Impact of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIRS) in ICUs

Multidrug resistant enterobacterales (MDR-E) are a major threat for patients hospitalized in intensive care units (ICUs). To prevent MDR-E spread in ICUs, rectal swabs are routinely performed and cultured on selective media. However, bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility results are not sufficient to diagnose cross transmissions. The gold standard technique is based on genomic analysis that require whole genome sequencing (WGS) of bacteria and followed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) typing. This technology is rather expensive and not applicable in all centers.

Fourier Transform InfraRed Spectroscopy (FTIRS) is a developing method for rapid bacterial typing. This technology is simple and results can be obtained in one hour. It is therefore adapted to continuous surveillance of MDR-E. In France, extended spectrum betalactamase producing enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) represent the vast majority of MDR-E. We postulate that early diagnosis of cross-transmission by FTIRS may prevent the spread of ESBL-E in ICUs and favor compliance with hygiene measures. The aim of this study will be to assess the impact of systematic FTIRS typing of ESBL-E on ESBL-E cross-transmissions in ICUs.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients hospitalized in ICU
• ESBL-E carrier

Exclusion criteria

• none