PARIS, January 3, 2025 (APMnews) – A recent study published in *Infectious Diseases Now* highlights the urgent need for increased participation from hospitals in France’s national surveillance network for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) infections. researchers, including Mélanie colomb-Cotinat from the Hospices civils de Lyon, found that the current voluntary reporting system underestimates the incidence of thes antibiotic-resistant infections, which pose a meaningful public health threat. In 2020, the study estimated 3,287 cases of CPE infections, three times higher than previous figures reported by the Spares network. The authors advocate for a more thorough approach to surveillance, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among hospitals to accurately track and manage the spread of these perilous pathogens. For more details, visit the full article in *Infectious Diseases Now* here.
Q&A with Mélanie Colomb-Cotinat on the Urgent Need for Enhanced Surveillance of CPE Infections in France
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Mélanie Colomb-Cotinat. Your recent study published in Infectious Diseases Now sheds light on the critical situation regarding carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) infections. Can you summarize the key findings of your study?
Colomb-Cotinat: thank you for having me.Our research indicates that the current voluntary reporting system in France substantially underestimates the incidence of CPE infections. We found that in 2020, there were approximately 3,287 cases, which is three times higher than the figures reported by the Spares network. This underreporting represents a substantial public health threat, as CPE infections are highly resistant to antibiotics and can led to severe patient outcomes.
Editor: That is concerning. What are the implications of such underreporting for public health in France?
Colomb-Cotinat: The implications are quite severe. Without accurate data,hospitals cannot effectively track the spread of these antibiotic-resistant infections,making it challenging to implement appropriate infection control measures. Enhanced surveillance is essential to understand the true burden of CPE in our healthcare systems and to protect patients who are already vulnerable to infections.
Editor: Your study advocates for increased hospital participation in surveillance efforts. Why is collaboration among hospitals so crucial in this context?
Colomb-Cotinat: Collaboration is vital for several reasons.First, it allows for the pooling of data, which can provide a clearer, more extensive picture of the CPE threat across different regions. Second, a collective effort can lead to the growth of standardized reporting protocols, enhancing data consistency and reliability. it fosters shared insights and strategies for infection prevention, which is essential in managing outbreaks effectively.
Editor: What practical steps can hospitals take to improve their participation in the surveillance network?
Colomb-Cotinat: Hospitals can start by integrating reporting protocols into their routine infection control measures. Training staff to recognize and report cases of CPE infections is also crucial.Additionally, hospitals should collaborate with public health authorities to ensure that they contribute data effectively. Establishing incentives for reporting can further encourage participation.
Editor: From your outlook, what role does public awareness play in addressing the CPE issue?
Colomb-Cotinat: Public awareness is incredibly meaningful. Patients and healthcare providers need to understand the risks associated with antibiotic-resistant infections. Educating the public about the need for responsible antibiotic use can help minimize the development of resistance. Moreover,informed patients can advocate for better infection control practices in healthcare settings.
Editor: As we look towards the future, what do you believe are the key areas for research and policy focus regarding CPE infections?
Colomb-Cotinat: Future research should focus on identifying new strategies for managing and preventing CPE infections, including novel antibiotic development and alternative therapies. Policy-wise, it is crucial to implement stronger regulations and guidelines for reporting and managing antibiotic resistance.Sustainable funding for these initiatives will also be critical to ensure long-term success.
Editor: Thank you, Mélanie, for sharing your insights today. Your research highlights the critical need for action against CPE infections, and we hope to see progress in this area soon.
Colomb-Cotinat: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this critically important issue. Awareness and action are the keys to combating antibiotic resistance and protecting public health.
for more details on the study and findings, you can read the full article in Infectious Diseases Now here.