Abstract
Introduction: Pathogenic bacteria with antibiotic resistance mechanisms can be acquired in ambulances when an emergency health service is provided. This scenario can generate infections associated with health care. Objective: To perform the phenotypic characterization and sensitivity profile of bacteria recovered in APH ambulances in the municipality of Medellín. Methodology: A descriptive study was conducted during the years 2017-2019 which included 10 Prehospital Care (APH) ambulances from the Medellín Health Secretariat. Sampling of surfaces and environments was carried out on ambulances and health personnel from APH (hand swabs). The presence of indicator microorganisms such as aerobic mesophiles, total coliforms, molds and yeasts was evaluated. Additionally, the presence of pathogenic microorganisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was determined. The recovered bacteria underwent phenotypic identification and susceptibility tests using the Biomérieux® Vitek 2 System, in addition Biomérieux® chromogenic media were used to detect bacteria with clinically important resistance mechanisms. Results: Gram positive Cocci were attributed to 55.4% of the bacterial isolates, 34.5% to Gram positive Bacilli and 10.1% to Gram negative Bacilli. The distribution of samples broke down as follows: Grampositive Cocci predominated in the handlers, cabin area and on stretchers; Gram-negative Bacilli predominated in medicine cabinets. The main genus recovered corresponded to Bacillus spp 25.9%, followed by Staphylococcus spp 22.3%. With the exception of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, no bacteria with resistance mechanisms of clinical importance were recovered. Conclusion: Although bacteria with resistance mechanisms of clinical importance were not recovered, the presence of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, a bacteria intrinsically resistant to antibiotics and associated with hospital infections, suggests that it is necessary to evaluate disinfection processes in detail and continue epidemiological surveillance of microorganisms present in ambulances.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Clara María Duque-Restrepo, Claudia María Cuervo-Araque, Catalina Villa-Sánchez, Mayra Fuentes, Juliana Tobón-Ospina, Melisa Arroyave-Rendón, Jorge Sanchéz-Becerra