phones.

METHODS

Gram-negative microorganisms were recovered from HCW uniforms and cell phones. Antimicrobial susceptibility and the presence of extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemases were determined.

RESULTS

Escherichia coli was the most prevalent microorganism. Overall, high levels of resistance to cephalosporins, quinolones, co-trimoxazole and colistin were found. ESBL were mainly related to blaCTX-M-15 and blaSHV- genes. Carbapenem-resistant isolates presented as blaKPC or blaNDM.

CONCLUSIONS

High levels of antimicrobial resistance, including colistin, were detected. Therefore, strategies are urgently needed to prevent bacterial dissemination.