Resistant hospital bacteria: A growing concern outside the hospital 

While resistance to carbapenem antibiotics was long seen as primarily a hospital problem, attention is now shifting to another source of concern: the food chain. Carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPE) are increasingly being found in animals and food products across Europe. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has sounded the alarm in a recent scientific opinion. 

What are Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae? 

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are bacteria that can produce an enzyme (carbapenemases) that breaks down certain antibiotics. When these bacteria cause an infection, they are harder to treat because some commonly used antibiotics no longer work. How difficult treatment becomes depends on the disease and which types of antibiotics the bacteria are resistant to. There are often still alternative treatments available, but they are more complex, which is why it is better to prevent contamination with this type of bacteria. 

From hospitals to the food chain

Since 2011, CPE have been found in 14 of the 30 EU and EFTA countries. Initially, these bacteria were mostly found in healthcare settings, but they are now also found in pigs, cattle, and, to a lesser extent, poultry. These include, among others, E. coli, Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Salmonella. EFSA points out that in some cases, identical bacterial strains have been found in both humans and animals, suggesting possible transmission between the two. However, direct transmission via food has not yet been proven. 

A growing threat 

The increase in reported CPE cases may indicate that these bacteria are spreading further and that controlling them is becoming more difficult. Ten out of 30 countries have now developed emergency plans to investigate and control the spread of these resistant bacteria. EFSA has made several recommendations for monitoring and limiting the spread. 

Demonstrating the elimination of CPE in textile washing processes 

With the increasing risk of CPE in the food chain – E. coli being a common carrier – it is becoming more important to demonstrate whether these resistant bacteria are effectively eliminated in washing processes, such as for workwear, hospital linen, or other textiles. 

The DES-controller is a bio-indicator that has been used for decades to objectively measure the performance of a washing process in terms of disinfection using an indicator organism. Typically, a type of DES-controller with Enterobacteriaceae or Staphylococcus aureus is used. Given the growing concern about these resistant carbapenemase-producing bacteria (CPE), it may be wise to additionally use the DES-controller with Escherichia coli as the indicator organism in the washing process. 

Safety for the user and environment 

Thanks to the robust membrane system of the DES-controller, the test organism undergoes the full disinfection process without risking contamination of the environment. Once the DES-controller has been washed, it can be easily sent back to Cleaning Consultancy Delft B.V. via your parcel partner. In the laboratory, the level of disinfection is determined, and you will receive a clear report indicating whether the washing process meets the required hygiene standards. 

Want to learn more about using the DES-controller with E. coli for washing processes? Check out how easy it is to implement the DES-controller on your own through the link below or contact us for advice and availability.