Implementation of strategies to prevent and control the emergence and spread of antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms in U.S. hospitals

Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of ESKAPE Pathogens Isolated in the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital in Hungary: A 5-Year Retrospective Survey

Antibiotic treatments initiated on Emergency Departments (ED) are empirical. Therefore, knowledge of local susceptibility patterns is important. Despite this, data on expected pathogens and their resistance profile are scarce from EDs internationally. The study aim was to assess the epidemiology and resistance patterns of bacterial isolates from a tertiary-care ED over 5 years, focusing on ESKAPE bacteria (including the Enterobacterales group). After removal of duplicates, n = 6887 individual bacterial isolates were recovered, out of which n = 4974 (72.22%) were ESKAPE isolates. E. coli was the most frequent isolate (2193, 44.1%), followed by the Klebsiella genus (664; 13.4%). The third most frequent isolate was S. aureus (561, 11.3%). In total, multi-drug resistance (MDR) was present in 23.8% and was most prevalent in A. baumanii (65.5%), P. mirabilis (42.7%), and K. pneumoniae (32.6%). MRSA was isolated in 19.6%, while ESBL-producing Enterobacterales in 17.7%, and these were associated with remarkably higher resistance to other antibacterials as well. Difficult-to-treat resistance (DTR) was detected in 0.5%. The frequent isolation of some ESKAPE bacteria and the detected considerable acquired resistance among ED patients raise concern. The revealed data identified problematic pathogens and will guide us to set up the optimal empiric antibiotic protocol for clinicians.

Antimicrobial Use Control Measures to Prevent and Control Antimicrobial Resistance in US Hospitals

Objective.

Clinical practice guidelines and recommended practices to control use of antibiotics have been published, but the effect of these practices on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) rates in hospitals is unknown. The objective of this study was to examine relationships between antimicrobial use control strategies and AMR rates in a national sample of US hospitals.

Design.

Cross-sectional, stratified study of a nationally representative sample of US hospitals.

Methods.

A survey instrument was sent to the person responsible for infection control at a sample of 670 US hospitals. The outcome was current prevalences of 4 epidemiologically important, drug-resistant pathogens, considered concurrently: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci, ceftazidime-resistant Klebsiella species, and quinolone (ciprofloxacin)-resistant Escherichia coli Five independent variables regarding hospital practices were selected from the survey: the extent to which hospitals (1) implement practices recommended in clinical practice guidelines and ensure best practices for antimicrobial use, (2) disseminate information on clinical practice guidelines for antimicrobial use, (3) use antimicrobial-related information technology, (4) use decision support tools, and (5) communicate to prescribers about antimicrobial use. Control variables included the hospitals' number of beds, teaching status, Veterans Affairs status, geographic region, and number of long-term care beds; and the presence of an intensive care unit, a burn unit, or transplant services. A generalized estimating equation modeled all resistance rates simultaneously to identify overall predictors of AMR levels at the facility.

Results.

Completed survey instruments were returned by 448 hospitals (67%). Four antimicrobial control measures were associated with higher prevalence of AMR. Implementation of recommended practices for antimicrobial use (P< .01) and optimization of the duration of empirical antibiotic prophylaxis (P<.01) were associated with a lower prevalence of AMR. Use of restrictive formularies (P = .05) and dissemination of clinical practice guideline information (P<.01) were associated with higher prevalence of AMR. Number of beds and Veterans Affairs status were also associated with higher AMR rates overall.

Conclusions.

Implementation of guideline-recommended practices to control antimicrobial use and optimize the duration of empirical therapy appears to help control AMR rates in US hospitals. A longitudinal study would confirm the results of this cross-sectional study. These results highlight the need for systems interventions and reengineering to ensure more-consistent application of guideline-recommended measures for antimicrobial use.

Relationship of various infection control interventions to the prevalence of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa among U.S. hospitals

BACKGROUND

Health care-associated infections caused by antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, are an emerging and increasingly important public health threat. However, there are very few studies that examine the relationships between antimicrobial resistance strategies and interventions and the prevalence of antibiotic-resistant and multidrug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas.

METHODS

The membership of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology was invited to participate in a Web-based survey of U.S. acute care hospital infection preventionists.

RESULTS

A final sample of 225 completed responses was analyzed using correlational techniques. Resistance to gentamicin (r = 0.17, P = .01), imipenem (r = 0.18, P = .02), ceftazidime (r = 0.20, P = .03), and ciprofloxacin (r = 0.15, P = .03) all showed significant direct associations with epidemiologic investigation using molecular testing. A significant inverse relationship was found between resistance to ceftazidime and effective efforts in the identification and isolation of infected patients (r = -0.18, P = .02).

CONCLUSIONS

The finding of significant direct relationships between antimicrobial resistance and epidemiologic investigations using molecular testing suggests that the increased burden of resistance is associated with molecular testing rather than the intervention driving down rates. Effective identification and isolation of infected patients appeared to be associated with lower resistance rates. Further research is needed to uncover causal relationships.

Medical students' perceptions and knowledge about antimicrobial stewardship: how are we educating our future prescribers?

BACKGROUND

Better understanding of medical students' perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge about antimicrobial prescribing practices could facilitate more effective education of these future prescribers.

METHODS

A 24-item electronic survey on antimicrobial prescribing and education was administered to fourth-year medical students at the University of Miami, the Johns Hopkins University, and the University of Washington (January-March 2012).

RESULTS

Three hundred seventeen of 519 (61%) students completed the survey; 92% of respondents agreed that strong knowledge of antimicrobials is important in their careers, and 90% said that they would like more education on appropriate use of antimicrobials. Mean correct knowledge score (11 items) was 51%, with statistically significant differences between study sites and sources of information used to learn about antimicrobials. Only 15% had completed a clinical infectious diseases rotation during medical school; those who had done so rated the quality of their antimicrobial education significantly higher compared to those who had not (mean, 3.93 vs 3.44, on a 5-point scale; P = .0003). There were no statistically significant associations between knowledge scores and having had an infectious diseases clinical elective. Only one-third of respondents perceived their preparedness to be adequate in some fundamental principles of antimicrobial use.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences exist between medical schools in educational resources used, perceived preparedness, and knowledge about antimicrobial use. Variability in formative education could frame behaviors and prescribing practices in future patient care. To help address the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance, efforts should be undertaken to ensure that our future doctors are well educated in the principles and practices of appropriate use of antibiotics and antimicrobial stewardship.

A regional informatics platform for coordinated antibiotic-resistant infection tracking, alerting, and prevention

BACKGROUND

We developed and assessed the impact of a patient registry and electronic admission notification system relating to regional antimicrobial resistance (AMR) on regional AMR infection rates over time. We conducted an observational cohort study of all patients identified as infected or colonized with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and/or vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) on at least 1 occasion by any of 5 healthcare systems between 2003 and 2010. The 5 healthcare systems included 17 hospitals and associated clinics in the Indianapolis, Indiana, region.

METHODS

We developed and standardized a registry of MRSA and VRE patients and created Web forms that infection preventionists (IPs) used to maintain the lists. We sent e-mail alerts to IPs whenever a patient previously infected or colonized with MRSA or VRE registered for admission to a study hospital from June 2007 through June 2010.

RESULTS

Over a 3-year period, we delivered 12 748 e-mail alerts on 6270 unique patients to 24 IPs covering 17 hospitals. One in 5 (22%-23%) of all admission alerts was based on data from a healthcare system that was different from the admitting hospital; a few hospitals accounted for most of this crossover among facilities and systems.

CONCLUSIONS

Regional patient registries identify an important patient cohort with relevant prior antibiotic-resistant infection data from different healthcare institutions. Regional registries can identify trends and interinstitutional movement not otherwise apparent from single institution data. Importantly, electronic alerts can notify of the need to isolate early and to institute other measures to prevent transmission.

Wide variation in adoption of screening and infection control interventions for multidrug-resistant organisms: a national study

BACKGROUND

We performed a survey of National Healthcare Safety Network hospitals in 2008 to describe adoption of screening and infection control policies aimed at multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in intensive care units (ICUs) and identify predictors of their presence, monitoring, and implementation.

METHODS

Four hundred forty-one infection control directors were surveyed using a modified Dillman technique. To explore differences in screening and infection control policies by setting characteristics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression models were constructed.

RESULTS

In total, 250 hospitals participated (57% response rate). Study ICUs (n = 413) routinely screened for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (59%); vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (22%); multidrug-resistant, gram-negative rods (12%); and Clostridium difficile (11%). Directors reported ICU policies to screen all admissions for any MDRO (40%), screen periodically (27%), utilize presumptive isolation/contact precautions pending a screen (31%), and cohort colonized patients (42%). Several independent predictors of the presence and implementation of different interventions including mandatory reporting and teaching status were identified.

CONCLUSION

This study found wide variation in adoption of MDRO screening and infection control interventions, which may reflect differences in published recommendations or their interpretation. Further research is needed to provide additional insight on effective strategies and how best to promote compliance.

[Contact precautions in intensive care units: facilitating and inhibiting factors for professionals' adherence]

The objective of this study was to identify facilitating and limiting factors for professionals' compliance with contact precautions in an intensive care unit of a general hospital. This cross-sectional study was performed from May to October 2007, using a semi-structured questionnaire for data collection. Participants were 102 professionals, as follows: nursing technician (54.9%), nurse (12.7%), preceptor physician (10.8%), apprentice physiotherapist (8.8%), preceptor physiotherapist (7.8%) and resident physician (4.9%). The limiting factors for compliance with hand cleansing were forgetting, lack of knowledge, distance from sink, skin irritation, and lack of materials. The use of scrubs presented the most difficulty (45%) because they were not available at the shower box, were inappropriately stored, and due to the heat and collective use. Glove use was the practice most easily conducted in everyday practice. Results show the need to implement precaution measures to minimize the dissemination of resistant microorganisms.

Information Technology Prescription for Small, Medium, and Large Hospitals

Hospitals invest in information technology to lower costs and to improve quality of care. However, it is unclear whether these expectations for information technology are being met. This study explores information technology (IT) in a hospital environment and investigates its relationship to mortality, patient safety, and financial performance across small, medium, and large hospitals. Breaking down IT into functional, technical and integration components permits the assessment of different types of technologies’ impact on financial and operational outcomes. Findings indicate that both IT sophistication (access to IT applications) and IT sophistication’s relationship to hospital performance varies significantly between small, medium, and large hospitals. In addition, empirical investigation of quality, safety, and financial performance outcomes demonstrates that the observed impact of IT is contingent upon the category of IT employed.

Physicians' perceptions, beliefs, attitudes, and knowledge concerning antimicrobial resistance in a Brazilian teaching hospital

This cross-sectional survey assessed physicians' perceptions, knowledge and practices concerning antimicrobial resistance. Ninety-nine percent of participants reported that they perceived antimicrobial resistance as an important problem, and 86.7% agreed that antimicrobials are overprescribed, but only 2.9% rated "practicing antimicrobial control" as the most important strategy for preventing resistance. The results of this study warrant educational programs on antimicrobial resistance and the distribution of information regarding local antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Development and validation of measures to assess prevention and control of AMR in hospitals

BACKGROUND

The rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in the US hospitals poses serious quality and safety problems. Expert panels, identifying strategies for optimizing antibiotic use and preventing AMR spread, have recommended hospitals undertake efforts to implement specific evidence-based practices.

OBJECTIVE

To develop and validate a measurement scale for assessing hospitals' efforts to implement recommended AMR prevention and control measures.

STUDY DESIGN

Surveys were mailed to infection control professionals in a national sample of 670 US hospitals stratified by geographic region, bedsize, teaching status, and VA affiliation.

SUBJECTS

: Four hundred forty-eight infection control professionals participated (67% response rate).

METHODS

Survey items measured implementation of guideline recommendations, practices for AMR monitoring and feedback, AMR-related outcomes (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus prevalence and outbreaks [MRSA]), and organizational features. "Derivation" and "validation" samples were randomly selected. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify factors underlying AMR prevention and control efforts. Multiple methods were used for validation.

RESULTS

We identified 4 empirically distinct factors in AMR prevention and control: (1) practices for antimicrobial prescription/use, (2) information/resources for AMR control, (3) practices for isolating infected patients, and (4) organizational support for infection control policies. The Prevention and Control of Antimicrobial Resistance scale was reliable and had content and construct validity. MRSA prevalence was significantly lower in hospitals with higher resource/information availability and broader organizational support.

CONCLUSIONS

The Prevention and Control of Antimicrobial Resistance scale offers a simple yet discriminating assessment of AMR prevention and control efforts. Use should complement assessment methods based exclusively on AMR outcomes.

Antimicrobial drug use and infection control practices associated with the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in European hospitals

Major regional variations in the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are observed across Europe. This study investigated hospital MRSA prevalence in relation to patterns of antimicrobial use and infection control policies in an observational, cross-sectional study that used retrospective data from 2001 and linear regression to model relationships. MRSA prevalence (median 20.8%, n = 173 hospitals) and antimicrobial consumption (median 55.2 defined daily doses/100 bed-days, n = 140 hospitals) both varied significantly according to geographical region (p <0.001). MRSA prevalence and antimicrobial consumption data were provided by 128 hospitals, and showed a strong statistical relationship between macrolide use and MRSA prevalence. Use of (i) third-generation cephalosporins, (ii) all antimicrobial agents, and (iii) all antimicrobial agents except glycopeptides was also associated with MRSA prevalence. Up to 146 hospitals provided data on MRSA prevalence and key infection control parameters. Adjusted linear regression modelling provided strong evidence that infection control policy recommendations associated with lower MRSA prevalence rates were (i) use of alcohol-based solutions for hand hygiene (mean difference 10.3%, 99% CI 1.2-10.3), and (ii) placement of MRSA patients in single rooms (mean difference 11.2%, 99% CI 1.4-20.9). Hospitals with problems in implementing isolation policies had higher resistance levels (mean difference 12%, 99% CI 3.8-20.1). Additional recommendations showed less evidence of association with a low MRSA prevalence. Overall, this study highlighted significant associations between MRSA prevalence, antimicrobial use and various key infection control parameters, all of which showed significant individual variations according to geographical region.

Exogenous endoscopy-related infections, pseudo-infections, and toxic reactions: clinical and economic burden

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristics and costs of exogenous endoscopy-related infections, pseudo-infections, and toxic reactions in the US.

METHODS

A systematic review of the scientific literature published between 1966 and 2005 was conducted in Medline. Data collection was based on a prospective protocol developed by the authors.

RESULTS

The literature review included 70 outbreaks described in 64 scientific articles. Bronchoscopy accounted for half of all reported outbreaks. Inadequate decontamination practices were the leading cause of contamination; equipment malfunction became the second leading cause of contamination during the period 1990-2004. More than 91% of the infections identified could be prevented by health care providers if quality control systems are improved and implemented. The available economic information concerning exogenous endoscope related events is very limited. A model for the analysis of the economic burden of exogenous endoscopy-related events is proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

Proper decontamination practices, the use of protective sheaths, and the improvement of surveillance systems could reduce the clinical and economic burdens associated with exogenous endoscopy-related events.