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Fijan S, Kürti P, Rozman U, Šostar Turk S. A critical assessment of microbial-based antimicrobial sanitizing of inanimate surfaces in healthcare settings. Front Microbiol 2024; 15:1412269. [PMID: 38933019 PMCID: PMC11199901 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1412269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The global rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant public health threat, especially in healthcare settings, where controlling the spread of antimicrobial genes is crucial. While person-to-person transmission remains the primary route for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), hospital surfaces serve as key reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms. Regular cleaning and disinfection of these surfaces are essential. Microbial-based products for sanitizing hospital surfaces have emerged as promising tools to combat HAIs and AMR. However, a review of 32 publications found inconsistencies and potential risks. A total of 15 publications included hospital-based trials, while the rest were either in vitro or in situ assays, reviews, book chapters, or commentaries. In most of the hospital-based studies, specific strains of applied microorganisms were not identified, and the term "probiotic" was inaccurately used. These products mainly featured spores from Bacillus and Priestia genera, which was mainly hypothesized to work through competitive exclusion. Most hospital-based studies have shown that the application of microbial-based products resulted in a significant reduction in pathogens on surfaces, thereby contributing to a decrease in the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Further research is however needed to understand the effectiveness, mechanisms of action, and safety of microbial-based sanitizing agents. Strain-level identification is crucial for safety assessments, yet many reviewed products lacked this information. Consequently, there is a need for rigorous safety evaluations within existing regulatory frameworks to ensure the efficacy and safety of microbial-based cleaning products in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Fijan
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | | | - Urška Rozman
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Sonja Šostar Turk
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
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Abbas M, Khan MT, Iqbal Z, Ali A, Eddine BT, Yousaf N, Wei D. Sources, transmission and hospital-associated outbreaks of nontuberculous mycobacteria: a review. Future Microbiol 2024; 19:715-740. [PMID: 39015998 PMCID: PMC11259073 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2023-0279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are widespread environmental organisms found in both natural and man-made settings, such as building plumbing, water distribution networks and hospital water systems. Their ubiquitous presence increases the risk of transmission, leading to a wide range of human infections, particularly in immunocompromised individuals. NTM primarily spreads through environmental exposures, such as inhaling aerosolized particles, ingesting contaminated food and introducing it into wounds. Hospital-associated outbreaks have been linked to contaminated medical devices and water systems. Furthermore, the rising global incidence, prevalence and isolation rates highlight the urgency of addressing NTM infections. Gaining a thorough insight into the sources and epidemiology of NTM infection is crucial for devising novel strategies to prevent and manage NTM transmission and infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Munawar Abbas
- College of Food Science & Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Muhammad Tahir Khan
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (IMBB), The University of Lahore, 1KM Defense Road, Lahore, 58810, Pakistan
- Zhongjing Research & Industrialization Institute of Chinese Medicine, Zhongguancun Scientific Park, Meixi, Nanyang, Henan, 473006, PR China
| | - Zafar Iqbal
- School of Life Science, Anhui Normal University, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Arif Ali
- Department of Bioinformatics & Biological Statistics, School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Benarfa Taki Eddine
- Echahid Cheikh Larbi Tebessi University Faculty of Exact Sciences & Natural & Life Sciences, Département of Microbiology, Algeria
| | - Numan Yousaf
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Dongqing Wei
- College of Food Science & Technology, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Shanghai-Islamabad-Belgrade Joint Innovation Center on Antibacterial Resistances, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences & School of Life Sciences & Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, PR China
- Zhongjing Research & Industrialization Institute of Chinese Medicine, Zhongguancun Scientific Park, Meixi, Nanyang, Henan, 473006, PR China
- Henan Biological Industry Group, 41, Nongye East Rd, Jinshui, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450008, China
- Peng Cheng National Laboratory, Vanke Cloud City Phase I Building 8, Xili Street, Nashan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, PR China
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3
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Kakoullis L, Economidou S, Mehrotra P, Panos G, Karampitsakos T, Stratakos G, Tzouvelekis A, Sampsonas F. Bronchoscopy-related outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks: A systematic review. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024; 45:509-519. [PMID: 38099453 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify and report the pathogens and sources of contamination associated with bronchoscopy-related outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks. DESIGN Systematic review. SETTING Inpatient and outpatient outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks after bronchoscopy. METHODS PubMed/Medline databases were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, using the search terms "bronchoscopy," "outbreak," and "pseudo-outbreak" from inception until December 31, 2022. From eligible publications, data were extracted regarding the type of event, pathogen involved, and source of contamination. Pearson correlation was used to identify correlations between variables. RESULTS In total, 74 studies describing 23 outbreaks and 52 pseudo-outbreaks were included in this review. The major pathogens identified in these studies were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Serratia marcescens, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Legionella pneumophila, and fungi. The primary sources of contamination were the use of contaminated water or contaminated topical anesthetics, dysfunction and contamination of bronchoscopes or automatic endoscope reprocessors, and inadequate disinfection of the bronchoscopes following procedures. Correlations were identified between primary bronchoscope defects and the identification of P. aeruginosa (r = 0.351; P = .002) and K. pneumoniae (r = 0.346; P = .002), and between the presence of a contaminated water source and NTM (r = 0.331; P = .004) or L. pneumophila (r = 0.280; P = .015). CONCLUSIONS Continued vigilance in bronchoscopy disinfection practices remains essential because outbreaks and pseudo-outbreaks continue to pose a significant risk to patient care, emphasizing the importance of stringent disinfection and quality control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loukas Kakoullis
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Sofia Economidou
- Department of Medicine, Mount Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - Preeti Mehrotra
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Division of Infection Controland Hospital Epidemiology, Silverman Institute for Health Care Quality and Safety, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | - George Panos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University General Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Theodoros Karampitsakos
- Ubben Center and Laboratory for Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States
| | - Grigorios Stratakos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Sotiria Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Argyrios Tzouvelekis
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Fotios Sampsonas
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece
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4
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Aranega-Bou P, Cornbill C, Rodger G, Bird M, Moore G, Roohi A, Hopkins KL, Hopkins S, Ribeca P, Stoesser N, Lipworth SI. WITHDRAWN: Evaluation of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (IR Biotyper) as a complement to Whole genome sequencing (WGS) to characterise Enterobacter cloacae , Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates recovered from hospital sinks. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.04.24.23289028. [PMID: 37214917 PMCID: PMC10193520 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.24.23289028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The authors have withdrawn their manuscript due to becoming aware of methodology issues related to the curation of the training set used to determine cut-off values for Biotyper cluster assignation and lack of replicate measurements on different days for the isolates analysed. It is therefore unclear whether the conclusions of the manuscript are founded and no further work is possible to correct these issues as the instrument is no longer available to the authors. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
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Pascucci D, Lontano A, Regazzi L, Marziali E, Nurchis MC, Raponi M, Vetrugno G, Moscato U, Cadeddu C, Laurenti P. Co-administration of SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccines in healthcare workers: Results of two vaccination campaigns in a large teaching hospital in Rome. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2287282. [PMID: 38016914 PMCID: PMC10732597 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2287282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The concurrent administration of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines has arisen as a promising approach to bolster protection against respiratory pathogens and improve vaccination rates. However, there remains a lack of data regarding the prevalence of co-administration across several vaccination campaigns, especially among healthcare workers (HCWs). Therefore, this study aims to shed light on the acceptance of co-administration strategies among HCWs during the two campaigns following the introduction of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among the HCWs of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" IRCCS, a research hospital in Rome. Hospital administrative databases were accessed to gather information about vaccination for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza during the 2021/2022 and 2022/2023 vaccination campaigns. The study included 7399 HCWs. The co-administration of anti-SARS-CoV-2 and influenza vaccines presented a significant rise in 2022/2023 compared to the previous vaccination campaign (+38%): this was confirmed for every professional category, with the largest increases among resident doctors (+47%) and physicians (+44%), and also for every age category, but it was particularly evident for the youngest health professionals. The probability of co-administration uptake during the 2022/2023 campaign was significantly higher for males, and for those that received co-administration during the 2021/2022 campaign, while the probability was lower for nurses and administrative staff. This study highlights the co-administration procedure as a valuable and effective tool in annual vaccination campaigns for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. The procedure's safety and streamlined logistics make it increasingly attractive for implementation, particularly among HCWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Pascucci
- Health Management, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Lontano
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Regazzi
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Marziali
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Cesare Nurchis
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- School of Economics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Raponi
- Department of Women, Child and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Vetrugno
- Health Management, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Moscato
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Women, Child and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Cadeddu
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Laurenti
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Women, Child and Public Health Sciences, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Kling K, Osborn R, Menon A, Williams J, Cardew R, Al-Heeti O, Santoiemma P, Angarone M, Gatesy S, Kochan T, Zembower T, Krueger K, Ozer EA, Qi C. A cluster of six respiratory cultures positive for Mycobacterium xenopi -Clinical characteristics and genomic characterization. J Clin Tuberc Other Mycobact Dis 2023; 33:100397. [PMID: 37727871 PMCID: PMC10505978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jctube.2023.100397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycobacterium xenopi is a slow growing non-tuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) isolated from water systems and has been associated with pseudo-outbreaks and pulmonary infections in humans. We observed a cluster of six respiratory cultures positive for M. xenopi within a six-month period at our institution, approximately double our normal isolation rate of this organism. Only three of the six cases met clinical, radiographic, and microbiologic criteria for NTM infection. An investigation led by our hospital's Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Program found no epidemiologic link between the six patients. Three isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and phylogenetic analysis confirmed they were non-clonal. In vitro susceptibility data found the isolates were sensitive to macrolides, moxifloxacin, and rifabutin. Our findings suggest that isolation of M. xenopi from pulmonary specimens may be increasing, further defines the genomic population structure of this potentially emerging infection, and establishes WGS as a useful tool for outbreak investigation strain typing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall Kling
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rebecca Osborn
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Adil Menon
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Janna Williams
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ryan Cardew
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Omar Al-Heeti
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Phillip Santoiemma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael Angarone
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Samuel Gatesy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Travis Kochan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Teresa Zembower
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Karen Krueger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Egon A. Ozer
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Havey Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chao Qi
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Chair SY, Ng ST, Chao CYH, Xu JF. Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems in healthcare: a scoping review. J Hosp Infect 2023; 141:33-40. [PMID: 37640266 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Guidelines for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems have been developed for different settings. However, there is a lack of up-to-date evidence providing concrete recommendations for the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems of an isolation room, which is essential to appropriately guide infection control policies. To highlight the guidelines for heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems in isolation rooms to inform relevant stakeholders and policymakers. A systematic search was performed based on Joanna Briggs Methodology using five databases (CINAHL, Embase, Joanna Briggs Institute, Medline, and Web of Science) and websites. Eight articles published by government departments were included in this review. Most studies recommended controlled airflow without recirculation, 12 air changes per hour, high-efficiency particulate air filtrate to exhaust contaminated air from the airborne isolation room, humidity ≤60%, and temperature in the range of 18-30 °C. This review provides further evidence that there is a need for interdisciplinary collaborative research to quantify the optimum range for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system parameters, considering door types, anterooms, and bed management, to effectively reduce the transmission of infection in isolation rooms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Y Chair
- The Nethersole School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - S T Ng
- Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - C Y H Chao
- Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J F Xu
- Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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8
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Mehra R, Meda M, Pichon B, Gentry V, Smith A, Nicholls M, Ryan Y, Woods J, Tote S. Whole-genome sequencing links cases dispersed in time, place, and person while supporting healthcare worker management in an outbreak of Panton-Valentine leucocidin meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus; and a review of literature. J Hosp Infect 2023; 141:88-98. [PMID: 37678435 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
This is a report on an outbreak of Panton-Valentine leucocidin-producing meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (PVL-MRSA) in an intensive care unit (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic that affected seven patients and a member of staff. Six patients were infected over a period of ten months on ICU by the same strain of PVL-MRSA, and a historic case identified outside of the ICU. All cases were linked to a healthcare worker (HCW) who was colonized with the organism. Failed topical decolonization therapy, without systemic antibiotic therapy, resulted in ongoing transmission and one preventable acquisition of PVL-MRSA. The outbreak identifies the support that may be needed for HCWs implicated in outbreaks. It also demonstrates the role of whole-genome sequencing in identifying dispersed and historic cases related to the outbreak, which in turn aids decision-making in outbreak management and HCW support. This report also includes a review of literature of PVL-MRSA-associated outbreaks in healthcare and highlights the need for review of current national guidance in the management of HCWs' decolonization regimen and return-to-work recommendations in such outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Mehra
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
| | - M Meda
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK.
| | - B Pichon
- UK Health and Security Agency, UK
| | - V Gentry
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
| | - A Smith
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
| | | | - Y Ryan
- UK Health and Security Agency, UK
| | - J Woods
- Department of Anaesthetics and ITU, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
| | - S Tote
- Department of Anaesthetics and ITU, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, Frimley, UK
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9
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Weber A, Neffe L, Diaz LAP, Thoma N, Aghdassi SJS, Denkel LA, Maechler F, Behnke M, Häussler S, Gastmeier P, Kola A. Analysis of transmission-related third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales by electronic data mining and core genome multi-locus sequence typing. J Hosp Infect 2023; 140:96-101. [PMID: 37562589 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To contain intra-hospital transmission of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GCR-E), contact isolation precautions are recommended. AIM To quantify transmissions of 3GCR Escherichia coli and 3GCR Klebsiella pneumoniae within a hospital. METHODS An automated outbreak detection system (AODS) was used to identify clusters (N≥2) of 3GCR Enterobacterales for the years 2016, 2018 and 2020. Clusters were defined by phenotypic agreement of microbiological results and spatial and temporal relationship. Core genome multi-locus sequence typing (cgMLST) was used to confirm whether the cluster isolates were transmitted between patients. FINDINGS A total of 4343 3GCR E. coli and 1377 K. pneumoniae isolates were analysed. Among the 3GCR E. coli isolates, the AODS identified 304 isolates as cluster isolates, the median cluster size was two (range: 2-5). The cgMLST analysis revealed that a total of 23 (7.5%) 3GCR E. coli cluster isolates were transmission-associated, of which 20 isolates (87%) were detected in intensive care patients. Among the 3GCR K. pneumoniae isolates, the AODS identified 73 isolates as cluster isolates, the median cluster size was two (range: 2-4). CgMLST revealed that 35 (48%) 3GCR K. pneumoniae cluster isolates were transmission associated, of which 27 isolates (77%) were detected in intensive care patients. CONCLUSION For 3GCR K. pneumoniae, cgMLST confirmed the AODS results more frequently than for 3GCR E. coli. Therefore, contact isolation precautions for 3GCR K. pneumoniae may be appropriate on intensive care units, but only in certain circumstances, such as outbreaks, for Enterobacterales with lower transmissibility, such as E. coli.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Weber
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - L Neffe
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - L A P Diaz
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - N Thoma
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - S J S Aghdassi
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Biomedical Innovation Academy, BIH Charité Digital Clinician Scientist Programme, Berlin, Germany
| | - L A Denkel
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - F Maechler
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Behnke
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - S Häussler
- Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Department of Molecular Bacteriology, Braunschweig, Germany; TWINCORE, Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, A Joint Venture of the HZI and the Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - P Gastmeier
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - A Kola
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
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10
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Serra Neto A, Marques SG, Bomfim MRQ, Monteiro SG, de Souza RC, Nunes RA. Microbiological Analysis of Surgeons' Hands in a Public Hospital in São Luis, Maranhão State, Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study. Microorganisms 2023; 11:1895. [PMID: 37630455 PMCID: PMC10456775 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11081895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Antisepsis of the hands of medical personnel is one of the most important steps in the process of patient care, since direct contact can cause the cross-transfer of potentially pathogenic microorganisms at surgical sites. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of microorganisms on the hands of 131 surgeons in a university hospital before the surgical procedure. Swabs were collected from each clinician's hands before and after handwashing. The samples were placed in a transport medium and immediately delivered to a private clinical analysis laboratory from São Luis-Maranhão. The microorganisms were identified by ionization source mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI-TOF), and antibiotic susceptibility tests (AST) were performed using the Vitek2 and Phoenix-BD automated system. The results showed a high frequency (100%) of microorganisms before handwashing, but after surgical antisepsis, the rate dropped significantly (p < 0.05) to 27.5%. The gram-positive species most detected were Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus luteus, representing 83.9%, followed by gram-negative species, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas gessardi, Pantoea septica, Serratia marcescens, and Burkholderia lata. The effectiveness of hand antisepsis was 72.5%, demonstrating that surgeons' hands are an important source of microorganisms that can cause infections in hospitalized patients in different care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artur Serra Neto
- Departamento de Cirurgia Geral, Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão (HUUFMA), São Luís 65020-070, Brazil
| | - Sirlei G. Marques
- Departamento de Planejamento de Gestão da Qualidade e Vigilância em Saúde, Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Maranhão (HUUFMA), São Luís 65020-070, Brazil;
| | - Maria Rosa Q. Bomfim
- Departamento de Biologia Molecular, Universidade Ceuma (UNICEUMA), São Luís 65075-120, Brazil;
| | - Silvio G. Monteiro
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís 65080-805, Brazil;
| | - Rosangela C. de Souza
- Departamento de Medicina, Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís 65080-805, Brazil;
| | - Rodolfo A. Nunes
- Departamento de Cirurgia Geral, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), Rio de Janeiro 20550-900, Brazil;
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11
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Successful Control of an Outbreak by Phenotypically Identified Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase–Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11111649. [DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11111649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Premature newborns represent a vulnerable population, at high risk of acquiring nosocomial infections during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Multidrug-resistant organisms represent the greatest concern due to their intrinsic virulence and the limited therapeutic options. Resistant Enterobacterales are a growing threat for critically ill neonates, with increasing numbers of NICU outbreaks caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales being described. This study reports the early detection and successful control of an outbreak caused by ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP) in an Italian NICU in February 2021. Results: A total of 13 newborns tested positive for ESBL-KP between 2–9 February 2021, of whom four (31%) had a bloodstream infection. Two were critically ill, extremely premature newborns who died because of multiple comorbidities, and two were cured after treatment with meropenem. All other patients survived and were either discharged home or moved to other hospitals/wards in good clinical condition. ESBL-KP ST45 was found in all isolates by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) analysis. An outbreak control plan was set, including surveillance cultures for all neonates, NICU environments, and medical devices, along with the extended use of contact precautions and cohorting. In addition, the infection control plan was carried out through reinforcement and enhancement measures to guarantee maximal compliance. The outbreak was successfully controlled in seven days, given that no further cases were identified after 9 February. The source of the ESBL-KP outbreak was not identified through environmental sampling. Conclusions: Thanks to multidisciplinary management, a threatening outbreak of ESBL-KP in a NICU was controlled in few days. The prompt recognition of the event onset and the adoption of infection control interventions helped contain the bacteria spread on the ward.
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12
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Farzana R, Jones LS, Rahman MA, Sands K, van Tonder AJ, Portal E, Criollo JM, Parkhill J, Guest MF, Watkins WJ, Pervin M, Boostrom I, Hassan B, Mathias J, Kalam MA, Walsh TR. Genomic Insights Into the Mechanism of Carbapenem Resistance Dissemination in Enterobacterales From a Tertiary Public Heath Setting in South Asia. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 76:119-133. [PMID: 35412593 PMCID: PMC9825829 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY 10.6% patients were CRE positive. Only 27% patients were prescribed at least 1 antibiotic to which infecting pathogen was susceptible. Burn and ICU admission and antibiotics exposures facilitate CRE acquisition. Escherichia coli ST167 was the dominant CRE clone. BACKGROUND Given the high prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) across South Asian (SA) hospitals, we documented the epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections at Dhaka Medical College Hospital between October 2016 and September 2017. METHODS We enrolled patients and collected epidemiology and outcome data. All Enterobacterales were characterized phenotypically and by whole-genome sequencing. Risk assessment for the patients with CRE was performed compared with patients with carbapenem-susceptible Enterobacterales (CSE). RESULTS 10.6% of all 1831 patients with a clinical specimen collected had CRE. In-hospital 30-day mortality was significantly higher with CRE [50/180 (27.8%)] than CSE [42/312 (13.5%)] (P = .001); however, for bloodstream infections, this was nonsignificant. Of 643 Enterobacterales isolated, 210 were CRE; blaNDM was present in 180 isolates, blaOXA-232 in 26, blaOXA-181 in 24, and blaKPC-2 in 5. Despite this, ceftriaxone was the most commonly prescribed empirical antibiotic and only 27% of patients were prescribed at least 1 antibiotic to which their infecting pathogen was susceptible. Significant risk factors for CRE isolation included burns unit and intensive care unit admission, and prior exposure to levofloxacin, amikacin, clindamycin, and meropenem. Escherichia coli ST167 was the dominant CRE clone. Clustering suggested clonal transmission of Klebsiella pneumoniae ST15 and the MDR hypervirulent clone, ST23. The major trajectories involved in horizontal gene transfer were IncFII and IncX3, IS26, and Tn3. CONCLUSIONS This is the largest study from an SA public hospital combining outcome, microbiology, and genomics. The findings indicate the urgent implementation of targeted diagnostics, appropriate antibiotic use, and infection-control interventions in SA public institutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Refath Farzana
- Correspondence: R. Farzana, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK ()
| | - Lim S Jones
- Public Health Wales Microbiology, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kirsty Sands
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Andries J van Tonder
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Edward Portal
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jose Munoz Criollo
- Advanced Research Computing @Cardiff (ARCCA), Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Julian Parkhill
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Martyn F Guest
- Advanced Research Computing @Cardiff (ARCCA), Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - W John Watkins
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Monira Pervin
- Department of Virology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ian Boostrom
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Brekhna Hassan
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jordan Mathias
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Md Abul Kalam
- Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Timothy R Walsh
- Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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13
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Maciel ALP, Braga RBDS, Madalosso G, Padoveze MC. Nosocomial outbreaks: A review of governmental reporting systems. Am J Infect Control 2022; 50:185-192. [PMID: 34801656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Identifying and describing components of existent governmental reporting systems of NO aiming at informing the design of the implementation of NO reporting systems in countries where they were not fully established. DESIGN A systematic search was carried out on PubMed, Embase, and the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature database. We included studies published from January 2007 to June 2019 describing NO governmental reporting systems. Additionally, we included studies from the list of references in the identified papers, to gather more information about NO reporting systems. We also reviewed documents published in the governmental health department's Web sites, such as outbreak management guidelines and surveillance protocols, provided they were cited in the papers. RESULTS NO reporting systems were reported in France (Alsace Region), Germany, Norway, United Kingdom, United States (New York State; New York City), Australia (Victoria State), Sweden (Skane Region), Ireland, Scotland (Lothian Region), and Canada (Winnipeg; Ontario). These systems vary according to the type of targeted NO event, such as gastroenteritis, influenza-like illness, invasive group A streptococcal disease or all-health care-acquired infection NO. Germany, Norway, New York City, New York State, Ireland, Winnipeg, and Ontario have established a mandatory reporting for NO. CONCLUSIONS There is high variability among countries regarding governmental NO reporting systems. This may hinder opportune inter- and intracountries communication concerning NO of potential international public health relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Luiz Pires Maciel
- Department of Collective Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Geraldine Madalosso
- São Paulo State Health Department, Centro de Vigilância Epidemiológica Prof Alexandre Vranjac, Hospital Infection Division, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Clara Padoveze
- Department of Collective Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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14
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Singh V, Narula H, Supehia S, Sharma M, Gupta PK, Sharma A, Rao S. Impact of Video Modules-Based Training on Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices of Cleaning and Disinfection Among Housekeeping Staff at a Tertiary Care Center During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cureus 2021; 13:e19125. [PMID: 34868766 PMCID: PMC8627668 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.19125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward cleaning and disinfection among housekeeping (HK) staff amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods A quasi-experimental was undertaken among HK staff at a tertiary care hospital. A 30-item structured questionnaire was used in the study, which consisted of questions pertaining to knowledge (11), attitude (8), and practice (11) toward cleaning and disinfection. Result One-hundred-two participants were included by convenient sampling, with mean age = 30-37 years. There was an improvement in pre-test and post-test knowledge (6.21 to 9.7) and practice score (9.97 to post-test 10.52). However, the attitude score did not show a significant change in the post-test score (p=0.964), showing that they were having a positive attitude toward the practices before training too. Conclusion Improvement in the post-test score shows that periodic targeted training sessions on cleaning and disinfection among housekeeping staff help improve their knowledge, attitude, and practices toward infection prevention and control (IPC) during the COVID-19 pandemic, thus minimizing the spread of the virus in a hospital environment, reducing their apprehension, and preparing them to work in such pandemic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanya Singh
- Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, IND
| | - Himanshu Narula
- Microbiology, Rifleman Jaswant Singh Rawat (RJSH) COVID Hospital, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, IND
| | - Sakshi Supehia
- Public Health, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, IND
| | - Maneesh Sharma
- College of Nursing, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, IND
| | - Puneet K Gupta
- Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bilaspur, IND
| | - Anita Sharma
- Hospital Infection Control, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, IND
| | - Shalinee Rao
- Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, IND
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15
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Medicolegal Causation Investigation of Bacterial Endocarditis Associated with an Oral Surgery Practice Using the INFERENCE Approach. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18147530. [PMID: 34299979 PMCID: PMC8305199 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18147530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Investigating causation is a primary goal in forensic/legal medicine, aiming to establish the connection between an unlawful/negligent act and an adverse outcome. In malpractice litigation involving a healthcare-associated infection due to a failure of infection prevention and control practices, the medicolegal causal analysis needs to quantify the individual causal probabilities to meet the evidentiary requirements of the court. In this paper, we present the investigation of the most probable cause of bacterial endocarditis in a patient who underwent an invasive procedure at a dental/oral surgical practice where an outbreak of bacterial endocarditis had already been identified by the state Department of Health. We assessed the probability that the patient’s endocarditis was part of the outbreak versus that it was an unrelated sporadic infection using the INFERENCE (Integration of Forensic Epidemiology and the Rigorous Evaluation of Causation Elements) approach to medicolegal causation analysis. This paper describes the step-by-step application of the INFERENCE approach to demonstrate its utility in quantifying the probability of causation. The use of INFERENCE provides the court with an evidence-based, transparent, and reliable guide to determine liability, causation, and damages.
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16
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Kumar P, Sundermann AJ, Martin EM, Snyder GM, Marsh JW, Harrison LH, Roberts MS. Method for Economic Evaluation of Bacterial Whole Genome Sequencing Surveillance Compared to Standard of Care in Detecting Hospital Outbreaks. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:e9-e18. [PMID: 32367125 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Whole genome sequencing (WGS) surveillance and electronic health record data mining have the potential to greatly enhance the identification and control of hospital outbreaks. The objective was to develop methods for examining economic value of a WGS surveillance-based infection prevention (IP) program compared to standard of care (SoC). METHODS The economic value of a WGS surveillance-based IP program was assessed from a hospital's perspective using historical outbreaks from 2011-2016. We used transmission network of outbreaks to estimate incremental cost per transmission averted. The number of transmissions averted depended on the effectiveness of intervening against transmission routes, time from transmission to positive culture results and time taken to obtain WGS results and intervene on the transmission route identified. The total cost of an IP program included cost of staffing, WGS, and treating infections. RESULTS Approximately 41 out of 89 (46%) transmissions could have been averted under the WGS surveillance-based IP program, and it was found to be a less costly and more effective strategy than SoC. The results were most sensitive to the cost of performing WGS and the number of isolates sequenced per year under WGS surveillance. The probability of the WGS surveillance-based IP program being cost-effective was 80% if willingness to pay exceeded $2400 per transmission averted. CONCLUSIONS The proposed economic analysis is a useful tool to examine economic value of a WGS surveillance-based IP program. These methods will be applied to a prospective evaluation of WGS surveillance compared to SoC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveen Kumar
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexander J Sundermann
- The Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elise M Martin
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Graham M Snyder
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jane W Marsh
- The Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.,Department of Infection Prevention and Control, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Presbyterian Hospital, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lee H Harrison
- The Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Graduate School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark S Roberts
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Graduate School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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17
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Pandora's box in the dental clinic. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2021; 43:742-746. [PMID: 34011423 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2021.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In June 2018, the Ministry of Health received notification from 2 hospitals about 2 patients who presented with overwhelming Enterobacter kobei sepsis that developed within 24 hours after a dental procedure. We describe the investigation of this outbreak. METHODS The epidemiologic investigation included site visits in 2 dental clinics and interviews with all involved healthcare workers. Chart reviews were conducted for case and control subjects. Samples were taken from medications and antiseptics, environmental surfaces, dental water systems, and from the involved healthcare professionals. Isolate similarity was assessed using repetitive element sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (REP-PCR). RESULTS The 2 procedures were conducted in different dental clinics by different surgeons and dental technicians. A single anesthesiologist administered the systemic anesthetic in both cases. Cultures from medications, fluids and healthcare workers' hands were negative, but E. kobei was detected from the anesthesiologist's portable medication cart. The 2 human isolates and the environmental isolate shared the same REP-PCR fingerprinting profile. None of the 21 patients treated by the anesthesiologist in a general hospital during the same period, using the hospital's medications, developed infection following surgery. CONCLUSIONS An outbreak of post-dental-procedure sepsis was linked to a contaminated medication cart, emphasizing the importance of medication storage standards and strict aseptic technique when preparing intravenous drugs during anesthesia. Immediate reporting of sepsis following these outpatient procedures enabled early identification and termination of the outbreak.
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18
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Barbadoro P, Brighenti A, Acquaviva G, Catalini A, Diotallevi F, Masiero AL, Montagna V, D’Errico MM. Gender, Socioeconomic, and Health Characteristics Associated with Influenza Vaccination Coverage (VC) among Italian Healthcare Workers: Secondary Analysis of a National Cross-Sectional Survey. Healthcare (Basel) 2020; 8:healthcare8030298. [PMID: 32858784 PMCID: PMC7551854 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare8030298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza epidemics pose a great overload over health-care facilities with an increase in the burden of disease for patients and healthcare costs. Despite a well-established amount of research in the area, vaccination rates show room for improvement and more research is needed in finding systematic interventions useful in improving healthcare workers (HCWs) vaccination coverage (VC). The purpose of this study was to describe the self-reported frequency of influenza immunization in HCWs and to identify demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health factors associated with this practice in Italy. Data about 5823 workers participating in the Italian national survey about health and healthcare services utilization are analyzed in the present study. Overall, 18.8% of HCWs reported being vaccinated against seasonal flu. In the multilevel regression, older workers had a higher likelihood of vaccine uptake (OR: 6.07; 95% CI 4.72-7.79), similar to those with chronic conditions or poor self-perceived health status (OR: 2.18 95% CI 1.17-4.09). On the other hand, the results highlighted a lower rate of VC in female HCWs (OR: 0.73 95% CI 0.61-0.86). Data confirm the low compliance towards flu immunization among Italian HCWs and highlight an important gap to be investigated in women.
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19
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Campos-Gutiérrez S, Ramos-Real MJ, Abreu R, Jiménez MS, Lecuona M. Pseudo-outbreak of Mycobacterium fortuitum in a hospital bronchoscopy unit. Am J Infect Control 2020; 48:765-769. [PMID: 31882175 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2019.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 11/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/16/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mycobacterium fortuitum survive in different environmental conditions, biofilm formation and resistance to chlorinated disinfectants makes its isolation frequent in hospital environments, even being involved in outbreaks by contamination of medical equipment such as bronchoscopes. We describe a pseudo-outbreak by M fortuitum isolated in samples from 9 patients who underwent bronchoscopy in the pneumology bronchoscopy unit of the University Hospital Complex of the Canary Islands from December 2016 to March 2017. METHODS We proceeded to investigate the pseudo-outbreak with a combination of epidemiologic, environmental, and molecular typing data. RESULTS The source/reservoir of pseudo-outbreak was the hospital water used by the bronchoscope automatic washing machine (without antibacterial filter), so control measures were taken. Molecular typing was performed on 7 strains from 7 patients, and a sample of water was collected from a tap in the pneumology bronchoscopy unit: all of which had the same pattern. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates the presence of nontuberculous mycobacteria in the hospital water supply, and thus the need to take measures against them because they compromise patients' health. We also suggest the need for hospital water quality guidelines in which methods to control and/or eliminate them are established.
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20
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De Oliveira DMP, Forde BM, Kidd TJ, Harris PNA, Schembri MA, Beatson SA, Paterson DL, Walker MJ. Antimicrobial Resistance in ESKAPE Pathogens. Clin Microbiol Rev 2020; 23:788-99. [PMID: 32404435 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial-resistant ESKAPE ( Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) pathogens represent a global threat to human health. The acquisition of antimicrobial resistance genes by ESKAPE pathogens has reduced the treatment options for serious infections, increased the burden of disease, and increased death rates due to treatment failure and requires a coordinated global response for antimicrobial resistance surveillance. This looming health threat has restimulated interest in the development of new antimicrobial therapies, has demanded the need for better patient care, and has facilitated heightened governance over stewardship practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M P De Oliveira
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Brian M Forde
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Timothy J Kidd
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Patrick N A Harris
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark A Schembri
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott A Beatson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - David L Paterson
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark J Walker
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
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21
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De Oliveira DMP, Forde BM, Kidd TJ, Harris PNA, Schembri MA, Beatson SA, Paterson DL, Walker MJ. Antimicrobial Resistance in ESKAPE Pathogens. Clin Microbiol Rev 2020; 33:e00181-19. [PMID: 32404435 PMCID: PMC7227449 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00181-19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 834] [Impact Index Per Article: 208.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial-resistant ESKAPE ( Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species) pathogens represent a global threat to human health. The acquisition of antimicrobial resistance genes by ESKAPE pathogens has reduced the treatment options for serious infections, increased the burden of disease, and increased death rates due to treatment failure and requires a coordinated global response for antimicrobial resistance surveillance. This looming health threat has restimulated interest in the development of new antimicrobial therapies, has demanded the need for better patient care, and has facilitated heightened governance over stewardship practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M P De Oliveira
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Brian M Forde
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Timothy J Kidd
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Patrick N A Harris
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark A Schembri
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Scott A Beatson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - David L Paterson
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark J Walker
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia
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22
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Targeted Moments of Environmental Disinfection. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf 2020; 46:167-172. [PMID: 31899156 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcjq.2019.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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23
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Squeri R, Di Pietro A, La Fauci V, Genovese C. Healthcare workers' vaccination at European and Italian level: a narrative review. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2019; 90:45-53. [PMID: 31517889 PMCID: PMC7233663 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v90i9-s.8703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Today some vaccine-preventable diseases remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide despite the availability of new vaccines. Healthcare workers are particularly at risk to acquire an infection disease, playing a fundamental role in nosocomial transmission, which makes them an important target group for vaccination. The vaccination recommendations of HCWs, as well as the general population, differ from country to country. Furthermore, coverage rates vary widely a lot over the world, making HCWs vulnerable to disease and so healthcare settings to outbreaks. The motivations of vaccine hesitancy are many and maybe other studies would help policymakers and stake-holders to shape programs to improve vaccination coverage and the control of infectious diseases through the correct application of guidelines on prevention. (www.actabiomedica.it)
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Squeri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morphological and Functional Images, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
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24
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Automated data mining of the electronic health record for investigation of healthcare-associated outbreaks. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2019; 40:314-319. [PMID: 30773168 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2018.343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Identifying routes of transmission among hospitalized patients during a healthcare-associated outbreak can be tedious, particularly among patients with complex hospital stays and multiple exposures. Data mining of the electronic health record (EHR) has the potential to rapidly identify common exposures among patients suspected of being part of an outbreak. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 9 hospital outbreaks that occurred during 2011-2016 and that had previously been characterized both according to transmission route and by molecular characterization of the bacterial isolates. We determined (1) the ability of data mining of the EHR to identify the correct route of transmission, (2) how early the correct route was identified during the timeline of the outbreak, and (3) how many cases in the outbreaks could have been prevented had the system been running in real time. RESULTS Correct routes were identified for all outbreaks at the second patient, except for one outbreak involving >1 transmission route that was detected at the eighth patient. Up to 40 or 34 infections (78% or 66% of possible preventable infections, respectively) could have been prevented if data mining had been implemented in real time, assuming the initiation of an effective intervention within 7 or 14 days of identification of the transmission route, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Data mining of the EHR was accurate for identifying routes of transmission among patients who were part of the outbreak. Prospective validation of this approach using routine whole-genome sequencing and data mining of the EHR for both outbreak detection and route attribution is ongoing.
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Zimmerman PA, Browne M, Rowland D. Instilling a culture of cleaning: Effectiveness of decontamination practices on non-disposable sphygmomanometer cuffs. J Infect Prev 2018; 19:294-299. [PMID: 38617881 PMCID: PMC11009562 DOI: 10.1177/1757177418780997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sphygmomanometers and their cuffs are non-critical items that can act as a fomite for transmission of pathogens which may cause healthcare-associated infection (HAI), leading to an argument that disposable equipment improves patient safety. Aim The aim of this study was to demonstrate that decontamination decreased in microbial contamination of non-disposable sphygmomanometer cuffs, providing evidence to negate the need to purchase, and dispose of, single-patient-use cuffs, reducing cost and environmental impact. Methods A pre-post intervention study of available sphygmomanometer cuffs and associated bedside patient monitors was conducted using a series of microbiological samples in a rural emergency department. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test analysed the effect of the decontamination intervention. To further examine the effect of the decontamination intervention, Mann-Whitney U-tests were conducted for each aspect. Findings Contamination was significantly higher before decontamination than afterwards (Z = -5.14, U = 55.0, P < 0.001, η2 = 0.61 inner; Z = -5.05, U = 53.5, P < 0.001, η2 = 0.59 outer). Discussion Decontamination of non-disposable sphygmomanometer cuffs decreases microbial load and risk of HAI, providing evidence to negate arguments for disposable cuffs while being environmentally sensitive and supportive of a culture of patient safety and infection control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peta-Anne Zimmerman
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Menzies Health Institute, Queensland
- Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Dale Rowland
- First Peoples Health Unit, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
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Telling K, Laht M, Brauer A, Remm M, Kisand V, Maimets M, Tenson T, Lutsar I. Multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Estonian hospitals. BMC Infect Dis 2018; 18:513. [PMID: 30309321 PMCID: PMC6182868 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-018-3421-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We aimed to identify the main spreading clones, describe the resistance mechanisms associated with carbapenem- and/or multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa and characterize patients at risk of acquiring these strains in Estonian hospitals. Methods Ninety-two non-duplicated carbapenem- and/or multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa strains were collected between 27th March 2012 and 30th April 2013. Clinical data of the patients was obtained retrospectively from the medical charts. Clonal relationships of the strains were determined by whole genome sequencing and analyzed by multi-locus sequence typing. The presence of resistance genes and beta-lactamases and their origin was determined. Combined-disk method and PCR was used to evaluate carbapenemase and metallo-beta-lactamase production. Results Forty-three strains were carbapenem-resistant, 11 were multidrug-resistant and 38 were both carbapenem- and multidrug-resistant. Most strains (54%) were isolated from respiratory secretions and caused an infection (74%). Over half of the patients (57%) were ≥ 65 years old and 85% had ≥1 co-morbidity; 96% had contacts with healthcare and/or had received antimicrobial treatment in the previous 90 days. Clinically relevant beta-lactamases (OXA-101, OXA-2 and GES-5) were found in 12% of strains, 27% of which were located in plasmids. No Ambler class B beta-lactamases were detected. Aminoglycoside modifying enzymes were found in 15% of the strains. OprD was defective in 13% of the strains (all with CR phenotype); carbapenem resistance triggering mutations (F170 L, W277X, S403P) were present in 29% of the strains. Ciprofloxacin resistance correlated well with mutations in topoisomerase genes gyrA (T83I, D87N) and parC (S87 L). Almost all strains (97%) with these mutations showed ciprofloxacin-resistant phenotype. Multi-locus sequence type analysis indicated high diversity at the strain level – 36 different sequence types being detected. Two sequence types (ST108 (n = 23) and ST260 (n = 18)) predominated. Whereas ST108 was associated with localized spread in one hospital and mostly carbapenem-resistant phenotype, ST260 strains occurred in all hospitals, mostly with multi-resistant phenotype and carried different resistance genotype/machinery. Conclusions Diverse spread of local rather than international P. aeruginosa strains harboring multiple chromosomal mutations, but not plasmid-mediated Ambler class B beta-lactamases, were found in Estonian hospitals. Trial registration This trial was registered retrospectively in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03343119). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12879-018-3421-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaidi Telling
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
| | - Mailis Laht
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Age Brauer
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Maido Remm
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Veljo Kisand
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Matti Maimets
- Department of Infection Control, Tartu University Hospital, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Tanel Tenson
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Irja Lutsar
- Department of Microbiology, Institute of Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
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Kanamori H, Weber DJ, Gergen MF, DiBiase LM, Sickbert-Bennett EE, Rutala WA. Epidemiologic characteristics of health care-associated outbreaks and lessons learned from multiple outbreak investigations with a focus on the usefulness of routine molecular analysis. Am J Infect Control 2018; 46:893-898. [PMID: 29555145 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2018.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2017] [Revised: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Single outbreaks have often been reported in health care settings, but the frequency of outbreaks at a hospital over time has not been described. We examined epidemiologic features of all health care-associated outbreak investigations at an academic hospital during a 5-year period. METHODS Health care-associated outbreak investigations at an academic hospital (2012-2016) were retrospectively reviewed through data on comprehensive hospital-wide surveillance and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis. RESULTS Fifty-one health care-associated outbreaks (annual range, 8-15), including 26 (51%) outbreaks in intensive care units (ICUs), and 263 infected-colonized patients involved in these outbreaks were identified. The frequency of pathogens varied by affected location, specifically multidrug-resistant organisms (20/26 outbreaks, 77% in ICUs vs 2/25 outbreaks, 8% in non-ICUs; P < .0001) and gastroenteritis because of Clostridium difficile, norovirus, or adenovirus (1/26 outbreaks, 4% in ICUs vs 17/25 outbreaks, 68% in non-ICUs; P < .0001). Outbreaks occurred in approximately one-third of all units (37%) with some repeated instances of the same pathogens. Of 16 outbreaks caused by a bacterial pathogen evaluated by PFGE, 12 (75%) included some indistinguishable strains, suggesting person-to-person transmission or a common source. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrated epidemiologic characteristics of multiple outbreaks between ICUs and non-ICUs and the value of molecular typing in understanding the epidemiology of health care-associated outbreaks.
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The Role of Environmental Contamination in the Transmission of Nosocomial Pathogens and Healthcare-Associated Infections. Curr Infect Dis Rep 2018; 20:12. [PMID: 29704133 DOI: 10.1007/s11908-018-0620-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to highlight the role of environmental contamination in healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and to discuss the most commonly implicated nosocomial pathogens. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies suggest that environmental contamination plays a significant role in HAIs and in the unrecognized transmission of nosocomial pathogens during outbreaks, as well as ongoing sporadic transmission. Several pathogens can persist in the environment for extended periods and serve as vehicles of transmission and dissemination in the hospital setting. Cross-transmission of these pathogens can occur via hands of healthcare workers, who become contaminated directly from patient contact or indirectly by touching contaminated environmental surfaces. Less commonly, a patient could become colonized by direct contact with a contaminated environmental surface. This review describes the role of environmental contamination in HAIs and provides context for reinforcing the importance of hand hygiene and environmental decontamination for the prevention and control of HAIs.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Gastrointestinal outbreaks in the healthcare setting cause increased morbidity and mortality in an already vulnerable population. Optimization of infection prevention measures can be a challenge in healthcare settings. This review describes new literature that may change the traditional infection prevention approach to such outbreaks. RECENT FINDINGS Asymptomatic carriers of both norovirus and Clostridium difficile can pose risk of transmission to others and the environment. Rapid recognition and diagnosis can decrease the extent of an outbreak. No-touch technologies for environmental disinfection are new and effective tools. Infection prevention consultant services and systems redesign can augment efforts to control baseline infection rates and outbreaks. Antimicrobial stewardship continues to be essential to prevent C. difficile infection. SUMMARY New approaches are needed to stem the tide of norovirus and C. difficile clusters and outbreaks in healthcare settings. Accurate recognition, testing, and implementation of infection prevention measures can be supported with rapid testing modalities, access to updated guidelines and no-touch disinfection systems. The work-environment culture should be carefully assessed and restructured using human engineering models to promote effective infection prevention practices. Antimicrobial stewardship initiatives are needed at the bedside and at national levels.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neonates in the neonatal ICU (NICU) are uniquely vulnerable to colonization and infection with pathogens such as multidrug resistant Gram-negative bacteria, which in turn are associated with increased infection-related morbidities and higher case-fatality rates. We reviewed the English, French, and German language literature published between 2015 and 2017, for reports of NICU outbreaks. RECENT FINDINGS A total of 39 outbreaks in NICUs were reported with Gram-negative bacteria (n = 21; 54%) causing most, and extended spectrum beta-lactamase-producing organisms being the most frequent resistance mechanism reported (n = 5). Five viral outbreaks were reported (respiratory syncytial virus = 3). A significant proportion of outbreaks (33%) did not identify a source. Whole genome sequencing was used more (n = 6 reports). The most common described infection prevention and control interventions included staff and parent education on hand hygiene, patient isolation, additional contact precautions, including discontinuation of 'kangaroo care', and cohorting. Reporting and publication bias are likely common. SUMMARY NICUs must be vigilant in identifying outbreaks, conduct comprehensive investigations, and implement targeted infection prevention and control strategies. Molecular epidemiology capacities are an essential element in outbreak investigation. More studies are needed to determine the added value of active colonization screening and their impact on outbreak development.
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Ulrich N, Vonberg RP, Gastmeier P. Outbreaks caused by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium in hematology and oncology departments: A systematic review. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00473. [PMID: 29322099 PMCID: PMC5753762 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 11/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vancomycin-resistance in Enterococcus faecium (VRE) poses a major threat in health care settings. It is well known that patients in hematology and oncology departments are especially at risk of nosocomial VRE acquisition. This systematic review of the literature provides data on the main sources, transmission modes and potential risk factors for VRE acquisition as well as appropriate infection control measures in order to terminate such nosocomial outbreaks. Methods Data on nosocomial VRE outbreaks on hematology and oncology wards was retrieved from the Outbreak Database and PubMed. Results A total of 35 VRE outbreaks describing 757 affected patients and 77 deaths were included in this review. The most frequent site of pathogen detection were stool samples or rectal swabs (57% of all isolation sites), followed by blood cultures (30%). The most common outbreak source was an index patient. The main modes of transmission were 1) hands of health care workers, 2) contact to a contaminated environment and 3) patient-to-patient contact. The most common risk factor for VRE positivity was prior antibiotic treatment. The most common infection control measures performed were screening and isolating or cohorting of patients. Conclusion A rational use of antibiotics in hematology and oncology units is recommended in order to reduce selection pressure on resistant pathogens such as VRE. In addition the importance of hand hygiene should be stressed to all staff whenever possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikos Ulrich
- Charité - Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 27, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf-Peter Vonberg
- Institute for Medical Microbiology and Hospital Epidemiology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Petra Gastmeier
- Charité - Institute for Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 27, 12203 Berlin, Germany
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