Rate of Multidrug-resistance to Antimicrobial Drugs in Patients in Pediatric Neurointensive Care

Background

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms in the critical care unit are a worldwide concern. The vulnerability to MDR infection in pediatric patients admitted in neurocritical care are due to altered mental status, immature immune system, higher risk of aspiration, and more frequent use of invasive devices. We aimed to measure the burden of MDR infection in pediatric neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU) patients.

Methods

All pediatric patients between 1 and 18 years for intracranial and spine surgeries admitted for more than 48 hours in NSICU were enrolled in the study. If patients showed a clinical picture of pneumonia, bloodstream infection (BSI), or urinary tract infection (UTI) after receiving mechanical ventilation or an indwelling device for at least 48 hours, samples of tracheal aspirates, urine, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were sent for microbiological culture. We noted the type of organism, MDR infection rate, and associated risk factors. Pearson Chi-squared test and Fisher's test were used for statistical analysis; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 274 pediatric patients were studied. In 1 year, there was a total of 1,790 patient days. The inclusive MDR infection rate was 17.3/1,000 patient days. Also, Klebsiella pneumoniae (38.7%) was the commonest MDR pathogen. The commonest source of infection was BSI (32.3%). The risk factors associated with MDR infections were the length of stay in NSICU, mechanical ventilation of more than 5 days, emergency surgery, respiratory and cardiac comorbidities, and poor nutrition status (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The MDR infection rate in our study was 17.3/1,000 patient days in pediatric patients. Also, K. pneumonia e was found to be the commonest MDR pathogen. Bloodstream was the commonest source of infection.

How to cite this article

Patel S, Prabhakar H, Kapoor I. Rate of Multidrug-resistance to Antimicrobial Drugs in Patients in Pediatric Neurointensive Care. Indian J Crit Care Med 2023;27(1):67-72.

Efficacy and Safety of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Clearance of Multidrug-Resistant Organisms under Multiple Comorbidities: A Prospective Comparative Trial

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) could decolonize multidrug-resistant organisms. We investigated FMT effectiveness and safety in the eradication of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) intestinal colonization. A prospective non-randomized comparative study was performed with 48 patients. FMT material (60 g) was obtained from a healthy donor, frozen, and administered via endoscopy. The primary endpoint was 1-month decolonization, and secondary endpoints were 3-month decolonization and adverse events. Microbiota analysis of fecal samples was performed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Intention-to-treat analysis revealed overall negative conversion between the FMT and control groups at 1 (26% vs. 10%, p = 0.264) and 3 (52% vs. 24%, p = 0.049) months. The 1-month and 3-month CRE clearance did not differ significantly by group (36% vs. 10%, p = 0.341; and 71% vs. 30%, p = 0.095, respectively). Among patients with VRE, FMT was ineffective for 1-month or 3-month negative conversion (13% vs. 9%, p > 0.999; and 36% vs. 18%, p = 0.658, respectively) However, cumulative overall negative-conversion rate was significantly higher in the FMT group (p = 0.037). Enterococcus abundance in patients with VRE significantly decreased following FMT. FMT may be effective at decolonizing multidrug-resistant organisms in the intestinal tract.

Prevalence and drug resistance patterns of Gram-negative enteric bacterial pathogens from diarrheic patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Diarrhoea is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the world particularly in developing countries and among vulnerable groups of the population. Gram-negative enteric bacterial pathogens (GNEBPs) are a group of organisms that reside mainly in the intestine and induce diarrhoea. Antimicrobial agents are usually the part of their treatment regimen. The therapeutic effect of antimicrobials is hindered by the emergence and spread of drug-resistant strains. The information regarding the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance patterns of GNEBPs in Ethiopia is limited and found in a scattered form.

Objectives

This study was designed to determine the pooled prevalence and drug resistance patterns of GNEBPs by meta-analysis of data from diarrhoeic patients in Ethiopia.

Method

A comprehensive literature search was conducted through internet searches using Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, HINARI databases, and reference lists of previous studies. Published articles were included in the study based on priorly set inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results were presented in the forest plot, tables, and figures with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The inconsistency index (I²) test statistics was used to assess heterogeneity across studies. The pooled prevalence estimate of GNEBPs and their drug resistance patterns were computed by a random-effects model. Software for Statistics and Data Science (STATA) version 14 statistical software was used for the analysis.

Result

After removing those articles which did not fulfil the inclusion criteria, 43 studies were included in the analysis. Studies were conducted in 8 regions of the country and most of the published articles were from the Amhara region (30.23%) followed by Oromia (18.60%) and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ region (SNNP) (18.60%). The pooled prevalence of GNEBPs was 15.81% (CI = 13.33–18.29). The funnel plot indicated the presence of publication bias. The pooled prevalence of GNEBPs in Addis Ababa, Amhara, SNNP, and Oromia regions were 20.08, 16.67, 12.12, and 11.61%, respectively. The pooled prevalence was 14.91, 18.03, and 13.46% among studies conducted from 2006–2010, 2011–2015, and 2016–2021, respectively and it was the highest (20.35%) in children having age less than or equal to 15 years. The pooled prevalence of Escherichia coli, Campylobacter spp., Shigella spp., and Salmonella enterica were 19.79, 10.76, 6.24, and 5.06%, respectively. Large proportions (60–90%) of the isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole. The pooled prevalence of multidrug resistance (MDR) was 70.56% (CI = 64.56–76.77%) and MDR in Campylobacter spp., Shigella spp., E. coli, and S. enterica. were 80.78, 79.08, 78.20, and 59.46%, respectively.

Conclusion

The pooled estimate showed a high burden of GNEBPs infections and a high proportion of drug resistance characters to commonly used antimicrobial agents in Ethiopia. Therefore, performing drug susceptibility tests, establishing an antimicrobial surveillance system and confirmation by molecular techniques are needed.

Biofilm-Related Infections in Gram-Positive Bacteria and the Potential Role of the Long-Acting Agent Dalbavancin

Infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria are a major public health problem due to their increasing resistance to antibiotics. Staphylococcus and Enterococcus species' resistance and pathogenicity are enhanced by their ability to form biofilm. The biofilm lifestyle represents a significant obstacle to treatment because bacterial cells become highly tolerant to a wide range of antimicrobial compounds normally effective against their planktonic forms. Thus, novel therapeutic strategies targeting biofilms are urgently needed. The lipoglycopeptide dalbavancin is a long-acting agent for treating acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections caused by a broad range of Gram-positive pathogens. Recent studies have shown promising activity of dalbavancin against Gram-positive biofilms, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), methicillin-resistant S. epidermidis (MRSE), and vancomycin-susceptible enterococci. This review outlines the mechanisms regulating biofilm development in Staphylococcus and Enterococcus species and the clinical impact of biofilm-related infections. In addition, it discusses the clinical implications and potential therapeutic perspectives of the long-acting drug dalbavancin against biofilm-forming Gram-positive pathogens.

Vancomycin or Daptomycin for Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy: Does It Make a Difference in Patient Satisfaction?

A 5-question telephone survey was administered to compare satisfaction between patients receiving vancomycin vs daptomycin outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT). Twenty-seven patients completed the survey (40%). Vancomycin had higher daily interference score than daptomycin (P = .03). All patients receiving daptomycin reported a satisfaction score ≥8/10, as compared to 67% of patients who received vancomycin (P < .03). OPAT antibiotics with less cumbersome administration regimens may translate into higher patient satisfaction and quicker return to life normalcy.

Prevalence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are a significant public-health threat worldwide, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Comprehensive data are important to understand the magnitude of multidrug resistance (MDR), however these are not available in Ethiopia.

METHODS

Five electronic databases and grey literature of Addis Ababa University Repository were searched for data regarding the prevalence of MDR bacteria in Ethiopia. OpenMetaAnalyst R1.3 was used for analysis using a random-effects model to determine the effect size. Heterogeneity among articles was checked using the inconsistency index (I²). Funnel plot was used to check for publication bias. The quality of each article was checked using the Newcastle-Ottawa checklist adapted for cross-sectional studies.

RESULTS

Through database searching, 2094 articles were identified, of which 37 fulfilled the study inclusion criteria. This review comprises 6856 bacteria, of which 4949 isolates were MDR. The overall pooled prevalence of MDR was 70.5% (95% CI 64.9-76.1%), with considerable heterogeneity (I² = 97.48%, P < 0.001). Funnel plot revealed no publication bias. Sidama (81.7%) had the highest MDR and Tigray (51.1%) the lowest. The greatest source of MDR was from multiple sites of infection (MSI) (76.8%); the least was from bloodstream infections (62.9%). MDR was higher in studies conducted on hospital-acquired infections (72.1%) compared with both hospital- and community-acquired infections (69.8%).

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates a high prevalence of MDR in Ethiopia. Sidama region, MSI and hospital-acquired infections showed the highest MDR in subgroup analysis. Regional hospitals should implement infection prevention and proper use of antibiotics in the community.

Prevalence and risk factors associated with multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO) carriage among pediatric patients at the time of admission in a tertiary care hospital of a developing country. A cross-sectional study

Background

The rise of Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) poses a considerable burden on the healthcare systems, particularly in low-middle income countries like Pakistan. There is a scarcity of data on the carriage of MDRO particularly in the pediatrics population therefore, we aimed to determine MDRO carriage in pediatric patients at the time of admission to a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, and to identify the risk factors associated with it.

Methods

A cross-sectional study conducted at the pediatric department of Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) from May to September 2019 on 347 children aged 1–18 years. For identification of MDRO (i.e., Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL) producers, Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci (VRE), Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter species and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa), nasal swabs and rectal swabs or stool samples were cultured on specific media within 72 h of hospitalization. Data was collected on a predesigned structured questionnaire on demographics, prior use of antibiotics for > 48 h in the last 6 months, history of vaccination in last 6 months, exposure to health care facility regardless of the time of exposure, ICU stay for > 72 h, and about the prior use of medical devices (urinary catheter, central venous lines etc.) in last 1 year. Statistical analysis was performed by Standard statistical software.

Results

Out of 347 participants, 237 (68.3%) were found to be MDRO carriers. Forty nine nasal swabs from 346 children (14.2%) showed growth of MRSA. The majority of the stool/rectal swabs (n = 222 of 322; 69%) collected were positive for MDRO. The most isolated species were ESBL Escherichia coli 174/222 (78.3%) followed by ESBL Enterobacter species 37/222 (16.7%) and ESBL Klebsiella pneumoniae 35/222 (15.8%). On univariate analysis, none of the risk factors showed statistically significant association with MDRO carriage.

Conclusion

Overall, a high prevalence of MDRO carriage was identified among admitted pediatric patients. Implementation of systematic screening may help to identify true burden of MDROs carriage in the health care settings.

Active surveillance for highly resistant microorganisms in patients with prolonged hospitalization

We evaluated a new hospital policy comprising active surveillance for highly resistant microorganisms (HRMO) in patients with prolonged hospitalization, including detection of nosocomial transmission after identification of HRMO carriers. Our findings raise the question of whether active surveillance should be extended from traditional risk groups to patients with prolonged hospitalization.

European survey of management of patients with multidrug-resistant organisms in rehabilitation facilities

BACKGROUND

Rehabilitation facilities have among the highest prevalence of multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) colonization of any inpatient population. There is no formal consensus on how patients with MDROs should be managed in the rehabilitation setting.

AIM

The aim of this study was to assess how rehabilitation hospitals throughout Europe manage patients with MDROs, and the impact of MDRO carriage on outcomes.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Online questionnaire distributed to European rehabilitation facilities.

POPULATION

European rehabilitation facilities.

METHODS

A Survey Monkey® questionnaire was designed and circulated to rehabilitation hospitals via the European Union of Medical Specialists, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine Section.

RESULTS

Fifty-four responses were received of which 45 were suitable for analysis. Six out of 26 (23%) countries included in the study reported at least one rehabilitation facility with an estimated MDRO prevalence rate of 31% or higher. Screening of all patients on admission was always carried out in 33% (15 of 45) of facilities. Twenty-five of the 45 facilities (69%), aim to isolate, or cohort patients who have MDROs. Patients with MDROs wait longer for admission (36%, 16 of 45) and in the case of five hospitals admission is refused. Fifty-one percent (23 of 45) of facilities reported that colonization with an MDRO severely or moderately limits rehabilitation outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research shows that many of the challenges posed by MDROs are common to facilities throughout Europe. We strongly recommend that all patients are screened for MDROs on admission. We stress that any negative impact of a patients MDRO status on their rehabilitation outcome must be minimized.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Specific guidance on the management of rehabilitation patients with MDROs, would allow them to partake in a full rehabilitation program, while limiting the spread of MDROs.

Carriage of multidrug-resistant bacteria among pediatric patients before and during their hospitalization in a tertiary pediatric unit in Tunisia

The pandemic spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria (i.e., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), extended-spectrum b-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBLPE), vancomycin-resistant enterococci, carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), multiresistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa and multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii) pose a threat to healthcare Worldwide. We found limited data of MDR bacteria in pediatric patients hospitalized in Tunisian tertiary healthcare.The aim of the study is to evaluate the acquisition rate of MDR acquisition during hospitalization and to explore some of the associated risk factors for both carriage and acquisition at the pediatric department, Sahloul University Hospital. During September and October 2016, newly admitted patients were screened, at admission, during care and at discharge. Risk factors for colonization were explored by multivariate analysis. Of 112 newly admitted patients, 8.92% were colonized with at least one MDR. No risk factor was identified at admission. During hospitalization, five newly acquisition MDR (4.9%) were detected and eight (7.84%) at discharge. The specie most frequently detected on admission was Escherichia coli (50%), whereas, on discharge, Escherichia coli and K. pneumoniae were the species most frequently detected (52.7%). The pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) hospitalization, the length of hospital stay (more than 3days) and age under 2 years were identified as risk factor for acquisition of MDR during hospitalization. We identified several independent risk factors for contracting MDR bacteria during hospitalization in a tertiary pediatric department. The incidence of symptomatic MDR Infection among those colonized should be under close surveillance and long-term screening for those children is required. An institutional screening program for MDR especially in PICU might be discussed in regards to cost effectiveness.

Network of microbial and antibiotic interactions drive colonization and infection with multidrug-resistant organisms

The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) across global healthcare networks poses a serious threat to hospitalized individuals. Strategies to limit the emergence and spread of MDROs include oversight to decrease selective pressure for MDROs by promoting appropriate antibiotic use via antibiotic stewardship programs. However, restricting the use of one antibiotic often requires a compensatory increase in the use of other antibiotics, which in turn selects for the emergence of different MDRO species. Further, the downstream effects of antibiotic treatment decisions may also be influenced by functional interactions among different MDRO species, with the potential clinical implications of such interactions remaining largely unexplored. Here, we attempt to decipher the influence network between antibiotic treatment, MDRO colonization, and infection by leveraging active surveillance and antibiotic treatment data for 234 nursing home residents. Our analysis revealed a complex network of interactions: antibiotic use was a risk factor for primary MDRO colonization, which in turn increased the likelihood of colonization and infection by other MDROs. When we focused on the risk of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) caused by Escherichia coli, Enterococcus, and Staphylococcus aureus we observed that cocolonization with specific pairs of MDROs increased the risk of CAUTI, signifying the involvement of microbial interactions in CAUTI pathogenesis. In summary, our work demonstrates the existence of an underappreciated healthcare-associated ecosystem and strongly suggests that effective control of overall MDRO burden will require stewardship interventions that take into account both primary and secondary impacts of antibiotic treatments.

Colonization with Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria - On the Efficiency of Local Decolonization Procedures

The effectiveness of a disinfectant-based decolonization strategy for multidrug-resistant bacteria like extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-positive Gram-negative bacteria with or without additional fluoroquinolon and carbapenem resistance as well as vancomycin-resistant enterococci and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was assessed.

Between 2011 and 2015, 25 patients from Libya, Syria, and the Ukraine with war traumata were treated at the Bundeswehr hospital Hamburg. The patients were heavily colonized and infected with multidrug-resistant bacteria, altogether comprising 371 distinct combinations of pathogens and isolation sites. Local disinfection was assessed for effectiveness regarding successful decolonization of multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Altogether, 170 cases of successful decolonization were observed, comprising 95 (55.8%) such events at sampling sites that were accessible to disinfecting procedures. The remaining 75 (44.2%) decolonization events had to be considered as spontaneous. In contrast, 95 out of 172 (55.2%) colonized isolation sites that were accessible to disinfection procedures were successfully decolonized. Patient compliance with the enforced hygiene procedures was associated with decolonization success. Systemic antibiotic therapy did not relevantly affect isolation time.

Disinfecting washing moderately supports local decolonization of multidrug-resistant pathogens in comparison with spontaneous decolonization rates if the patients’ compliance with the applied hygiene procedures is ensured.

Specific Clinical Profile and Risk Factors for Mortality in General Surgery Patients with Infections by Multi-Drug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteria

BACKGROUND

The incidence of gram-negative multi-drug-resistant (MDR) infections is increasing worldwide. This study sought to determine the incidence, clinical profiles, risk factors, and mortality of these infections in general surgery patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All general surgery patients with a clinical infection by gram-negative MDR bacteria were studied prospectively for a period of five years (2007-2011). Clinical, surgical, and microbiologic parameters were recorded, with a focus on the identification of risk factors for MDR infection and mortality.

RESULTS

Incidence of MDR infections increased (5.6% to 15.2%) during the study period; 106 patients were included, 69.8% presented nosocomial infections. Mean age was 65 ± 15 years, 61% male. Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) Escherichia coli was the most frequent MDR bacteria. Surgical site infections and abscesses were the most common culture locations. The patients presented multiple pre-admission risk factors and invasive measures during hospitalization. Mortality was 15%, and related to older age (odds ratio [OR] 1.07), malnutrition (OR 13.5), chronic digestive conditions (OR 4.7), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 3.9), and surgical re-intervention (OR 9.2).

CONCLUSION

Multi-drug resistant infections in the surgical population are increasing. The most common clinical profile is a 65-year-old male, with previous comorbidities, who has undergone a surgical intervention, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, and invasive procedures and who has acquired the MDR infection in the nosocomial setting.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase--producing enterobacteriaceae in the intensive care unit: acquisition does not mean cross-transmission

Background

In intensive care unit (ICU), infection and colonization by resistant Gram-negative bacteria increase costs, length of stay and mortality. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase − producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-E) is a group of pathogens increasingly encountered in ICU setting. Conditions that promote ESBL-E acquisition are not completely understood. The increasing incidence of infections related to ESBL-E and the unsolved issues related to ESBL-E cross-transmission, prompted us to assess the rates of referred and acquired cases of ESBL-E in ICU and to assess patient-to-patient cross-transmission of ESBL-E using a multimodal microbiological analysis.

Methods

During a 5-month period, all patients admitted to a medical ICU were tested for ESBL-E carriage. A rectal swab was performed at admission and then twice a week until discharge or death. ESBL-E strains were analyzed according to antibiotic susceptibility pattern, rep-PCR (repetitive-element Polymerase chain reaction) chromosomal analysis, and plasmid PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) analysis of ESBL genes. Patient-to-patient transmission was deemed likely when 2 identical strains were found in 2 patients hospitalized simultaneously in the ICU.

Results

Among the 309 patients assessed for ESBL-E carriage on admission, 25 were found to carry ESBL-E (importation rate: 8 %). During follow-up, acquisition was observed among 19 of them (acquisition rate: 6.5 %). Using the multimodal microbiological approach, we found only one case of likely patient-to-patient ESBL-E transmission.

Conclusions

In unselected ICU patients, we found rather low rates of ESBL-E referred and acquired cases. Only 5 % of acquisitions appeared to be related to patient-to-patient transmission. These data highlight the importance of jointly analyzing phenotypic profile and molecular data to discriminate strains of ESBL-E.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12879-016-1489-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Relationship between the Prevalence of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusInfection and Indicators of Nosocomial Infection Control Measures A Population-Based Study in French Hospitals

Objective.

To assess whether infection control indicators are associated with the prevalence of methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) infection in French hospitals.

Methods.

We linked the database for the 2006 national prevalence survey of nosocomial infection with the database of infection control indicators (comprised of ICALIN, an indicator of infection control organization, resources, and action, and ICSHA, an indicator of alcohol-based handrub consumption) recorded from hospitals by the Ministry of Health. Data on MRSA infection were obtained from the national prevalence survey database and included the site and origin of infection, the microorganism responsible, and its drug resistance profile. Because the prevalence of MRSA infection was low and often nil, especially in small hospitals, we restricted our analysis to hospitals with at least 300 Patients. We used a multilevel logistic regression model to assess the joint effects of patient-level variables (eg, age, sex, or infection) and hospital-level variables (infection control indicators).

Results.

Two hundred two hospitals had at least 300 patients, for a total of 128,631 Patients. The overall prevalence of MRSA infection was 0.34% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29%-0.39%). The mean value for ICSHA was 7.8 L per 1,000 patient-days (median, 6.1 L per 1,000 patient-days; range, 0-33 L per 1,000 patient-days). The mean value for ICALIN was 92 of a possible 100 points (median, 94.5;range, 67-100). Multilevel analyses showed that ICALIN scores were associated with the prevalence of MRSA infection (odds ratio for a score change of 1 standard deviation, 0.80;95% CI, 0.69-0.93). We found no association between prevalence of MRSA infection and ICSHA. Other variables significantly associated with the prevalence of MRSA infection were sex, vascular or urinary catheter, previous surgery, and the McCabe score.

Conclusions.

We found a significant association between the prevalence of MRSA infection and ICALIN that suggested that a higher ICALIN score may be predictive of a lower prevalence of MRSA infection.

Prospective Evaluation of Colonization with Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)–Producing Enterobacteriaceae Among Patients at Hospital Admission and of Subsequent Colonization with ESBL-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Among Patients During Hospitalization

Objective.

To determine the rates of and risk factors for carriage and acquisition of extended-spectrum (β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae during hospitalization.

Design.

Cohort study.

Setting.

Shaare Zedek Medical Center, a 550-bed teaching hospital.

Methods.

During a 5-month period (February 1-June 30, 2004), 167 (8%) of 1,985 newly admitted general medical patients were enrolled in our study. Nasal, oropharyngeal, and rectal swab specimens were obtained at admission and every 2-3 days until hospital discharge or death. Enterobacteriaceae isolates were tested for ESBL, andStaphylococcus aureusisolates were tested for methicillin resistance.

Results.

Of the 167 patients enrolled in our study, 15 (9%) were identified as nasal carriers of methicillin-resistantS. aureus(MRSA) at admission, and 13 (8%) were rectal carriers of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae at admission. Univariate risk factors for rectal carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae included female sex (odds ratio [OR], 11 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 1.4—238];P< .05), nursing home residence (OR, 6.9 [95% CI, 1.8-27];P< .01), recent antibiotic treatment (OR, 9.8 [95% CI, 1.7-74];P< .05), and concomitant nasal carriage of MRSA and/or ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (OR, 5.8 [95% CI, 1.2-26];P< .01). Multivariate risk factors were female sex and recent antibiotic treatment. During hospitalization, 35 (21%) of 167 patients had acquired rectal carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae (P= .002, for trend analysis). Of the 12 patients who were still in the hospital 2 weeks after admission, 4 (33%) were carriers of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae. Univariate risk factors for acquisition included an age of older than 65 years (P< .005), nursing home residence (OR 2.6, [95% CI, 0.98-2.6]), impaired cognition (OR, 4.8 [95% CI, 1.9-12]), recent antibiotic treatment (OR, 2.7 [95% CI, 0.9-8.3]), respiratory assistance (OR, 4.2 [95% CI, 1.2-14]), and prolonged hospitalization. Multivariate risk factors were an age of older than 65 years and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions.

Rectal carriage of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae occurred in 13 (8%) of 167 patients at admission to the medical departments of our hospital and in 4 (33%) of 12 patients still remaining in our hospital after 2 weeks.

Correlation between antibiotic consumption and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii causing health care-associated infections at a hospital from 2005 to 2010

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

This study investigated the correlation between antibiotic consumption and the incidence of health care-associated infections (HCAIs) caused by imipenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (IRAB) at a hospital in Taiwan from 2005 to 2010.

METHODS

Data on annual consumption (defined daily dose per 1000 patient-days) of extended-spectrum cephalosporins, β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones from 2005 to 2010 were analyzed. Yearly aggregated data on the number of nonduplicate clinical IRAB isolates causing HCAI were collected. The incidence rates of HCAI caused by IRAB were defined as the number of patients infected with IRAB per 1000 inpatient-days.

RESULTS

The trend of total consumption (defined daily dose per 1000 patient-days) of extended-spectrum cephalosporins, carbapenems, and fluoroquinolones was significantly increased, but the use of aminoglycosides decreased during 2005 to 2010. During the same period, the incidence of HCAI caused by IRAB gradually increased. The consumptions of carbapenems and fluoroquinolones were positively correlated with the incidence of HCAI caused by IRAB. There was no significant association between the use of extended-spectrum cephalosporins, β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, and aminoglycosides and the incidence of HCAI caused by IRAB.

CONCLUSION

The increasing use of carbapenems and fluoroquinolones was associated with the increasing incidence of HCAI caused by IRAB.

Correlation between antimicrobial consumption and incidence of health-care-associated infections due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococci at a university hospital in Taiwan from 2000 to 2010

Objectives

This study was conducted to investigate the correlation between antibiotic consumption and the incidence of health-care-associated infections (HCAIs) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (HCAI-MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VREs) (HCAI-VREs) at a university hospital in Taiwan during the period from 2000 to 2010.

Methods

Data on annual patient-days and annual consumption (defined daily dose/1000 patient-days) of glycopeptides (vancomycin and teicoplanin), linezolid, fusidic acid, tigecycline, and daptomycin were analyzed. Yearly aggregated data on the number of nonduplicate clinical MRSA and VRE isolates causing HCAI were collected.

Results

Overall, the consumption of teicoplanin and linezolid significantly increased during the study period. A significant decrease in the incidence of HCAI-MRSA and a significant increase in the incidence of HCAI-VRE were found during the study period. A significant correlation was found between the increased use of teicoplanin and linezolid and the decreased incidence of HCAI-MRSA. By contrast, positive correlations were found between the consumption of teicoplanin and tigecycline and the incidence of HCAI-VRE.

Conclusion

This study identified various correlations between the consumption of antibiotics and the incidence of HCAI-MRSA and HCAI-VRE. Strict implementation of infection-control guidelines and reinforcement of administering appropriate antibiotic agents would be helpful in decreasing the incidence of MRSA and VRE in hospitals.

Antibacterial activity of extracellular compounds produced by a Pseudomonas strain against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains

BACKGROUND

The emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria is a world health problem. Staphylococcus aureus, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, is one of the most important human pathogens associated with hospital and community-acquired infections. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antibacterial activity of a Pseudomonas aeruginosa-derived compound against MRSA strains.

METHODS

Thirty clinical MRSA strains were isolated, and three standard MRSA strains were evaluated. The extracellular compounds were purified by vacuum liquid chromatography. Evaluation of antibacterial activity was performed by agar diffusion technique, determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration, curve of growth and viability and scanning electron microscopy. Interaction of an extracellular compound with silver nanoparticle was studied to evaluate antibacterial effect.

RESULTS

The F3 (ethyl acetate) and F3d (dichloromethane- ethyl acetate) fractions demonstrated antibacterial activity against the MRSA strains. Phenazine-1-carboxamide was identified and purified from the F3d fraction and demonstrated slight antibacterial activity against MRSA, and synergic effect when combined with silver nanoparticles produced by Fusarium oxysporum. Organohalogen compound was purified from this fraction showing high antibacterial effect. Using scanning electron microscopy, we show that the F3d fraction caused morphological changes to the cell wall of the MRSA strains.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that P. aeruginosa-produced compounds such as phenazines have inhibitory effects against MRSA and may be a good alternative treatment to control infections caused by MRSA.

Carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing enterobacteriacae among internal medicine patients in Switzerland

Background

The incidence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producing-enterobacteriacae (ESBL-E) infection is rising worldwide. We aimed to determine the prevalence and nosocomial acquisition rate of ESBL-E as well as the risk factors for ESBL-E carriage and acquisition amongst patients consecutively admitted to 13 internal medicine units at our hospital who were not previously known to be ESBL-E carriers.

Findings

We screened all patients admitted or transferred to internal medicine units for ESBL-E on admission and discharge using rectal swabs. Of 1072 patients screened, 51 (4.8%) were carriers of an ESBL-E at admission. Of 473 patients who underwent admission and discharge screening, 21 (4.4%) acquired an ESBL-E. On multivariate analysis, diabetes mellitus without end-organ complications (OR 2.87 [1.09-7.08]), connective tissue disease (OR 7.22 [1.17-44.59]), and liver failure (OR 8.39 [1.55-45.45]) were independent risk factors for carriage of an ESBL-E upon admission to hospital (area under the ROC curve, 0.68). Receipt of a first- or second-generation cephalosporin (OR 9.25 [2.22-37.82]), intra-hospital transfer (OR 6.68 [1.71-26.06]), and a hospital stay >21 days (OR 25.17 [4.18-151.68]) were associated with acquisition of an ESBL-E during hospitalisation; whilst admission from home was protective (OR 0.16 [0.06-0.39]) on univariate regression. No risk profile with sufficient accuracy to predict previously unknown carriage on admission or acquisition of ESBL-E could be developed using readily available patient information.

Conclusions

ESBL-E carriage is endemic amongst internal medicine patients at our institution. We were unable to develop a clinical risk profile to accurately predict ESBL-E carriage amongst these patients.

Prevalence of urinary colonization by extended spectrum-beta-lactamase Enterobacteriaceae among catheterised inpatients in Italian long term care facilities

Background

Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) play a key role in guaranteeing care to patients in developed countries. Many patients, mostly elderly, access LTCFs at some time in their lives, and their healthcare pathways often require them to move back and forth between hospital and outpatient settings. These patterns bring about new challenges regarding infection control, especially healthcare associated infections.

Methods

A point prevalence study was conducted in 23 Italian LTCFs, to identify colonization in patients with urinary catheter (>24 hours). Species identification, susceptibility tests and extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) production screenings were performed using Vitek 2 System. Enterobacteria identified by Vitek 2 System as ESBL-producers or suspected AmpC hyperproducers on the basis of cephamycin resistance, were sent to a research laboratory where they underwent a double-disk synergy test. Finally, ESBL-producers were screened for bla resistance genes by PCR assay.

Results

211 patients with catheter were screened, 185 out of 211 patients showed positive samples for the presence of Enterobacteriaceae, 114 of these 185 patients were colonized by extended spectrum cephalosporins resistant microorganisms. We identified a total of 257 Gram negative pathogens, of which 51.8% (133/257) were extended spectrum cephalosporins resistant. 7 out of 133 cephamycin not susceptible strains proved to be AmpC-type beta-lactamases and 125/133 ESBL-producers; 1 was not further characterized. 43 out of 257 (16.7%) E. coli, 37/257 (14.4%) P. mirabilis, 20/257 (7.8%), P. stuartii, 14/257 (5.4%) M. morganii, 7/257 (2.7%), K. pneumoniae, 4/257 (1.6%) C. koseri proved to be overall ESBL-producers by double-disk synergy test. Third and fourth generation cephalosporin resistant P. mirabilis, P. stuartii and M. morganii strains mainly harboured a blaTEM gene (95.9%), while 89.1% of E. coli were positive for the blaCTX-M determinant by PCR and sequencing. Patients with decubitus had a higher risk of colonization by at least one resistant isolate (p < 0.01). Samples of patients undergoing antibiotic therapy and patients with decubitus showed a higher risk (p < 0.05) of colonization by beta-lactam resistant microorganisms.

Conclusions

These data confirm the presence of high percentages of ESBL-positive Enterobacteria in Italian LTCFs and the predominance of CTX-M type ESBL in E. coli. The alarming presence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Italian LTCFs can seriously compromise the effectiveness of antibiotic therapy.acilities (LTCFs), Antimicrobial resistance.

A multilevel model of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus acquisition within the hierarchy of an Australian tertiary hospital

Hospitals without universal single room accommodations typically contain multibed cubicles within wards. In this study, we examined whether the variation in a patient's risk for acquiring methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in a major tertiary hospital was greatest at the bed, cubicle, or ward level, and quantified the risk of MRSA acquisition associated with exposure to MRSA-colonized/infected patients within the same bed, cubicle, and ward at differently distributed lag times. Nested tri-level hierarchical logistic regression models with random effects were used for non-multiresistant MRSA (nmMRSA) and multiresistant MRSA (mMRSA). The models were internally validated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to compare the models' predictive capability The odds of new nmMRSA acquisition were 6.06-fold (95% credible intervals [CrI], 3.93- to 9.34-fold) greater in bed-weeks when a nmMRSA-colonized/infected patient was in the same cubicle 2 weeks earlier. The odds of mMRSA acquisition were 5.12-fold (95% CrI, 4.02- to 6.51-fold) greater in bed-weeks when a colonized/infected patient was in the same ward 2 weeks earlier. The between-cluster variance was highest at the ward level. Patients were at greater risk if there was a colonized/infected patient in the same cubicle or ward 2 weeks earlier. Our findings indicate that focusing on the relevant cubicles and wards during this high-risk period can help target infection control resources more efficiently.

Prebiotic-non-digestible oligosaccharides preference of probiotic bifidobacteria and antimicrobial activity against Clostridium difficile

Bifidobacterium breve 46, Bifidobacterium lactis 8:8 and Bifidobacterium longum 6:18 and three reference strains B. breve CCUG 24611, B. lactis JCM 10602, and Bifidobacterium pseudocatenulatum JCM 1200 were examined for acid and bile tolerance, prebiotic utilization and antimicrobial activity against four Clostridium difficile (CD) strains including the hypervirulent strain, PCR ribotype NAP1/027. B. lactis 8:8 and B. lactis JCM 10602 exhibited a high tolerance in MRSC broth with pH 2.5 for 30 min. B. breve 46 and B. lactis 8:8 remained 100% viable in MRSC broth with 5% porcine bile after 4 h. All six strains showed a high prebiotic degrading ability (prebiotic score) with galactooligosaccharides (GOS), isomaltooligosaccharides (IMOS) and lactulose as carbon sources and moderate degradation of fructooligosaccharides (FOS). Xylooligosaccharides (XOS) was metabolized to a greater extent by B. lactis 8:8, B. lactis JCM 10602, B. pseudocatenulatum JCM 1200 and B. longum 6:18 (prebiotic score >50%). All strains exhibited extracellular antimicrobial activity (AMA) against four CD strains including the CD NAP1/027. AMA of B. breve 46, B. lactis 8:8 and B. lactis JCM 10602 strains was mainly ascribed to a combined action of organic acids and heat stable, protease sensitive antimicrobial peptides when cells were grown in MRSC broth with glucose and by acids when grown with five different prebiotic-non-digestible oligosaccharides (NDOs). None of C. difficile strains degraded five prebiotic-NDOs. Whole cells of B. breve 46 and B. lactis 8:8 and their supernatants inhibited the growth and toxin production of the CD NAP1/027 strain.

Correlation between antibiotic consumption and resistance of Gram-negative bacteria causing healthcare-associated infections at a university hospital in Taiwan from 2000 to 2009

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the correlation between antibiotic consumption and antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative bacteria causing healthcare-associated infections at a university hospital in Taiwan from 2000 to 2009.

METHODS

Disc susceptibility data of Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae, Serratia marcescens, Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter spp., Stenotrophomonas maltophilia and other non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli causing healthcare-associated infections were evaluated. Data on annual patient-days and annual consumption (defined daily doses per 1000 patient-days) of extended-spectrum cephalosporins, β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, carbapenems, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones were analysed.

RESULTS

The trend of total consumption of extended-spectrum cephalosporins, β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations, carbapenems, aminoglycosides and fluoroquinolones significantly increased between 2000 and 2003 and remained stable between 2004 and 2009. The decreasing use of gentamicin and amikacin in recent years was associated with increasing susceptibility of E. coli, E. cloacae, S. marcescens and P. aeruginosa to gentamicin, as well as increasing susceptibility of P. aeruginosa to amikacin. The use of piperacillin/tazobactam was positively correlated with the prevalence of piperacillin/tazobactam-resistant E. coli and S. maltophilia. In contrast, the use of cefotaxime and piperacillin/tazobactam was negatively correlated with the prevalence of cefotaxime-resistant E. coli and piperacillin/tazobactam-resistant S. maltophilia, respectively. The consumption of fluoroquinolones was positively correlated with the rates of ciprofloxacin-resistant E. coli, piperacillin/tazobactam-resistant P. aeruginosa and ceftazidime-resistant S. maltophilia.

CONCLUSIONS

The relationship between antibiotic prescription and the rates of resistance for Gram-negative bacteria is complicated; every type of antimicrobial agent or even individual agent can have distinct associations with different pathogens.

Risk factors for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria in patients with solid tumours

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to determine the risk factors for healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in patients with solid tumours.

METHODS

This retrospective study was performed in the Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Mersin Teaching and Research Medical Centre, between January 2004 and December 2008. SPSS version 11.5 program package was used for the statistical analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 145 patients who had an HCAI were analyzed; 62% of the patients were male and their median age was 57.7 ± 16 y and median Charlson co-morbidity score was 4.94 ± 1.2. During the study period, 83 MDR bacteria were isolated from HCAIs that developed in 70 (48.3%) patients. In multiple binary logistic regression analysis, duration of hospital stay (odds ratio (OR) 1.041, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.007-1.077; p = 0.019), surgery (OR 3.115, 95% CI 1.288-7.535; p = 0.012), use of glycopeptides (OR 5.394, 95% CI 1.960-14.850; p = 0.001), and use of third-generation cephalosporins (OR 5.521, 95% CI 2.017-15.110; p = 0.001) were found to be independent risk factors for the development of an MDR infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Among hospitalized patients with a solid tumour, HCAIs caused by MDR bacteria occurred more frequently in patients undergoing surgery, receiving third-generation cephalosporins and glycopeptide antibiotics, and having a prolonged hospital stay.

Screening and isolation for infection control

Control measures aimed to reduce the prevalence of healthcare-associated infections include active surveillance cultures (ASCs), contact isolation of patients colonised with epidemiologically significant pathogens, and pre-emptive isolation of high risk patients. However, the benefits of these measures are questionable. A systematic review of isolation policies demonstrated that intensive concerted interventions including isolation can substantially reduce nosocomial meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection. Monitoring of interventions is fundamental. Surveillance data should be presented and fed back appropriately. International guidelines suggest that only intensive care units should apply extensive ASCs. However, legislation for mandatory screening at hospital admission has been advocated in many countries. Targeted screening could be used to limit the potential for dissemination of antibiotic-resistant pathogens from otherwise unsuspected carriers from the start of patients' hospitalisation, as opposed to other strategies, in which screening programmes target patients already hospitalised. Although the influx of antibiotic-resistant pathogens into the hospital would not change, early detection would reduce the time colonised patients might have to disseminate pathogens. Recently, rapid methods for molecular detection of MRSA have been developed. Data on the impact of these tests on the MRSA acquisition rate are extremely heterogeneous. Published studies differ according to the settings in which they have been evaluated, the choice of patient population to be screened, other infection control measures employed and, most importantly, study design and baseline prevalence of MRSA. Based on these studies, definitive recommendations cannot be made.