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Targeted treatment
A breakthrough in bacterial gastro for residential care
By Elise Hartevelt
Scientists at UNSW Sydney have made a breakthrough discovery that could better protect older people from gastroenteritis , an illness causing vomiting and diarrhoea .
A new study examined over 300,000 patient samples , identifying the bacterium Aeromonas as the second most prevalent pathogen associated with bacterial gastroenteritis .
Gastroenteritis , commonly known as gastro , is a contagious illness that leads to vomiting and diarrhoea due to infection and inflammation of the digestive system .
It ’ s estimated that roughly one in three aged care facilities in Australia experiences a gastro outbreak each year .
Associate Professor Li Zhang said the findings were especially relevant for older people who are more susceptible to severe complications due to a weakened immune system .
“ This could ultimately lead to more targeted treatment ,” Professor Zhang said .
Older people face severe risks when infected with gastroenteritis , such as dehydration , which could lead to decreased kidney functioning .
Gastro can also disrupt the balance of electrolytes in bodies , leading to muscle weakness , confusion , irregular heartbeat , and falls .
Combined with pre-existing chronic conditions such as diabetes , older people may experience more severe symptoms and interference with their medication .
“ They have a higher susceptibility to these infections during stages where the immune system tends to be weaker ,” Professor Zhang said .
“ The high rate of Aeromonas infection discovered in our study and its impact suggest that this species should be included on the
“
The new study found Aeromonas bacteria was the second most prevalent pathogen in cases of bacterial gastroenteritis common enteric bacterial pathogen examination list .”
Gastro outbreaks in aged-care facilities can rapidly spread through the faecaloral route , inhalation of aerosolised virus particles , or contact with contaminated surfaces or people .
Under the Public Health Act 1997 , facilities must inform their local Public Health Unit ( PHU ) if they have two or more gastro cases among residents or staff within 24 hours .
In 2018 , nearly 80 per cent of Australian aged-care homes had an infection control plan in place for gastroenteritis , including social distancing and frequent hand washing .
The most common forms are viral gastroenteritis , caused by noroviruses and rotaviruses , and bacterial gastroenteritis , caused by bacteria like salmonella and campylobacter .
Viral outbreaks are characterised by vomiting in about 50 per cent of affected people and last for more than a week .
Bacterial outbreaks can cause more severe symptoms and may be linked to contaminated food .
But the new study found that Aeromonas bacteria was actually the second most prevalent pathogen in cases of bacterial gastroenteritis . Professor Zhang said the findings could influence how gastroenteritis is diagnosed and treated in the future , leading to more specific and effective treatments . “ We know of at least five different species of Aeromonas that cause gastrointestinal infections in
Australia ,” she said . “ And we know they have different virulent genes – some are more virulent than others .
“ So if Aeromonas bacteria are identified to species level , it could lead to even more targeted treatment .”
Professor Zhang said more research was needed to better identify the source of the Aeromonas infection to develop effective prevention measures .
“ Improved diagnostic processes and preventive measures tailored to older people are crucial to mitigate the risks associated with gastroenteritis .” ■
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