Investigation and management of Klebsiella Pneumoniae Outbreak in Intensive Care Unit of Tanta University Emergency Hospital

Background: Klebsiella pneumoniae infection is responsible for a wide range of infections including pneumonia, bacteremia, wound infections, and urinary tract infections. Objective: To investigate and manage the occurrence of multi-drug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae outbreak in Intensive Care Unit of Tanta University Emergency Hospital. Methodology: The investigation of the outbreak included isolates identification and typing while management included implementation of infection prevention and control precautions; establishment of an Outbreak Control Team; epidemiological investigations; and decontamination of environment. Results: During September 2020, five patients in the Intensive Care Unit in Emergency Hospital of Tanta University had multi drug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae identified in samples obtained from a variety of specimens. The fifth case was identified 10 days following confirmation of the first case. The Microbiology laboratory confirmed the five cases had identical Klebsiella pneumoniae strains. This suggests that there was a patient-to- patient spread of multidrug resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: This investigation revealed the importance of proactive recognition of a possible outbreak, screening of patients transferred from other hospitals, early identification of any unusual microorganisms and implementation of early infection control interventions.