Hygienemaßnahmen zur Prävention der Infektion durch Enterokokken mit speziellen Antibiotikaresistenzen: Empfehlung der Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention (KRINKO) beim Robert Koch-Institut

Hygiene requirements for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces: recommendation of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) at the Robert Koch Institute

This recommendation of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) addresses not only hospitals, but also outpatient health care facilities and compiles current evidence. The following criteria are the basis for the indications for cleaning and disinfection: Infectious bioburden and tenacity of potential pathogens on surfaces and their transmission routes, influence of disinfecting surface cleaning on the rate of nosocomial infections, interruption of cross infections due to multidrug-resistant organisms, and outbreak control by disinfecting cleaning within bundles. The criteria for the selection of disinfectants are determined by the requirements for effectiveness, the efficacy spectrum, the compatibility for humans and the environment, as well as the risk potential for the development of tolerance and resistance. Detailed instructions on the organization and implementation of cleaning and disinfection measures, including structural and equipment requirements, serve as the basis for their implementation. Since the agents for surface disinfection and disinfecting surface cleaning have been classified as biocides in Europe since 2013, the regulatory consequences are explained. As possible addition to surface disinfection, probiotic cleaning, is pointed out. In an informative appendix (only in German), the pathogen characteristics for their acquisition of surfaces, such as tenacity, infectious dose and biofilm formation, and the toxicological and ecotoxicological characteristics of microbicidal agents as the basis for their selection are explained, and methods for the evaluation of the resulting quality of cleaning or disinfecting surface cleaning are presented.

Epidemiology and infection control of vancomycin-resistant enterococci at a German university hospital: A three-year retrospective cohort study

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) occur in hospitalized patients, causing both infection and colonization. In recent years, there has been an increase in VRE in German and other hospitals, raising the question of how to control this epidemic best. To better understand the specific epidemiology and to guide infection control, we conducted a retrospective cohort study analyzing all patients with VRE at Hannover Medical School, a tertiary university clinic in Germany that specializes in solid organ transplantation. Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of patients with VRE from 2015-2017 were collected. Basic epidemiologic parameters, including VRE incidence and incidence density, were calculated. Independent risk factors for nosocomial VRE infection compared to colonization were assessed using a logistic regression model. There were 1,492 VRE cases corresponding to 822 individual patients. The incidence was 0.8 VRE cases per 100 cases. A total of 536 (35.9%) of the 1,492 VRE cases were acquired nosocomially. Of the 1,492 cases, 912 cases had VRE-positive samples (894 Enterococcus (E.) faecium and 18 E. faecalis) in our hospital laboratory and the remaining cases were known VRE carriers. The vanB-phenotype was observed in 369 of the 894 (41.3%) E. faecium isolates and in 6 of the 18 (33.3%) E. faecalis isolates. There was an increase over time in the vanB-phenotype proportion in E. faecium (2015: 63 of 171, 36.8%, 2016: 115 of 322, 35.7% and 2017: 191 of 401, 47.6%). A total of 107 cases had a VRE infection (7.2% of all VRE cases) according to the criteria of the German National Reference Center for Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections. The remaining cases were only colonized. Among other factors, leukocytopenia (<1,000/μL), the use of a central venous catheter and the visceral surgery medical specialty were independently associated with nosocomial VRE infection. VRE imposed a relevant and increasing infection control burden at our hospital. Nosocomial VRE infection was predominantly found in certain medical specialties, such as hematology and oncology and visceral surgery. Infection control efforts should focus on these highly affected patient groups/specialties.

Concerning emergence of a new vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strain ST1299/CT1903/vanA at a tertiary university centre in South Germany

BACKGROUND

vanB-carrying vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) of the sequence types 80 (ST80) and ST117 have dominated Germany in the past. In 2020, our hospital witnessed a sharp increase in the proportion of vanA-positive VREfm.

AIM

To attempt to understand these dynamics through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and analysis of nosocomial transmissions.

METHODS

At our hospital, the first VREfm isolate per patient, treated during 2020, was analysed retrospectively using specific vanA/vanB PCR, WGS, multi-locus sequence typing (MLST), and core-genome (cg) MLST. Epidemiologic links between VRE-positive patients were assessed using hospital occupancy data.

FINDINGS

Isolates from 319 out of 356 VREfm patients were available for WGS, of which 181 (56.7%) fulfilled the ECDC definition for nosocomial transmission. The high load of nosocomial cases is reflected in the overall high clonality rate with only three dominating sequence (ST) and complex types (CT), respectively: the new emerging strain ST1299 (100% vanA, 77.4% CT1903), and the well-known ST80 (90.0% vanB, 81.0% CT1065) and ST117 (78.0% vanB, 65.0% CT71). The ST1299 isolates overall, and the subtype CT1903 in particular, showed high isolate clonality, which demonstrates impressively high spreading potential. Overall, 152 out of 319 isolates had an allelic cgMLST difference of ≤3 to another, including 91 (59.6%) ST1299. Occupancy data identified shared rooms (3.7%), shared departments (6.2%), and VRE-colonized prior room occupants (0.6%) within 30 days before diagnosis as solid epidemiological links.

CONCLUSION

A new emerging VREfm clone, ST1299/CT1903/vanA, dominated our institution in 2020 and has been an important driver of the increasing VREfm rates.

Rectal colonization is predictive for surgical site infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria in abdominal surgery

PURPOSE

Superficial surgical site infections (SSI) are a common complication after abdominal surgery. Additionally, multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) have shown an increasing spread in recent years with a growing importance for health care. As there is varying evidence on the importance of MDRO in different surgical fields and countries as causative agents of SSI, we report our findings of MDRO-caused SSI.

METHODS

We assembled an institutional wound register spanning the years 2015-2018 including all patients with abdominal surgery and SSI only, including demographics, procedure-related data, microbiological data from screenings, and body fluid samples. The cohort was examined for the frequency of different MDRO in screenings, body fluids, and wound swabs and assessed for risk factors for MDRO-positive SSI.

RESULTS

A total of 138 out of 494 patients in the register were positive for MDRO, and of those, 61 had an MDRO isolated from their wound, mainly multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales (58.1%) followed by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (19.7%). As 73.2% of all MDRO-carrying patients had positive rectal swabs, rectal colonization could be identified as the main risk factor for an SSI caused by a MDRO with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.407 (95% CI 1.782-10.896, p = 0.001). Secondly, a postoperative ICU stay was also associated with an MDRO-positive SSI (OR 3.73; 95% CI 1.397-9.982; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

The rectal colonization status with MDRO should be taken into account in abdominal surgery regarding SSI prevention strategies. Trial registration Retrospectively registered in the German register for clinical trials (DRKS) 19th December 2019, registration number DRKS00019058.

Clinical epidemiology and case fatality due to antimicrobial resistance in Germany: a systematic review and meta-analysis, 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2021

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is of public health concern worldwide.AimWe aimed to summarise the German AMR situation for clinicians and microbiologists.MethodsWe conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 60 published studies and data from the German Antibiotic-Resistance-Surveillance (ARS). Primary outcomes were AMR proportions in bacterial isolates from infected patients in Germany (2016-2021) and the case fatality rates (2010-2021). Random and fixed (common) effect models were used to calculate pooled proportions and pooled case fatality odds ratios, respectively.ResultsThe pooled proportion of meticillin resistance in Staphylococcus aureus infections (MRSA) was 7.9% with a declining trend between 2014 and 2020 (odds ratio (OR) = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.886-0.891; p < 0.0001), while vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus faecium (VRE) bloodstream infections increased (OR = 1.18; (95% CI: 1.16-1.21); p < 0.0001) with a pooled proportion of 34.9%. Case fatality rates for MRSA and VRE were higher than for their susceptible strains (OR = 2.29; 95% CI: 1.91-2.75 and 1.69; 95% CI: 1.22-2.33, respectively). Carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative pathogens (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacter spp. and Escherichia coli) was low to moderate (< 9%), but resistance against third-generation cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones was moderate to high (5-25%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited high resistance against carbapenems (17.0%; 95% CI: 11.9-22.8), third-generation cephalosporins (10.1%; 95% CI: 6.6-14.2) and fluoroquinolones (24.9%; 95% CI: 19.3-30.9). Statistical heterogeneity was high (I2 > 70%) across studies reporting resistance proportions.ConclusionContinuous efforts in AMR surveillance and infection prevention and control as well as antibiotic stewardship are needed to limit the spread of AMR in Germany.

Comparison of Five Different Selective Agar for the Detection of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium

Five commercially available selective agar were evaluated regarding sensitivity and specificity to detect vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (E.) faecium. Altogether 187 E. faecium strains were included, comprising 119 van-carrying strains (phenotypically vancomycin-resistant n = 105; phenotypically vancomycin-susceptible VVE-B n = 14) and 68 vancomycin-susceptible isolates. Limit of detection was calculated for each selective agar for pure cultures, stool suspensions and artificial rectal swabs. After 24-h incubation sensitivity ranged between 91.6% and 95.0%. It increased in 2 out of 5 agar after 48-h incubation. Specificity ranged between 94.1% and 100% and was highest after 24 h in 4 out of the 5 agar. Sensitivity of van-carrying phenotypically vancomycin-resistant strains was higher after 24 h (97.1–100%) and 48 h (99.1–100%) when compared to van-carrying strains that tested vancomycin-susceptible (50.0–57.1% after both incubation periods). Overall, chromID VRE, CHROMagar VRE and Brilliance VRE demonstrated the highest detection rates after 24 h. Detection rates of Chromatic VRE and VRESelect improved after 48 h. Adjustment of incubation time depending on the applied media may be advised. As detection of VVE-B was impeded with all selective agar, screening for vancomycin-resistant enterococci relying solely on selective media would not be recommended for critical clinical samples, but rather in combination with molecular methods to improve detection of these strains. Furthermore, stool samples were demonstrated to be superior to rectal swabs and should be favoured, if possible, in screening strategies.

Patients with multi-drug-resistant organisms feel inadequately informed about their status: adverse effects of contact isolation

BACKGROUND

Contact isolation of patients with multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is an essential element of infection prevention strategies in hospitals worldwide. However, this practice may be associated with adverse side effects on patients' health and well-being.

AIM

This study was the first to assess mental health and well-being variables among isolated patients compared with non-isolated control patients in a German cohort.

METHODS

We conducted a matched case-control study among N = 267 patients admitted to a tertiary care teaching hospital in Germany. Their levels of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and dissatisfaction with their hospital experience were assessed using a questionnaire. Additionally, among isolated patients, it was evaluated how well they felt informed about their MDRO status.

FINDINGS

In our cohort, patients under contact isolation were significantly more dissatisfied than non-isolated control patients but did not show higher levels of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. A large proportion of patients felt insufficiently informed about their MDRO status. This lack of information was the strongest predictor of dissatisfaction among isolated patients.

CONCLUSION

These findings underline the importance of adequate patient communication. It is essential for patients' well-being to receive timely, relevant, and understandable information about the background and consequences of their infection or colonisation with MDROs.

Comparison of the certified Copan eSwab system with commercially available cotton swabs for the detection of multidrug-resistant bacteria in rectal swabs

BACKGROUND

Rectal swabs are well-implemented screening tools for multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB). Since certified swabs such as the Copan eSwab system experienced a delivery bottleneck during the COVID-19 pandemic, commercially available alternatives such as commonly used double-tipped cotton swabs had to be investigated, especially considering their similarity to professional cotton swabs for microbiological purposes.

METHODS

Diagnostic properties of commercial cotton swabs (comparable to Q-tips) and Copan eSwabs were qualitatively compared in a prospective single-center study using microbiological standard cultures and PCR methods for the detection of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE).

RESULTS

A total of 196 swab pairs were collected from 164 participants. MDRB were detected in 36 of 164 cases (22%). There were neither false-negative nor false-positive results using commercial cotton swabs. In 8 of 196 samples (4.1%) MDRB species were detected only by using cotton swabs, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, OXA-48 producing Escherichia coli, ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and ESBL-producing Escherichia coli.

DISCUSSION

Commercial cotton swabs turned out to be a reliable alternative to Copan eSwabs. For practical use as a screening tool, relevant storage- and manufacturer-related contamination must be ruled out beforehand.

CONCLUSIONS

Commonly available double-tipped cotton swabs can be used for rectal MDRB screening in the event of supply shortages of certified swabs. Further studies should clarify their suitability as a sampling system for nasopharyngeal MRSA carriage or even for the molecular biological detection of SARS-CoV-2.

Characteristics of bacterial infections and prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis in Germany

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Bacterial infections are associated with a dismal prognosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. Data on their prevalence and the associated pathogen spectra in Germany are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of bacterial infections on mortality in hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis and to analyze the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in a German tertiary care center.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive, non-electively hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled in this study between 03/2019-06/2021. All patients underwent clinical, laboratory and microbiological testing to detect potential bacterial infections. Patients were followed for 30 days regarding the composite endpoint of death or liver transplantation (mortality).

RESULTS

In total, 239 patients were recruited (median MELD 18). Bacterial infection was detected in 81 patients (33.9%) at study inclusion. A total of 70 patients (29.3%) developed a hospital-acquired infection. When comparing community-acquired and hospital-acquired infections, the pathogen pattern shifted from a gram-negative to a more gram-positive spectrum and showed an increase of Staphylococcus spp.. MDR bacteria were detected in seven infected patients (5.8%). 34 patients reached the composite endpoint during 30-days follow-up. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, the presence of infection during hospitalization remained independently associated with higher mortality (OR 2.522, 95% CI 1.044 - 6.091, p = 0.040).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that bacterial infections are common in hospitalized patients with liver cirrhosis in Germany and are a major determinant of short-term mortality. Our data highlight the importance of regional differences in MDR bacteria and may guide physicians' decision-making regarding calculated antibiotic treatment.

Controlling an Unprecedented Outbreak with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium in Germany, October 2015 to November 2019

Hospital outbreaks with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) pose a serious health threat and a challenge to infection prevention and control (IPC). We herein report on a VRE outbreak of unprecedented extent in Southern Germany (October 2015-November 2019). We used descriptive epidemiology and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for a detailed outbreak investigation. Of the 2905 cases, 2776 (95.3%) were colonized, whereas from 127 (3.7%), VRE could be isolated from otherwise sterile body fluids or sites unlikely for enterococci colonization. Cases had a median age of 78 years (IQR 68-84) and 1339/2905 (46%) were female. The majority of isolates sequenced belonged to the clonal lineage ST80/CT1013 (212/397, 53%). Nosocomial transmission was observed as well as the constant import of VRE into the hospital. Extensive IPC measures were implemented and terminated the outbreak in late 2019, eventually. Our study shows that the combination of epidemiological and genomic analyses is indispensable for comprehensive outbreak investigations. The adaptation of IPC measures to these findings, their timely implementation, and strict execution also allow containment of large VRE outbreaks in hospital settings.

Hygiene in der Dermatologie: multiresistente gram-negative Stäbchen (MRGN) und Vancomycin-resistente Enterokokken (VRE)

Bakterielle Besiedlungen von Haut und Wunden sowie Infektionen mit Problemkeimen spielen in der Dermatologie eine wichtige Rolle. Neben Methicillin-resistenter Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) finden sich auch zunehmend MRGN und VRE bei Wund- und Weichteilinfektionen. Da sowohl für multiresistente gram-negative Stäbchen (MRGN) als auch Vancomycin-resistente Enterokokken (VRE) das Haupt-Reservoir der menschliche Darm ist, ist eine Sanierung nicht möglich. Daher ist das Ziel, bei diesen beiden multiresistenten Erregerarten durch Prävention bei Risikopatienten und geeignete Hygiene-Maßnahmen eine Reduktion in zusätzlichen Reservoiren wie bspw. chronischen Wunden zu erreichen sowie durch richtigen Einsatz von Antibiotika eine weitere Zunahme von MRGN- und VRE-Inzidenzen zu verhindern. Aus diesem Grund ist bei der Infektionsprävention ein besonderer Fokus auf das Hygienemanagement zu legen. Dieses soll praxisnah, effizient und nachvollziehbar, damit also auch vermittelbar sein. Die Antibiotikastrategie soll so ausgestaltet sein, dass die Selektion resistenter Erreger möglichst verhindert wird. Dies gilt gleichermaßen für das Krankenhaus wie auch das ambulante Umfeld von Patienten.

Epidemiological and genetic characteristics of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium isolates in a University Children's Hospital in Germany: 2019 to 2020

Background

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) strains are one of the most important pathogens causing nosocomial infections in Germany. Due to limited treatment options and an increased risk for acquisition in immunocompromised children, surveillance to monitor occurrence of VREfm in paediatric clinical facilities is of critical importance. Following an unusual accumulation of VREfm positive patients between April 2019 and August 2020 at Dr. von Hauner Children’s Hospital in Munich, Germany, our study aimed to identify dynamics and routes of transmission, and analyse the affected population in view of previously described host risk factors for VREfm colonisation or infection.

Methods

The hospital database was used to collect epidemiological and clinical data of VREfm cases. Descriptive statistical analyses were conducted to outline patient characteristics and depict possible differences between VREfm-colonised and -infected children. An outbreak investigation determining genetic relatedness among VREfm isolates was performed by core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). To examine potential transmission pathways, results of genome analysis were compared with epidemiological and clinical data of VREfm positive patients.

Results

VREfm acquisition was documented in a total of 33 children (< 18 years). Seven VREfm-colonised patients (21.2%), especially those with a haemato-oncological disease (4/7; p = 0.011), showed signs of clinical infection. cgMLST analysis revealed seven distinct clusters, demonstrating a possible connection within each clonal lineage. Additional eight singletons were identified. Comparison with epidemiological and clinical data provided strong evidence for a link between several VREfm positive patients within the hospital.

Conclusions

A nosocomial spread—at least in part—was the most likely reason for the unusual accumulation of VREfm cases. The study highlights that there is a constant need to increase efforts in hygiene measures, infection control and antibiotic stewardship to combat VREfm transmission events within German paediatric hospitals. Continuous monitoring of adherence to respective policies might reduce the occurrence of clustered cases and prevent future outbreaks.

Impact of single-room contact precautions on acquisition and transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci on haematological and oncological wards, multicentre cohort-study, Germany, January-December 2016

BackgroundEvidence supporting the effectiveness of single-room contact precautions (SCP) in preventing in-hospital acquisition of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (haVRE) is limited.AimWe assessed the impact of SCP on haVRE and their transmission.MethodsWe conducted a prospective, multicentre cohort study in German haematological/oncological departments during 2016. Two sites performed SCP for VRE patients and two did not (NCP). We defined a 5% haVRE-risk difference as non-inferiority margin, screened patients for VRE, and characterised isolates by whole genome sequencing and core genome MLST (cgMLST). Potential confounders were assessed by competing risk regression analysis.ResultsWe included 1,397 patients at NCP and 1,531 patients at SCP sites. Not performing SCP was associated with a significantly higher proportion of haVRE; 12.2% (170/1,397) patients at NCP and 7.4% (113/1,531) patients at SCP sites (relative risk (RR) 1.74; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.35-2.23). The difference (4.8%) was below the non-inferiority margin. Competing risk regression analysis indicated a stronger impact of antimicrobial exposure (subdistribution hazard ratio (SHR) 7.46; 95% CI: 4.59-12.12) and underlying disease (SHR for acute leukaemia 2.34; 95% CI: 1.46-3.75) on haVRE than NCP (SHR 1.60; 95% CI: 1.14-2.25). Based on cgMLST and patient movement data, we observed 131 patient-to-patient VRE transmissions at NCP and 85 at SCP sites (RR 1.76; 95% CI: 1.33-2.34).ConclusionsWe show a positive impact of SCP on haVRE in a high-risk population, although the observed difference was below the pre-specified non-inferiority margin. Importantly, other factors including antimicrobial exposure seem to be more influential.

The Impact of Discontinuing Contact Precautions and Enforcement of Basic Hygiene Measures on Nosocomial Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus faecium Transmission

OBJECTIVES

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) has emerged as a pathogen of major public health concern. Although definitive evidence is lacking, contact precautions have been a crucial element in infection prevention and control (IPC) strategies designed to limit nosocomial VRE transmissions. This study investigates the effect of discontinuing contact precautions while enforcing basic hygiene measures, including hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and antiseptic body washing, for VRE patients at ICUs on prevention of nosocomial VRE transmission causing bacteraemia.

METHODS

Contact precaution was discontinued in January 2018. A total of 96 VREfm isolates from 61 ICU patients with VREfm bacteraemia and/or colonization from 8 ICUs in 2016 and 2019 in a tertiary care hospital were characterized by whole genome sequenicng. VRE transmission was investigated using patient movement data and admission screening for reliable identification of nosocomial acquisition.

RESULTS

Discontinuation of contact precautions did not increase VREfm transmission events (8 in 2016 vs 1 in 2019). While the rate of endogenous VREfm was similar in both years (38% vs 31%), the number of non-colonized patients prior to VREfm bacteraemia was 16 (16/29; 55%) in 2019, which was significantly higher than in 2016 (8/32; 25%). The mean incidence density for VREfm bacteraemia was similar for both years; 0.26 versus 0.31 per 1000 patient days in 2016 and 2019, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that discontinuation of contact precaution, while enforcing the basic hygiene measures did not lead to an increase of nosocomial bloodstream infection rates due to transmissions of VREfm in hyperendemic ICU settings.

Development and Validation of a Tool for the Prediction of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Colonization Persistence-the PREVENT Score

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are nosocomial pathogens with increasing prevalence worldwide. Extensive hygiene measures have been established to prevent infection transmission in hospitals. Here, we developed a predictive score system (the predictive vancomycin-resistant enterococci [PREVENT] score) to identify the clearance or persistence in patients with a history of VRE carrier status at readmission. Over a cumulative 3-year period, patients with a positive VRE carrier status were included. The study population was recruited in two successive time periods and separated into training data for predictive score development and validation data for evaluation of the predictive power. The risk factors for persistent VRE colonization were analyzed in a univariable analysis before development of a logistic regression model based on the potential risk factors. The score points were determined proportionally to the beta coefficients of the logistic regression model. The data from 448 (79%) patients were used as the training data, and those from 119 (21%) as the validation data. Multivariable analysis revealed the following variables as independent risk factors: age of ≥60 years, hemato-oncological disease, cumulative antibiotic treatment for >4 weeks, and a VRE infection. The resulting logistic regression model exhibited an acceptable area under the curve (AUC) of 0.81 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72 to 0.91). The predictive score system had a sensitivity of 82% (95% CI, 65 to 93%) and a specificity of 77% (95% CI, 66 to 85%). The developed predictive score system is a useful tool to assess the VRE carrier status of patients with a history of VRE colonization. On the basis of this risk assessment, more focused and cost-effective infection control measures can be implemented. IMPORTANCE Given the increasing relevance of VRE as nosocomial pathogens worldwide, infection prevention and control measures, including patient isolation and contact precautions, are indispensable to avoid their spread in the hospital setting. In this study, we developed and validated the PREVENT score, a tool for rapid risk assessment of VRE persistence in patients with a history of previous VRE colonization. The score is designed to be easily performed, employing clinical information available in a regular admission setting and immediately providing information to inform the decision of whether to adopt patient isolation and contact precautions during the hospital stay. After validation, the score was shown to accurately identify patients with persistent VRE colonization upon admission, representing a suitable option as (i) a complementary method yielding preliminary results significantly more quickly than culture-based VRE detection techniques and (ii) an alternative strategy for VRE detection in settings in which microbiological VRE screening is not routinely performed due to limited resources.

Hygiene recommendations for outpatient dermatosurgery

The German Infection Protection Act and country-specific laws demand appropriate measures to prevent nosocomial infections and propagation of pathogens, especially those with resistances. This also concerns outpatient surgery of the skin. Special focus is placed on hand hygiene, antiseptics, hygienic modes of operation and professional instrument reprocessing. Every dermatological institution that operates on an outpatient basis is obliged to organize and be responsible for its hygiene. The legal framework is regulated by various laws and regulations and must be observed.

Practical recommendations for routine cleaning and disinfection procedures in healthcare institutions: a narrative review

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are the most common adverse outcomes due to delivery of medical care. HAIs increase morbidity and mortality, prolong hospital stay, and are associated with additional healthcare costs. Contaminated surfaces, particularly those that are touched frequently, act as reservoirs for pathogens and contribute towards pathogen transmission. Therefore, healthcare hygiene requires a comprehensive approach whereby different strategies may be implemented together, next to targeted, risk-based approaches, in order to reduce the risk of HAIs for patients. This approach includes hand hygiene in conjunction with environmental cleaning and disinfection of surfaces and clinical equipment. This review focuses on routine environmental cleaning and disinfection including areas with a moderate risk of contamination, such as general wards. As scientific evidence has not yet resulted in universally accepted guidelines nor led to universally accepted practical recommendations pertaining to surface cleaning and disinfection, this review provides expert guidance for healthcare workers in their daily practice. It also covers outbreak situations and suggests practical guidance for clinically relevant pathogens. Key elements of environmental cleaning and disinfection, including a fundamental clinical risk assessment, choice of appropriate disinfectants and cleaning equipment, definitions for standardized cleaning processes and the relevance of structured training, are reviewed in detail with a focus on practical topics and implementation.

Prevalence and risk factors of colonisation with vancomycin-resistant Enterococci faecium upon admission to Germany's largest university hospital

Background: Hospital-acquired infections due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are emerging globally. The aims of our study were to estimate VRE colonisation prevalence in patients upon admission, to determine possible risk factors for VR E. faecium acquisition that already exist in the outpatient setting, and to monitor whether VRE-colonised patients developed a VRE infection during their current hospital stay.

Methods: In 2014 and 2015, patients admitted to non-intensive care units were screened for rectal VRE carriage. The study patients filled out a questionnaire on potential risk factors. Analyses were restricted to VR E. faecium carriage. All patients with VRE colonisation were retrospectively monitored for infections with VRE during their current hospital stay.

Results: In 4,013 enrolled patients, the VRE colonisation prevalence upon admission was 1.2% (n=48), and colonisation prevalence was 1.1% (n=45) for VR E. faecium. Only one VRE-colonised patient developed an infection with the detection of a VRE, among others. Colonisation with VR E. faecium was associated with current antibiotic use. Risk factors of VR E. faecium colonisation upon admission were increasing age, previous colonisation or infection with multidrug resistant organisms, sampling year 2015, and, within the previous six months, antibiotic exposure, a stay at a rehabilitation center, and a hospital stay.

Conclusions: We observed that antibiotic treatment which occurred prior admission influenced VR E. faecium prevalence upon admission. Thus, wise antibiotic use in outpatient settings plays a major role in the prevention of VR E. faecium acquisition.

Thirty years of VRE in Germany - "expect the unexpected": The view from the National Reference Centre for Staphylococci and Enterococci

Enterococci are commensals of the intestinal tract of many animals and humans. Of the various known and still unnamed new enterococcal species, only isolates of Enterococcus faecium and Enterococcus faecalis have received increased medical and public health attention. According to textbook knowledge, the majority of infections are caused by E. faecalis. In recent decades, the number of enterococcal infections has increased, with the increase being exclusively associated with a rising number of nosocomial E. faecium infections. This increase has been accompanied by the dissemination of certain hospital-acquired strain variants and an alarming progress in the development of antibiotic resistance namely vancomycin resistance. With this review we focus on a description of the specific situation of vancomycin resistance among clinical E. faecium isolates in Germany over the past 30 years. The present review describes three VRE episodes in Germany, each of which is framed by the beginning and end of the respective decade. The first episode is specified by the first appearance of VRE in 1990 and a country-wide spread of specific vanA-type VRE strains (ST117/CT24) until the late 1990s. The second decade was initially marked by regional clusters and VRE outbreaks in hospitals in South-Western Germany in 2004 and 2005, mainly caused by vanA-type VRE of ST203. Against the background of a certain "basic level" of VRE prevalence throughout Germany, an early shift from the vanA genotype to the vanB genotype in clinical isolates already occurred at the end of the 2000s without much notice. With the beginning of the third decade in 2010, VRE rates in Germany have permanently increased, first in some federal states and soon after country-wide. Besides an increase in VRE prevalence, this decade was marked by a sharp increase in vanB-type resistance and a dominance of a few, novel strain variants like ST192 and later on ST117 (CT71, CT469) and ST80 (CT1065). The largest VRE outbreak, which involved about 2,900 patients and lasted over three years, was caused by a novel and until that time, unknown strain type of ST80/CT1013 (vanB). Across all periods, VRE outbreaks were mainly oligoclonal and strain types varied over space (hospital wards) and time. The spread of VRE strains obviously respects political borders; for instance, both vancomycin-variable enterococci which were highly prevalent in Denmark and ST796 VRE which successfully disseminated in Australia and Switzerland, were still completely absent among German hospital patients, until to date.

[Hygiene in nephrology]

Patients with chronic kidney diseases are particularly at risk of infections and must therefore be protected against the risks of infection in dialysis treatment. Viral hepatitis no longer plays a very prominent role in dialysis facilities because nosocomial transmission can be reliably avoided. Nowadays, patients colonized with multidrug-resistant bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria or vancomycin-resistant enterococci, are more common. Bloodstream infections, which particularly occur in dialysis via central venous catheters, are potentially very dangerous for patients. Regular surveillance and targeted interventions in the event of excessive infection numbers are necessary. The hygienic handling of dialysis fluids has now become established through decades of experience and is ensured through the use of quality management systems. The coronavirus crisis poses special challenges for dialysis centers.

Increase of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium strain type ST117 CT71 at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 2008 to 2018

BACKGROUND

In addition to an overall rise in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm), an increase in certain strain types marked by sequence type (ST) and cluster type (CT) has been reported in Germany over the past few years. Outbreak analyses at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin revealed the frequent occurrence of VREfm ST117 CT71 isolates in 2017 and 2018. To investigate whether ST117 CT71 have emerged in recent years or whether these strains have been circulating for a longer time, we retrospectively analyzed non-outbreak strains that occurred between 2008 and 2018 to identify frequent STs and CTs.

METHODS

In total, 120 VREfm isolates obtained from clinical and surveillance cultures from the years 2008, 2013, 2015, and 2018 were analyzed. Thirty isolates per year comprising the first 7-8 non-outbreak isolates of each quarter of the respective year were sequenced using whole genome sequencing. MLST and cgMLST were determined as well as resistance genes and virulence factors. Risk factors for VREfm ST117 were analyzed in a multivariable analysis with patient characteristics as possible confounders.

RESULTS

The percentage of VREfm of type ST117 increased from 17% in 2008 to 57% in 2018 (p = 0.012). In 2008, vanA genotype accounted for 80% of all ST117 isolates compared to 6% in 2018. VanB CT71 first appeared in 2018 and predominated over all other ST117 at 43% (p < 0.0001). The set of resistance genes (msrC, efmA, erm(B), dfrG, aac(6')-Ii, gyrA, parC and pbp5) and virulence factors (acm, esp, hylEfm, ecbA and sgrA) in CT71 was also found in other ST117 non-CT71 strains, mainly in CT36. The study population did not differ among the different calendar years analyzed in terms of age, gender, length of stay, or ward type (each p > 0.2).

CONCLUSION

This study revealed an increase in ST117 strains from 2008 to 2018, accompanied by a shift toward CT71 strains with the vanB genotype in 2018. We did not detect resistance or virulence traits in CT71 that could confer survival advantage compared to other CTs among ST117 strains. To date, it is not clear why ST117 and in particular strain type ST117 CT71 predominates over other strains.

Management of patients with multidrug-resistant organisms in rehabilitation facilities. Results of a survey in the Rhine-Main region, Germany, 2019

Introduction: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are a problem in medical facilities, including rehabilitation facilities in Germany. The national recommendations of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) for prevention of and dealing with patients affected by MDRO are obligatory in rehabilitation facilities. A survey on the management of patients with MDRO in rehabilitation facilities in the Rhine-Main area is presented below. Materials and methods: The questions from a recently published survey in 45 rehabilitation facilities in 26 European countries (Doherty et al., 2019) were largely adopted unchanged: the type, size, and organization of the facility, availability of guidelines on MDRO, screening and (estimated) prevalence of MDRO, as well as special hygiene measures or restrictions for patients with MDRO. Results: 22 of the 43 institutions contacted participated (58%). All facilities had specific recommendations on how to deal with MDRO and more than 95% had adequate hygiene staff. The facilities encompassed 4,369 beds, with 3,909 (89%) of them in single-bed rooms, and only a few offered 3-bed rooms. About 20% of patients in general rehabilitation and 100% in early neurological rehabilitation are screened on admission. Six (27%) facilities refused to accept patients with MDRO. 40% of the facilities treated these patients in their own room and/or in a separate area. 27% of the facilities prohibited eating in the dining room and participating in hydrotherapy. Only 6 (27%) of the rehabilitation centers indicated that patients with MDRO are allowed to participate in full rehabilitation programs. Discussion: In accordance with the results of Doherty et al. (2019), there were many restrictions for rehabilitation patients with MDRO, indicating considerable need for improvement. Necessary hygiene recommendations to avoid the transmission of MDRO must not lead to rejection of inpatient rehabilitation or to less intensive rehabilitation.

Comprehensive integrated NGS-based surveillance and contact-network modeling unravels transmission dynamics of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in a high-risk population within a tertiary care hospital

Vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (VRE) are an important cause of nosocomial infections, which are rapidly transmitted in hospitals. To identify possible transmission routes, we applied combined genomics and contact-network modeling to retrospectively evaluate routine VRE screening data generated by the infection control program of a hemato-oncology unit. Over 1 year, a total of 111 VRE isolates from 111 patients were collected by anal swabs in a tertiary care hospital in Southern Germany. All isolated VRE were whole-genome sequenced, followed by different in-depth bioinformatics analyses including genotyping and determination of phylogenetic relations, aiming to evaluate a standardized workflow. Patient movement data were used to overlay sequencing data to infer transmission events and strain dynamics over time. A predominant clone harboring vanB and exhibiting genotype ST117/CT469 (n = 67) was identified. Our comprehensive combined analyses suggested intra-hospital spread, especially of clone ST117/CT469, despite of extensive screening, single room placement, and contact isolation. A new interactive tool to visualize these complex data was designed. Furthermore, a patient-contact network-modeling approach was developed, which indicates both the periodic import of the clone into the hospital and its spread within the hospital due to patient movements. The analyzed spread of VRE was most likely due to placement of patients in the same room prior to positivity of screening. We successfully demonstrated the added value for this combined strategy to extract well-founded knowledge from interdisciplinary data sources. The combination of patient-contact modeling and high-resolution typing unraveled the transmission dynamics within the hospital department and, additionally, a constant VRE influx over time.

Impact of surface disinfection with hydrogen peroxide on the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in hospital wards

Objective: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are of major concern in infection control. Although broad infection control actions to check VRE have been implemented, VRE remain part of daily infection prevention in clinical settings. Cleaning procedures in the inanimate ward environment might play a key role in controlling VRE. In order to optimize infection control management at University Hospital Frankfurt, Germany (UHF), this study evaluates the impact of H₂O₂-containing cleaning wipes compared to Glucoprotamin containing wipes on VRE prevalence in intensive care wards.

Methods: Retrospective analyses were conducted of the VRE prevalence on environmental materials obtained from three intensive care units (ICU) at UHF for 17 months prior to (T1) and during the 25 months after (T2) the implementation of H₂O₂-containing cleaning wipes from January 2016 to June 2019. The bactericidal power of the two disinfectants against VRE was compared using the 4-field test according to EN 16615 (2015).

Results: At T1 and T2, n=666 and n=710 environmental samples, respectively, were obtained. At T1, 24.2% (n=161/666; 95% confidence interval: 21.0–27.6) and at T2, 6.9% (n=49/710; 5.1–9.0) samples were positive for VRE. In vitro disinfectant testing did not reveal any superiority of H₂O₂ over glucoprotamin. No effect on the VRE prevalence in patients’ rectal screening materials was observed.

Conclusion: Though Glucoprotamin and H₂O₂ were in vitro equally effective against VRE, the prevalence of VRE in ICU environment at UHF decreased after implementation of H₂O₂-containig wipes. This might be due to multiple factors, of which we consider the impact of the Hawthorne effect to be the strongest. Success of infection control strategies might depend on the compliance of the persons critically involved. Transparent information on infection control strategies is suggested to increase compliance and should therefore be considered both in daily infection control and outbreak management.

[Multi-Resistant Bacteria in Patients in Hospitals and Medical Practices as well as in Residents of Nursing Homes in Saxony - Results of a Prevalence Study 2017/2018]

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multi-resistant gram-negative bacteria (MRGN) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in three study groups (hospital patients, residents in nursing homes for the elderly and patients in GP practices) and additionally, risk factors for carriage of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO).

METHODS

Screening for MDRO was performed as a point prevalence study by obtaining nasal, pharyngeal and rectal swabs or stool samples from voluntary participants in 25 hospitals, 14 nursing homes for the elderly as well as 33 medical practices in 12 of 13 districts of Saxony. Suspicious isolates were further examined phenotypically and partially by molecular methods. The participants completed a questionnaire on possible risk factors for MDRO colonisation; the data were statistically evaluated by correlation analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 1,718 persons, 629 from hospitals, 498 from nursing homes and 591 from medical practices, were examined. MDRO was detected in 8.4% of all participants; 1.3% persons tested positive for MRSA, 5.2% for 3MRGN, 0.1% for 4MRGN and 2.3% for VRE. Nine persons were colonized with more than one MDRO. The following independent risk factors could be significantly associated with the detection of MDRO: presence of a degree of care (MDRO), male sex (MDRO/VRE), current antibiosis (MDRO/VRE), antibiosis within the last 6 months (MDRO/MRSA/MRGN/VRE), current tumour disease (MDRO/3MRGN), peripheral artery disease (PAD) (MRSA) as well as urinary incontinence (3MRGN).

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this study represents the first survey of prevalence of different multiresistant pathogen groups in 3 study groups including outpatients in Germany. 3MRGN were the pathogens most frequently detected and were also found in patients of younger age groups. VRE were found almost exclusively in specific clinics. In addition to current and past antibiotic therapy, in particular the presence of PAD for MRSA detection, urinary incontinence for 3MRGN detection and a current tumour disease for MDRO and 3MRGN detection were determined as independent risk factors.

Transmission of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in the Hospital Setting: Uncovering the Patient-Environment Interplay

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are relevant nosocomial pathogens with an increasing incidence in the last decades. Their transmission is optimal in the hospital setting, as it offers two potential, large reservoirs that are closely related: susceptible patients and their environment. Here we investigate the role of the hospital environment in the nosocomial transmission of VRE by establishing concrete links between contaminated surfaces and colonized/infected patients in outbreak and non-outbreak settings. Environmental and patient VRE isolates were collected between 2013 and 2019 and analyzed by whole-genome sequencing (WGS), subsequent multilocus sequence typing (MLST), and core genome (cg) MLST. Pairs of isolates differing in <3 alleles were rated as closely related, making a transmission likely. Fifty-three environmental VRE isolates were analyzed. MLST sequence types (ST) ST203 (50.0%), ST192 (21.3%), ST117 (17.3%), ST721 (8.8%), ST80 (2%), and ST1489 (0.7%) were detected, carrying the resistance determinants vanA (72.7%), vanB (24%), or both (3.3%). Of the 53 environmental isolates, 51 were found to form five clusters with genetically related patient isolates (n = 97 isolates). WGS confirms the role of the environment in the transmission dynamics of VRE in both the outbreak and non-outbreak settings, highlighting the importance of prevention and control of VRE spread.

Risk Factors for Long-Term Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Persistence-A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important nosocomial pathogens that require effective infection control measures, representing a challenge for healthcare systems. This study aimed at identifying risk factors associated with prolonged VRE carriage and determining the rate of clearance that allows the discontinuation of contact precautions. During a 2-year study, screening was performed in patients with a history of VRE or at risk of becoming colonized. After bacterial identification and antibiotic susceptibility testing, glycopeptide resistance was confirmed by PCR. Isolates were compared via whole genome sequence-based typing. Risk factors were recorded, and follow-up screening was performed upon readmission, defining patients as long-term carriers if still colonized ≥10 weeks after first detection. Of 1059 patients positive for VRE, carriage status was assessed upon readmission in 463 patients. VRE was cleared in 56.4% of the cases. Risk factors associated with long-term persistence were hospital stays (frequency, length), hemato-oncological disease, systemic treatment with steroids, and use of antibiotics. No specific genotypic clustering was observed in patients with VRE clearance or persistence. VRE clearance is possibly underestimated. The identification of risk factors favoring long-term carriage may contribute to a targeted implementation of infection control measures upon readmission of patients with history of VRE.

The rise in vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in Germany: data from the German Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (ARS)

Background

Due to limited therapeutic options, vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) is of great clinical significance. Recently, rising proportions of vancomycin resistance in enterococcal infections have been reported worldwide. This study aims to describe current epidemiological trends of VREF in German hospitals and to identify factors that are associated with an increased likelihood of vancomycin resistance in clinical E. faecium isolates.

Methods

2012 to 2017 data from routine vancomycin susceptibility testing of 35,906 clinical E. faecium isolates from 148 hospitals were analysed using data from the German Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System. Descriptive statistical analyses and uni- and multivariable regression analyses were performed to investigate the impact of variables, such as year of sampling, age and region, on vancomycin resistance in clinical E. faecium isolates.

Results

From 2014 onwards the proportions of clinical E. faecium isolates exhibiting resistance to vancomycin increased from 11.2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 9.4-13.3%) to 26.1% (95% CI 23.1-29.4%) in 2017. The rise of VREF proportions is primarily observed in the southern regions of Germany, whereas northern regions do not show a major increase. In the Southwest and Southeast, VREF proportions increased from 10.8% (95% CI 6.9-16.5%) and 3.8% (95% CI 3.0-11.5%) in 2014 to 36.7% (95% CI 32.9-40.8%) and 36.8% (95% CI 29.2-44.7%) in 2017, respectively. VREF proportions were considerably higher in isolates from patients aged 40-59 years compared to younger patients. Further regression analyses show that in relation to secondary care hospitals, E. faecium samples collected in specialist care hospitals and prevention and rehabilitation care centres are more likely to be vancomycin-resistant (odds ratios: 2.4 [95% CI 1.2-4.6] and 2.4 [95% CI 1.9-3.0], respectively). No differences in VREF proportions were found between female and male patients as well as between different clinical specimens.

Conclusion

The proportion of VREF is increasing in German hospitals, particularly in southern regions in Germany. Increased efforts in infection control and antibiotic stewardship activities accounting for local resistance patterns are necessary to combat the spread of VREF in Germany.

Cross-border comparison of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and AMR prevention measures: the healthcare workers' perspective

Background

Cross-border healthcare may promote the spread of multidrug-resistant microorganisms (MDRO) and is challenging due to heterogeneous antimicrobial resistance (AMR) prevention measures (APM). The aim of this article is to compare healthcare workers (HCW) from Germany (DE) and The Netherlands (NL) on how they perceive and experience AMR and APM, which is important for safe patient exchange and effective cross-border APM cooperation.

Methods

A survey was conducted amongst HCW (n = 574) in hospitals in DE (n = 305) and NL (n = 269), using an online self-administered survey between June 2017 and July 2018. Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyse differences between answers of German and Dutch physicians (n = 177) and German and Dutch nurses (n = 397) on 5-point Likert Items and Scales.

Results

Similarities between DE and NL were a high awareness about the AMR problem and the perception that the possibility to cope with AMR is limited (30% respondents perceive their contribution to limit AMR as insufficient). Especially Dutch nurses scored significantly lower than German nurses on their contribution to limit AMR (means 2.6 vs. 3.1, p ≤ 0.001). German HCW were more optimistic about their potential role in coping with AMR (p ≤ 0.001), and scored higher on feeling sufficiently equipped to perform APM (p ≤ 0.003), although the mean scores did not differ much between German and Dutch respondents.

Conclusions

Although both German and Dutch HCW are aware of the AMR problem, they should be more empowered to contribute to limiting AMR through APM (i.e. screening diagnostics, infection diagnosis, treatment and infection control) in their daily working routines. The observed differences reflect differences in local, national and cross-border structures, and differences in needs of HCW, that need to be considered for safe patient exchange and effective cross-border APM.

[Hygiene aspects of multidrug-resistant pathogens in the operating room and intensive care unit]

The major multidrug-resistant pathogens (MRE) in human medicine are methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and multidrug-resistant Gram-negative rod bacteria (MRGN). MRE are a very heterogeneous group with respect to epidemiology and therapeutic or hospital hygiene consequences. After MRSA played an important role among MREs at the beginning of the twenty-first century, VRE and MRGN have come to the fore in recent years. During work in the operating room and on the intensive care unit, there are many possibilities for transmission of MRE between the patient environment and the patient, especially via the hands, e. g. during intubation or catheterization in vessels, tissues or the urinary tract. For this reason, hand and surface hygiene is of particular relevance in the prevention of nosocomial colonization or infection, in particular with MRE.