Intestinal colonisation and blood stream infections due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBLE) in patients with haematological and oncological malignancies

Levofloxacin prophylaxis in pediatric oncology and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a literature review

Bloodstream infections (BSI) are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children and young adults receiving chemotherapy for malignancy or undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Antibiotic prophylaxis is commonly used to decrease the risk of BSI; however, antibiotics carry an inherent risk of complications. The aim of this manuscript is to review levofloxacin prophylaxis in pediatric oncology patients and HSCT recipients. We reviewed published literature on levofloxacin prophylaxis to prevent BSI in pediatric oncology patients and HSCT recipients. Nine manuscripts were identified. The use of levofloxacin is indicated in neutropenic children and young adults receiving intensive chemotherapy for leukemia or undergoing HSCT. These results support the efficacy of levofloxacin in pediatric patients with leukemia receiving intensive chemotherapy and should be considered in pediatric patients undergoing HSCT prior to engraftment.

Carbapenem Versus Non-carbapenem Therapy in Hematology Patients: Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Positive Enterobacteriaceae Colonization Impact

BACKGROUND

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriacea (ESBL-E) infections are a major source of mortality and morbidity in patients with hematologic cancers. One of the most significant risk factors for bacterial illness is prior colonization with resistant germs. Empiric usage of carbapenems is recommended for the treatment of infections in patients with a positive colonization history.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the outcome of empirical carbapenem (de-escalation) versus non-carbapenem (escalation) therapy in adult hematology patients who have rectal extended-spectrum beta-lactamase positive ESBL-E colonization.

METHODS

Two hundred three rectal swab cultures were collected from 130 patients, admission or during hospitalization between June 2014 and May 2015. Patients were followed till January 2016 for future infections due to ESBL-E. Empirical antibiotic treatment was started according to the patient's medical condition without consideration of previous colonization status. Stable patients received empirical escalation therapy. All-cause and early mortality of infections are analyzed.

RESULTS

Seventy-three (36%) swabs were positive for ESBL-E. Patients with rectal ESBL-E colonization were defined as cases; patients without colonization were defined as controls. Prospective infection due to ESBL-E in the case and control group was 6.8% and 2.3%, respectively. No statistically significant relation was found between colonization and prospective infection due to ESBL-E (p=0.110). There was no all-cause or early mortality in prospective infections with ESBL-E. Among case patients, one patient each died from all-cause mortality in the escalation (n=55) and de-escalation (n=3) group. The all-cause mortality in the antibiotic switch group (n=30) was eight, including five patients in the early mortality group although the bacteriologic agents were susceptible to the given antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

In our institution, rectal colonization with ESBL-E was high, but contracting an infection due to ESBL-E was surprisingly low. Colonization with ESBL-E may not necessarily end with an infection in some situations. In stable patients, disregarding colonization features before empirical therapy did not seem to be inappropriate.

Colonization by Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales and Bacteremia in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

BACKGROUND

Assessing the risk of multidrug-resistant colonization and infections is pivotal for optimizing empirical therapy in hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCTs). Limited data exist on extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) colonization in this population. This study aimed to assess whether ESBL-E colonization constitutes a risk factor for ESBL-E bloodstream infection (BSI) and to evaluate ESBL-E colonization in HSCT recipients.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis of ESBL-E colonization and BSI in HSCT patients was conducted from August 2019 to June 2022. Weekly swabs were collected and cultured on chromogenic selective media, with PCR identifying the β-lactamase genes. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) assessed the colonizing strains' similarities.

RESULTS

Of 222 evaluated HSCT patients, 59.45% were colonized by ESBL-E, with 48.4% at admission. The predominant β-lactamase genes were blaTEM (52%) and blaSHV (20%). PFGE analysis did not reveal predominant clusters in 26 E. coli and 15 K. pneumoniae strains. WGS identified ST16 and ST11 as the predominant sequence types among K. pneumoniae. Thirty-three patients developed thirty-five Enterobacterales-BSIs, with nine being third-generation cephalosporin-resistant. No association was found between ESBL-E colonization and ESBL-BSI (p = 0.087).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the patients presented a high colonization rate of ESBL-E upon admission, no association between colonization and infection were found. Thus, it seems that ESBL screening is not a useful strategy to assess risk factors and guide therapy for ESBL-BSI in HSCT-patients.

Screening for multidrug-resistant organisms in high-risk hospitalized patients with hematologic diseases

OBJECTIVES

Patients treated for hematologic malignancies are at higher risk for blood stream infections (BSI) and multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are increasingly involved. Studies showed a significant association between rectal colonization status and a higher risk of subsequent MDRO BSI. The objective of our study was to probe the practice of surveillance cultures in Belgian hematology centers.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to the 13 hematology centers participating in the acute leukemia board of the Belgian Hematology Society. 21 questions probed for the method of surveillance cultures, MDRO screened, antimicrobial prophylaxis, and empirical therapy and their relationship with colonization status.

RESULTS

All centers completed the questionnaire in full. Routine gastrointestinal surveillance cultures in hematologic patients are taken in 10 hospitals. Organisms tested for included mostly ESBL (n = 9) and carbapenem-resistant (n = 8) Enterobacterales. All centers with a screening strategy adapt empiric antibiotic therapy based on MDRO colonization. Prophylaxis strategies are variable, only two centers adapt prophylaxis upon documentation of fluoroquinolone resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of the Belgian centers perform routine surveillance cultures and adapt empiric therapy for neutropenic fever accordingly. Other reasons for testing include to gain insight into local epidemiology and to prevent in-hospital transmission. In general, there was significant variability in surveillance dimensions.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in hospital settings across European borders: a scoping review comparing the epidemiology in the Netherlands and Germany

The rising prevalence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) is a matter of concern in hospital settings across Europe without a distinct geographical pattern. In this scoping review, we compared the epidemiology of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. in hospitals in the Netherlands and Germany, between 1991 and 2022. We searched PubMed and summarized the national antibiotic resistance surveillance data of the two countries. We included 46 studies and summarized national surveillance data from the NethMap in the Netherlands, the National Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance database in Germany, and the EARS-Net data. In total, 12 studies were conducted in hospitals in the Netherlands, 32 were conducted in German hospitals, and an additional two studies were conducted in a cross-border setting. The most significant difference between the two countries was that studies in Germany showed an increasing trend in the prevalence of VRE in hospitals, and no such trend was observed in studies in the Netherlands. Furthermore, in both Dutch and German hospitals, it has been revealed that the molecular epidemiology of VREfm has shifted from a predominance of vanA towards vanB over the years. According to national surveillance reports, vancomycin resistance in Enterococcus faecium clinical isolates fluctuates below 1% in Dutch hospitals, whereas it follows an increasing trend in German hospitals (above 20%), as supported by individual studies. This review demonstrates that VRE is more frequently encountered in German than in Dutch hospitals and discusses the underlying factors for the difference in VRE occurrence in these two neighboring countries by comparing differences in healthcare systems, infection prevention control (IPC) guidelines, and antibiotic use in the Netherlands and Germany.

Impact of fluoroquinolone administration and gut mucosal colonization on the risk of pre-engraftment bloodstream infections after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Fluoroquinolones (FQ) has been used after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) for decades. This study on 284 allo-HCT recipients aimed to analyze the impact of FQ on pre-engraftment BSI. A total of 154 patients were colonized with resistant gram-negative bacteria, and 130 patients were not. Colonized patients did not receive FQ (n = 147) except 7 who received FQ as sequential therapy; 98 non-colonized patients received FQ, whereas 32 did not. Gram-negative (p < 0.0001), and ESBL-E BSI (p < 0.0001) were higher in colonized patients receiving FQ. No difference was found in gram-positive BSI (p = 0.452). In multivariate analysis colonized patients with (p < 0.0001) or without FQ (p = 0.007), omission of FQ in non-colonized patients (p = 0.038), and active disease (p = 0.042) were associated with gram-negative BSI, whereas mismatched unrelated donor transplantations - with gram-positive BSI (p = 0.009). Colonized patients with FQ have a higher risk of gram-negative BSI. In non-colonized patients, FQ prophylaxis is effective approach significantly reducing gram-negative BSI risk.

[Therapy-relevant antibiotic resistances in a One Health context]

One Health refers to a concept that links human, animal, and environmental health. In Germany, there is extensive data on antibiotic resistance (AMR) and multidrug-resistant (micro)organisms (MDRO) in human and veterinary medicine, as well as from studies in various environmental compartments (soil, water, wastewater). All these activities are conducted according to different specifications and standards, which makes it difficult to compare data. A focus on AMR and MDRO of human therapeutic importance is helpful to provide some guidance. Most data are available across sectors on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multiresistant Enterobacterales such as Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Here, the trends of resistance are heterogeneous. Antibiotic use leads to MRE selection, which is well documented. Success in minimizing antibiotic use has also been demonstrated in recent years in several sectors and could be correlated with success in containing AMR and MDRO (e.g., decrease in MRSA in human medicine). Sector-specific measures to reduce the burden of MDRO and AMR are also necessary, as not all resistance problems are linked to other sectors. Carbapenem resistance is still rare, but most apparent in human pathogens. Colistin resistance occurs in different sectors but shows different mechanisms in each. Resistance to antibiotics of last resort such as linezolid is rare in Germany, but shows a specific One Health correlation. Efforts to harmonize methods, for example in the field of antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genome-based pathogen and AMR surveillance, are an important first step towards a better comparability of the different data collections.

Infektionen bei Patient*innen mit Akuter Myeloischer Leukämie

Infections represent one of the most frequent complications during therapy of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In addition to associated prolonged phases of neutropenia, damage to the mucosal barrier by cytotoxic agents favors infections caused by endogenous pathogens. The source often remains unknown with bacteremia being the most common evidence of infection. Infections with gram-positive bacteria predominate, however, infections with gram-negative bacteria more often lead to sepsis and death. Due to prolonged neutropenia, patients with AML are furthermore at risk for invasive fungal infections. Viruses, on the other hand, are rarely the cause of neutropenic fever. Because of the limited inflammatory response in neutropenic patients, fever is often the only sign of infection and therefore always represents a hematologic emergency. Prompt diagnosis and initiation of an adequate anti-infective therapy are critical to avoid progression to sepsis and possibly death.

Altered Faecal Microbiota Composition and Structure of Ghanaian Children with Acute Gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis (AGE) is a disease of global public health importance. Recent studies show that children with AGE have an altered gut microbiota relative to non-AGE controls. Yet, how the gut microbiota differs in Ghanaian children with and without AGE remains unclear. Here, we explore the 16S rRNA gene-based faecal microbiota profiles of Ghanaian children five years of age and younger, comprising 57 AGE cases and 50 healthy controls. We found that AGE cases were associated with lower microbial diversity and altered microbial sequence profiles relative to the controls. The faecal microbiota of AGE cases was enriched for disease-associated bacterial genera, including Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus. In contrast, the faecal microbiota of controls was enriched for potentially beneficial genera, including Faecalibacterium, Prevotella, Ruminococcus, and Bacteroides. Lastly, distinct microbial correlation network characteristics were observed between AGE cases and controls, thereby supporting broad differences in faecal microbiota structure. Altogether, we show that the faecal microbiota of Ghanaian children with AGE differ from controls and are enriched for bacterial genera increasingly associated with diseases.

In-hospital mortality and one-year survival of critically ill patients with cancer colonized or not with carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacteria or vancomycin-resistant enterococci: an observational study

BACKGROUND

Patients with cancer are at risk of multidrug-resistant bacteria colonization, but association of colonization with in-hospital mortality and one-year survival has not been established in critically ill patients with cancer.

METHODS

Using logistic and Cox-regression analyses adjusted for confounders, in adult patients admitted at intensive care unit (ICU) with active cancer, we evaluate the association of colonization by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria or vancomycin-resistant enterococci with in-hospital mortality and one-year survival.

RESULTS

We included 714 patients and among them 140 were colonized (19.6%). Colonized patients more frequently came from ward, had longer hospital length of stay before ICU admission, had unplanned ICU admission, had worse performance status, higher predicted mortality upon ICU admission, and more hematological malignancies than patients without colonization. None of the patients presented conversion of colonization to infection by the same bacteria during hospital stay, but 20.7% presented conversion to infection after hospital discharge. Colonized patients had a higher in-hospital mortality compared to patients without colonization (44.3 vs. 33.4%; p < 0.01), but adjusting for confounders, colonization was not associated with in-hospital mortality [Odds ratio = 1.03 (0.77-1.99)]. Additionally, adjusting for confounders, colonization was not associated with one-year survival [Hazard ratio = 1.10 (0.87-1.40)].

CONCLUSIONS

Adult critically ill patients with active cancer and colonized by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria or vancomycin-resistant enterococci active cancer have a worse health status compared to patients without colonization. However, adjusting for confounders, colonization by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria or vancomycin-resistant enterococci are not associated with in-hospital mortality and one-year survival.

Multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales infections in abdominal solid organ transplantation

BACKGROUND

Transplant recipients are highly susceptible to multidrug-resistant (MDR) related infections. The lack of early appropriate antimicrobial treatment may contribute to the high mortality due to MDR-related infections in transplant recipients especially in case of metallo-β-lactamases.

OBJECTIVES

In this review, we present the current state of knowledge concerning multidrug-resistant Gram negative bacilli's risk management in the care of solid-organ transplant recipients and suggest control strategies.

SOURCES

We searched for studies treating MDR g-negative bacilli related infections in the renal and hepatic transplant patient population. We included randomized and observational studies.

CONTENT

Solid-organ transplant is the best therapeutic option for patients diagnosed with end-stage organ disease. While the incidence of opportunistic infections is decreasing due to better prevention, the burden of "classical" infections related to MDR bacteria especially related to Gram-negative bacteria is constantly increasing. Over the last two decades, various MDR pathogens have emerged as a relevant cause of infection in this specific population associated with significant mortality. Several factors related to the management of transplant donor candidates and recipients increase the risk of MDR infections in transplant recipients. The awareness of this high susceptibility of transplant recipients to MDR-related infections challenges the choice of empirical therapy, while its appropriateness can only be validated a posteriori. Indeed, the lack of early appropriate antimicrobial treatment may contribute to the high mortality due to MDR-related infections in transplant recipients especially in case of metallo-β-lactamases.

IMPLICATIONS

Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria are associated with high morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. It seems important to identify patients at risk of colonization/MDR bacteria to evaluate strategies to limit the risk of secondary infections and to minimize the inappropriate use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Guidance of empirical antimicrobial therapy by surveillance cultures in high-risk neutropenic patients: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

In neutropenic patients, bloodstream infections (BSI) significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. Appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy (EAT) of BSI is essential, at the same time overconsumption of very broad-spectrum antibiotics should be avoided. We investigated: (1) whether surveillance cultures can predict BSI with third-generation cephalosporin -resistant Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3GC-R), (2) the effect of inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy (IEAT) on clinical outcome and (3) the potential reduction of carbapenem use when using surveillance cultures to guide therapy.

METHODS

Retrospective study of adult patients with haematological malignancies with febrile episodes during chemotherapy-induced high-risk neutropenia in whom surveillance cultures were collected weekly. IEAT was defined as the absence of in vitro susceptibility of blood-isolates to the administered EAT. Clinical outcome (ICU admission and death) was evaluated within 30 days.

RESULTS

A total of 673 febrile episodes occurred among 372 high-risk neutropenic patients. BSI was present in 20.1% (135/673), of which 25.9% (35/135) were due to Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa. Of these, 17/35 were 3GC-R and 70.6% (12/17) were preceded by 3GC-R colonization. Negative predictive value of surveillance cultures for 3GC-R BSI was 99.1%. IEAT due to (3GC-R) BSI was not significantly associated with clinical outcome. Using surveillance cultures to guide EAT could potentially reduce carbapenem use by 82.8%, when compared to standard EAT with carbapenem.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective analysis shows that in patients with high-risk neutropenia, surveillance cultures can potentially reduce the use of carbapenems with infrequent IEAT for 3GC-R BSI and no negative impact on clinical outcome.

The Dutch Working Party on Antibiotic Policy (SWAB) Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Febrile Neutropenia in Patients with Cancer

INTRODUCTION

This guideline was written by a multidisciplinary committee with mandated members of the Dutch Society for Infectious Diseases, Dutch Society for Hematology, Dutch Society for Medical Oncology, Dutch Association of Hospital Pharmacists, Dutch Society for Medical Microbiology, and Dutch Society for Pediatrics. The guideline is written for adults and pediatric patients.

METHOD

The recommendations are based on the answers to nine questions formulated by the guideline committee. To provide evidence-based recommendations we used all relevant clinical guidelines published since 2010 as a source, supplemented with systematic searches and evaluation of the recent literature (2010-2020) and, where necessary, supplemented by expert-based advice.

RESULTS

For adults the guideline distinguishes between high- and standard-risk neutropenia based on expected duration of neutropenia (> 7 days versus ≤ 7 days). Where possible a distinction has been made between pediatric and adult patients.

CONCLUSION

This guideline was written to aid diagnosis and management of patients with febrile neutropenia due to chemotherapy in the Netherlands. The guideline provides recommendation for children and adults. Adults patient are subdivided as having a standard- or high-risk neutropenic episode based on estimated duration of neutropenia. The most important recommendations are as follows. In adults with high-risk neutropenia (duration of neutropenia > 7 days) and in children with neutropenia, ceftazidime, cefepime, and piperacillin-tazobactam are all first-choice options for empirical antibiotic therapy in case of fever. In adults with standard-risk neutropenia (duration of neutropenia ≤ 7 days) the MASCC score can be used to assess the individual risk of infectious complications. For patients with a low risk of infectious complications (high MASCC score) oral antibiotic therapy in an outpatient setting is recommended. For patients with a high risk of infectious complications (low MASCC score) antibiotic therapy per protocol sepsis of unknown origin is recommended.

Third-generation cephalosporin resistant gram-negative bacteraemia in patients with haematological malignancy; an 11-year multi-centre retrospective study

Objectives

Among patients with haematological malignancy, bacteraemia is a common complication during chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. Resistance of gram-negative bacteria (GNB) to third-generation cephalosporins (3GC) is increasing. In order to explore the value of using surveillance cultures to guide empirical treatment e.g. choosing between carbapenem versus ceftazidime- we aimed to assess the distribution of pathogens causing bacteraemia in patients with haematological malignancy, and the proportion of 3GC-resistant GNB (3GC-R GNB) bacteraemia that was preceded by 3GC-R GNB colonization.

Methods

Using 11 years of data (2008–2018) from the Dutch national antimicrobial resistance surveillance system, we assessed the prevalence of 3GC-R GNB in episodes of bacteraemia, and the proportion of 3GC-R GNB bacteraemia that was preceded by 3GC-R GNB colonization. Colonization was defined as availability of any GNB surveillance isolate in the year before, independent of the causative micro-organism (time-paired isolates).

Results

We included 3887 patients, representing 4142 episodes of bacteraemia. GNB were identified in 715/4142 (17.3%), of which 221 (30.9%) were 3GC-R GNB. In 139 of these 221 patients a time-paired surveillance culture was available. In 76.2% (106/139) of patients these surveillance cultures already showed 3GC-R GNB isolates in the year prior to the culture date of the 3GC-R GNB positive blood isolate.

Conclusions

This multi-centre study shows that in patients with haematological malignancy, the majority of 3GC-R GNB bacteraemia is preceded by 3GC-R GNB colonization. Prospective clinical studies are needed to assess the safety and benefits of the use of surveillance-cultures to guide empirical therapy to restrict the empirical use of carbapenems in this population.

Trends of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Infections in Cancer Patients

Objective Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) is an important cause of infection in immunocompromised populations. In Pakistan, very limited data are available regarding Enterococcus infection and its outcomes. We conducted this study to evaluate the trends including risk factors, treatment options, and outcomes of infections due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci in cancer patients in Pakistan. Methods We conducted a retrospective observational study. We extracted data from medical records of our center over a period of seven years. All admitted cancer patients with any vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus positive culture were included. The following parameters were evaluated: age, gender, type of cancer, febrile neutropenia, prior antibiotics, admission, comorbidities, system-wise infections (including bacteremia, catheter-related infection, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infection, bone and joint infections, skin and skin structure infections), intensive care unit admission, and 30-day all-cause mortality. Frequencies of infections, mortality, and drug susceptibility were evaluated over the course of seven years. Results Risk factors for enterococcal infection included prior exposure of piperacillin/tazobactam (n=209, 86.7%), meropenem (n=132, 54.8%), vancomycin (n=126, 52.3%), metronidazole (n=67, 27.8%), prior admission for more than 48 hours (n=198, 82.2%), and comorbidities (n=76, 31.5%), with acute kidney injury being most common (n=72, 95%) followed by diabetes mellitus (n=70, 92.1%). Precursor B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pre-B ALL) was the most common malignancy in which infection occurred (n=54, 38.3%). Among patients who developed infection, 46% (n=111) had febrile neutropenia. Enterococcus species caused infection in 61% (n=147) and Enterococcus faecium in 39% (n=94). Bacteremia occurred in 45.2% (n=109) patients followed by urinary tract and intra-abdominal infection; 45.6% (n=110) patients were admitted to ICU, and 30-day all-cause mortality was 44.8% (n=108). Linezolid sensitivity was 100%. The total number of enterococci infections decreased over seven years. Frequency of E. species infection, bacteremia, intra-abdominal, skin-related infections, and recurrent infection also decreased, but the frequency of E. facium infections, ICU admission, and 30-day all-cause mortality was increased. Conclusion VRE infections have become less frequent but more severe in recent years with increase in mortality. Prior use of antibiotics (including piperacillin/tazobactam, vancomycin, carbapenems, and metronidazole), diagnosis of hematological malignancy, febrile neutropenia, diabetes mellitus, and renal failure are the risk factors for VRE infection. Bacteremia was the most common infection with high mortality rate. All strains remain sensitive to linezolid. Patients with these risk factors should be worked up for VRE and can be treated with linezolid empirically.

The hospital environment versus carriage: transmission pathways for third-generation cephalosporin-resistant bacteria in blood in neonates in a low-resource country healthcare setting

Neonatal bloodstream infections (BSI) can lead to sepsis, with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income settings. The high prevalence of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant organisms (3GC-RO) complicates the management of BSI. Whether BSI is linked to carriage of 3GC-RO, or to acquisition from the hospital environment is important for infection prevention and control, but the relationship remains unclear, especially in low-income settings. At a tertiary hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania, we screened neonatal blood and rectal samples from 200 neonates, and 400 (hospital) environmental samples. We used logistic regression to identify risk factors, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests and randomisation analyses to compare distributions of species and resistance patterns to assess potential routes of transmission. We found that BSIs caused by 3GC-RO were frequent (of 59 cases of BSI, 55 were caused by 3GC-RO), as was carriage of 3GC-RO, particularly Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter species. In the 28 infants with both a carriage and blood isolate, there were more (4 of 28) isolate pairs of the same species and susceptibility profile than expected by chance (p < 0.05), but most pairs were discordant (24 of 28). Logistic regression models found no association between BSI and carriage with either 3GC-RO or only 3GC-R K. pneumoniae. These analyses suggest that carriage of 3GC-RO is not a major driver of BSI caused by 3GC-RO in this setting. Comparison with environmental isolates showed very similar distributions of species and resistance patterns in the carriage, BSI, and the environment. These similar distributions, a high frequency of Acinetobacter spp. isolations, the lack of strong association between carriage and BSI, together with the high proportion of 3GC-RO in BSI all suggest that these neonates acquire multidrug-resistant carriage and blood isolates directly from the hospital environment.

Infection prevention requirements for the medical care of immunosuppressed patients: recommendations of the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (KRINKO) at the Robert Koch Institute

In Germany, guidelines for hygiene in hospitals are given in form of recommendations by the Commission for Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention (Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention, "KRINKO"). The KRINKO and its voluntary work are legitimized by the mandate according to § 23 of the Infection Protection Act (Infektionsschutzgesetz, "IfSG"). The original German version of this document was published in February 2021 and has now been made available to the international professional public in English. The guideline provides recommendations on infection prevention and control for immunocompromised individuals in health care facilities. This recommendation addresses not only measures related to direct medical care of immunocompromised patients, but also management aspects such as surveillance, screening, antibiotic stewardship, and technical/structural aspects such as patient rooms, air quality, and special measures during renovations.

Synthetic glycans control gut microbiome structure and mitigate colitis in mice

Relative abundances of bacterial species in the gut microbiome have been linked to many diseases. Species of gut bacteria are ecologically differentiated by their abilities to metabolize different glycans, making glycan delivery a powerful way to alter the microbiome to promote health. Here, we study the properties and therapeutic potential of chemically diverse synthetic glycans (SGs). Fermentation of SGs by gut microbiome cultures results in compound-specific shifts in taxonomic and metabolite profiles not observed with reference glycans, including prebiotics. Model enteric pathogens grow poorly on most SGs, potentially increasing their safety for at-risk populations. SGs increase survival, reduce weight loss, and improve clinical scores in mouse models of colitis. Synthetic glycans are thus a promising modality to improve health through selective changes to the gut microbiome.

Multi-body-site colonization screening cultures for predicting multi-drug resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteremia in hematological patients

BACKGROUND

To investigate the multi-drug resistant bacteria (MDRB) colonization rate in hematological patients hospitalized for any cause using a multi-body-site surveillance approach, and determine the extent to which this screening strategy helped anticipate MDRB bloodstream infections (BSI).

METHODS

Single-center retrospective observational study including 361 admissions documented in 250 adult patients. Surveillance cultures of nasal, pharyngeal, axillary and rectal specimens (the latter two combined) were performed at admission and subsequently on a weekly basis. Blood culture samples were incubated in an automated continuous monitoring blood culturing instrument (BACTEC FX).

RESULTS

In total, 3463 surveillance cultures were performed (pharyngeal, n = 1201; axillary-rectal, n = 1200; nasal, n = 1062). MDRB colonization was documented in 122 out of 361 (33.7%) admissions corresponding to 86 patients (34.4%). A total of 149 MDRB were isolated from one or more body sites, of which most were Gram-negative bacteria, most frequently non-fermenting (n = 83) followed by Enterobacterales (n = 51). BSI were documented in 102 admissions (28%) involving 87 patients. Overall, the rate of BSI caused by MDRB was significantly higher (p = 0.04) in the presence of colonizing MDRB (16 out of 47 admissions in 14 patients) than in its absence (9 out of 55 admissions in 9 patients). Colonization by any MDRB was independently associated with increased risk of MDRB-BSI (HR, 3.70; 95% CI, 1.38-9.90; p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

MDRB colonization is a frequent event in hematological patients hospitalized for any reason and is associated with an increased risk of MDRB BSI. The data lend support to the use of MDRB colonization surveillance cultures for predicting the occurrence of MDRB BSI in this cohort.

An open randomized multicentre Phase 2 trial to assess the safety of DAV132 and its efficacy to protect gut microbiota diversity in hospitalized patients treated with fluoroquinolones

BACKGROUND

DAV132 (colon-targeted adsorbent) has prevented antibiotic-induced effects on microbiota in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVES

To assess DAV132 safety and biological efficacy in patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An open-label, randomized [stratification: fluoroquinolone (FQ) indication] multicentre trial comparing DAV132 (7.5 g, 3 times a day, orally) with No-DAV132 in hospitalized patients requiring 5-21 day treatment with FQs and at risk of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). FQ and DAV132 were started simultaneously, DAV132 was administered for 48 h more, and patients were followed up for 51 days. The primary endpoint was the rate of adverse events (AEs) independently adjudicated as related to DAV132 and/or FQ. The planned sample size of 260 patients would provide a 95% CI of ±11.4%, assuming a 33% treatment-related AE rate. Plasma and faecal FQ concentrations, intestinal microbiota diversity, intestinal colonization with C. difficile, MDR bacteria and yeasts, and ex vivo resistance to C. difficile faecal colonization were assessed.

RESULTS

Two hundred and forty-three patients (median age 71 years; 96% with chronic comorbidity) were included (No-DAV132, n = 120; DAV132, n = 123). DAV132- and/or FQ-related AEs did not differ significantly: 18 (14.8%) versus 13 (10.8%) in DAV132 versus No-DAV132 patients (difference 3.9%; 95% CI: -4.7 to 12.6). Day 4 FQ plasma levels were unaffected. DAV132 was associated with a >98% reduction in faecal FQ levels (Day 4 to end of treatment; P < 0.001), less impaired microbiota diversity (Shannon index; P = 0.003), increased ex vivo resistance to C. difficile colonization (P = 0.0003) and less frequent FQ-induced VRE acquisition (P = 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

In FQ-treated hospitalized patients, DAV132 was well tolerated, and FQ plasma concentrations unaffected. DAV132 preserved intestinal microbiota diversity and C. difficile colonization resistance.

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.

Impact of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) rectal carriage in cancer patients admitted to the intensive care unit

Little data is available on extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) rectal colonization in cancer patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). We aimed to describe the epidemiology of ESBL-E in cancer patients hospitalized in the ICU compared with non-cancer patients. ESBL-E colonization was detected in 6.6% of 1,013 cancer patients and 6.4% of 1,625 non-cancer patients. At admission, among the 172 colonized patients: 48/67 cancer patients and 78/105 non-cancer patients developed an infection, documented with an ESBL-E for 21% and 24% of them, respectively. The in-hospital mortality rate among colonized patients was 33% in cancer patients and 12% in non-cancer patients. In cancer patients, ESBL-E infections are rare but systematic rectal screening identifies high-risk population and guides empirical antibiotic therapy. It also contributes to being aware of the ICU microbiological ecology.

Screening for Antimicrobial-Resistant Gram-negative bacteria in hospitalised patients, and risk of progression from colonisation to infection: Systematic review

BACKGROUND

Transmission of antimicrobial-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (AMR-GNB) among hospitalised patients can lead to new cases of carriage, infection and outbreaks, hence the need for early carrier identification. We aim to explore two key elements that may guide control policies for colonisation/infection in hospital settings: screening practices on admission to hospital wards and risk of developing infection from colonisation.

METHODS

We searched on PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane databases for studies published from 2010 up to 2021 reporting on adult patients hospitalised in high-income countries.

RESULTS

The search retrieved 11853 articles. After screening, 100 studies were included. Combining target patient groups and setting type, we identified six screening approaches. The most reported approach was all admitted patients to high-risk (HR) wards (49.4%). The overall prevalence of AMR-GNB was 13.8% (95%CI 9.3-19.0) with significant differences across regions and time. Risk of progression to infection among colonised patients was 11.0% (95%CI 8.0-14.3) and varied according to setting and pathogens' group (p value<0.0001), with higher values reported for Klebsiella species (18.1%; 95%CI 8.9-29.3).

CONCLUSIONS

While providing a comprehensive overview of the screening approaches, our study underlines the considerable burden of AMR-GNB colonisation and risk of progression to infection in hospitals by pathogen, setting and time.

Surveillance Stool Culture and its Association with Microbiologically Documented Infection During Febrile Neutropenia in Patients with Acute Leukemia (AL) Undergoing Induction Chemotherapy

The study aimed at identifying the profile of gut colonization of patients with acute leukemia who underwent induction chemotherapy and its association with induction events and outcome. Baseline bacterial stool culture with resistance pattern of isolates were recorded. Multi-drug resistance was defined as resistance to at least two antibiotic classes including beta lactam and fluoroquinolones. During induction chemotherapy, blood and clinically indicated cultures were taken during febrile neutropenic episodes. Association studies were done between gut colonization and induction events/outcome. Among 109 patients enrolled, 71 (65.13%) patients undergoing induction chemotherapy were colonized with bacteria, with nearly 50% of colonizers harboring multi-drug resistant bacteria. Organisms isolated from stool pre-induction were mostly gram negative (98%), with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae being the commonest. 65.13% patients developed febrile neutropenia. Overall multi-drug resistant positivity during febrile neutropenia was 70.14%. Concordance of 8.45% was observed between isolates from stool and organisms isolated from cultures during febrile neutropenia. There were significant proportion of gut colonized gram-negative multi-drug resistance bacteria among patients with acute leukemia. There was a low concordance rate between baseline stool isolates and subsequent cultures during the induction. There was no significant association between gut colonization and induction events/outcomes studied.

A vanA vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium ST80 outbreak resulting from a single importation event

BACKGROUND

A marked genotype shift among vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) from vanB to vanA in Australia between 2011 and 2015 is a well-known phenomenon. It is hypothesized that this was caused by multiple independent clones emerging simultaneously in different settings and/or regions.

OBJECTIVES

To gain insights into the circumstances surrounding the shift from vanB to vanA VREfm in one Australian hospital.

METHODS

The genomes of 69 vanA VREfm isolates from St George Hospital collected between 2009 and 2018 were studied. An expansion of ST80 vanA VREfm was noted following a single introduction. ST80 isolates were thus further characterized using hybrid sequencing and contextualized through comparisons with other published Australian ST80 isolates. Phylogenies were constructed with plasmid sequences compared with the index isolate.

RESULTS

The 2011 expansion of ST80 vanA VREfm isolates in our institution originated from the 2009 index isolate, from a patient transferred from overseas. Phylogenetic analysis with other Australian ST80 vanA VREfm isolates showed that the 2011 expansion event was unique, with limited spread to adjacent local health districts. Plasmid analysis showed multiple variants, which can also be traced back to the 2009 isolate, consistent with ongoing plasmid adaptation over time.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings confirm an expansion event following a VREfm introduction event leading to a sustained clonal and plasmid outbreak over several years. Moreover, it demonstrates the complexity of countrywide replacement events. This study also highlights the use of hybrid sequencing in establishing an epidemiological relationship to the index isolate that was initially inapparent.

Modelling and Simulation of the Effect of Targeted Decolonisation on Incidence of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales Bloodstream Infections in Haematological Patients

Introduction

Haematological patients are at higher risk of bloodstream infections (BSI) after chemotherapy. The aim of this study was to develop a simulation model assessing the impact of selective digestive decontamination (SDD) of haematological patients colonised with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) on the incidence of ESBL-E BSI after chemotherapy.

Methods

A patient population was created by a stochastic simulation model mimicking the patients’ states of colonisation with ESBL-E during hospitalisation. A systematic literature search was performed to inform the model. All ESBL-E carriers were randomised (1:1) to either the intervention (targeted SDD) or the control group (placebo). ESBL-E BSI incidence was the outcome of the model. Sensitivity analyses were performed by prevalence of ESBL-E carriage at hospital admission (low: < 10%, medium: 10–25%, high: > 25%), duration of neutropenia after receiving chemotherapy, administration of antibiotic prophylaxis with quinolones, and time interval between SDD and chemotherapy.

Results

The model estimated that the administration of targeted SDD before chemotherapy reduces the incidence of ESBL-E BSI in the hospitalised haematological population up to 27%. The greatest benefit was estimated in high-prevalence settings, regardless of the duration of neutropenia, the time interval before chemotherapy, and the administration of antibiotic prophylaxis with quinolones (p < 0.05). In medium-prevalence settings, SDD was effective in patients receiving quinolone prophylaxis, with either 1-day time interval before chemotherapy and a neutropenia duration > 6 days (p < 0.05) or 7-day time interval before chemotherapy and a neutropenia duration > 9 days (p < 0.05). No benefit was observed in low-prevalence settings.

Conclusions

Our model suggests that targeted SDD could decrease the rate of ESBL-E BSI in haematological carriers before chemotherapy in the setting of high ESBL-E prevalence at hospital admission. These estimates require confirmation by well-designed multicentre RCTs, including the assessment of the impact on resistance/disruption patterns of gut microbiome.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-021-00550-3.

Primary prophylaxis of bacterial infections and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors: 2020 updated guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Working Party of the German Society of Hematology and Medical Oncology (AGIHO/DGHO)

Hematologic and oncologic patients with chemo- or immunotherapy-related immunosuppression are at substantial risk for bacterial infections and Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PcP). As bacterial resistances are increasing worldwide and new research reshapes our understanding of the interactions between the human host and bacterial commensals, administration of antibacterial prophylaxis has become a matter of discussion. This guideline constitutes an update of the 2013 published guideline of the Infectious Diseases Working Party (AGIHO) of the German Society for Hematology and Medical Oncology (DGHO). It gives an overview about current strategies for antibacterial prophylaxis in cancer patients while taking into account the impact of antibacterial prophylaxis on the human microbiome and resistance development. Current literature published from January 2012 to August 2020 was searched and evidence-based recommendations were developed by an expert panel. All recommendations were discussed and approved in a consensus conference of the AGIHO prior to publication. As a result, we present a comprehensive update and extension of our guideline for antibacterial and PcP prophylaxis in cancer patients.

Comparison of stool samples and rectal swabs with and without pre-enrichment for the detection of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GCREB)

To establish the optimal detection of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GCREB), the performance of four different screening methods has been investigated: stool samples without (A) and with (B) pre-enrichment and rectal swabs without (C) and with (D) pre-enrichment were contrasted. Pre-enrichment approaches (B and D) increased the detection of 3GCREB carriers by 29.4% (20/68 3GCREB carriers only found using pre-enrichment, p < 0.0001) compared to direct plating approaches (A and C). Moreover, the study demonstrates a minor advantage of stool samples in contrast to rectal swabs in both cases (with and without pre-enrichment). Registration number: DRKS00022520, 24 July 2020.

8th European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia: 2020 guidelines for the use of antibiotics in paediatric patients with cancer or post-haematopoietic cell transplantation

Paediatric patients with cancer and those undergoing haematopoietic cell transplantation are at high risk of bacterial infections. The 8th European Conference on Infections in Leukaemia (ECIL-8) convened a Paediatric Group to review the literature and to formulate recommendations for the use of antibiotics according to the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases grading system. The evaluation of antibacterial prophylaxis included mortality, bloodstream infection, febrile neutropenia, emergence of resistance, and adverse effects as endpoints. Initial antibacterial therapy and antibiotic de-escalation or discontinuation focused on patients with a clinically stable condition and without previous infection or colonisation by resistant bacteria, and on patients with a clinically unstable condition or with previous infection or colonisation by resistant bacteria. The final considerations and recommendations of the ECIL-8 Paediatric Group on antibacterial prophylaxis, initial therapy, and de-escalation strategies are summarised in this Policy Review.

The Impact of Modifying Empirical Antibiotic Therapy Based on Intestinal Colonization Status on Clinical Outcomes of Febrile Neutropenic Patients

Background

This paper aimed to inspect factors affecting febrile neutropenia patients with hematologic malignancies. The intestinal colonization rate of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) was assessed. The rate of subsequent ESBL-E and CRE bacteremia correlated with corresponding bacterial colonization was evaluated. Further, the risk factors for ESBL-E and CRE intestinal colonization were examined. Finally, the impact of rectal swab screening combined with adapted empirical antibiotic therapy on the mortality rate of patients with febrile neutropenia was assessed.

Materials and Methods

Febrile neutropenia patients underwent rectal swabs and collection of blood culture specimens upon admission. Empirical treatment was subsequently modified according to rectal swab results if necessary. Bacteremia patients were treated according to blood culture results. Explorative forward-stepwise logistic regression analyses were used to identify risk factors for ESBL-E and CRE fecal carriage and mortality.

Results

In total, 201 rectal swabs and 402 blood samples were collected from 163 patients during 201 febrile neutropenia episodes. Of these episodes, 38 (18.90%) were colonized with ESBL-E and 30 (14.92%) with CRE. Bloodstream infections developed in 29/201 (14.42%) episodes. Only bacteremia episodes caused by Gram-negative bacilli were included in our analysis. The development of Gram-negative-rod bacteremia was observed in eight out of 38 (21.05%) ESBL-E colonized episodes and four out of 30 (13.33%) CRE-colonized episodes. A BSI developed in three out of 38 (7.89%) ESBL-E colonized episodes, and two out of 30 (6.66%) CRE-colonized episodes developed BSI with the respective organism. Multivariate analysis identified previous quinolone use as the only independent risk factor for fecal colonization of multi-drug-resistant (MDR) Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E and CRE) (odds ratio, 17.09; 95% confidence interval, 5.29 - 55.18; P <0.0001). No significant association was observed between ESBL-E and CRE carriage and increased risk of developing subsequent bacteremia. No significant differences were detected between groups receiving modified and non-modified treatments in duration of hospitalization or antibiotic therapy (univariate analysis) and 28-day mortality rate (logistic regression).

Conclusion

Quinolone exposure was a major risk factor for ESBL-E and CRE fecal carriage. Performing rectal swab screening for MDR Enterobacteriaceae and modifying empirical antibiotic therapy accordingly did not improve clinical outcomes of febrile neutropenia patients.

Colonization with multi-drug-resistant organisms negatively impacts survival in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

Objectives

Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) are considered an emerging threat worldwide. Data covering the clinical impact of MDRO colonization in patients with solid malignancies, however, is widely missing. We sought to determine the impact of MDRO colonization in patients who have been diagnosed with Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are at known high-risk for invasive infections.

Materials and methods

Patients who were screened for MDRO colonization within a 90-day period after NSCLC diagnosis of all stages were included in this single-center retrospective study.

Results

Two hundred and ninety-five patients were included of whom 24 patients (8.1%) were screened positive for MDRO colonization (MDRO^pos) at first diagnosis. Enterobacterales were by far the most frequent MDRO detected with a proportion of 79.2% (19/24). MDRO colonization was present across all disease stages and more present in patients with concomitant diabetes mellitus. Median overall survival was significantly inferior in the MDRO^pos study group with a median OS of 7.8 months (95% CI, 0.0–19.9 months) compared to a median OS of 23.9 months (95% CI, 17.6–30.1 months) in the MDRO^neg group in univariate (p = 0.036) and multivariate analysis (P = 0.02). Exploratory analyses suggest a higher rate of non-cancer-related-mortality in MDRO^pos patients compared to MDRO^neg patients (p = 0.002) with an increased rate of fatal infections in MDRO^pos patients (p = 0.0002).

Conclusions

MDRO colonization is an independent risk factor for inferior OS in patients diagnosed with NSCLC due to a higher rate of fatal infections. Empirical antibiotic treatment approaches should cover formerly detected MDR commensals in cases of (suspected) invasive infections.

Intercontinental study on pre-engraftment and post-engraftment Gram-negative rods bacteremia in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients: Risk factors and association with mortality

OBJECTIVES

We present here data on Gram-negative rods bacteremia (GNRB) rates, risk factors and associated mortality.

METHODS

Data on GNRB episodes were prospectively collected in 65 allo-/67 auto-HSCT centers in 24 countries (Europe, Asia, Australia). In patients with and without GNRB, we compared: demography, underlying disease, HSCT-related data, center` fluoroquinolone prophylaxis (FQP) policy and accreditation status, and involvement of infection control team (ICT).

RESULTS

The GNRB cumulative incidence among 2818 allo-HSCT was: pre-engraftment (pre-eng-allo-HSCT), 8.4 (95% CI 7-9%), post-engraftment (post-eng-allo-HSCT), 5.8% (95%CI: 5-7%); among 3152 auto-HSCT, pre-eng-auto-HSCT, 6.6% (95%CI: 6-7%), post-eng-auto-HSCT, 0.7% (95%CI: 0.4-1.1%). GNRB, especially MDR, was associated with increased mortality. Multivariate analysis revealed the following GNRB risk factors: (a) pre-eng-allo-HSCT: south-eastern Europe center location, underlying diseases not at complete remission, and cord blood source; (b) post-eng-allo-HSCT: center location not in northwestern Europe; underlying non-malignant disease, not providing FQP and never accredited. (c) pre-eng-auto-HSCT: older age, autoimmune and malignant (vs. plasma cell) disease, and ICT absence.

CONCLUSIONS

Benefit of FQP should be explored in prospective studies. Increased GNRB risk in auto-HSCT patients transplanted for autoimmune diseases is worrying. Infection control and being accredited are possibly protective against bacteremia. GNRB are associated with increased mortality.

Incidence of genes encoding vanA/vanB vancomycin resistance in rectal swabs of patients with diagnosed cancer, on the day of admission to hospital, in a non-epidemic period

Introduction

Rapid diagnosis is important for preventing infections due to vancomycin-resistant enterococci.

Aim

To evaluate the status of gastrointestinal colonisation with strains containing vanA/vanB genes in oncological patients.

Material and methods

A total of 167 samples of rectal swabs taken from 161 patients (mean age: 63, range: 29-93 years) were examined, including 113 patients from surgical wards (70.2%) and 48 patients from non-surgical wards (29.8%), with diagnosed cancer. The tests were carried out within 24 h of admitting the patient to the department, using the Cepheid Xpert vanA/vanB test, with a CE marked GeneXpert^® Instrument Systems analyser. Samples with positive vanB gene results were additionally seeded on chromogenic media.

Results

The presence of the vanA gene was found in 2.7% and 6.3% of the examined patients, respectively, from the surgical and non-surgical departments, which accounted for 3.7% of all the patients examined. The presence of the vanB gene was detected in 21.1% of the patients, but in no case was there any growth of vancomycin-resistant enterococci on the chromogenic medium.

Conclusions

Patients admitted to non-surgical wards were more often colonised with vanA/vanB genes than were patients admitted to surgical wards, but the differences were not statistically significant.

Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales Shedding by Dogs and Cats Hospitalized in an Emergency and Critical Care Department of a Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-PE) gut shedding in human medicine is considered as a major reservoir for ESBL-associated infections in high risk patients. In veterinary medicine, data regarding ESBL-PE gut shedding on admission to emergency and critical care department is scarce. We aimed to determine ESBL-PE shedding rates by dogs and cats in this setting and to determine the risk factors for shedding, at two separate periods, three-years apart. Rectal swabs were collected from animals, on admission and 72 h post admission, enriched and plated on Chromagar ESBL plates, followed by bacterial identification. ESBL phenotype was confirmed and antibiotic susceptibility profiles were determined (Vitek 2). Medical records were reviewed for risk factor analysis (SPSS). Overall, 248 animals were sampled, including 108 animals on period I (2015-2016) and 140 animals on period II (2019). In both periods combined, 21.4% of animals shed ESBL-PE on admission, and shedding rates increased significantly during hospitalization (53.7%, p-value < 0.001). The main ESBL-PE species were Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, accounting for more than 85% of the isolates. In a multivariable analysis, previous hospitalization was a risk factor for ESBL-PE gut shedding (p-value = 0.01, Odds ratio = 3.05, 95% Confidence interval 1.28-7.27). Our findings demonstrate significant ESBL-PE gut shedding among small animals in the emergency and critical care department, posing the necessity to design and implement control measures to prevent transmission and optimize antibiotic therapy in this setting.

Rectal colonization with multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria in patients with hematological malignancies: a prospective study

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the risk factors for rectal colonization with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) in hematological malignant patients with febrile neutropenia (FN); rate of rectal colonization and infection/colonization with CRE and ESBL-E; whether empirical treatment can be revised.

METHODS

Adult patients receiving chemotherapy were included. Rectal swab cultures of patients were screened for CRE and ESBL-E using selective chromogenic agars.

RESULTS

Fifty-seven FN episodes of 57 patients were studied. Rectal colonization rates were 40.4% (23/57) and 8.8% (5/57) for ESBL-E and CRE, respectively. ESBL-E bacteremia was diagnosed in 2 (8.6%) ESBL-E colonized patients, while CRE bacteremia was detected in 1 (20%) CRE colonized patient. Amikacin (100%) and carbapenem (93%) were the most effective antibiotics against gram-negative enteric bacteria. Beta-lactam usage within the last 3 months was a significant risk factor for ESBL-E colonization.

CONCLUSIONS

For the treatment of FN patients either colonized with ESBL-E or having significant risk factors for ESBL-E infection, aminoglycoside containing combinations may become an alternative to carbapenems due to their high sensitivity rates. When CRE colonized hematological cancer patients develop FN or if they are hemodynamically unstable, CRE covering empiric antibiotherapy should be preferred due to high mortality rates of CRE bacteremia.

Enterococcal Bacteremia in Children With Malignancies and Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A 15-Year Single-Center Experience

BACKGROUND

Data on enterococcal bacteremia (EB) in immunocompromised children are scarce. We aimed to describe EB in children with hematologic malignancies (HM), solid tumors and/or following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and analyze their ampicillin and vancomycin resistance.

METHODS

We conducted an observational retrospective study in the tertiary-care Hadassah University Medical Center (2001-2015). We collected demographic, clinical and laboratory data on EB and compared ampicillin and vancomycin sensitive with resistant episodes.

RESULTS

Fifty-six of 1123 children developed 74 episodes of EB; 62.1% Enterococcus faecium, 36.5% Enterococcus faecalis; and 1.4% Enterococcus gallinarum. EB developed in 12.1% of HSCT patients, 5.1% of HM, 6.3% of neuroblastoma and 1.0% of other solid tumors patients. Of these episodes, 85.1% were nosocomial, and 71.6% developed while on antibiotic therapy. Resistance rates were: to ampicillin, 57.6%; to vancomycin (vancomycin-resistant enterococci), 21.6%; and higher rates among E. faecium. Among vancomycin-resistant enterococci, 1 of 16 was linezolid and 2 of 10 daptomycin resistant. Overall 7- and 30-day mortality rates were 2.7% and 5.4%, respectively. Thirty-day mortality was 18.2% in recurrent episodes and 0% in the first-time EB episodes (P = 0.006). In multivariate analysis, high treatment intensity was associated with ampicillin resistance [odds ratio (OR) = 3.18, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-9.12], prior penicillin exposure (OR = 7.50, 95% CI: 1.41-39.81) and breakthrough on vancomycin (OR = 18.83, 95% CI: 3.31-101.14) with vancomycin resistance.

CONCLUSIONS

EB occurs mainly as a nosocomial infection in children receiving high-intensity chemotherapy, especially in those with neuroblastoma, HM and following HSCT. Antibiotic resistance is common. Vancomycin resistance can occur regardless of previous vancomycin use. Prognosis in immunocompromised children with EB is better than previously reported. Recurrent EB is associated with increased mortality.

Fecal Carriage of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase and Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales Strains in Patients with Colorectal Cancer in the Oncology Unit of Amizour Hospital, Algeria: A Prospective Cohort Study

Background: The prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales (ESBL-E) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) is now disseminated worldwide. This study aims to describe the prevalence of ESBL and CPE fecal carriage in colorectal cancer patients. Methods: All patients admitted to the oncology service of Amizour hospital (Algeria) for colorectal cancer chemotherapy from March to May 2019 were screened for ESBL-E or CPE fecal carriage. After culturing on chromogenic media, the presumptive colonies were identified by mass spectroscopy. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed according to the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. The β-lactamases encoding genes and plasmid-mediated quinolone-resistant genes were screened by PCR and sequencing. Results: ESBL-E strains were recovered from rectal swabs in 6 patients (14.3%) and only 1 patient (2.4%) was found a carrier for OXA-48-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae. The most frequently encountered species among ESBL-E was Escherichia coli (n = 5), followed by K. pneumoniae (n = 1). PCR and sequencing showed that four isolates harbored the bla_CTX-M-15 gene and two strains harbored the bla_CTX-M-14 gene. Also, one strain of K. pneumoniae was found to harbor both qepA and qnrS genes. Conclusion: This study highlighted the fecal carriage of ESBL-E and OXA-48-producing Enterobacterales strains in colorectal cancer patients.

Colonization With Levofloxacin-resistant Extended-spectrum β-Lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae and Risk of Bacteremia in Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients

Background

Bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) is associated with inadequate empirical therapy and substantial mortality in neutropenic patients. Strategies are needed to identify neutropenic patients at high risk of these infections.

Methods

From April 2014 to September 2016, we collected perianal swabs, both at admission and weekly thereafter, from patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Patients received prophylactic levofloxacin while neutropenic. Swabs were plated onto selective agar, colonies were identified and underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and phenotypic ESBL testing and polymerase chain reaction for β-lactamase genes were performed on ceftriaxone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. We then determined the prevalence of pre-transplant ESBL-E colonization and risk of ESBL-E bacteremia. Colonizing and bloodstream isolates from patients with ESBL-E bacteremia underwent multilocus sequence typing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.

Results

We analyzed 312 patients, including 212 allogeneic and 100 autologous HSCT recipients. Ten percent (31/312) of patients had pre-transplant ESBL-E colonization. Susceptibility rates of colonizing ESBL-E were: levofloxacin, 25%; cefepime, 9%; piperacillin-tazobactam, 84%; and meropenem, 97%. Of 31 patients colonized with ESBL-E pre-transplant, 10 (32%) developed ESBL-E bacteremia during their transplant admission, compared to 1 (0.4%) of 281 patients not colonized with ESBL-E (P < .001). All bloodstream ESBL-E were levofloxacin-resistant and colonizing and bloodstream isolates from individual patients had identical genotypic profiles.

Conclusions

HSCT recipients who are colonized with levofloxacin-resistant ESBL-E pre-transplant and receive levofloxacin prophylaxis have high rates of bacteremia from their colonizing strain during neutropenia. Assessing for ESBL-E colonization in neutropenic patients could lead to optimization of empirical antibacterial therapy.

ESBL-colonization at ICU admission: impact on subsequent infection, carbapenem-consumption, and outcome

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether colonization with extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) predicts the risk for subsequent infection and impacts carbapenem-consumption and outcome in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

DESIGN

Prospective cohort study.

SETTING

The 2 ICUs in the University Hospital Basel in Switzerland.

PATIENTS

All patients admitted to the 2 ICUs providing mechanical ventilation and an expected ICU stay &gt;48 hours.

METHODS

Patients were routinely screened for ESBL-PE carriage by rectal swab on admission. Competing risk regression analyses were applied to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for infection with ESBL-PE and mortality. Length of hospital stay, length of ICU stay, and duration of carbapenem exposure were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.

RESULTS

Among 302 patients, 24 (8.0%) were colonized with ESBL-PE on ICU admission. Infections with ESBL-PE occurred in 4 patients, of whom 3 (75%) were identified as ESBL-PE colonized on admission. ESBL-PE colonization on admission was associated with subsequent ESBL-PE infection (hazard ratio [HR], 25.52; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.40-271.41; P = .007) and exposure to carbapenems (HR, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.01-5.79; P = .047), whereas duration of carbapenem exposure did not differ in relation to ESBL-PE colonization (median, 7 days [IQR, 3-8 days] vs median, 6 days [IQR 3-9 days]; P = 0.983). Patients colonized with ESBL-PE were not at increased risk for death overall (HR, 1.00; 95% CI, 0.44-2.30; P = .993) or death attributable to infection (HR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.28-5.11; P = .808).

CONCLUSIONS

Screening strategies for detection of ESBL-PE colonization on ICU admission may allow the identification of patients at highest risk for ESBL-PE infection and the correct allocation of empiric carbapenem treatment.

ESCMID-EUCIC clinical guidelines on decolonization of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria carriers

SCOPE

The aim of these guidelines is to provide recommendations for decolonizing regimens targeting multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) carriers in all settings.

METHODS

These evidence-based guidelines were produced after a systematic review of published studies on decolonization interventions targeting the following MDR-GNB: third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (3GCephRE), carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), aminoglycoside-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (AGRE), fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (FQRE), extremely drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (XDRPA), carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), cotrimoxazole-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (CRSM), colistin-resistant Gram-negative organisms (CoRGNB), and pan-drug-resistant Gram-negative organisms (PDRGNB). The recommendations are grouped by MDR-GNB species. Faecal microbiota transplantation has been discussed separately. Four types of outcomes were evaluated for each target MDR-GNB:(a) microbiological outcomes (carriage and eradication rates) at treatment end and at specific post-treatment time-points; (b) clinical outcomes (attributable and all-cause mortality and infection incidence) at the same time-points and length of hospital stay; (c) epidemiological outcomes (acquisition incidence, transmission and outbreaks); and (d) adverse events of decolonization (including resistance development). The level of evidence for and strength of each recommendation were defined according to the GRADE approach. Consensus of a multidisciplinary expert panel was reached through a nominal-group technique for the final list of recommendations.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The panel does not recommend routine decolonization of 3GCephRE and CRE carriers. Evidence is currently insufficient to provide recommendations for or against any intervention in patients colonized with AGRE, CoRGNB, CRAB, CRSM, FQRE, PDRGNB and XDRPA. On the basis of the limited evidence of increased risk of CRE infections in immunocompromised carriers, the panel suggests designing high-quality prospective clinical studies to assess the risk of CRE infections in immunocompromised patients. These trials should include monitoring of development of resistance to decolonizing agents during treatment using stool cultures and antimicrobial susceptibility results according to the EUCAST clinical breakpoints.

Colonization with multidrug resistant organisms determines the clinical course of patients with acute myeloid leukemia undergoing intensive induction chemotherapy

Introduction

The global spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) complicates treatment and isolation measures in hospitals and has shown to increase mortality. Patients with disease- or therapy-related immunodeficiency are especially at risk for fatal infections caused by MDRO. The impact of MDRO colonization on the clinical course of AML patients undergoing intensive induction chemotherapy—a potentially curative but highly toxic treatment option—has not been systematically studied.

Materials & methods

312 AML patients undergoing intensive induction chemotherapy between 2007 and 2015 were examined for MDRO colonization. Patients with evidence for MDRO before or during the hospital stay of induction chemotherapy were defined as colonized, patients who never had a positive swab for MDRO were defined as noncolonized.

Results

Of 312 AML patients 90 were colonized and 130 were noncolonized. Colonized patients suffered from significantly more days with fever, spent more days on the intensive care unit and had a higher median C-reactive protein value during the hospital stay. These findings did not result in a prolonged length of hospital stay or an increased mortality rate for colonized patients. However, in a subgroup analysis, patients colonized with carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) had a significantly reduced 60- and 90-day, as well as 1- and 2-year survival rates when compared to noncolonized patients.

Conclusion

Our analysis highlights the importance of intensive MDRO screening especially in patients with febrile neutropenia since persisting fever can be a sign of MDRO-colonization. CRE-colonized patients require special surveillance, since they seem to be at risk for death.

Febrile Neutropenia in Transplant Recipients

Febrile neutropenic patients are at increased risk of developing infections. During the initial stages of neutropenia, most of these infections are bacterial. The spectrum of bacterial infections depends to some extent on whether or not patients receive antimicrobial prophylaxis when neutropenic. Since most transplant recipients do, Gram-positive organisms predominate, due to the fact prophylaxis is directed primarily against Gram-negative organisms. Staphylococcus species (often methicillin-resistant), Streptococcus species (viridans group streptococci, beta-hemolytic streptococci), and Enterococcus species (including vancomycin-resistant strains) are isolated most often. Therefore, potent empiric Gram-positive coverage is recommended by many in this setting. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella species are the most common Gram-negative pathogens isolated. Non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli (Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter species) are emerging as important pathogens. Many of these organisms acquire multiple mechanisms of resistance that render them multidrug resistant. The administration of prompt, broad-spectrum, empiric, antimicrobial therapy is essential and is generally based on local epidemiology and susceptibility/resistance patterns. Response rate to the initial regimen is generally in the range of 75–85%. Fungal infections develop in patients with prolonged neutropenia (greater than 7–10 days). Candida species and Aspergillus species are the predominant fungal pathogens, although many other fungi are opportunistic pathogens in this setting. Fungal infections are seldom documented microbiologically or on histopathology, and the administration of empiric antifungal therapy, when such infections are suspected, is the norm. Therapy is often prolonged, and outcomes are still suboptimal. The importance of infection control and antimicrobial stewardship cannot be overemphasized.

Ciprofloxacin prophylaxis during autologous stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma in patients with a high rate of fluoroquinolone-resistant gram-negative bacteria colonization

BACKGROUND

Ciprofloxacin prophylaxis used to be a standard precaution during autologous stem cell transplantation. Its benefit, with a high prevalence of fluoroqinolone resistance in the population, has recently been under scrutiny.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of cessation of ciprofloxacin prophylaxis during stem cell transplantation for multiple myeloma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Data from 104 patients with multiple myeloma transplanted during the period from January 2013 to April 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. 67 received standard ciprofloxacin prophylaxis (group A) and 37 received no antibacterial prophylaxis (group B).

RESULTS

Febrile episodes during neutropenia, bloodstream infection (BSI) and mortality in these two cohorts were evaluated. Gram negative BSI was assessed for the colonization of quinolone-resistant gram-negative pathogens. Secondary Clostridium difficile enterocolitis presence was determined in both cohorts. There were 42 (63%), 7 (10%), and 0 febrile episodes, BSI and gram-negative BSI respectively in group A, and 34 (92%), 12 (32%), and 4 (11%) respectively in group B. The differences in the number of febrile episodes (P=0.0011) and deaths (P=0.0427) were statistically significance. Mortality was 0 and 3 (8%) in group A and group B, respectively. There was no significant difference in colonization with quinolone-resistant gram negative pathogens (25 (37%) versus 11 (30%)) between groups. The occurrence of Clostridium difficile colitis was the same in both groups.

CONCLUSION

We resumed ciprofloxacin prophylaxis for the following reasons. There was a significant reduction in febrile episodes, and consequently a sparing effect of antibiotics used for treatment of this condition. No difference in Clostridium difficile colitis occurred and the mortality rate of 8% in group B was unacceptably high.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE): a reason to isolate?

In recent years, an increase in invasive VRE infections has been reported worldwide, including Germany. The most common gene encoding resistance to glycopeptides is VanA, but predominant VanB clones are emerging. Although neither the incidence rates nor the exact routes of nosocomial transmission of VRE are well established, screening and strict infection control measures, e.g. single room contact isolation, use of personal protective clothing by hospital staff and intensified surface disinfection for colonized individuals, are implemented in many hospitals. At the same time, the impact of VRE infection on mortality remains unclear, with current evidence being weak and contradictory. In this short review, we aim to give an overview on the current basis of evidence on the clinical effectiveness of infection control measures intended to prevent transmission of VRE and to put these findings into a larger perspective that takes further factors, e.g. VRE-associated mortality and impact on patient care, into account.

Update on infection control practices in cancer hospitals

Therapies in oncology have evolved rapidly over the last years. At the same pace, supportive care for patients receiving cancer therapy has also evolved, allowing patients to safely receive the newest advances in treatment in both an inpatient and outpatient basis. The recognition of the role of infection control and prevention (ICP) in the outcomes of patients living with cancer has been such that it is now a requirement for hospitals and involves multidisciplinary groups. Some unique aspects of ICP for patients with cancer that have gained momentum over the past few decades include catheter-related infections, multidrug-resistant organisms, community-acquired viral infections, and the impact of the health care environment on the horizontal transmission of organisms. Furthermore, as the potential for infections to cross international borders has increased, alertness for outbreaks or new infections that occur outside the area have become constant. As the future approaches, ICP in immunocompromised hosts will continue to integrate emerging disciplines, such as antibiotic stewardship and the microbiome, and new techniques for environmental cleaning and for controlling the spread of infections, such as whole-genome sequencing. CA Cancer J Clin 2018;000:000-000. © 2018 American Cancer Society.