Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria Detected in War Zone Hospital Patients

Recent research conducted by the University of Helsinki alongside HUS Helsinki University Hospital has revealed alarming findings regarding Ukrainian refugees receiving medical care after being injured in the ongoing conflict. The study indicates that approximately 8% of these patients were hospitalized due to war-related injuries, and notably, nearly 80% of them were found to carry multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria.

The investigation highlighted a significant concern regarding antimicrobial resistance, particularly among those who have been treated in conflict-affected healthcare settings. Professor Anu Kantele, who led the research, pointed out that patients with war injuries often harbor highly resistant bacteria, which can lead to severe infections. The study's results were published in the journal Clinical Microbiology and Infection.

In contrast, refugees who had not been hospitalized prior to arriving in Finland exhibited no higher rates of multidrug-resistant bacteria than Finnish citizens returning from travel to regions such as Asia, Africa, or South America. The findings underscore the unique risks associated with healthcare environments in war zones, where hospitals often face overwhelming challenges in maintaining effective infection control.

According to Kantele, the conditions in these hospitals are ripe for the spread of difficult-to-treat bacteria, as they are frequently overburdened and unable to implement adequate infection prevention measures. The study identified prevalent strains of bacteria among the patients, which included ESBL-producing E. coli and, in some cases, MRSA.

However, it is important to note that the general population should not be unduly alarmed. Doctoral Researcher Tuomas Aro, who specializes in infectious diseases, emphasized that the issue primarily concerns patients in hospital settings rather than everyday citizens.

The Finnish healthcare system has been proactive in addressing this challenge. In hospitals, patients who have been previously hospitalized abroad are treated with caution, placed in single rooms with contact isolation protocols in effect, and bacterial samples are routinely collected to monitor health risks.

Kantele reassured the public, stating that the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance among ordinary refugees does not exceed that of Finnish travelers returning from regions with similar health challenges.

As the situation evolves, health authorities are continuously monitoring the implications of this research to ensure the safety and well-being of both refugees and the broader community.