Emerging pathogens widespread in mechanical ventilators

Editor's Note

Patients in Maryland hospitals on mechanical ventilators were exposed to two dangerous pathogens, which are becoming growing threats in hospital systems, according to a new report published on October 12 by JAMA Network. 

The report analyzed survey data from 51 participating healthcare facilities. The data included 482 patients who received mechanical ventilation and were screened for the pathogen A baumannii; 470 patients were screened for C auris. 

Researchers found that 30.7% of these ventilators were colonized with A. baumannii, and 6.6% with C. auris. Both pathogens were significantly more common in long-term care facilities than in acute care hospitals.

The findings highlight the need for facilities–particularly long-term care facilities–to take immediate steps to monitor and prevent these emerging pathogens.