We aimed to evaluate different interventions to reduce multidrug-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (MDR-E) infection/colonization.

A systematic review and meta-analysis evaluating interventions for prevention of MDR-E infection/colonization among hospitalized adult patients. The co-primary outcomes were mortality and MDR-E infections. PubMed, Cochrane library, and LILACS databases were searched up till December 2019, as well as grey literature sources. We included randomized controlled trials and observational studies. Infection/colonization/acquisition outcomes were reported per patient-days as pooled incidence ratios (IRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Interrupted time series (ITS) analysis studies were reported separately.

Sixty-three studies were included, 16 RCTs, 33 observational studies, and 14 ITS. For the intervention of antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP), 23 studies were included. No differences in mortality or MDR-E infections were observed with ASP, however, MDR-E colonization was significantly reduced (IR 0.69, 95% CI 0.57–0.82). Seventeen studies examined decolonization without significant difference in outcomes. Other interventions were scarcely represented. Among 14 ITS publications, most evaluating ASP, 11 showed benefit of the intervention.

ASP is an effective measure in preventing MDR-E colonization. Decolonization did not show significant benefit in reducing infection or colonization. Studies are needed to evaluate the cost effectiveness of ASP and assess bundles of interventions.