R-Net: Core network for the study of multidrug-resistant bacterial organisms
Implementation of evidence-based infection control practices to reduce healthcare-associated infection remains a national and international priority. R-Net investigates the effect of various interventions aimed at limiting the spread of infections due to multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO)—including infection prevention and control, decolonisation, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and the development of new antimicrobials active against MDRO. The DZIF network "Multiresistant Bacteria" (R-Net) was established in 2016 at six DZIF sites to collect microbiological resistance data, genomic, epidemiological and clinical data as well as data on antibiotic consumption over a period of four years at the participating DZIF sites. The data form the basis for further projects in the research area "Healthcare-Associated Infections”, in which infection control strategies, antimicrobial stewardship measures, long-term consequences of bloodstream infections and automated outbreak detection are being investigated.
In the DZIF network "Multiresistant Bacteria" (R-Net), we collect data on different interventions to prevent infections associated with a hospital stay or inpatient medical procedure (nosocomial infections). Knowledge of basic resistance and infection surveillance data is key to identifying hotspots that require increased attention and targeted infection control interventions. These include interventions such as hospital hygiene measures, decolonisation, antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) or the development of new anti-infectives. In order to better assess the respective effect, data on the epidemiology of multidrug-resistant bacteria, the epidemiology of bloodstream infections and Clostridioides difficile infections are being collected at six sites within the framework of R-Net.
In the present, the network is oriented more strongly as a platform for translational studies in the field of diagnostics and therapy of MDRO infections. To this end, in addition to the surveys on MDRO prevalence and surveillance of bloodstream infections, further analyses are being carried out to investigate genetic resistance mechanisms/markers and their impact on phenotypic resistance. A genomic and experimental approach will be used to investigate the microbiome-pathogen-resistome interaction to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of microbial interaction in the development and spread of MDRO.
R-Net is used as a central data resource for the following projects, among others, and is open for cooperation with external partners:
- "BLOOMY-PREDICT" reviews prognosis estimates after bloodstream infections caused by multi-resistant bacteria.
- The research focus of "AEGON" is on assessing the impact of antimicrobial exposure and infection control measures on the spread of Vancomycin-resistant enterococci.
