An Outbreak Of Ralstonia Insidiosa In Hospitalized Children

Abstract

<title>Abstract</title> Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections are a public health problem, resulting in increased morbidity, mortality and costs to patients. The present study aims to analyze an in-hospital outbreak of <italic>Ralstonia insidiosa</italic> in children admitted to a pediatric referral hospital, with a focus on the control and prevention measures implemented. Methodology: An observational prospective study was conducted from the beginning of an outbreak of <italic>Ralstonia insidiosa</italic> to its end, with emphasis on the control measures implemented by a pediatric referral hospital. Results: We found 19 cases in 19 epidemiological weeks, with an attack rate of 1.76%, mainly affecting children hospitalized for more than 14 days, with invasive devices, admitted to pediatric intensive care (PICU) and with underlying disease. The clinical presentation was characterized by vomiting, fever and cough. The control of the outbreak was archived based on the installation of epidemiological and antimicrobial surveillance approach. Conclusions: We conclude that <italic>Ralstonia insidiosa</italic> is an emerging nosocomial, opportunistic and antibiotic-resistant pathogen affecting children with risk factors (invasive devices, immunocompromised and admitted to PICU), in whom it causes morbidity and mortality; furthermore, decision making based on a combined approach of epidemiological and antimicrobial surveillance with available resources can serve to control the outbreak.