Modeling the Effects of Resistance to Disinfectants on the Transmission of Nosocomial Infections

Antimicrobial resistance is a growing threat, increasing the rate and complications of hospital-acquired infections. This study explores how resistance to disinfectants affects the spread of nosocomial diseases. An ODE compartmental model was created to describe the transmission of two strains of a generalized pathogen, resistant and susceptible to disinfectants, throughout a hospital ward. Transmission occurs directly and through contact with an environmental reservoir of pathogen. Evolution of resistance occurs through mutation and horizontal gene transfer. Different selection pressure magnitudes, the ratio of disinfectant efficacy on resistant and susceptible strains, were tested. More people become infected overall, and a more significant proportion get the resistant strain, when the selection pressure for resistance is higher. In all simulations, the majority of cases occur directly, but as selection pressure increases, a more significant proportion of cases are caused by contact with the environmental reservoir. These results have important implications for infection management.

For more information email: krebey@eckerd.edu, foxl@eckerd.edu

Excellence Award in the Computer Science/Math Section🏆

Eckerd College Undergraduate Research Symposium 2022