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Ludwig Angina — SCE Infectious Diseases MCQ

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HardRespiratory InfectionLudwig AnginaSCE Infectious Diseases

Three patients in an ICU acquire NDM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. Whole-genome sequencing suggests a common strain. Which action best addresses ongoing transmission?

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Correct answer: B — Expand contact and environmental screening while reinforcing isolation and cleaning

A genetically linked ICU cluster requires an outbreak response addressing patient-to-patient and environmental transmission: enhanced screening of relevant contacts, isolation or cohorting, meticulous hand hygiene, environmental cleaning and review of devices and shared equipment. Prophylactic carbapenems promote resistance and neither airborne precautions nor a single negative screen replaces the CPE pathway.

Reference: UKHSA: Framework of actions to contain carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/actions-to-contain-carbapenemase-producing-enterobacterales-cpe