A preliminary analysis of hand disinfection use by travellers and their colonisation-risk with multi-resistant bacteria: A proof-of-concept study

Abstract

Background

International travellers have the potential to transmit multidrug-resistant bacteria. However, the role of hygiene measures during travel has yet to be investigated.

Method

Travellers were asked about their use of disinfectants and hygiene behaviour. Stool samples were analysed for Gram-negative multi-resistant bacteria (MDRO). These data were analysed, and a new MDRO risk map was developed and compared with data from existing literature.

Result

Of 214 travellers, 6 (2.8 %) tested positive for an MDRO before and 16 (7.5 %) after the trip, with travel in known high-risk MDRO areas. Most travellers, 174 (81.3 %), regularly used disinfectants; only 36 (16.8 %) did not. There was no statistically significant correlation between the use of a disinfectant and colonisation with MDRO. In our and comparable studies, a high-risk region on the risk map was associated with an increased number of MDRO or extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) positive returns.

Conclusion

Travellers showed a high willingness to use disinfectants. This preliminary study highlights the need for larger, randomized studies to better assess the true impact of hand disinfectants on MDRO acquisition.