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Occupational Health Update: Evaluation and Management of Exposures and Postexposure Prophylaxis. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2021; 35:735-754. [PMID: 34362541 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2021.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Health care personnel (HCP) are at risk of exposure to infectious agents depending on their job duties and other factors. Risks include percutaneous exposure to blood-borne pathogens via sharp injuries (eg, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus); exposure by direct contact, droplet, or airborne transmission of pathogens through direct patient care (eg, pertussis, invasive meningococcus infections, tuberculosis); and through indirect contact transmission related to the contaminated health care environment (eg, Clostridioides difficile). Occupational health programs must effectively identify and respond to potential exposures and provide guidance to HCP on postexposure prophylaxis.
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Cimolai N. Pharmacotherapy for Bordetella pertussis infection. II. A synthesis of clinical sciences. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2020; 57:106257. [PMID: 33310117 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijantimicag.2020.106257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the plethora of studies that have examined laboratory susceptibility testing for Bordetella pertussis, assessments of treatment have lagged far behind both in quality and quantity. Macrolides and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole historically served the needs of both treatment and prevention, albeit there is still controversy about the degree of protection measured both bacteriologically and clinically. As high-level macrolide resistance has emerged in some geographic regions and since macrolides have been the mainstay of therapy, alternative antibiotics need to be defined for pertussis. In vitro susceptibility testing suggests the potential for several alternatives to macrolides, including trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, specific β-lactam agents, chloramphenicol, some quinolones and possibly some tetracyclines. For the latter antibiotics, more clinical studies for treatment and prophylaxis are required in to order to establish bacteriological-clinical correlates for outcome. In the interim, if the clinical circumstances mandate the use of proposed interim alternatives to macrolides, outcomes should be assessed with test of cure by culture, since genetic amplification technologies do not discriminate bacterial viability. Whereas there may be debate in regard to using placebo or macrolides as the controls for alternative antibiotic therapy in geographies where most B. pertussis isolates are antibiotic-susceptible, both placebo and macrolide controls should be assessed along with alternative antibiotics in well-designed controlled studies in regions pressured by macrolide resistance. Outcomes of clinical response and epidemiological patterns of disease should continue to be monitored given the degree of macrolide resistance that is emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nevio Cimolai
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's and Women's Health Centre of British Columbia, 4480 Oak Street, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6H3V4, Canada.
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Weber DJ, Rutala WA. Occupational Health Update: Focus on Preventing the Acquisition of Infections with Pre-exposure Prophylaxis and Postexposure Prophylaxis. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2016; 30:729-57. [PMID: 27515145 PMCID: PMC7135105 DOI: 10.1016/j.idc.2016.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Health care personnel are commonly exposed to infectious agents via sharp injuries (eg, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B virus, and hepatitis C virus), direct patient care (eg, pertussis and meningococcus), and the contaminated environment (eg, Clostridium difficile). An effective occupational program is a key aspect of preventing acquisition of an infection by offering the following: (1) education of health care personnel regarding proper handling of sharps, early identification and isolation of potentially infectious patients, and hand hygiene; (2) assuring immunity to vaccine-preventable diseases; and, (3) immediate availability of a medical evaluation after a nonprotected exposure to an infectious disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Weber
- Hospital Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Health Care, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030, USA.
| | - William A Rutala
- Hospital Epidemiology, University of North Carolina Health Care, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7030, USA
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Calderón TA, Coffin SE, Sammons JS. Preventing the Spread of Pertussis in Pediatric Healthcare Settings. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2015; 4:252-9. [PMID: 26407429 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piu056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The surge in pertussis incidence in recent years underscores a critical need for effective plans to prevent transmission in pediatric healthcare settings. Adolescents and adults are common sources of infection for unimmunized or incompletely immunized infants and children with waning immunity. Despite documented outbreaks being limited in size, pertussis poses a threat to pediatric healthcare facilities due to the risk for widespread transmission, potentially severe complications among vulnerable patient populations, and high outbreak control-related costs. Healthcare personnel, visitors, and parents have been identified as sources of outbreaks, underscoring the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent transmission in these settings. This comprehensive review demonstrates that the risk of pertussis transmission in pediatric healthcare settings warrants heightened focus on strategies to recognize disease earlier, improve diagnostic evaluation, and facilitate effective contact tracing and post-exposure prophylaxis measures. This review suggests that healthcare personnel can play a significant role in the prevention of healthcare-associated pertussis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tirza A Calderón
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia
| | - Susan E Coffin
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection Prevention and Control, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Julia S Sammons
- Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia; Department of Pediatrics and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Infection Prevention and Control, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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Tdap vaccination strategies for health care personnel. J Nurs Care Qual 2011; 26:287-91. [PMID: 21885932 DOI: 10.1097/ncq.0b013e31822af04f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Greer AL, Fisman DN. Use of models to identify cost-effective interventions: pertussis vaccination for pediatric health care workers. Pediatrics 2011; 128:e591-9. [PMID: 21844056 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2010-0796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acellular pertussis vaccine is safe and effective in adults. An explicit recommendation for pertussis booster vaccination in pediatric health care workers is based on the importance of health care workers as a potential source of infection for patients. However, limited information is available on the economic attractiveness of this intervention. We sought to evaluate the health-economic attractiveness of a diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis booster vaccination program for health care workers in a pediatric intensive care setting. METHODS We developed a Markov model to calculate the cost-effectiveness of vaccinating NICU health care workers in different proportions ranging from the current strategy of no pertussis booster vaccination program to a vaccination program that achieves between 25% and 95% vaccine coverage. RESULTS Implementation of a vaccination program that achieves 25% coverage was projected to be cost-saving compared with no vaccine program. At all coverage levels the intervention reduced costs, increased life expectancy, and was cost-effective. Projections were most sensitive to the risk of a pertussis introduction via an infected health care worker. Once the monthly risk of an introduction exceeded ∼0.3%, implementation of an immunization program with at least 25% coverage provided both greater health and greater economic benefits than having no vaccine program. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of a hospital-based and funded diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis vaccine program administered through an occupational health program is cost-effective or cost-saving in the context of pediatric health care facilities in which many of the patients are at risk of serious morbidity and mortality should they acquire pertussis while hospitalized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Greer
- Public Health Agency of Canada, 180 Queen St W, 11th floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5V 3L7.
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Greer AL, Fisman DN. Keeping vulnerable children safe from pertussis: preventing nosocomial pertussis transmission in the neonatal intensive care unit. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2010; 30:1084-9. [PMID: 19785517 DOI: 10.1086/644755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the impact of different acellular pertussis booster vaccination strategies on the probability of a nosocomial pertussis outbreak occurring and the distribution of outbreak sizes observed for each intervention strategy. SETTING Neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS We developed a stochastic, agent-based simulation model to examine the impact of booster vaccination strategies for pertussis on health care-related transmission. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that healthcare worker booster vaccination decreases the probability of secondary transmission from 49% (base case, no boosting) to 2% (if 95% of healthcare workers are boosted) and decreases final outbreak size. Boosting family caregivers did not have a clinically significant impact on nosocomial disease transmission. CONCLUSION The provision of booster vaccine to healthcare workers in the neonatal intensive care unit substantially reduces the risk of hospital-centered pertussis outbreaks in a manner that enhances the health of hospitalized children. A formal health economic analysis of this finding is currently under way. Policies to protect patient safety in pediatric facilities should include compliance with the United States Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which recommends provision of pertussis booster vaccination to healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Greer
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Research Institute of the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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[Recommendation for the prevention of nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care patients with a birth weight less than 1,500 g. Report by the Committee of Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention of the Robert Koch Institute]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2008. [PMID: 18041117 PMCID: PMC7080031 DOI: 10.1007/s00103-007-0337-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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[Recommendation for the prevention of nosocomial infections in neonatal intensive care patients with a birth weight less than 1,500 g. Report by the Committee of Hospital Hygiene and Infection Prevention of the Robert Koch Institute]. Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz 2007; 50:1265-303. [PMID: 18041117 PMCID: PMC7080031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
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Chatterjee A, Plummer S, Heybrock B, Bardon T, Eischen K, Hall M, Lazoritz S. A modified "cover your cough" campaign prevents exposures of employees to pertussis at a children's hospital. Am J Infect Control 2007; 35:489-91. [PMID: 17765565 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2007.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2005] [Revised: 02/12/2007] [Accepted: 02/14/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the 4th quarter of 2004, there was an increase in patients seeking medical care for pertussis symptoms at the Children's Hospital, Omaha, NE. The Hospital Epidemiology service noted a sharp rise in exposures of Children's Hospital employees to these patients, requiring employee testing, prophylactic antibiotic prescriptions, and relief from duty. METHODS Initial efforts at employee education failed to prevent the exposures. An exposure-control plan was then initiated by placing "Cover Your Cough" posters (in English and Spanish) describing appropriate cough etiquette at entrances to the emergency room, outpatient clinics, and hospital lobby. In addition, personal protective equipment (PPE) including child- and adult-sized masks, hand sanitizers, and tissues were provided at these stations for patients and their attendants. RESULTS Prior to the initiation of the above exposure control measures, there were 166 reports of employee exposure to patients and other employees with pertussis symptoms during a 4-week period. Of these, 140 were given prophylactic antibiotics, and 31 underwent diagnostic testing for pertussis and required paid time off from work. The cost of antibiotics and diagnostic testing was $17,407.00. After the introduction of the modified "Cover Your Cough" campaign, the number of employee exposures declined significantly to 37 in the next 4-week period. Notably, the number of patients tested for pertussis during the second 4-week period was 290 compared to 162 in the first 4-week period, indicating continuation of the epidemic. CONCLUSIONS Availability of PPE along with posters regarding cough etiquette at entry points of the hospital interrupted employee exposure to patients/personnel with pertussis symptoms significantly, when an employee educational initiative alone was unable to achieve this outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Chatterjee
- Department of Pediatrics, Creighton University Medical Center, Children's Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA.
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Abstract
AIM To explore the attitudes and knowledge of health-care workers (HCW) towards whooping cough and an adult whooping cough booster for HCW. METHODS HCW at Fairfield Health Service, who had clinical contact with infants or children, were sent a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS Questionnaires were completed by 135 staff, giving a response rate of 74%. Thirty-five per cent were not known to be immunised against whooping cough. Fifty-nine per cent of doctors were known to be immunised, 33% of allied health staff and 28% of nurses. The rates of immunisation between the professional groups were significantly different (chi2 = 8.2 with 2 degrees of freedom; P = 0.017). Thirty-nine per cent of HCW did not know that primary immunisation did not provide lifelong protection. Twenty-seven per cent did not agree that HCW should be offered an adult whooping cough booster. Staff who felt at risk of contracting whooping cough were more likely to recommend that a booster should be offered (OR 2.71; 95% CI 1.22-6.04; P = 0.019). Doctors were less likely to recommend that a booster should be offered (OR 0.36; 95% CI 0.15-0.87; P = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS HCW have low rates of immunity to whooping cough and misconceptions about whooping cough infection and immunisation. Over a quarter of HCW did not agree that a booster should be offered. An ongoing education programme addressing the attitudes and misconceptions identified in this study is a crucial component of the campaign to increase the uptake of adult whooping cough booster immunisation by HCW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Peadon
- Community Paediatrics, Fairfield Health Service, Fairfield, New South Wales, Australia.
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Daskalaki I, Hennessey P, Hubler R, Long SS. Resource consumption in the infection control management of pertussis exposure among healthcare workers in pediatrics. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2007; 28:412-7. [PMID: 17385146 DOI: 10.1086/513121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2006] [Accepted: 05/01/2006] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess consumption of resources in the infection control management of healthcare workers (HCWs) exposed to pertussis and to assess avoidability of exposure. SETTING Tertiary care children's medical center. METHODS Analysis of the extent of and reasons for HCW exposure to pertussis during contact with children with the disease, whether exposures were avoidable (because of the failure to recognize a case or to order or adhere to isolation precautions) or unavoidable (because the case was not recognizable or because another diagnosis was confirmed), and the cost of implementing exposure management. INTERVENTIONS Interventions consisted of an investigation of every HCW encounter with any patient who was confirmed later to have pertussis from the time of hospital admission of the patient, use of azithromycin as postexposure prophylaxis (PEP) for exposed HCWs, performance of 21-day surveillance for cough illness, testing of symptomatic exposed HCWs for Bordetella pertussis, and enhanced preexposure education of HCWs. RESULTS From September 2003 through April 2005, pertussis was confirmed in 28 patients (median age, 62 days); 24 patients were admitted. For 11 patients, pertussis was suspected, appropriate precautions were taken, and no HCW was exposed. Inadequate precautions for 17 patients led to 355 HCW exposures. The median number of HCWs exposed per exposing patient was 9 (range, 1-86 HCWs; first quartile mean, 2; fourth quartile mean, 61). Exposure was definitely avoidable for only 61 (17%) of 355 HCWs and was probably unavoidable for 294 HCWs (83%). The cost of 20-month infection control management of HCWs exposed to pertussis was $69,770. The entire cohort of HCWs involved in direct patient care at the facility could be immunized for approximately $60,000. CONCLUSIONS Exposure of HCWs to pertussis during contact with children who have the disease is largely unavoidable, and management of this exposure is resource intensive. Universal preexposure vaccination of HCWs is a better utilization of resources than is case-based postexposure management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irini Daskalaki
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Christopher's Hospital for Children, Philadelphia, PA, 19134, USA.
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Greenberg DP. Pertussis in adolescents: increasing incidence brings attention to the need for booster immunization of adolescents. Pediatr Infect Dis J 2005; 24:721-8. [PMID: 16094229 DOI: 10.1097/01.inf.0000172905.08606.a3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
As a result of waning immunity and improved awareness, the reported incidence of pertussis is increasing among adolescents in the United States. Symptoms of pertussis are often mild and difficult to diagnose in adolescents, but these individuals can transmit the infection to schoolmates and family members, including high risk infants. Improvements in diagnosis and prevention of pertussis in adolescents are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P Greenberg
- Scientific and Medical Affairs, sanofi pasteur, Swiftwater, PA 18370, USA.
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McCormack JG, Spearing NM, Horvath RL. In reply: Pertussis: adults as a source in healthcare settings. Med J Aust 2003. [DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2003.tb05151.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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