Investigating the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in hospitals

Transmission of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Their Mobile Genetic Elements-identification of Sources by Whole Genome Sequencing

Observational University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT03465683

This study is trying to find out how antibiotic-resistant bacteria spread in hospitals by looking at samples from patients over 16 years to see if the hospital or outside sources are more responsible for infections.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
Ages1 Year and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other
Locations1 site (Basel)
Trial IDNCT03465683 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research project aims to explore the transmission of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, a type of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, in the Basel urban region. By utilizing whole genome sequencing, the study will analyze bacterial strains and mobile genetic elements to identify transmission chains and sources of hospital-acquired infections. The findings will help determine whether hospital environments or external sources contribute more significantly to the spread of these infections. The study will include samples collected from patients at the University Hospital Basel over a 16-year period.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged over 1 year who have been confirmed to carry ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria or do not have proven ESBL-PE carriage will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for preventing and controlling hospital-acquired infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding the transmission dynamics of antibiotic-resistant bacteria using genomic sequencing, indicating that this approach is both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* aged above 1 year
* proven ESBL-PE carriage from any specimens obtained by routine clinical practice out and inpatients from University Hospital Basle from January 1st until December 31st 2019

Exclusion Criteria:

* not meeting inclusion criteria

Where this trial is running

Basel

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hospital Acquired Infection
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.