Patients in War-Zone Hospitals Carry High Rates of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Following Russia's extensive invasion, thousands of Ukrainians have been evacuated to different parts of Europe for medical care. A recent study conducted by the University of Helsinki in collaboration with Helsinki University Hospital found that approximately 8% of hospitalized Ukrainian refugees were treated due to war-related injuries. Notably, around 80% of these patients were carriers of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, raising concerns about infection control and antibiotic resistance.

The research revealed that refugees who had not been hospitalized abroad generally did not harbor higher levels of MDR bacteria than Finns who had traveled to regions like Asia, Africa, or South America. However, patients with war injuries, especially those hospitalized in conflict zones, were more likely to carry highly resistant bacteria that could lead to severe infections.

Professor Anu Kantele emphasized that the primary risk of antimicrobial resistance is associated with patients treated in conflict-affected areas. "Patients with war injuries were found to carry bacteria that are highly resistant to multiple antibiotics, posing significant treatment challenges," she explained. The study, published in
Clinical Microbiology and Infection, underscores the critical need for infection prevention in war-torn regions.

Health care facilities in conflict zones are often overwhelmed, making effective infection control difficult, which facilitates the spread of resistant bacteria. In Finland, the healthcare system is well-prepared to handle such cases, with measures including placing previously hospitalized patients in single rooms, isolating contacts, and sampling for bacteria.

Interestingly, the study indicates that ordinary refugees are not more at risk of MDR bacteria than other travelers, with most harboring mainly ESBL-producing E. coli bacteria and sporadic cases of MRSA. Doctoral Researcher Tuomas Aro added that concerns about antimicrobial resistance should focus primarily on hospital settings rather than the general refugee population.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-war-zone-hospital-patients-multidrug