1
|
Calbo E, Gisbert L, López-Sánchez M. Investigating outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units: A crucial battle in the cradle of care. ENFERMEDADES INFECCIOSAS Y MICROBIOLOGIA CLINICA (ENGLISH ED.) 2024; 42:283-285. [PMID: 38839161 DOI: 10.1016/j.eimce.2024.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Calbo
- Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas Hospital Universitario Mútua de Terrassa, Spain; Equipo Control de Infección, Spain; Universitat Internacional de Catalunya, Spain.
| | - Laura Gisbert
- Servicio de Enfermedades Infecciosas Hospital Universitario Mútua de Terrassa, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Volling C, Mataseje L, Graña-Miraglia L, Hu X, Anceva-Sami S, Coleman BL, Downing M, Hota S, Jamal AJ, Johnstone J, Katz K, Leis JA, Li A, Mahesh V, Melano R, Muller M, Nayani S, Patel S, Paterson A, Pejkovska M, Ricciuto D, Sultana A, Vikulova T, Zhong Z, McGeer A, Guttman DS, Mulvey MR. Epidemiology of healthcare-associated Pseudomonas aeruginosa in intensive care units: are sink drains to blame? J Hosp Infect 2024; 148:77-86. [PMID: 38554807 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is a common cause of healthcare-associated infection (PA-HAI) in the intensive care unit (ICU). AIM To describe the epidemiology of PA-HAI in ICUs in Ontario, Canada, and to identify episodes of sink-to-patient PA transmission. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of patients in six ICUs from 2018 to 2019, with retrieval of PA clinical isolates, and PA-screening of antimicrobial-resistant organism surveillance rectal swabs, and of sink drain, air, and faucet samples. All PA isolates underwent whole-genome sequencing. PA-HAI was defined using US National Healthcare Safety Network criteria. ICU-acquired PA was defined as PA isolated from specimens obtained ≥48 h after ICU admission in those with prior negative rectal swabs. Sink-to-patient PA transmission was defined as ICU-acquired PA with close genomic relationship to isolate(s) previously recovered from sinks in a room/bedspace occupied 3-14 days prior to collection date of the relevant patient specimen. FINDINGS Over ten months, 72 PA-HAIs occurred among 60/4263 admissions. The rate of PA-HAI was 2.40 per 1000 patient-ICU-days; higher in patients who were PA-colonized on admission. PA-HAI was associated with longer stay (median: 26 vs 3 days uninfected; P < 0.001) and contributed to death in 22/60 cases (36.7%). Fifty-eight admissions with ICU-acquired PA were identified, contributing 35/72 (48.6%) PA-HAIs. Four patients with five PA-HAIs (6.9%) had closely related isolates previously recovered from their room/bedspace sinks. CONCLUSION Nearly half of PA causing HAI appeared to be acquired in ICUs, and 7% of PA-HAIs were associated with sink-to-patient transmission. Sinks may be an under-recognized reservoir for HAIs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Volling
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada.
| | - L Mataseje
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - L Graña-Miraglia
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - X Hu
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - S Anceva-Sami
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - B L Coleman
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - S Hota
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - A J Jamal
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - J Johnstone
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - K Katz
- Department of Medicine, North York General Hospital, Toronto, Canada
| | - J A Leis
- Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Canada
| | - A Li
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - V Mahesh
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - R Melano
- Pan American Health Organization, Washington, USA
| | - M Muller
- Department of Medicine, Unity Health Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - S Nayani
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - S Patel
- Public Health Ontario Laboratory, Toronto, Canada
| | - A Paterson
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - M Pejkovska
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - D Ricciuto
- Department of Medicine, Lakeridge Health, Oshawa, Canada
| | - A Sultana
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - T Vikulova
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - Z Zhong
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - A McGeer
- Department of Microbiology, Sinai Health, Toronto, Canada
| | - D S Guttman
- Department of Cell & Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Centre for the Analysis of Genome Evolution and Function, Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - M R Mulvey
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Raabe NJ, Valek AL, Griffith MP, Mills E, Waggle K, Srinivasa VR, Ayres AM, Bradford C, Creager HM, Pless LL, Sundermann AJ, Van Tyne D, Snyder GM, Harrison LH. Real-time genomic epidemiologic investigation of a multispecies plasmid-associated hospital outbreak of NDM-5-producing Enterobacterales infections. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 142:106971. [PMID: 38373647 PMCID: PMC11055495 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) is an emergent mechanism of carbapenem resistance associated with high mortality and limited treatment options. Because the blaNDM resistance gene is often carried on plasmids, traditional infection prevention and control (IP&C) surveillance methods and reactive whole genome sequencing (WGS) may not detect plasmid transfer in multispecies outbreaks. METHODS Initial outbreak detection of NDM-producing Enterobacterales identified at an acute care hospital occurred via traditional IP&C methods and was supplemented by real-time WGS surveillance performed weekly. To resolve NDM-encoding plasmids, we performed long-read sequencing and constructed hybrid assemblies. WGS data for suspected outbreaks was shared with the IP&C team for assessment and intervention. RESULTS We observed a multispecies outbreak of NDM-5-producing Enterobacterales isolated from 15 patients between February 2021 and February 2023. The 19 clinical and surveillance isolates sequenced included 7 bacterial species encoding the same NDM-5 plasmid. WGS surveillance and epidemiologic investigation characterized 10 horizontal plasmid transfer events and 6 bacterial transmission events between patients in varying hospital units. CONCLUSIONS Our investigation revealed a complex, multispecies outbreak of NDM involving multiple plasmid transfer and bacterial transmission events. We highlight the utility of combining traditional IP&C and prospective genomic methods in identifying and containing plasmid-associated outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Raabe
- Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Abby L Valek
- Department of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Marissa P Griffith
- Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Emma Mills
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Kady Waggle
- Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Vatsala Rangachar Srinivasa
- Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ashley M Ayres
- Department of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Claire Bradford
- Department of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hannah M Creager
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lora L Pless
- Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Alexander J Sundermann
- Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Daria Van Tyne
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Graham M Snyder
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology, UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lee H Harrison
- Microbial Genomic Epidemiology Laboratory, Center for Genomic Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Norville P, Otter JA. The requirement to move towards standardization of wastewater sampling. J Hosp Infect 2024; 149:88-89. [PMID: 38685412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- P Norville
- School of Pharmacy, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
| | - J A Otter
- Directorate of Infection, Guy's and St. Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK; National Institute for Healthcare Research Health Protection Research Unit in HCAI and AMR, Imperial College London and Public Health England, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Varghese MM, Torres-Teran MM, Greentree DH, Cadnum JL, Donskey CJ. What is the optimal frequency of sink drain decontamination with a foam disinfectant? Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024:1-3. [PMID: 38659124 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2024.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jennifer L Cadnum
- Research Service, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Curtis J Donskey
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aranega-Bou P, Cornbill C, Rodger G, Bird M, Moore G, Roohi A, Hopkins KL, Hopkins S, Ribeca P, Stoesser N, Lipworth SI. WITHDRAWN: Evaluation of Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (IR Biotyper) as a complement to Whole genome sequencing (WGS) to characterise Enterobacter cloacae , Citrobacter freundii and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates recovered from hospital sinks. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2023.04.24.23289028. [PMID: 37214917 PMCID: PMC10193520 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.24.23289028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
The authors have withdrawn their manuscript due to becoming aware of methodology issues related to the curation of the training set used to determine cut-off values for Biotyper cluster assignation and lack of replicate measurements on different days for the isolates analysed. It is therefore unclear whether the conclusions of the manuscript are founded and no further work is possible to correct these issues as the instrument is no longer available to the authors. If you have any questions, please contact the corresponding author.
Collapse
|
7
|
Rath A, Kieninger B, Fritsch J, Caplunik-Pratsch A, Blaas S, Ochmann M, Pfeifer M, Hartl J, Holzmann T, Schneider-Brachert W. Whole-genome sequencing reveals two prolonged simultaneous outbreaks involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa high-risk strains ST111 and ST235 with resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds. J Hosp Infect 2024; 145:155-164. [PMID: 38286239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Water-bearing systems are known as frequent Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) outbreak sources. However, many older buildings continue to have sanitary facilities in high-risk departments such as the ICU. We present two simultaneous prolonged multi-drug-resistant (MDR) PA outbreaks detected at the ICU of a pulmonology hospital, which were resolved by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). METHODS Outbreak management and investigations were initiated in August 2019 after detecting two patients with nosocomial VIM-2-positive MDR PA. The investigations involved weekly patient screenings for four months and extensive environmental sampling for 15 months. All patient and environmental isolates were collected and analysed by WGS. RESULTS From April to September 2019, we identified 10 patients with nosocomial MDR PA, including five VIM-2-positive strains. VIM-2-positive strains were also detected in nine sink drains, two toilets, and a cleaning bucket. WGS revealed that of 16 VIM-2-positive isolates, 14 were ST111 that carried qacE, or qacEΔ1 genes, whereas 13 isolates clustered (difference of ≤11 alleles by cgMLST). OXA-2 (two toilets), and OXA-2, OXA-74, PER-1 (two patients, three toilets) qacEΔ1-positive ST235 isolates dominated among VIM-2-negative isolates. The remaining seven PA strains were ST17, ST233, ST273, ST309 and ST446. Outbreak containment was achieved by replacing U-bends, and cleaning buckets, and switching from quaternary ammonium compounds (QUATs) to oxygen-releasing disinfectant products. CONCLUSION Comprehension and management of two simultaneous MDR PA outbreaks involving the high-risk strains ST111 and ST235 were facilitated by precise control due to identification of different outbreak sources per strain, and by the in-silico detection of high-level QUATs resistance in all isolates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Rath
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - B Kieninger
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - J Fritsch
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - A Caplunik-Pratsch
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - S Blaas
- Donaustauf Hospital, Centre for Pneumology, Donaustauf, Germany
| | - M Ochmann
- Donaustauf Hospital, Centre for Pneumology, Donaustauf, Germany
| | - M Pfeifer
- Donaustauf Hospital, Centre for Pneumology, Donaustauf, Germany; Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Hospital of the Merciful Brother Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - J Hartl
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany; Hospital of the Merciful Brother "St. Barbara", Schwandorf, Germany
| | - T Holzmann
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - W Schneider-Brachert
- Department of Infection Prevention and Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fontana L, Hakki M, Ozer EA, Laird A, Strasfeld L. The impact of an intervention to reduce dispersal from wastewater drain sites on carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization and bloodstream infection on a hematopoietic cell transplant and hematologic malignancy unit. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38385257 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2023.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of an intervention to limit dispersal from wastewater drain (WWD) sites on meropenem-nonsusceptible Pseudomonas aeruginosa patient and environmental colonization and bloodstream infection (BSI) on a hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) and hematologic malignancy (HM) unit. DESIGN This quasi-experimental study included pre/postintervention point-prevalence surveys in July 2019 and June 2020, respectively. The retrospective cohort included HCT/HM patients with P. aeruginosa BSI between 2012 and 2022. SETTING Adult HCT/HM unit at an academic center. PARTICIPANTS This study included consenting HCT/HM patients on the unit at the time of the point-prevalence surveys. HCT/HM patients with P. aeruginosa BSI between 2012 and 2022. METHODS A quality improvement intervention targeting WWD sites was conceived and implemented on a HCT/HM unit. Pre and postintervention colonization samples were obtained from patients and environmental sites, cultivated on selective media, then characterized by susceptibility testing. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed on select isolates. The impact of the intervention on colonization and BSI was evaluated, as was relatedness among isolates. RESULTS Although colonization of WWD sites with meropenem-nonsusceptible P. aeruginosa was widespread before and after this intervention, we observed a substantial decline in patient colonization (prevalence rate ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.04-3.12) and BSI (incidence rate ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.31-1.42) after the intervention. Among 3 predominant sequence types (ST-111, ST-446, and ST-308), there was striking genetic conservation within groups and among environmental colonization, patient colonization, and BSI isolates. CONCLUSIONS An intervention targeting WWD sites on a HCT/HM unit had a meaningful impact on meropenem-nonsusceptible P. aeruginosa patient colonization and BSI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Fontana
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Morgan Hakki
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Egon A Ozer
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Havey Institute for Global Health, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Amy Laird
- School of Public Health, Oregon Health and Science University-Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Lynne Strasfeld
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Woźniak A, Janc J, Łysenko L, Leśnik P, Słabisz N, Oleksy-Wawrzyniak M, Uchmanowicz I. How to Defeat Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Intensive Care Units. A Lesson from the COVID-19 Pandemic. Prevention, Reservoirs, and Implications for Clinical Practice. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:530-539. [PMID: 38250609 PMCID: PMC10797677 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.88519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients are at high risk of infection due to multiple invasive procedures, malnutrition, or immunosuppression. The rapid increase in infections with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) during the COVID-19 pandemic caused a dilemma, as the rules of the sanitary regime in ICU rooms were strictly adhered to in the prevailing epidemiological situation. The combat to reduce the number of infections and pathogen transmission became a priority for ICU staff. This study aimed to assess whether eliminating environmental reservoirs and implementing improved procedures for patient care and decontamination and washing equipment in the ICU reduced the incidence of infections caused by MDR strains. Material and methods: The study retrospectively analyzed data in the ICU during the COVID-19 pandemic. The samples were collected based on microbiological culture and medical records in the newly opened ICU (10 stations) and hospital wards where COVID-19 patients were hospitalized. Environmental inoculations were performed during the COVID-19 pandemic every 4-6 weeks unless an increase in the incidence of infections caused by MDR strains was observed. Through microbiological analysis, environmental reservoirs of MDR pathogens were identified. The observation time was divided into two periods, before and after the revised procedures. The relationship between isolated strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae NDM from patients and potential reservoirs within the ICU using ERIC-PCR and dice methods was analyzed. Results: An increased frequency of infections and colonization caused by MDRO was observed compared to the preceding years. A total of 23,167 microbiological tests and 6,985 screening tests for CPE and MRSA bacilli were collected. The pathogen spread was analyzed, and the findings indicated procedural errors. Assuming that the transmission of infections through the staff hands was significantly limited by the restrictive use of personal protective equipment, the search for a reservoir of microorganisms in the environment began. MDR strains were grown from the inoculations collected from the hand-wash basins in the wards and from inside the air conditioner on the ceiling outside the patient rooms. New types of decontamination mats were used in high-risk areas with a disinfectant based on Glucoprotamine. Active chlorine-containing substances were widely used to clean and disinfect surfaces. Conclusions: Infections with MDR strains pose a challenge for health care. Identification of bacterial reservoirs and comprehensive nursing care significantly reduce the number of nosocomial infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Woźniak
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jarosław Janc
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Hospital of Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Lidia Łysenko
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Patrycja Leśnik
- Department of Microbiology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Słabisz
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics, 4th Military Clinical Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Monika Oleksy-Wawrzyniak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Parasitology, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Izabella Uchmanowicz
- Department of Nursing and Midwifery, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fucini GB, Hackmann C, Gastmeier P. Sink interventions in the ICU to reduce risk of infection or colonization with Gram-negative pathogens: a systematic review of the literature. J Hosp Infect 2024; 143:82-90. [PMID: 38529781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/27/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major problem in intensive care units (ICUs). The hospital water environment is a potential reservoir for Gram-negative bacteria (GNB), and it has been shown that contaminated sinks contribute to the spread of GNB in outbreak and non-outbreak settings. This study aimed to investigate which sink interventions may reduce GNB infection and colonization rates in the ICU. METHODS A database search (MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE via Ovid and ClinicalTrials.gov) was undertaken without restrictions on language or date of publication. Studies of any design were included if they described an intervention on the water fixtures in patient rooms, and presented data about HAI or colonization rates in non-outbreak settings. Acquisition (infection and/or colonization) rates of GNB and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were analysed as outcomes. RESULTS In total, 4404 records were identified. Eleven articles were included in the final analysis. No randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis, and all studies were reported to have moderate to serious risk of bias. Removing sinks and applying filters on taps had a significant impact on GNB acquisition, but there was high heterogeneity among reported outcomes and sample size among the studies. CONCLUSION Few studies have investigated the association of sinks in patient rooms with healthcare-associated acquisition of GNB in non-outbreak settings. Heterogeneity in study design made it impossible to generalize the results. Prospective trials are needed to further investigate whether removing sinks from patient rooms can reduce the endemic rate of HAIs in the ICU.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G-B Fucini
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany; National Reference Centre for Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections, Berlin, Germany.
| | - C Hackmann
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany; National Reference Centre for Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections, Berlin, Germany
| | - P Gastmeier
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Hygiene and Environmental Medicine, Berlin, Germany; National Reference Centre for Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Donskey CJ. Update on potential interventions to reduce the risk for transmission of health care-associated pathogens from floors and sinks. Am J Infect Control 2023; 51:A120-A125. [PMID: 37890941 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Health care facility floors and sink drains and other wastewater drainage sites are universally contaminated with potential pathogens and there are plausible mechanisms by which organisms can be disseminated from these sites. However, floors and sink drains are not addressed as potential sources of pathogen transmission in most health care facilities. One factor that has hindered progress in addressing floors and sinks has been the lack of practical and effective measures to reduce the risk for dissemination of organisms from these sites. This article provides an update on some of the potential interventions being used to reduce the risk for transmission of health care-associated pathogens from floors and sinks. Practical approaches to address these sites of contamination are emphasized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Curtis J Donskey
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center, Cleveland, OH; Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Rutala WA, Boyce JM, Weber DJ. Disinfection, sterilization and antisepsis: An overview. Am J Infect Control 2023; 51:A3-A12. [PMID: 37890951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Each year in the United States there are approximately 100,000,000 outpatient/inpatient surgical procedures. Each of these procedures involves contact by a medical device or surgical instrument with a patient's sterile tissue and/or mucous membrane. A major risk of all such procedures is the introduction of infection. METHODS We searched published literature for articles on the use and effectiveness of disinfectants, sterilization methods and antiseptics. RESULTS The level of disinfection is dependent on the intended use of the object: critical (items that contact sterile tissue such as surgical instruments), semicritical (items that contact mucous membrane such as endoscopes), and noncritical (devices that contact only intact skin such as stethoscopes) items require sterilization, high-level disinfection and low-level disinfection, respectively. Cleaning must always precede high-level disinfection and sterilization. Antiseptics are essential to infection prevention as part of a hand hygiene program as well as other uses such as surgical hand antisepsis and pre-operative patient skin preparation. CONCLUSIONS When properly used, disinfection and sterilization can ensure the safe use of invasive and non-invasive medical devices. Cleaning should always precede high-level disinfection and sterilization. Strict adherence to current disinfection and sterilization guidelines is essential to prevent patient infections and exposures to infectious agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- William A Rutala
- Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC; Division of Infectious Diseases, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC.
| | - John M Boyce
- J.M. Boyce Consulting, Boyce Consulting, LLC, Middletown, CT
| | - David J Weber
- Statewide Program for Infection Control and Epidemiology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC; Division of Infectious Diseases, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC; Infection Prevention, University of North Carolina Medical Center, Chapel Hill, NC
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Schneider JS, Froböse NJ, Kuczius T, Schwierzeck V, Kampmeier S. Sink Drains in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Risk Assessment and Evaluation. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6692. [PMID: 37681832 PMCID: PMC10487867 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20176692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Water systems in health care facilities can form reservoirs for Gram-negative bacteria. While planning a new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), we performed a retrospective evaluation of potential risks from water-diverting systems on the existing NICU of our tertiary care University Hospital. During 2017 to 2023, we recorded nine nosocomial cluster events with bacterial pathogens in our NICU. Of these, three clusters of Gram-negative bacteria were potentially related to sink drains: A Klebsiella oxytoca, a Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and an Enterobacter hormaechei cluster were uncovered by clinical routine screening of patients and breastmilk samples. They were confirmed using whole-genome sequencing and a subsequent core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) algorithm. Our observations highlight that the implementation of sink drains in a NICU may have negative effects on patients' safety. Construction planning should concentrate on the avoidance of washbasins in patient rooms when redesigning sensitive areas such as NICUs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia S. Schneider
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.S.S.); (T.K.); (V.S.)
| | - Neele J. Froböse
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany;
| | - Thorsten Kuczius
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.S.S.); (T.K.); (V.S.)
| | - Vera Schwierzeck
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.S.S.); (T.K.); (V.S.)
| | - Stefanie Kampmeier
- Institute of Hygiene, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany; (J.S.S.); (T.K.); (V.S.)
- Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Diorio-Toth L, Wallace MA, Farnsworth CW, Wang B, Gul D, Kwon JH, Andleeb S, Burnham CAD, Dantas G. Intensive care unit sinks are persistently colonized with multidrug resistant bacteria and mobilizable, resistance-conferring plasmids. mSystems 2023; 8:e0020623. [PMID: 37439570 PMCID: PMC10469867 DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00206-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Contamination of hospital sinks with microbial pathogens presents a serious potential threat to patients, but our understanding of sink colonization dynamics is largely based on infection outbreaks. Here, we investigate the colonization patterns of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in intensive care unit sinks and water from two hospitals in the USA and Pakistan collected over 27 months of prospective sampling. Using culture-based methods, we recovered 822 bacterial isolates representing 104 unique species and genomospecies. Genomic analyses revealed long-term colonization by Pseudomonas spp. and Serratia marcescens strains across multiple rooms. Nanopore sequencing uncovered examples of long-term persistence of resistance-conferring plasmids in unrelated hosts. These data indicate that antibiotic resistance (AR) in Pseudomonas spp. is maintained both by strain colonization and horizontal gene transfer (HGT), while HGT maintains AR within Acinetobacter spp. and Enterobacterales, independent of colonization. These results emphasize the importance of proactive, genomic-focused surveillance of built environments to mitigate MDRO spread. IMPORTANCE Hospital sinks are frequently linked to outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Here, we used whole-genome sequencing to track the long-term colonization patterns in intensive care unit (ICU) sinks and water from two hospitals in the USA and Pakistan collected over 27 months of prospective sampling. We analyzed 822 bacterial genomes, representing over 100 different species. We identified long-term contamination by opportunistic pathogens, as well as transient appearance of other common pathogens. We found that bacteria recovered from the ICU had more antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in their genomes compared to matched community spaces. We also found that many of these ARGs are harbored on mobilizable plasmids, which were found shared in the genomes of unrelated bacteria. Overall, this study provides an in-depth view of contamination patterns for common nosocomial pathogens and identifies specific targets for surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke Diorio-Toth
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Meghan A. Wallace
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Christopher W. Farnsworth
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Bin Wang
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Danish Gul
- Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Jennie H. Kwon
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Saadia Andleeb
- Atta ur Rahman School of Applied Biosciences, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Carey-Ann D. Burnham
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Gautam Dantas
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bourdin T, Benoit MÈ, Monnier A, Bédard E, Prévost M, Charron D, Audy N, Gravel S, Sicard M, Quach C, Déziel E, Constant P. Serratia marcescens Colonization in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Has Multiple Sources, with Sink Drains as a Major Reservoir. Appl Environ Microbiol 2023; 89:e0010523. [PMID: 37067412 PMCID: PMC10231179 DOI: 10.1128/aem.00105-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Compelling evidence suggests a contribution of the sink environment to the transmission of opportunistic pathogens from the hospital environment to patients in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). In this study, the distribution of the opportunistic pathogen Serratia marcescens in the sink environment and newborns in a NICU was investigated. More than 500 sink drain and faucet samples were collected over the course of five sampling campaigns undertaken over 3 years. Distribution and diversity of S. marcescens were examined with a modified MacConkey medium and a high-throughput short-sequence typing (HiSST) method. Sink drains were an important reservoir of S. marcescens, with an average of 44% positive samples, whereas no faucet sample was positive. The genotypic diversity of S. marcescens was moderate, with an average of two genotypes per drain, while the spatial distribution of S. marcescens was heterogeneous. The genotypic profiles of 52 clinical isolates were highly heterogeneous, with 27 unique genotypes, of which 71% of isolates were found in more than one patient. S. marcescens acquisition during the first outbreaks was mainly caused by horizontal transmissions. HiSST analyses revealed 10 potential cases of patient-to-patient transmission of S. marcescens, five cases of patient-to-sink transmission, and one bidirectional transfer between sink and patient. Environmental and clinical isolates were found in sink drains up to 1 year after the first detection, supporting persisting drain colonization. This extensive survey suggests multiple reservoirs of S. marcescens within the NICU, including patients and sink drains, but other external sources should also be considered. IMPORTANCE The bacterium Serratia marcescens is an important opportunistic human pathogen that thrives in many environments, can become multidrug resistant, and is often involved in nosocomial outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). We evaluated the role of sinks during five suspected S. marcescens outbreaks in a NICU. An innovative approach combining molecular and culture methods was used to maximize the detection and typing of S. marcescens in the sink environment. Our results indicate multiple reservoirs of S. marcescens within the NICU, including patients, sink drains, and external sources. These results highlight the importance of sinks as a major reservoir of S. marcescens and potential sources of future outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Bourdin
- INRS–Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Alizée Monnier
- INRS–Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Nathalie Audy
- CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Sophie Gravel
- CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mélanie Sicard
- CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Caroline Quach
- CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Eric Déziel
- INRS–Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| | - Philippe Constant
- INRS–Centre Armand-Frappier Santé Biotechnologie, Laval, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Butler J, Upton M. What's really down the hospital plughole? J Hosp Infect 2023:S0195-6701(23)00118-4. [PMID: 37080487 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James Butler
- Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, Exeter Medical School, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX1 2LU, UK.
| | - Mathew Upton
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Gideskog M, Falkeborn T, Welander J, Melhus Å. Source Control of Gram-Negative Bacteria Using Self-Disinfecting Sinks in a Swedish Burn Centre. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040965. [PMID: 37110388 PMCID: PMC10143680 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Several retrospective studies have identified hospital sinks as reservoirs of Gram-negative bacteria. The aim of this study was to prospectively investigate the bacterial transmission from sinks to patients and if self-disinfecting sinks could reduce this risk. Samples were collected weekly from sinks (self-disinfecting, treated with boiling water, not treated) and patients in the Burn Centre at Linköping University Hospital, Sweden. The antibiotic susceptibility of Gram-negative isolates was tested, and eight randomly chosen patient isolates and their connected sink isolates were subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS). Of 489 sink samples, 232 (47%) showed growth. The most frequent findings were Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (n = 130), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 128), and Acinetobacter spp. (n = 55). Bacterial growth was observed in 20% of the samplings from the self-disinfecting sinks and in 57% from the sinks treated with boiling water (p = 0.0029). WGS recognized one transmission of Escherichia coli sampled from an untreated sink to a patient admitted to the same room. In conclusion, the results showed that sinks can serve as reservoirs of Gram-negative bacteria and that self-disinfecting sinks can reduce the transmission risk. Installing self-disinfecting sinks in intensive care units is an important measure in preventing nosocomial infection among critically ill patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gideskog
- Department of Communicable Disease and Infection Control, Linköping University Hospital, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Tina Falkeborn
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Linköping University Hospital, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Jenny Welander
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Microbiology, Linköping University Hospital, SE-581 85 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Åsa Melhus
- Section of Clinical Microbiology, Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, SE-751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Hospital water as the source of healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial-resistant organisms. Curr Opin Infect Dis 2022; 35:339-345. [PMID: 35849524 DOI: 10.1097/qco.0000000000000842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Drinking water is considered one of the most overlooked and underestimated sources of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Recently, the prevention and control of opportunistic premise plumbing pathogens (OPPPs) in healthcare water systems has been receiving increasing attention in infection control guidelines. However, these fail to address colonization of pathogens that do not originate from source water. Subsequently, this review explores the role of water and premise plumbing biofilm in HAIs. The potential mechanisms of contamination and transmission of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens originating both from supply water and human microbiota are discussed. RECENT FINDINGS OPPPs, such as Legionella pneumophila, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Mycobacterium avium have been described as native to the plumbing environment. However, other pathogens, not found in the source water, have been found to proliferate in biofilms formed on outlets devices and cause HAI outbreaks. SUMMARY Biofilms formed on outlet devices, such as tap faucets, showers and drains provide an ideal niche for the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance. Thus, comprehensive surveillance guidelines are required to understand the role that drinking water and water-related devices play in the transmission of AMR HAIs and to improve infection control guidelines.
Collapse
|
19
|
Antibiotic-resistant organisms establish reservoirs in new hospital built environments and are related to patient blood infection isolates. COMMUNICATIONS MEDICINE 2022; 2:62. [PMID: 35664456 PMCID: PMC9160058 DOI: 10.1038/s43856-022-00124-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare-associated infections due to antibiotic-resistant organisms pose an acute and rising threat to critically ill and immunocompromised patients. To evaluate reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant organisms as a source of transmission to patients, we interrogated isolates from environmental surfaces, patient feces, and patient blood infections from an established and a newly built intensive care unit. Methods We used selective culture to recover 829 antibiotic-resistant organisms from 1594 environmental and 72 patient fecal samples, in addition to 81 isolates from blood cultures. We conducted antibiotic susceptibility testing and short- and long-read whole genome sequencing on recovered isolates. Results Antibiotic-resistant organism burden is highest in sink drains compared to other surfaces. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the most frequently cultured organism from surfaces in both intensive care units. From whole genome sequencing, different lineages of P. aeruginosa dominate in each unit; one P. aeruginosa lineage of ST1894 is found in multiple sink drains in the new intensive care unit and 3.7% of blood isolates analyzed, suggesting movement of this clone between the environment and patients. Conclusions These results highlight antibiotic-resistant organism reservoirs in hospital built environments as an important target for infection prevention in hospitalized patients. Patients in hospitals often have a suppressed immune system, putting them at increased risk of infection by bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, some of which may come from sources in the hospital environment. We sampled multiple different surfaces in an established and a newly built intensive care unit and collected patient infection samples. We tested bacteria in these samples for their resistance to antibiotics and sequenced the genetic code of the bacteria to identify relationships between environmental and patient infections. We found the most antibiotic resistant organisms in hospital sink drains. Our sequencing data revealed strains of a certain kind of bacteria could form reservoirs and survive in sink drains and also cause patient infections. These results highlight the importance of removing these antibiotic resistant organism reservoirs to prevent infections. Sukhum, Newcomer et al. evaluate reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant organisms within the built environment and patient samples from an established and a newly-built intensive care unit. The authors demonstrate colonization of sink drains and other sites and show relatedness between environmental reservoirs and patient infections.
Collapse
|
20
|
Butler J, Kelly SD, Muddiman KJ, Besinis A, Upton M. Hospital sink traps as a potential source of the emerging multidrug-resistant pathogen Cupriavidus pauculus: characterization and draft genome sequence of strain MF1. J Med Microbiol 2022; 71. [PMID: 35113779 PMCID: PMC8941954 DOI: 10.1099/jmm.0.001501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction.Cupriavidus pauculus is historically found in soil and water but has more recently been reported to cause human infection and death. Hospital sink traps can serve as a niche for bacterial persistence and a platform for horizontal gene transfer, with evidence of dissemination of pathogens in hospital plumbing systems driving nosocomial infection. Gap Statement. This paper presents the first C. pauculus strain isolated from a hospital sink trap. There are only six genome assemblies available on NCBI for C. pauculus; two of these are PacBio/Illumina hybrids. This paper presents the first ONT/Illumina hybrid assembly, with five contigs. The other assemblies available consist of 37, 38, 111 and 227 contigs. This paper also presents data on biofilm formation and lethal dose in Galleria mellonella; there is little published information describing these aspects of virulence. Aim. The aims were to identify the isolate found in a hospital sink trap, characterize its genome, and assess whether it could pose a risk to human health. Methodology. The genome was sequenced, and a hybrid assembly of short and long reads produced. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by the broth microdilution method. Virulence was assessed by measuring in vitro biofilm formation compared to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and in vivo lethality in Galleria mellonella larvae. Results. The isolate was confirmed to be a strain of C. pauculus, with a 6.8 Mb genome consisting of 6468 coding sequences and an overall G+C content of 63.9 mol%. The genome was found to contain 12 antibiotic resistance genes, 8 virulence factor genes and 33 metal resistance genes. The isolate can be categorized as resistant to meropenem, amoxicillin, amikacin, gentamicin and colistin, but susceptible to cefotaxime, cefepime, imipenem and ciprofloxacin. Clear biofilm formation was seen in all conditions over 72 h and exceeded that of P. aeruginosa when measured at 37 °C in R2A broth. Lethality in G. mellonella larvae over 48 h was relatively low. Conclusion. The appearance of a multidrug-resistant strain of C. pauculus in a known pathogen reservoir within a clinical setting should be considered concerning. Further work should be completed to compare biofilm formation and in vivo virulence between clinical and environmental strains, to determine how easily environmental strains may establish human infection. Infection control teams and clinicians should be aware of the emerging nature of this pathogen and further work is needed to minimize the impact of contaminated hospital plumbing systems on patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Butler
- School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Sean D Kelly
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Katie J Muddiman
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Alexandros Besinis
- School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.,Peninsula Dental School, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Mathew Upton
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, University of Plymouth, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Nurjadi D, Scherrer M, Frank U, Mutters NT, Heininger A, Späth I, Eichel VM, Jabs J, Probst K, Müller-Tidow C, Brandt J, Heeg K, Boutin S. Genomic Investigation and Successful Containment of an Intermittent Common Source Outbreak of OXA-48-Producing Enterobacter cloacae Related to Hospital Shower Drains. Microbiol Spectr 2021; 9:e0138021. [PMID: 34817232 PMCID: PMC8612159 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01380-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The hospital environment has been reported as a source of transmission events and outbreaks of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales. Interconnected plumbing systems and the microbial diversity in these reservoirs pose a challenge for outbreak investigation and control. A total of 133 clinical and environmental OXA-48-producing Enterobacter cloacae isolates collected between 2015 and 2021 were characterized by whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to investigate a prolonged intermittent outbreak involving 41 patients in the hematological unit. A mock-shower experiment was performed to investigate the possible acquisition route. WGS indicated the hospital water environmental reservoir as the most likely source of the outbreak. The lack of diversity of the blaOXA-48-like harbouring plasmids was a challenge for data interpretation. The detection of blaOXA-48-like-harboring E. cloacae strains in the shower area after the mock-shower experiment provided strong evidence that showering is the most likely route of acquisition. Initially, in 20 out of 38 patient rooms, wastewater traps and drains were contaminated with OXA-48-positive E. cloacae. Continuous decontamination using 25% acetic acid three times weekly was effective in reducing the trap/drain positivity in monthly environmental screening but not in reducing new acquisitions. However, the installation of removable custom-made shower tubs did prevent new acquisitions over a subsequent 12-month observation period. In the present study, continuous decontamination was effective in reducing the bacterial burden in the nosocomial reservoirs but was not sufficient to prevent environment-to-patient transmission in the long term. Construction interventions may be necessary for successful infection prevention and control. IMPORTANCE The hospital water environment can be a reservoir for a multiward outbreak, leading to acquisitions or transmissions of multidrug-resistant organisms in a hospital setting. The majority of Gram-negative bacteria are able to build biofilms and persist in the hospital plumbing system over a long period of time. The elimination of the reservoir is essential to prevent further transmission and spread, but proposed decontamination regimens, e.g., using acetic acid, can only suppress but not fully eliminate the environmental reservoir. In this study, we demonstrated that colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms can be acquired by showering in showers with contaminated water traps and drains. A construction intervention by installing removable and autoclavable shower inserts to avoid sink contact during showering was effective in containing this outbreak and may be a viable alternative infection prevention and control measure in outbreak situations involving contaminated shower drains and water traps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Nurjadi
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martin Scherrer
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Frank
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nico T. Mutters
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | - Alexandra Heininger
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Hospital Hygiene, University Medical Center Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Isabel Späth
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vanessa M. Eichel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jonas Jabs
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute for Hygiene and Public Health, Bonn University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | - Katja Probst
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carsten Müller-Tidow
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Juliane Brandt
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Heeg
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sébastien Boutin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|