Import of multidrug-resistant bacteria from abroad through interhospital transfers, Finland, 2010-2019.

BackgroundWhile 20-80% of regular visitors to (sub)tropical regions become colonised by extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing (ESBL-PE), those hospitalised abroad often also carry other multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria on return; the rates are presumed to be highest for interhospital transfers.AimThis observational study assessed MDR bacterial colonisation among patients transferred directly from hospitals abroad to Helsinki University Hospital. We investigated predisposing factors, clinical infections and associated fatalities.