Classification of healthcare-associated infection: a systematic review 10 years after the first proposal

Evolutionary trajectories of beta-lactamase NDM and DLST cluster in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: finding the putative ancestor

Pseudomonas aeruginosa has different antibiotic resistance pathways, such as broad-spectrum lactamases and metallo-β-lactamases (MBL), penicillin-binding protein (PBP) alteration, and active efflux pumps. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing methods were applied for double-locus sequence typing (DLST) and New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) typing. We deduced the evolutionary pathways for DLST and NDM genes of P. aeruginosa using phylogenetic network. Among the analyzed isolates, 62.50% of the P. aeruginosa isolates were phenotypically carbapenem resistance (CARBR) isolates. Characterization of isolates revealed that the prevalence of blaNDM, blaVIM, blaIMP, undetermined carbapenemase, and MexAB-OprM were 27.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 12.5%, and 15%, respectively. The three largest clusters found were DLST t20-105, DLST t32-39, and DLST t32-52. The network phylogenic tree revealed that DLST t26-46 was a hypothetical ancestor for other DLSTs, and NDM-1 was as a hypothetical ancestor for NDMs. The combination of the NDM and DLST phylogenic trees revealed that DLST t32-39 and DLST tN2-N3 with NDM-4 potentially derived from DLST t26-46 along with NDM-1. Similarly, DLST t5-91 with NDM-5 diversified from DLST tN2-N3 with NDM-4. This is the first study in which DLST and NDM evolutionary routes were performed to investigate the origin of P. aeruginosa isolates. Our study showed that the utilization of medical equipment common to two centers, staff members common to two centers, limitations in treatment options, and prescription of unnecessary high levels of meropenem are the main agents that generate new types of resistant bacteria and spread resistance among hospitals.

Comparison of mortality rates in patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales bacteremia according to carbapenemase production: a multicenter propensity-score matched study

The spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) poses a public health threat worldwide. We aimed to compare the mortality rates between the carbapenemase-producing (CP) and non-CP CRE bacteremia. We conducted a retrospective cohort study in patients with CRE bacteremia after propensity score (PS) matching. We performed a Kaplan-Meier curve analysis to identify the cumulative hazard for 30-day mortality. There were 318 patients with CRE between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2022. There were 252 patients with CP-CRE and 66 with non-CP-RE, respectively. Before PS matching, the 30-day mortality rates were 40.9% in the non-CP-CRE group and 53.2% in the CP-CRE group (p = 0.097). In patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), the mortality rates were 49.0% in the non-CP-CRE group and 57.1% in the CP-CRE group (p = 0.340). After PS matching, the hazard ratio (HR) for mortality in the CP-CRE group was 1.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-3.03), p = 0.266). In ICU patients, the HR of CP-CRE was 1.11 (95% CI 0.36-3.39, p = 0.860). The Kaplan-Meier curve for 30-day mortality showed no difference in cumulative hazard. After PS matching, there was no difference in 30-day mortality between patients with CP-CRE and non-CP-CRE bacteremia.

Efficacy of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide in Reducing Post-Operative Infections: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Post-operative infections are a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is an antimicrobial agent that has been used in various surgical settings to prevent infections. However, the literature on its efficacy in reducing post-operative infections remains unclear. Materials and Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the efficacy of PHMB in reducing post-operative infections. The risk of bias and methodologic quality of the included studies were also assessed. Results: The systematic review included nine RCTs, and eight were included in the meta-analysis that showed that the use of PHMB was associated with a reduction in the rate of post-operative infections. The overall effect size was statistically significant, with moderate heterogeneity across the included studies (log Peto's odds ratio [OR], -0.890; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.411 to -0.369; I2 = 41.89%). However, the diversity in the application of PHMB and the potential influence of other factors, such as adherence to infection prevention protocols and organizational-level variables, underscore the need for further primary studies. Conclusions: Polyhexamethylene biguanide appears to be a promising intervention for reducing post-operative infections. However, more high-quality, well-designed RCTs are needed to confirm these findings and to explore the most effective ways to use PHMB within specific infection prevention bundles. Future research should also aim to control for potential confounding factors to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the efficacy of PHMB in reducing post-operative infections.

Pediatric sepsis profile in a tertiary-care hospital in Indonesia: a 4-year retrospective study

AIM

This study aimed to explore the factors contributing to mortality and its management among pediatric sepsis patients at a single center in Indonesia.

METHOD

We conducted a retrospective study of children admitted due to sepsis from January 2015 to December 2019 in an Indonesian tertiary hospital.

RESULTS

The mortality rate of pediatric sepsis in our study was 76.1% among 176 records with outcome identified. Mortality was significantly associated with septic shock at triage, number of organ failure, intensive care unit admission, inotropic use, septic shock and severe sepsis during hospitalization. Timing of antibiotic use did not affect mortality. Death within the first 24 h occurred in 41.8% of subjects, mostly due to septic shock.

CONCLUSION

This study illuminates the current state of pediatric sepsis management in our Indonesian hospital, revealing it as inadequate. Findings highlight the need for improved pre-hospital systems and sepsis recognition tools, and wider use of mechanical ventilators and advanced monitoring due to limited pediatric intensive care unit beds. Future research should focus on hospital-specific sepsis protocols to reduce pediatric sepsis mortality rates.

Risk and Outcome of Infective Endocarditis in Streptococcal Bloodstream Infections according to Streptococcal Species

This study aimed to identify which streptococcal species are closely associated with infective endocarditis (IE) and to evaluate risk factors for mortality in patients with streptococcal IE. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients with streptococcal bloodstream infection (BSI) from January 2010 to June 2020 in a tertiary hospital in South Korea. We compared clinical and microbiological characteristics of streptococcal BSIs according to the diagnosis of IE. We performed multivariate analysis to evaluate the risk of IE according to streptococcal species and risk factors for mortality in streptococcal IE. A total of 2,737 patients were identified during the study period, and 174 (6.4%) were diagnosed with IE. The highest IE prevalence was in patients with Streptococcus mutans BSI (33% [9/27]) followed by S. sanguinis (31% [20/64]), S. gordonii (23% [5/22]), S. gallolyticus (16% [12/77]), and S. oralis (12% [14/115]). In multivariate analysis, previous IE, high-grade BSI, native valve disease, prosthetic valve, congenital heart disease, and community-onset BSI were independent risk factors for IE. After adjusting for these factors, S. sanguinis (adjusted OR [aOR], 7.75), S. mutans (aOR, 5.50), and S. gallolyticus (aOR, 2.57) were significantly associated with higher risk of IE, whereas S. pneumoniae (aOR, 0.23) and S. constellatus (aOR, 0.37) were associated with lower risk of IE. Age, hospital-acquired BSI, ischemic heart disease, and chronic kidney disease were independent risk factors for mortality in streptococcal IE. Our study points to significant differences in the prevalence of IE in streptococcal BSI according to species. IMPORTANCE Our study of risk of infective endocarditis in patients with streptococcal bloodstream infection demonstrated that Streptococcus sanguinis, S. mutans, and S. gallolyticus were significantly associated with higher risk of infective endocarditis. However, when we evaluated the performance of echocardiography in patients with streptococcal bloodstream infection, patients with S. mutans and S. gordonii bloodstream infection had a tendency of low performance in echocardiography. There are significant differences in the prevalence of infective endocarditis in streptococcal bloodstream infection according to species. Therefore, performing echocardiography in streptococcal bloodstream infection with a high prevalence of, and significant association with, infective endocarditis is desirable.

Barriers to Learning Healthcare-Associated Infections Prevention and Control during Clinical Practicum among Nursing Students in Korea: A Focus Group Study

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) refer to infections that patients may acquire from healthcare facilities through nursing activities. Nursing students involved in patient care are regularly exposed to an array of pathogens and clinical practicum is essential for them to appropriately practice HAI prevention and control. This study aimed to explore the barriers to learning HAI prevention and control experienced by nursing students during their clinical practicum. A qualitative study was performed using focus group interviews. A total of 12 nursing students from South Korea, consisting of six third-year students and six fourth-year students, were enrolled. Both groups had taken clinical practicum courses. Data were collected using semi-structured questions and analyzed with conventional content analysis. Barriers experienced by the participants when learning HAI prevention and control were limited learning opportunities, inadequate infection control-related knowledge, inadequate practicum experience, and passive learning attitudes. Addressing the identified barriers would allow nursing students to effectively acquire infection control competencies during their clinical practicum.

Sources of primary bloodstream infections in internal medicine patients - a cohort study

PURPOSE

To describe the sources of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in internal-medicine patients, on admission and during hospitalization, and to determine the proportion of BSIs in which no secondary cause could be defined (i.e., primary-BSI).

METHODS

We analyzed all BSIs at the internal-medicine wards of the two campuses of the Hadassah Hebrew-University Medical Center, during 2017-2018. We defined the BSI source of each event (secondary, Central-line associated BSI (CLABSI) or primary non-CLABSI) and compared BSIs present on admission (POA) to hospital acquired (HA).

RESULTS

There were 595 patient-unique BSI events, 316 (53.1%) POA-BSI and 279 (46.9%) HA-BSI. Overall, 309 (51.9%) were secondary, 194 (32.6%) primary non-CLABSI and 92 (15.5%) CLABSI. Primary non-CLABSI in the POA-BSI group was 20.6% vs. 46.2% in the HA-BSI group (p = 0.001). The length of hospital stay (LOS) of the HA-BSI group was longer than in the POA-BSI group (mean LOS, 19 days vs. 13.6 days, p = 0.01) and mortality rate was higher (48.7% vs. 19%, p = 0.001). Staphylococcus aureus was more common in primary non-CLABSI than in CLABSI and secondary BSI (29.5%, 12.8% and 16.2%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of primary non-CLABSI among HA-BSI events is very high (46.2%). The absence of any plausible source for these BSIs, and the fact that in our hospital more than 90% of patients in medicine wards have peripheral lines, suggests that these may be a possible source for primary non-CLABSIs. Measures to prevent peripheral-line associated BSI (PLABSI), like those implemented successfully for the prevention of CLABSI, should be considered.

Economic burden of antimicrobial resistance and inappropriate empiric treatment in Thailand

Objective

To quantify the economic burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance in Thailand and estimate potential savings from improving the rate of appropriate empiric treatment, where effective coverage is provided within the first days of infection.

Design

Cost-of-illness study.

Methods

A cost-calculator, decision-tree model was developed using published data and records from 3 Thai hospitals for patients hospitalized with antimicrobial-resistant infections between 2015 and 2019. Direct and indirect costs of antimicrobial-resistant infections were assessed over a 5-year time horizon, with outcomes derived separately for cases having received appropriate empiric treatment versus inappropriate empiric treatment. In a real-world scenario, outcomes were estimated using actual rates of inappropriate empiric treatment, and in a hypothetical scenario, outcomes were estimated using decreased rates of inappropriate empiric treatment.

Results

Over 5 years, in-hospital antimicrobial-resistant infections produced costs of approximately Thai baht (THB) 66.4 billion (USD 2.1 billion) in the real-world scenario and THB 65.8 billion (USD 2.1 billion) in the hypothetical scenario (0.9% cost savings relative to the real-world scenario). Most costs were attributable to income loss due to in-hospital mortality (real world: THB 53.7 billion [USD 1.7 billion]; 80.9% of costs; hypothetical: THB 53.2 billion [USD 1.7 billion]; 80.8% of costs) and hospitalization (real world: THB 10.3 billion [USD 330.8 million]; 15.5% of costs; hypothetical: THB 10.2 billion [USD 328.9 million]; 15.5% of costs).

Conclusions

In-hospital antimicrobial-resistant infections produced a substantial economic toll in Thailand. This public health burden could be reduced with a strategy aimed at decreasing the rate of patients receiving inappropriate empiric treatment.

Epidemiology and risk factors for mortality among methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremic patients in Southern Brazil

This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiology and 30-day mortality of adult patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteremia. We retrospectively reviewed the demographic and clinical data of adult patients with S. aureus bloodstream infections (BSI), admitted to a tertiary public teaching medical center in Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil, from January 2014 to December 2019. A total of 928 patients with S. aureus BSI were identified in the study period (68.5 per 100,000 patient-years), and the proportion of MRSA isolates was 22% (19-27%). Thus, 199 patients were included in the analyses. The median age was 62 (IQR: 51-74) years, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) median was 5 (IQR: 3-6), the Pitt bacteremia score (PBS) median was 1 (IQR: 1-4), and the most common site of infection was skin and soft tissue (26%). Most infections were hospital-acquired (54%), empirical anti-MRSA treatment was initiated in 34% of the cases, and in 44% vancomycin minimum inhibitory concentration was 1.5mg/L or above. Sixty-two (31.2%) patients died up to 30 days after the bacteremia episode. Patients with more comorbid conditions (higher CCI; aOR 1.222, p = 0.006) and a more severe presentation (higher PBS; aOR 1.726, p<0.001) were independently associated with mortality. Empiric antimicrobial therapy with an anti-MRSA regimen was associated with reduced mortality (aOR 0.319, p = 0.016). Our study identified significant risk factors for 30-day mortality in patients with MRSA BSI in a population with a high incidence of S. aureus bacteremia. Empiric treatment with an anti-MRSA drug was a protective factor. No significant variation in the incidence of S. aureus BSI was recorded throughout the period.

Community-Acquired Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Epidemiology and Management in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department of a Tertiary Care Hospital

BACKGROUND

Skin and soft tissue infections are one of the most common diseases presenting to the emergency department (ED). There is no study available on the management of Community-Acquired Skin and Soft Tissue Infections (CA-SSTIs) in our population recently. This study aims to describe the frequency and distribution of CA-SSTIs as well as their medical and surgical management among patients presenting to our ED.

METHODS

We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study on patients presenting with CA-SSTIs to the ED of a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan. The primary objective was to estimate the frequency of common CA-SSTIs presenting to the ED and to assess the management of these infections in terms of diagnostic workup and treatment modalities used. The secondary objectives were to study the association of different baseline variables, diagnostic modalities, treatment modalities, and improvement with the surgical procedure performance for these infections. Descriptive statistics were obtained for quantitative variables like age. Frequencies and percentages were derived for categorical variables. The chi-square test was used to compare different CA-SSTIs in terms of categorical variables like diagnostic and treatment modalities. We divided the data into two groups based on the surgical procedure. A chi-square analysis was conducted to compare these two groups in terms of categorical variables.

RESULTS

Out of the 241 patients, 51.9% were males and the mean age was 34.2 years. The most common CA-SSTIs were abscesses, infected ulcers, and cellulitis. Antibiotics were prescribed to 84.2% of patients. Amoxicillin + Clavulanate was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic. Out of the total, 128 (53.11%) patients received some type of surgical intervention. Surgical procedures were significantly associated with diabetes mellitus, heart disease, limitation of mobility, or recent antibiotic use. There was a significantly higher rate of prescription of any antibiotic and anti-methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (anti-MRSA) agents in the surgical procedure group. This group also saw a higher rate of oral antibiotics prescription, hospitalization, wound culture, and complete blood count.

CONCLUSION

This study shows a higher frequency of purulent infections in our ED. Antibiotics were prescribed more frequently for all infections. Surgical procedures like incision and drainage were much lower even in purulent infections. Furthermore, beta-lactam antibiotics like Amoxicillin-Clavulanate were commonly prescribed. Linezolid was the only systemic anti-MRSA agent prescribed. We suggest physicians should prescribe antibiotics appropriate to the local antibiograms and the latest guidelines.

Antibiotic point prevalence survey at a tertiary healthcare hospital in India: Identifying strategies to improve the antibiotic stewardship program immediately after a COVID-19 wave

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected the antibiotic stewardship activities in most hospitals of India.

Aims

We conducted an antibiotic point prevalence survey (PPS) immediately after the decline of a major COVID-19 wave at a dedicated COVID-19 hospital. By doing so we aimed to identify the antibiotic prescription patterns, identify factors influencing the choice of antibiotics, and identify/develop strategies to improve the antibiotic stewardship program in such setups.

Methods

The PPS was single-centred, cross-sectional, and retrospective in nature. Patients admitted in various wards and intensive care units (ICUs) between September 2021 to October 2021 were included in our PPS.

Results

Of the included 460 patients, 192 were prescribed antibiotics. Of these 192 patients, ICU-admitted patients had the highest number of antibiotics prescribed i.e. 2.09 ± 0.92. Only a minor fraction (7.92 %) of antibiotics prescriptions were on the basis of culture reports. Most of the antibiotics were prescribed empirically by the parenteral route. The most common group of antibiotics prescribed were third-generation cephalosporins. Carbapenems were the most common designated antibiotics prescribed. A large number of patients (22.40 %) were prescribed a double anaerobic coverage.

Conclusion

The strategies that we identified to improve the antibiotic stewardship program at our institute included reviving the culture of sending culture reports to prescribe antibiotics, improving surgical prophylaxis guidelines, training resident doctors to categorize antibiotic prescriptions appropriately, closely monitoring prescriptions providing double anaerobic coverage, and improving the electronic medical record system for improving prescription auditing.

A Proposal for a Classification Guiding the Selection of Appropriate Antibiotic Therapy for Intra-Abdominal Infections

Adequately controlling the source of infection and prescribing appropriately antibiotic therapy are the cornerstones of the management of patients with intra-abdominal infections (IAIs). Correctly classifying patients with IAIs is crucial to assessing the severity of their clinical condition and deciding the strategy of the treatment, including a correct empiric antibiotic therapy. Best practices in prescribing antibiotics may impact patient outcomes and the cost of treatment, as well as the risk of “opportunistic” infections such as Clostridioides difficile infection and the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. This review aims to identify a correct classification of IAIs, guiding clinicians in the selection of the best antibiotic therapy in patients with IAIs.

Plethora of Antibiotics Usage and Evaluation of Carbapenem Prescribing Pattern in Intensive Care Units: A Single-Center Experience of Malaysian Academic Hospital

Excessive antibiotic consumption is still common among critically ill patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU), especially during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) period. Moreover, information regarding antimicrobial consumption among ICUs in South-East Asia remains scarce and limited. This study aims to determine antibiotics utilization in ICUs by measuring antibiotics consumption over the past six years (2016−2021) and specifically evaluating carbapenems prescribed in a COVID-19 ICU and a general intensive care unit (GICU) during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. (2) Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional observational analysis of antibiotics consumption and carbapenems prescriptions. Antibiotic utilization data were estimated using the WHO Defined Daily Doses (DDD). Carbapenems prescription information was extracted from the audits conducted by ward pharmacists. Patients who were prescribed carbapenems during their admission to COVID-19 ICU and GICU were included. Patients who passed away before being reviewed by the pharmacists were excluded. (3) Results: In general, antibiotics consumption increased markedly in the year 2021 when compared to previous years. Majority of carbapenems were prescribed empirically (86.8%). Comparing COVID-19 ICU and GICU, the reasons for empirical carbapenems therapy in COVID-19 ICU was predominantly for therapy escalation (64.7% COVID-19 ICU vs. 34% GICU, p < 0.001), whereas empirical prescription in GICU was for coverage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) gram-negative bacteria (GNB) (45.3% GICU vs. 22.4% COVID-19 ICU, p = 0.005). Despite microbiological evidence, the empirical carbapenems were continued for a median (interquartile range (IQR)) of seven (5−8) days. This implies the need for a rapid diagnostic assay on direct specimens, together with comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) discourse with intensivists to address this issue.

Nonfermenting, Gram-Negative Bacilli Causing Neonatal Sepsis in Odisha, India: Four-Year Surveillance

Introduction

In India, blood culture-positive sepsis results in mortality in 33%-35% of affected neonates. Nonfermenting Gram-negative bacilli (NFGNB), particularly Acinetobacter baumannii and Burkholderia cepacia commonly cause hospital-acquired infection.

Materials and methods

We performed a subgroup analysis as part of a prospective study conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit in a tertiary care hospital in Odisha, India, between January 2017 and December 2020. Neonates with blood culture-positive sepsis caused by NFGNB were enrolled in this study. Demographic characteristics of the neonates, clinical features of sepsis, complications, need for supportive care, and blood culture sensitivity patterns were recorded and analyzed.

Results

A total of 168 organisms were isolated in blood cultures during our study period, of which 48 (29%) were NFGNB species. Among these 48 species, A. baumannii (37.5%) and B. cepacia (33.3%) were the most common NFGNB in our study. Neonates with sepsis commonly exhibited feeding intolerance (64.5%), circulatory insufficiency that necessitated vasopressor treatment (54.1%), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (35.4%), seizures (33.3%), and the need for respiratory support (56.2%). NFGNB were multidrug-resistant (MDR) in 70.8% of cases, and 93.7% of B. cepacia and 55.5% of A. baumannii were MDR.

Conclusions

A. baumannii and B. cepacia are NFGNB commonly isolated in neonatal cases of blood culture-positive sepsis. The prevalence of MDR NFGNB sepsis is gradually increasing, which poses a threat to neonates. Strict aseptic precautions and antibiotic stewardship are thus mandatory in perinatal practice.

Automated Susceptibility Testing With Vitek 2 Compared to MicroScan Reduces Vancomycin Alternative Therapy For Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Bacteremia

OBJECTIVES

Variability in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) with automated susceptibility testing instruments may influence methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the difference in vancomycin MIC values and the impact on vancomycin alternative therapy for MRSA bacteremia using the MicroScan and VITEK 2 automated systems.

METHODS

This was a retrospective multicenter cohort study of adult patients with MRSA bacteremia. Patients were stratified by susceptibility testing with MicroScan (May 2013-December 2016) or VITEK 2 (June 2017-February 2020). The primary outcome was vancomycin alternative therapy use. Secondary endpoints included MRSA MIC, 30-day mortality, 30- and 90-day readmission, and hospital length of stay (LOS).

RESULTS

A total of 193 patients were included for analysis: 89 in the MicroScan group and 104 in the VITEK 2 group. Vancomycin alternative therapy use was higher in the MicroScan group than the VITEK 2 group (56.2% vs 20.2%; p <0.001). Median MIC value was 2 mg/L and 1 mg/L for MicroScan and VITEK 2, respectively (p <0.001). Median hospital LOS was shorter in the VITEK 2 period (16 vs 12 days; p = 0.02). Thirty-day mortality (10.1% vs 7.7%; p = 0.555) and 90-day readmission (34.8% vs 29.8%; p = 0.457) did not significantly differ between MicroScan and VITEK 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

VITEK 2 use was associated with lower reported vancomycin MICs and less use of vancomycin alternative therapy.

Comparison of the Clinical Outcomes of Patients With Positive Xpert Carba-R Tests for Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales According to Culture Positivity

Background

We aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of patients with positive Xpert Carba-R assay results for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) according to CPE culture positivity.

Methods

We retrospectively collected data for patients with positive CPE (positive Xpert Carba-R or culture) who underwent both tests from August 2018 to March 2021 in a 2700-bed tertiary referral hospital in Seoul, South Korea. We compared the clinical outcomes of patients positive for Xpert Carba-R according to whether they were positive (XPCP) or negative (XPCN) for CPE culture.

Results

Of 322 patients with CPE who underwent both Xpert Carba-R and culture, 313 (97%) were positive for Xpert Carba-R for CPE. Of these, 87 (28%) were XPCN, and 226 (72%) were XPCP. XPCN patients were less likely to have a history of previous antibiotic use (75.9% vs 90.3%; P = .001) and to have Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (21.8% vs 48.9%; P < .001). None of the XPCN patients developed infection from colonization within 6 months, whereas 13.4% (29/216) of the XPCP patients did (P < .001). XPCN patients had lower transmission rates than XPCP patients (3.0% [9/305] vs 6.3% [37/592]; P = .03). There was no significant difference in CPE clearance from positive culture results between XPCN and XPCP patients (40.0% [8/20] vs 26.7% [55/206]; P = .21).

Conclusions

Our study suggests that XPCN patients had lower rates of both infection and transmission than XPCP patients. The Xpert Carba-R assay is clinically useful not only for rapid identification of CPE but also for predicting risks of infection and transmission when performed along with culture.

Increasing rates of extended-spectrum B-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in uncomplicated and complicated acute pyelonephritis and evaluation of empirical treatments based on culture results

Increasing rates of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae over time made empirical treatment complicated. Knowing local antimicrobial resistance patterns of common pathogens can make it easier to decide on empirical antibiotics. We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of ESBL positivity of E. coli and K. pneumoniae strains in uncomplicated and complicated pyelonephritis acquired in community and healthcare associations and to evaluate the appropriateness of empirical treatment. Adult patients hospitalized with diagnosis of community-acquired or healthcare-associated uncomplicated/complicated pyelonephritis initiated empirical antimicrobial therapy were included in the study. Appropriateness of empirical treatment at 48-72 h based on culture results and treatment modifications were evaluated. A total of 369 uncomplicated (94) and complicated (275) episodes of pyelonephritis were evaluated. The most common agents were E. coli (71.0%) and K. pneumoniae (17.7%), and the ESBL-production rate was 64.4%, and higher in healthcare-associated pyelonephritis (P 0.013). Being of healthcare-associated infection, previous antibiotic use, and presence of urinary catheters were independent risk factors for ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae (P 0.009, < 0.001, and 0.024, respectively). The treatment inappropriateness was mostly associated with use of ceftriaxone (56.3%) (P < 0.001). Treatment has escalated in 41.5% of ceftriaxone-initiated patients, in only 8.8% and 9.5% ertapenem and piperacillin-tazobactam-initiated patients, respectively. ESBL-production rates are quite high even in community-acquired infections. The use of broad-spectrum antibiotics covering ESBL-producing pathogens to increase the appropriateness of empirical treatment and then narrowing treatment based on culture results appears a better and life-saving choice.

Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Utilization in Ghana's Premier Hospital: Implications for Antimicrobial Stewardship

The first comprehensive point prevalence survey at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) was performed as part of the 2019 Global Point Prevalence Survey (Global-PPS) on antimicrobials. The aim was to establish a PPS baseline for the whole hospital and to identify required stewardship interventions. The PPS was conducted over three days in June 2019 using the GLOBAL-PPS standardized method for surveillance of antimicrobial utilization in hospitals to evaluate antimicrobial prescribing. In all, 988 patients were admitted to 69 wards. Overall antimicrobial prevalence was 53.3%. More community-acquired infections (CAI) were treated empirically compared to health-care associated infections (94.0% vs. 86.1% respectively, p = 0.002). Main indications for prescribing antimicrobials were pneumonia (18.4%), skin and soft tissue infections (11.4%) and sepsis (11.1%). Among antimicrobials, systemic antibiotics accounted for 83.5%, of which amoxicillin with beta-lactam inhibitor (17.5%), metronidazole (11.8%) and ceftriaxone (11.5%) dominated. Guideline compliance was 89.0%. Stop/review dates were completed in 33.4% and documented reason was recorded in 53.0% of all prescriptions. If the findings in this PPS can be addressed antimicrobial stewardship at the KBTH stands to improve significantly.

Antimicrobial resistance determinants are associated with Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia and adaptation to the healthcare environment: a bacterial genome-wide association study

Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen in humans, and a dominant cause of severe bloodstream infections. Globally, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in S. aureus remains challenging. While human risk factors for infection have been defined, contradictory evidence exists for the role of bacterial genomic variation in S. aureus disease. To investigate the contribution of bacterial lineage and genomic variation to the development of bloodstream infection, we undertook a genome-wide association study comparing bacteria from 1017 individuals with bacteraemia to 984 adults with asymptomatic S. aureus nasal carriage. Within 984 carriage isolates, we also compared healthcare-associated (HA) carriage with community-associated (CA) carriage. All major global lineages were represented in both bacteraemia and carriage, with no evidence for different infection rates. However, kmers tagging trimethoprim resistance-conferring mutation F99Y in dfrB were significantly associated with bacteraemia-vs-carriage (P=10-8.9-10-9.3). Pooling variation within genes, bacteraemia-vs-carriage was associated with the presence of mecA (HMP=10-5.3) as well as the presence of SCCmec (HMP=10-4.4). Among S. aureus carriers, no lineages were associated with HA-vs-CA carriage. However, we found a novel signal of HA-vs-CA carriage in the foldase protein prsA, where kmers representing conserved sequence allele were associated with CA carriage (P=10-7.1-10-19.4), while in gyrA, a ciprofloxacin resistance-conferring mutation, L84S, was associated with HA carriage (P=10-7.2). In an extensive study of S. aureus bacteraemia and nasal carriage in the UK, we found strong evidence that all S. aureus lineages are equally capable of causing bloodstream infection, and of being carried in the healthcare environment. Genomic variation in the foldase protein prsA is a novel genomic marker of healthcare origin in S. aureus but was not associated with bacteraemia. AMR determinants were associated with both bacteraemia and healthcare-associated carriage, suggesting that AMR increases the propensity not only to survive in healthcare environments, but also to cause invasive disease.

Risk Factors for Mortality in Patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae and Escherichia coli bacteremia

Background

Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Enterobacterales bacteremia is associated with significant mortality; however, no optimal antibiotic strategy is available. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes according to the antibiotic regimens and identify risk factors for mortality in patients with KPC-producing K. pneumoniae and Escherichia coli bacteremia.

Materials and Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all adult patients with monomicrobial bacteremia (KPC-producing K. pneumoniae or E. coli) between January 2011 and March 2021 at a 2,700-bed tertiary center.

Results

Ninety-two patients were identified; 7 with E. coli bacteremia, and 85 with K. pneumoniae bacteremia. Thirty-day mortality was 38.0% (35/92). Non-survivors were more likely to have had nosocomial infection (88.6% vs. 63.2%, P = 0.01), high APACHE II scores (mean [interquartile range], 22.0 [14.0 - 28.0] vs. 14.0 [11.0 - 20.5], P <0.001), and septic shock (51.4% vs. 26.3%, P <0.001) and less likely to have been admitted to the surgical ward (5.7% vs. 22.8%, P = 0.04), undergone removal of eradicable foci (61.5% vs. 90.6%, P = 0.03), and received appropriate combination treatment (57.1% vs. 78.9%, P = 0.03) than survivors. No significant difference in mortality was observed according to combination regimens including colistin, aminoglycoside, and tigecycline. In multivariable analysis, high APACHE II scores (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06 - 1.23, P <0.001), and appropriate definitive treatment (aOR, 0.25; CI, 0.08 - 0.74, P = 0.01) were independent risk factors for mortality.

Conclusion

High APACHE II scores and not receiving appropriate definitive treatment were associated with 30-day mortality. Mortality did not significantly differ according to combination regimens with conventional drugs such as aminoglycoside and colistin.

Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia in Hospitalized Patients and Associated Factors: A Cross-sectional Study from Mashhad, Iran

Background: Staphylococcus aureus is an important cause of resistant infection with high mortality and morbidity. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics and comorbidities of patients with S. aureus infection to define the predictors of adverse outcomes. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients (aged ≥ 15 years) with positive S. aureus blood cultures were included. Their demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded, and their association with the main adverse outcomes (methicillin-resistant S. aureus [MRSA], infective endocarditis, source of infection, and the final outcome were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. Results: The male-to-female ratio was 54/51. The mean age was 55.13 years (women: 58.45 ± 20.4 and men: 53.6 ± 17.6). Of 105 cases analyzed, 40% had hospital-, 25.7% community-, and 34.3% healthcare-associated bacteremia. The median duration of hospital admission was 13 days. Thirty-two percent had MRSA, differently based on the source of infection (P = 0.029). Twenty-eight patients had infective endocarditis, differently based on the source of infection, prosthetics, considerable foci of infection, and receipt of blood and its derivatives (P < 0.05). Most patients with neurological and end-stage renal disease (both P = 0.001) did not have infective endocarditis. Finally, 61.9% of the patients were discharged with good condition, 38.1% died, and 9% left the hospital before diagnosis of the foci. Conclusions: Vascular catheters and cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, are among the most common factors associated with S. aureus bacteremia, and it is necessary to carefully examine the presence of these factors, as well as infective endocarditis in these patients.

Co-infections, secondary infections, and antimicrobial use in patients hospitalised with COVID-19 during the first pandemic wave from the ISARIC WHO CCP-UK study: a multicentre, prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Microbiological characterisation of co-infections and secondary infections in patients with COVID-19 is lacking, and antimicrobial use is high. We aimed to describe microbiologically confirmed co-infections and secondary infections, and antimicrobial use, in patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19.

METHODS

The International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium (ISARIC) WHO Clinical Characterisation Protocol UK (CCP-UK) study is an ongoing, prospective cohort study recruiting inpatients from 260 hospitals in England, Scotland, and Wales, conducted by the ISARIC Coronavirus Clinical Characterisation Consortium. Patients with a confirmed or clinician-defined high likelihood of SARS-CoV-2 infection were eligible for inclusion in the ISARIC WHO CCP-UK study. For this specific study, we excluded patients with a recorded negative SARS-CoV-2 test result and those without a recorded outcome at 28 days after admission. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, therapeutic, and outcome data were collected using a prespecified case report form. Organisms considered clinically insignificant were excluded.

FINDINGS

We analysed data from 48 902 patients admitted to hospital between Feb 6 and June 8, 2020. The median patient age was 74 years (IQR 59-84) and 20 786 (42·6%) of 48 765 patients were female. Microbiological investigations were recorded for 8649 (17·7%) of 48 902 patients, with clinically significant COVID-19-related respiratory or bloodstream culture results recorded for 1107 patients. 762 (70·6%) of 1080 infections were secondary, occurring more than 2 days after hospital admission. Staphylococcus aureus and Haemophilus influenzae were the most common pathogens causing respiratory co-infections (diagnosed ≤2 days after admission), with Enterobacteriaceae and S aureus most common in secondary respiratory infections. Bloodstream infections were most frequently caused by Escherichia coli and S aureus. Among patients with available data, 13 390 (37·0%) of 36 145 had received antimicrobials in the community for this illness episode before hospital admission and 39 258 (85·2%) of 46 061 patients with inpatient antimicrobial data received one or more antimicrobials at some point during their admission (highest for patients in critical care). We identified frequent use of broad-spectrum agents and use of carbapenems rather than carbapenem-sparing alternatives.

INTERPRETATION

In patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, microbiologically confirmed bacterial infections are rare, and more likely to be secondary infections. Gram-negative organisms and S aureus are the predominant pathogens. The frequency and nature of antimicrobial use are concerning, but tractable targets for stewardship interventions exist.

FUNDING

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), UK Medical Research Council, Wellcome Trust, UK Department for International Development, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, EU Platform for European Preparedness Against (Re-)emerging Epidemics, NIHR Health Protection Research Unit (HPRU) in Emerging and Zoonotic Infections at University of Liverpool, and NIHR HPRU in Respiratory Infections at Imperial College London.

Prevalence and Nature of Medication Errors and Medication-Related Harm Following Discharge from Hospital to Community Settings: A Systematic Review

Background

Little is known about the epidemiology of medication errors and medication-related harm following transition from secondary to primary care. This systematic review aims to identify and critically evaluate the available evidence on the prevalence and nature of medication errors and medication-related harm following hospital discharge.

Methods

Studies published between January 1990 and March 2019 were searched across ten electronic databases and the grey literature. No restrictions were applied with publication language or patient population studied. Studies were included if they contained data concerning the rate of medication errors, unintentional medication discrepancies, or adverse drug events. Two authors independently extracted study data.

Results

Fifty-four studies were included, most of which were rated as moderate (39/54) or high (7/54) quality. For adult patients, the median rate of medication errors and unintentional medication discrepancies following discharge was 53% [interquartile range 33–60.5] (n = 5 studies) and 50% [interquartile range 39–76] (n = 11), respectively. Five studies reported adverse drug reaction rates with a median of 27% [interquartile range 18–40.5] and seven studies reported adverse drug event rates with a median of 19% [interquartile range 16–24]. For paediatric patients, one study reported a medication error rate of 66.3% and another an adverse drug event rate of 9%. Almost a quarter of studies (13/54, 24%) utilised a follow-up period post-discharge of 1 month (range 2–180 days). Drug classes most commonly implicated with adverse drug events were antibiotics, antidiabetics, analgesics and cardiovascular drugs.

Conclusions

This is the first systematic review to explore the prevalence and nature of medication errors and adverse drug events following hospital discharge. Targets for future work have been identified.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s40264-020-00918-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Epidemiology, microbiological profile, and outcome of culture positive sepsis among outborn neonates at a tertiary hospital in Northern India

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

To study the epidemiology, microbiological profile, and outcome of culture positive sepsis among outborn neonates at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Northern India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Neonates (n = 406) with blood culture positive sepsis were enrolled prospectively over a period of 1 year (February 2018-January 2019). Demographic details, clinical features, microbiological profile, antibiotic sensitivity pattern, treatment, and outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

The mean (±SD) age at presentation was 2.4 (±0.6) days and 2/3rd were males. The mean (±SD) gestation was 35.5 (±3.4) weeks, birth weight was 2215 (±219) g, and 42.4% were preterm. The proportion of neonates with early and late onset sepsis were 69% and 31%, respectively. Predominant isolates were Gram-negative (46.5%), Gram-positive (27.6%) organisms, and yeast (25.9%). Klebsiella pneumoniae (46.5%), Acinetobacter baumannii (17.5%), and Escherichia coli (8%) were common Gram-negative; and coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS) (70%), Staphylococcus aureus (13.4%), and Enterococcus (12.5%) were common Gram-positive organisms. Among Gram-negative organisms, the antibiotic sensitivity pattern was ciprofloxacin 45%, cephalosporins 15-40%, aminoglycosides 20-42%, piperacillin-tazobactam 49%, carbapenems 34-51%, tetracyclines 55-70%, doxycycline 55%, chloramphenicol 42%, and colistin 98%; and among Gram-positive organisms were methicillin 30%, clindamycin 52%, vancomycin 100%, teicoplanin 98%, and linezolid 99%. The survival rate was 60.3%. The neonates with Gram-negative sepsis had higher requirement of oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and vasoactive drugs; had more complications; and lower survival (50.3% vs. 72.3%, p= .003) when compared to Gram-positive sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

Gram-negative organisms were commonest cause of neonatal sepsis, had low sensitivity to commonly used antibiotics, and associated with poor outcome.

Identification of hospitalized patients with community-acquired infection in whom treatment guidelines do not apply: a validated model

OBJECTIVES

To develop and validate a clinical model to identify patients admitted to hospital with community-acquired infection (CAI) caused by pathogens resistant to antimicrobials recommended in current CAI treatment guidelines.

METHODS

International prospective cohort study of consecutive patients admitted with bacterial infection. Logistic regression was used to associate risk factors with infection by a resistant organism. The final model was validated in an independent cohort.

RESULTS

There were 527 patients in the derivation and 89 in the validation cohort. Independent risk factors identified were: atherosclerosis with functional impairment (Karnofsky index <70) [adjusted OR (aOR) (95% CI) = 2.19 (1.41-3.40)]; previous invasive procedures [adjusted OR (95% CI) = 1.98 (1.28-3.05)]; previous colonization with an MDR organism (MDRO) [aOR (95% CI) = 2.67 (1.48-4.81)]; and previous antimicrobial therapy [aOR (95% CI) = 2.81 (1.81-4.38)]. The area under the receiver operating characteristics (AU-ROC) curve (95% CI) for the final model was 0.75 (0.70-0.79). For a predicted probability ≥22% the sensitivity of the model was 82%, with a negative predictive value of 85%. In the validation cohort the sensitivity of the model was 96%. Using this model, unnecessary broad-spectrum therapy would be recommended in 30% of cases whereas undertreatment would occur in only 6% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

For patients hospitalized with CAI and none of the following risk factors: atherosclerosis with functional impairment; previous invasive procedures; antimicrobial therapy; or MDRO colonization, CAI guidelines can safely be applied. Whereas, for those with some of these risk factors, particularly if more than one, alternative antimicrobial regimens should be considered.

Bloodstream infections in patients with transcatheter aortic valve replacement

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate incidence and risk factors of bloodstream infections (BSI) in patients with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR).

METHODS

We conducted a population-based study in southeastern Minnesota using the expanded Rochester Epidemiology Project (e-REP) for all adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent TAVR from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2018.

RESULTS

The incidence of BSI following TAVR was 1300 episodes/100,000 persons per annum. The median time to BSI following TAVR was 610 days and 84% were community-acquired. Forty percent of BSI cases developed infective endocarditis. Viridans group streptococci (VGS) were the most common pathogens and 80% of patients with VGS BSI had IE.

CONCLUSIONS

The high incidence of BSI among TAVR patients is alarming and is likely due to advanced age and comorbid conditions. Because 40% of BSI patients also developed IE, further investigation of modifiable risk factors associated with BSI is warranted.

Daptomycin versus Glycopeptides for the Treatment of Enterococcus faecium Bacteraemia: A Cohort Study

Background: Ampicillin resistant and glycopeptide susceptible Enterococcus faecium bloodstream infection (GSEF-BSI) incidence has risen. However, the treatment of choice remains unknown. Daptomycin use for the treatment of enterococcal infections has increased, despite effectiveness and safety concerns. The objective was to compare the effectiveness and safety of daptomycin and glycopeptides in the treatment of GSEF-BSI. Methods: This was a single-centre, retrospective observational cohort study performed at Hospital del Mar (Barcelona, Spain), from January 2006–May 2018. The primary outcome was clinical cure at the end of the therapy, and secondary outcomes included 14-day, 30-day, in-hospital mortality, and length of stay. Results: From a total of 192 patients with GSEF-BSI, 54 (28.1%) were treated with glycopeptides and 17 (8.9%) with daptomycin. Patients treated with daptomycin presented a lower clinical cure than patients treated with glycopeptides (58.8% vs. 83.3%, RR 0.416 (95% CI 0.189–0.915)). After controlling for confounding variables by means of multivariate analysis the significative difference was confirmed (aOR 4.313, 95% CI, 1.053–17.660). The need for treatment discontinuation due to adverse events was similar. Conclusions: Patients with GSEF-BSI treated with glycopeptides showed a higher clinical cure than those treated with daptomycin.

The antibiogram: key considerations for its development and utilization

The antibiogram is an essential resource for institutions to track changes in antimicrobial resistance and to guide empirical antimicrobial therapy. In this Viewpoint, data and examples from literature are presented that suggest institutions have not completely adopted the standardized approach in developing antibiograms, as variations in the development methodologies of antibiograms exist despite consensus guidelines (M39) published by CLSI. We emphasize developing antibiograms in line with the M39 recommendations will help ensure that they are accurate, reliable and valid, and highlight that understanding the limitations of antibiogram data is critical to ensuring appropriate interpretation and application to clinical decision-making. We also stress the importance of easy accessibility and education on antibiogram use, to allow for prescribers to select the most optimal empirical treatment regimens and propose the creation of an abbreviated antibiogram for frontline users. Multidisciplinary antimicrobial stewardship programmes are vital to accomplishing these goals.

Validity and reliability of the RAC adult infection risk scale: A new instrument to measure healthcare-associated infection risk

Healthcare-associated infections represent a public health problem, and they have repercussions for patient safety. The aim of this study was to determine the psychometric properties of the Rodríguez-Almeida-Cañon (RAC) adult infection risk scale, focusing on the construct and predictive validity and reliability. The study enrolled 278 patients at a large hospital in southern Brazil. The research process involved the following three phases: construct validation, assessing predictive validity, and assessing reliability. Confirmatory factor analysis showed a good fit using a two-factor model with 15 items. The logistic regression analysis showed an association between the scale score and prediction of developing healthcare-associated infections (odds ratio: 1.18; 95% confidence interval: 1.08-1.28). The Cronbach's alpha was 0.72 for intrinsic factors subscale and 0.71 for extrinsic factors subscale. A high level of inter-rater agreement (intraclass correlation coefficient ≥0.97) was found for both subscales. The Bland and Altman method showed narrow agreement limits, demonstrating good agreement between evaluators. The findings of this study showed that the RAC adult infection risk scale is a new, reliable, and psychometrically valid instrument to assess healthcare-associated infections risk. Future research using this scale may lead to a better understanding of the healthcare-associated infections risk and assist health professionals in decision-making for interventions to improve patient safety.

Epidemiology of and risk factors for mortality due to carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) in healthcare facilities

BACKGROUND

Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) have been largely responsible for the extensive spread of carbapenem resistance, and their prevalence is increasing in many parts of the world.

AIM

To evaluate clinical and molecular epidemiology and mortality associated with CPO among patients.

METHODS

All CPO from clinical and long-term healthcare surveillance cultures across Scotland in 2003-2017 were reviewed retrospectively. Polymerase chain reaction was used to detect genes coding for carbapenemases. A generalized linear mixed model was used to identify risk factors for mortality.

FINDINGS

In total, 290 individuals with CPO were identified. The overall incidence increased over time (P<0.001) from 0.02 to 1.38 per 100,000 population between 2003 and 2017. A total of 243 distinct CPO isolates were obtained from 269 isolations in 214 individuals with available metadata. The majority of the isolates were Enterobacterales (206/243, 84.8%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (65/206, 31.6%) and Enterobacter cloacae (52/206, 25.2%) were the most common species. VIM (75/243, 30.9%) and NDM (56/243, 23.0%) were the most common carbapenemases. The crude 30-day mortality rate was 11.8% (25/211), while the case fatality rate was 5.7% (12/211). Age >60 years [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06-10.63; P=0.033], presence of non-fermenters (aOR 4.88, 95% CI 1.64-14.47; P=0.005), and systemic infection or organ failure (aOR 4.21, 95% CI 1.38-12.81; P=0.032) were independently associated with 30-day mortality.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of CPO in Scotland is low but increasing. Awareness is required that inpatients aged >60 years, patients with systemic infection or organ failure, and patients presenting with non-fermenters are at higher risk of death from CPO.

Antimicrobial stewardship experience in paediatrics: first-year activity report

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the most relevant threats in public health worldwide. Strategies as antimicrobial stewardship programs, aiming to preserve our antibiotic armamentarium, have been implemented since 2007 in adult and paediatric patients. We aim to describe the first experience of a paediatric antimicrobial stewardship program. We conducted a retrospective observational study in a tertiary care children's hospital. A team composed of a microbiologist, an infectious diseases physician, and a paediatrician led the project. All positive blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures and other biological samples yielding multi-drug-resistant bacteria were collected and reviewed through a prospective-audit-with-feedback strategy. We recorded patient characteristics and worth monitoring prescribed antibiotics. The antimicrobial stewardship audit could end in intervention (step-up/step-down and broadening/narrowing) or recommendation(s). We then checked out wards staff compliance. The team performed 192 interventions out of 584 reviews, mostly suggesting discontinuation of antibiotics (in 76.0% of cases and 39.7% of running molecules). The antibiotic spectrum was more likely tapered than expanded (p < 0.0001), and we ordered more narrow-spectrum antibiotic molecules than local medical staff straightaway did (p = 0.0113). Interventions were most likely needed in case of documented infections (p < 0.0001) and in surgical patients (p = 0.0002). In 85.9% of interventions, ward teams fully agreed with our argument. This study demonstrated an antimicrobial stewardship program to be a suitable method for improving the appropriateness of antimicrobial use in hospitalized children.

A "resistance calculator": Simple stewardship intervention for refining empiric practices of antimicrobials in acute-care hospitals

Objective:

In the era of widespread resistance, there are 2 time points at which most empiric prescription errors occur among hospitalized adults: (1) upon admission (UA) when treating patients at risk of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and (2) during hospitalization, when treating patients at risk of extensively drug-resistant organisms (XDROs). These errors adversely influence patient outcomes and the hospital’s ecology.

Design and setting:

Retrospective cohort study, Shamir Medical Center, Israel, 2016.

Patients:

Adult patients (aged >18 years) hospitalized with sepsis.

Methods:

Logistic regressions were used to develop predictive models for (1) MDRO UA and (2) nosocomial XDRO. Their performances on the derivation data sets, and on 7 other validation data sets, were assessed using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC AUC).

Results:

In total, 4,114 patients were included: 2,472 patients with sepsis UA and 1,642 with nosocomial sepsis. The MDRO UA score included 10 parameters, and with a cutoff of ≥22 points, it had an ROC AUC of 0.85. The nosocomial XDRO score included 7 parameters, and with a cutoff of ≥36 points, it had an ROC AUC of 0.87. The range of ROC AUCs for the validation data sets was 0.7–0.88 for the MDRO UA score and was 0.66–0.75 for nosocomial XDRO score. We created a free web calculator (https://assafharofe.azurewebsites.net).

Conclusions:

A simple electronic calculator could aid with empiric prescription during an encounter with a septic patient. Future implementation studies are needed to evaluate its utility in improving patient outcomes and in reducing overall resistances.

Early Screening of Risk for Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in the Emergency Department in Patients With Pneumonia and Early Septic Shock: Single-Center, Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

Pneumonia is the fourth leading cause of death globally, with rapid progression during sepsis. Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are becoming more common with some healthcare-associated pneumonia events. Early detection of MDRO risk improves the outcomes; however, MDROs risk in pneumonia with sepsis is unknown. This study investigated the disease outcomes of pneumonia with septic shock in patients admitted in the emergency department (ED) intensive care unit (ICU), a population with a high prevalence of MDROs, after early screening of MDROs risk.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, patients with pneumonia and early septic shock (n = 533) admitted to the ED at the Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital from 2013 to 2019 were selected. The study population was divided into four subgroups after the MDROs risk and screening procedure were completed within 1 or 6 h of admission. ICU mortality and multidrug antibiotic therapy were compared.

RESULTS

The high-risk MDROs groups had higher percentage of P aeruginosa than the low-risk group. Furthermore, the appropriate ED first antibiotics were higher in the 1-h subgroup than in the 6-h subgroup of the high-risk MDROs group. In multivariate analysis, the 6-h high-risk MDROs group had an adjusted odds ratio of 7.191 (95% CI: 2.911-17.767, P < 0.001) and 2.917 (95% CI: 1.456-5.847, P = 0.003) for ICU mortality and multidrug therapy in the ICU, respectively, after adjusting for other confounding factors.

CONCLUSIONS

MDRO screening within 1 h is recommended following admission of patients with pneumonia and early septic shock in the ED, especially in areas with a high prevalence of MDROs.

Acinetobacter Sepsis Among Out-born Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Unit in Pediatric Emergency of a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India

OBJECTIVES

To study the clinical profile, complications, antibiotic resistance pattern, treatment, and outcome of out-born neonates with Acinetobacter spp. sepsis admitted in Pediatric emergency of a tertiary care hospital in North India.

METHODS

In this subgroup analysis of a prospective study (conducted over 1 y, February 2018 through January 2019), neonates with Acinetobacter spp. sepsis were included. The data collection included demographic details, clinical features, pre-referral treatment, complications, antibiotic resistance pattern, treatment, and final outcome.

RESULTS

Acinetobacter spp. accounted for 10.6% (43/406) of all isolates and 22.7% (43/189) of Gram-negative isolates. The median (IQR) age at presentation was 1 (1-2) d, 2/3rd were male, and 46.5% were preterm. All were admitted in peripheral hospitals before referral to authors' centre and all received intravenous antibiotics and fluids. The resistance to different antibiotics was: Ciprofloxacin 82%, cephalosporins 78-100%, amikacin 75%, pipercillin-tazobactum 62%, carbapenems 50-85%, chloramphenicol 83%, and tetracycline 50-60%. All isolates were sensitive to colistin. The survival rate was 37.2% (n = 16) and 62.8% (n = 27) had poor outcome [death and Left against medical advice (LAMA)]. Higher proportion of neonates with Acinetobacter sepsis had septic shock, multi-organ dysfunctional syndrome (MODS), and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC); and higher proportion required mechanical ventilation, vasoactive drugs, and had poor outcome compared to those with sepsis due to other organisms.

CONCLUSIONS

Acinetobacter spp. accounts for high burden of sepsis among out-born neonates and is associated with alarmingly high resistance to cephalosporins, fluroquinolones, aminoglycosides, pipercillin-tazobactum, tetracyclines, and carbapenems. Neonates with Acinetobacter spp. sepsis had higher rates of complications, requirement of mechanical ventilation and vasoactive drugs, and poor survival.

Ten years of population-level genomic Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae serotype surveillance informs vaccine development for invasive infections

BACKGROUND

The incidence of bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae is increasing, with substantial associated morbidity, mortality and antimicrobial resistance. Unbiased serotyping studies to guide vaccine target selection are limited.

METHODS

We conducted unselected, population-level genomic surveillance of bloodstream E. coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from 2008-2018 in Oxfordshire, UK. We supplemented this with an analysis of publicly available global sequencing data (n=3678).

RESULTS

We sequenced 3478 E. coli isolates (3278 passed quality control) and 556 K. pneumoniae isolates (535 (K-antigen) and 549 (O-antigen) passed quality control). The four most common E. coli O-antigens (O1/O2/O6/O25) were identified in 1499/3278 isolates; the incidence of these O-types increased over time (IRRy=1.14, 95% CI:1.11-1.16). These O-types accounted for 616/1434 multidrug resistant (MDR) and 173/256 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase(ESBL)-resistant isolates in Oxfordshire, but only 19/90 carbapenem-resistant isolates across all studies. For Klebsiella pneumoniae, the most common O-antigens (O2v2/O1v1/O3b/O1v2) accounted for 410/549 isolates; the incidence of BSIs caused by these also increased annually (IRRy=1.09; 95% CI:1.05-1.12). These O-types accounted for 122/148 MDR and 106/123 ESBL isolates in Oxfordshire and 557/734 carbapenem-resistant isolates across all studies. Conversely we observed substantial capsular antigen diversity. Analysis of 3678 isolates from global studies demonstrated the generalisability of these findings. For E. coli, based on serotyping, the ExPEC4V and ExPEC10V vaccines under investigation would cover 46% and 72% of Oxfordshire isolates respectively, and 47% and 71% of MDR isolates.

CONCLUSIONS

O-antigen targeted vaccines may be useful in reducing the morbidity, mortality and antimicrobial resistance associated with E. coli and K. pneumoniae BSIs.

The epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia in Israeli children: Community- vs hospital-acquired or healthcare related infections

AIM

Incidences of Staphylococcus aureus bacteraemia (SAB) in Israeli children are unknown. The characteristics of SAB in children have not been evaluated.

METHODS

SAB from children aged ≤18 years old, admitted to a tertiary hospital in Israel during 2002-2015, were included. The proportional rate of SAB was calculated per 1000 admissions. SAB were classified as community acquired (CA), hospital acquired (HA) and healthcare related (HCR). Patients' characteristics, antibiotic susceptibility and outcomes were assessed in each group.

RESULTS

The rate of SAB was stable, 1.48 per 1000 admissions. HA, CA and HCR-SAB comprised 53%, 25% and 22%, respectively. Only 27/185 (14.6%) were caused by methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA): 22%, 6% and 5% of HA, CA and HCR-SAB, respectively. Central venous catheter, recent surgery, immunodeficiency and age <6 years were the main risk factors for HA and HCR-SAB (adjusted OR: 68.9, 7.5, 5.8 and 5.5, respectively). Treatment duration for CA was >21 days: and for HA and HCR, 14-20 days. All-cause in-hospital mortality and 30-day mortality were documented in 10 (5%) and 3 (2%) episodes, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The rate of SAB; the proportions of CA, HA and HCR-SAB; and the proportion of MRSA was stable over the years. MRSA was mainly in HA-SAB. Thirty-day mortality was rare.

Antibiotic Resistance Patterns of Enterobacteriaceae Isolated from Patients with Healthcare-Associated Infections

BACKGROUND

There have been recent proposals to categorize healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs) separately from community-acquired infections (CAIs). The aim of this study was to compare the antibiotic resistance of pathogens causing CAIs, HCAIs, and hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in Korea, and to investigate the need for different empirical antibiotics therapy for CAIs and HCAIs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted in a university hospital between March and December 2019. Inpatients who underwent a bacterial culture within 2 days of hospitalization, with a Enterobacteriaceae strain identified at the infection site and available antibiotic susceptibility results, were included in the analysis. Infections were classified as CAIs, HCAIs or HAIs, depending on the source.

RESULTS

Of the 146 patients included in the analysis, the prevalence of fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacteriaceae was 18.8%, 38.5%, and 55.0%; the prevalence of pathogens showing third-generation cephalosporins resistance was 8.3%, 50.0%, and 60.0%; and the prevalence of pathogens showing piperacillin-tazobactam resistance was 8.3%, 7.7%, 15.0% in the CAIs, HCAIs, and HAIs groups, respectively. The prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-positive pathogens was 6.3%, 47.3%, and 55.0% in the CAIs, HCAIs, and HAIs group, respectively, with no significant difference between the HCAIs and HAIs groups. Resistance patterns of the HCAIs group more closely resembled those of the HAIs group than those of the CAIs group.

CONCLUSION

The pathogens isolated from patients with HCAIs showed resistance patterns that were more similar to those of patients with HAIs than those with CAIs. Thus, CAIs and HCAIs should be distinguished from each other when selecting antibiotic agents.

Molecular epidemiology and the clinical impact of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales isolates among adult patients: aspects from a Romanian non-teaching hospital

Introduction: A dramatic increase of infections induced by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) has been registered worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the molecular epidemiology and the clinical impact of CPE strains isolated from adult inpatients.

Material and methods: A one-year, single-center, retrospective observational study including 34 consecutive patients with 37 non-duplicate CPE strains recovered from clinical specimens was accomplished. The Vitek 2 Compact, M.I.C.Evaluator strips, the modified carbapenem inactivation method (mCIM), and the combination disks test (KPC, MBL, OXA-48 Confirm kit, Rosco Diagnostica) were applied as phenotypic tests. A multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was used for detection of blaKPC, blaNDM, and blaOXA-48-like genes. The clonality was assessed with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).

Results: Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=25) was the most frequent CPE encountered. The carbapenemase types were NDM (n=13), KPC (n=12), and OXA-48-like (n=12). Two distinct clonal clusters were identified among the 12 KPC positive strains. All CPE isolates exhibited non-susceptibility to carbapenems, cephalosporins, ciprofloxacin. Respiratory tract infections (n=16) and hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) (n=14) were dominant. The most common comorbidity was congestive heart failure (n=11). Monotherapy was the main strategy adopted (n=15). Death occurred in 18 patients.

Conclusions: Our analysis underscores the scarcity of antibiotic solutions and high mortality. Monotherapy for urinary tract infections (UTIs) is beneficial. Inter- or intrahospital dissemination of successful epidemic clones is proved. The adequate CPE infections control programs and antimicrobial policies are essential..

Molecular Epidemiology of Multi-Drug Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from Hospitalized Patients in Greece

Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates are one of the major causes of both hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and community-acquired infections (CAIs). However, management of P. aeruginosa infections is difficult as the bacterium is inherently resistant to many antibiotics. In this study, a collection of 75 P. aeruginosa clinical isolates from two tertiary hospitals from Athens and Alexnadroupolis in Greece was studied to assess antimicrobial sensitivity and molecular epidemiology. All P. aeruginosa isolates were tested for susceptibility to 11 commonly used antibiotics, and the newly introduced Double Locus Sequence Typing (DLST) scheme was implemented to elucidate the predominant clones. The tested P. aeruginosa isolates presented various resistant phenotypes, with Verona Integron-Mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM-2) mechanisms being the majority, and a new phenotype, FEP_R-CAZ_S, being reported for the first time in Greek isolates. DLST revealed two predominant types, 32-39 and 8-37, and provided evidence for intra-hospital transmission of the 32-39 clone in one of the hospitals. The results indicate that DLST can be a valuable tool when local outbreaks demand immediate tracking investigation with limited time and financial resources.

The burden of bacteremic and non-bacteremic Gram-negative infections: A prospective multicenter cohort study in a low-resistance country

Objectives There is a global increase in infections caused by Gram-negative bacteria. The majority of research is on bacteremic Gram-negative infections (GNI), leaving a knowledge gap on the burden of non-bacteremic GNI. Our aim is to describe characteristics and determine the burden of bacteremic and non-bacteremic GNI in hospitalized patients in the Netherlands. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study of patients in eight hospitals with microbiologically confirmed GNI, between June 2013 and November 2015. In each hospital the first five adults meeting the eligibility criteria per week were enrolled. We estimated the national incidence and mortality of GNI by combining the cohort data with a national surveillance database for antimicrobial resistance. Results 1,954 patients with GNI were included of which 758 (39%) were bloodstream infections (BSI). 243 GNI (12%) involved multi-drug resistant pathogens. 30-day mortality rate was 11.1% (n = 217) Estimated national incidences of non-bacteremic GNI and bacteremic GNI in hospitalized adults were 74 (95% CI 58 - 89) and 86 (95% CI 72-100) per 100,000 person years, yielding estimated annual numbers of 30-day all-cause mortality deaths of 1,528 (95% CI 1,102-1,954) for bacteremic and 982 (95% CI 688 - 1,276) for non-bacteremic GNI. Conclusion GNI form a large mortality burden in a low-resistance country. A third of the associated mortality occurs after non-bacteremic GNI.

Infection in cirrhosis: A prospective study

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) infections in cirrhosis are associated with poor outcomes. We attempted a prospective study on infections in patients with cirrhosis evaluating microbiology of these infections and how outcomes depended on factors like bacterial resistance, appropriate antibiotics, stage of liver disease and whether outcomes were significantly different from patients who did not have infections.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective evaluation involving one hundred and fifty nine patients with cirrhosis who were admitted at Peerless Hospitex Hospital and Research Center, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, during a 24 month period. One hundred and nineteen of these patients either had an infection at the time of admission or developed infection during hospitalization. Forty patients did not have an infection at admission and did not acquire infection while admitted. Data was collected about demographics, etiology of cirrhosis, liver and renal function and microbiology.

RESULTS

Infections were community acquired in 27.7% of patients, healthcare associated in 52.9% and nosocomial in 19.3%. Gram negative bacilli (Escherichia coli 47.4% Klebsiella pneumoniae 23%) were common. 84.9% of enterobacteriaceae produced ESBL, AmpC or Carbapenemases. Spontaneous bacteria peritonitis (SBP) and urinary tract infection (UTI) were the most common sites of infection. In hospital mortality was 21.9%. Non-survivors had higher MELD (26 vs 19, p<0.001) and CTP scores (11.7 vs 10.3, p<0.001). The control group had lower MELD (16.65 vs. 20.8, p<0.001) and CTP scores (9.25 vs 10.59, p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

MDR infections are common in patients with cirrhosis and have serious implications for treatment and outcomes.

Invasive group B Streptococcus among non-pregnant adults in Brussels-Capital Region, 2005-2019

To assess the incidence, clinical, microbiological features and outcome of invasive Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) infections in non-pregnant adults in three tertiary hospitals of the Brussels-Capital Region. All bacterial cultures positive for GBS, from 2005 to 2019 from 3 hospitals of the Brussels-Capital Region, were extracted, and only cases of invasive diseases were included. Medical files were retrospectively retrieved for risk factors, clinical manifestations and outcome and also antibiotic-susceptibility testing and GBS serotypes. Incidence rates were calculated based on the hospitals catchment populations. A total of 337 cases of GBS-invasive infections were included. The incidence of invasive GBS for the 3 hospitals increased from 3.7 to 8.2 cases per 100.000 inhabitants between 2009 and 2018 (p = 0.04). The most frequently identified risk factors were diabetes (36.8%), obesity (35.0%), cancer (21.7%), renal disease (20.8%), and advanced age (≥ 65 years; 47.2%). Isolated bacteremia (22%), osteoarticular infection (21.4%), abscesses (13.9%), and skin and soft tissue infections (18.4%) were the most frequent manifestations. Intensive care unit admission was required in 21.7% and overall mortality was 9.4%. All strains remained susceptible to penicillin over the years. Up to 20% of strains were resistant to clindamycin. Serotypes Ia, Ib, II, III, IV, and V represented 96.8% of the available serotypes (60/62). As reported in several countries, invasive GBS disease in non-pregnant adults represents an increasing burden, particularly among diabetic, obese, and elderly patients. Almost all serotypes identified are included in the upcoming hexavalent GBS conjugate vaccine.

Clinical and Microbiological Analysis of Risk Factors for Mortality in Patients with Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Bacteremia

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to identify whether the site of acquisition or the underlying carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) resistance mechanism was associated with clinical outcomes, and to evaluate risk factors for 14-day mortality in patients with CRE bacteremia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a 2700-bed tertiary center. All adult patients with monomicrobial carbapenem-resistant Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteremia from 2011 to 2018 were included. All blood isolates collected were tested with a modified carbapenem inactivation method for phenotypic detection of carbapenemase.

RESULTS

Of 133 patients with monomicrobial CRE bacteremia, 63 (47.4%) were infected with carbapenemase-producing CRE (CP-CRE), and 70 (52.6%) with non-CP-CRE. Patients with community-onset infection (COI) were more likely to present with biliary or urinary tract infections, less likely to have ineradicable or non-eradicated foci and to receive appropriate empirical therapy, and marginally more likely to have CP-CRE compared with those with hospital-acquired infection (HAI). However, 14-day mortality was significantly lower in COI than HAI (7% vs 29%, P = 0.01). Patients who died were more likely to have had a higher APACHE II score, ineradicable or non-eradicated foci, and a lower chance of having received appropriate antibiotic treatment. Multivariate analysis revealed that HAI, high APACHE II score, and inappropriate antibiotic treatment were independent risk factors for mortality. Carbapenemase production did not affect mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study indicate that timely, appropriate treatment is essential for managing CRE bacteremia, regardless of carbapenemase production, particularly in critically ill patients with hospital-acquired bacteremia.

Routine Intraoperative Bacterial Culture May Be Needed in Complicated Appendicitis

Purpose

Choosing the appropriate antibiotic is important for treatment of complicated appendicitis. However, increasing multidrug resistant bacteria have been a serious problem for successful treatment. This study was designed to identify bacteria isolated from patients with complicated appendicitis and reveal their susceptibilities for antibiotics and their relationship with patient clinical course.

Methods

This study included patients diagnosed with complicated appendicitis and examined the bacterial cultures and antimicrobial susceptibilities of the isolates. Data were retrospectively collected from medical records of Kangbuk Samsung Hospital from January 2008 to February 2018.

Results

The common bacterial species cultured in complicated appendicitis were as follows: Escherichia coli (n=113, 48.9%), Streptococcus spp. (n=29, 12.6%), Pseudomonas spp. (n=23, 10.0%), Bacteriodes spp. (n=22, 9.5%), Klebsiella (n=11, 4.8%), and Enterococcus spp. (n=8, 3.5%). In antibiotics susceptibility testing, the positive rate of extended-spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) was 9.1% (21 of 231). The resistance rate to carbapenem was 1.7% (4 of 231), while that to vancomycin was 0.4% (1 of 231). E. coli was 16.8% ESBL positive (19 of 113) and had 22.1% and 19.5% resistance rates to cefotaxime and ceftazidime, respectively. Inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatment (IEAT) occurred in 55 cases (31.8%) and was significantly related with organ/space surgical site infection (SSI) (7 of 55, P=0.005).

Conclusion

The rate of antibiotic resistance organisms was high in community-acquired complicated appendicitis in Koreans. Additionally, IEAT in complicated appendicitis may lead to increased rates of SSI. Routine intraoperative culture in patients with complicated appendicitis may be an effective strategy for appropriate antibiotic regimen.

The hypothetical impact of Accelerate Pheno™ system on time to effective therapy and time to definitive therapy in an institution with an established antimicrobial stewardship programme currently utilizing rapid genotypic organism/resistance marker identification

Background

Rapid organism identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) can optimize antimicrobial therapy in patients with bacteraemia. The Accelerate Pheno™ system (ACC) can provide identification and AST results within 7 h of a positive culture.

Objectives

To assess the hypothetical impact of ACC on time to effective therapy (TTET), time to definitive therapy (TTDT) and antimicrobial usage at the Detroit Medical Center (DMC).

Methods

Patients with positive blood cultures from 29 March to 24 June 2016 were included. ACC was performed in parallel with normal laboratory procedures, but results were not made available to the clinicians. The potential benefit of having ACC results was determined if clinicians modified therapy based on actual AST results. Potential changes in TTET, TTDT and antibiotic usage were calculated.

Results

One hundred and sixty-seven patients were included. The median TTET was 2.4 h (IQR 0.5, 15.1). Had ACC results been available, TTET could have been improved in four patients (2.4%), by a median decrease of 18.9 h (IQR 11.3, 20.4). The median TTDT was 41.4 h (IQR 21.7, 73.3) and ACC results could have improved TTDT among 51 patients (30.5%), by a median decrease of 25.4 h (IQR 18.7, 37.5). ACC implementation could have led to decreases in usage of cefepime (16% reduction), aminoglycosides (23%), piperacillin/tazobactam (8%) and vancomycin (4%).

Conclusions

ACC results could potentially improve time to de-escalation and reduce use of antimicrobials. The impact of ACC on TTET was small, likely related to the availability of other rapid diagnostic tests at DMC.

Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia at a referral medical center in Kenya: A retrospective review of cases from 2010 to 2018

Background

Many studies have shown that Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of both community onset and hospital onset bloodstream infections. However, relatively little is known about the occurrence and outcome of S. aureus bacteremia in sub-Saharan Africa. A previous report indicated that S. aureus accounts for 16% of community onset and 6% of hospital onset bloodstream infections at Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi (AKUHN). Data about the etiology of S. aureus bacteremia in sub-Saharan Africa will help optimize recognition and treatment. This study was performed in order to understand the etiologies and risk factors for S. aureus bacteremia in a sub-Saharan location.

Materials and methods

A review of the electronic record of laboratory results from September 2010 through December 2018 identified 201 patients seen at AKUHN with S. aureus bacteremia. The source and/or focus of infection was identified and in-hospital mortality was determined. Cases with bacteremia after three days of hospitalization were considered hospital acquired. Community onset cases were divided into community acquired and health care associated.

Results

Most cases (71%; 143/201) were community onset, but only 41% (83/201) of these cases were community acquired. The most commonly identified foci of infection for community acquired bacteremia were musculoskeletal (25%; 21/83) and skin and soft tissue (24%; 20/83). The majority of health care associated (70%; 40/57) and hospital acquired cases (74%; 43/58) were associated with invasive vascular devices, with peripheral IVs being the most common for hospital acquired and dialysis catheters being the most common for health care associated infections. In-hospital mortality rates were 23% (19/83) for community acquired, 19% (11/57) for health care associated and 33% (19/58) for hospital acquired infections.

Conclusion

Invasive vascular devices were associated with a substantial portion of cases of S. aureus bacteremia and provide an important target for infection control efforts.

A case of torsades de pointes induced by the third-generation EGFR-TKI, osimertinib combined with moxifloxacin

Background

Torsade de pointes (TdP) is a malignant arrhythmia that can be induced by QT internal prolongation due to a variety of factors. Here we report an elderly patient with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) had sudden TdP during hospitalization, which was caused by multiple factors such as osimertinib, moxifloxacin and patient self-factors.

Case presentation

An 85-year-old man with advanced NSCLC with brain andbone metastasis was initially treated with gefitinib targeted therapy. After 4 months treatment, the patient developed drug resistance and a second genetic testing revealed that the T790M mutation was positive. And the patient was then changed to targeted therapy with osimertinib, followed by adverse reactions of varying severity such as diarrhea, electrolyte imbalance, decreased cardiac function, leukopenia, and prolonged QTc interval. Six months after the administration of osimertinib, the patient was admitted to the hospital, chest CT showed the lesion progressed again, and during which hospital-acquired infection occurred. After concomitant use of moxifloxacin, the patient had sudden TdP, and finally died of this cardiac event.

Conclusions

It is suggested that clinicians need to identify patients with high risk factors of TdP, and consider comprehensively in concomitant medication to avoid such events to the greatest extent.

The Burden of Bloodstream Infections due to Stenotrophomonas Maltophilia in the United States: A Large, Retrospective Database Study

Background

Stenotrophomonas maltophilia is an opportunistic pathogen observed in both nosocomial and community-onset infections. S. maltophilia is intrinsically resistant to many currently available broad-spectrum antibiotics and is often not included in antimicrobial resistance surveillance studies or stewardship programs’ guidelines.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of patients with S. maltophilia bloodstream infection (BSI) in the United States was conducted using the 2010–2015 US Premier Healthcare Database. This study described patient characteristics, infection characteristics, antibiotic treatment, and discharge status.

Results

S. maltophilia was the most common carbapenem-resistant, gram-negative pathogen causing BSIs in this database. Of 486 unique patients with S. maltophilia BSI, 44.6% were assessed as community-onset, 95% of cultures were susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX), and 84% were susceptible to fluoroquinolones; 39.1% of patients received a potentially effective antibiotic (fluoroquinolone, doxycycline, ceftazidime, minocycline, or TMP-SMX) during the empiric treatment period (≤3 days post–index culture date), whereas 85.8% received a potential effective antibiotics during the definitive treatment period. The most common antibiotic received as definitive treatment was levofloxacin (48.9%). TMP-SMX was used infrequently empirically (10.5%) and in 38.3% during the definitive period. Compared with BSIs caused by other carbapenem-resistant gram-negative pathogens, S. maltophilia BSIs were more likely to be community-onset, and were more likely to be discharged to home and to have a lower mortality rate.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that patients at risk for S. maltophilia BSI are highly variable and that standard of care is not clearly defined, leading to questions regarding the appropriateness of antibiotic treatment among patients. Further efforts are needed to better recognize and treat S. maltophilia BSI.

[Factors that influence compliance with hand hygiene in healthcare professionals: A concept mapping study]

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors that may influence hand hygiene compliance by professional category and clinical department.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Use was made of concept mapping methodology, a tool that combines a qualitative analysis with a quantitative statistical analysis, in order to identify the most influential and important factors for the fulfilment of hand hygiene in 2 clinical departments (Infectious and General Surgery) of the Hospital del Mar.

RESULTS

The study included a total of 42 volunteer professionals from General Surgery (6 doctors and 10 nurses) and from Infectious Diseases (11 doctors and 10 nurses) clinical departments, as well as 5 hospital porters. High correlations of influential and important factors for hand hygiene compliance were observed between nurses and doctors in the Infectious Diseases Department (r=0.93 vs. r=0.69, respectively). In contrast, the correlation was lower among surgical professionals (r=-0.17 for influence and r=0.51 for importance). Professionals identified the most influential factors in compliance as training and adequate resources, taking into account professional category and clinical department.

CONCLUSION

The design of interventions to improve compliance with hand hygiene should take into account the perceptions of different professionals in order to adapt actions to each professional group.

The Rate of Acquisition of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae among Close Contact Patients Depending on Carbapenemase Enzymes

Background

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are highly drug-resistant pathogens. Screening the contacts of newly-identified CPE patients is crucial for nosocomial transmission control. We evaluated the acquisition rate of CPE in close contacts as a function of CPE genotype.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted in Asan Medical Center, a 2,700-bed, tertiary teaching hospital in Seoul, Korea, between November 2010 and October 2017. Index cases were defined as patients with positive tests for CPE from any infected or colonized site during hospitalization who had no direct epidemiologic linkage with existing CPE patients; close contact patients were defined as those whose hospital stay overlapped with the stay of an index case for at least one day and who occupied the same room or intensive care unit (ICU). Secondary patients were defined as those who produced positive CPE culture isolates from surveillance cultures that had the same CPE enzyme as that of the index case patients.

Results

A total of 211 index case patients and 2,689 corresponding contact patients were identified. Of the contact patients, 1,369 (50.9%) including 649 New-Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) and 448 Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing CPE exposures were screened, and 44 secondary patients (3.2%; 95% confidence interval 2.3 - 4.3%) were positive for NDM-1-producing CPE (16 patients) and KPC-producing (24 patients) CPE. The CPE acquisition rate (5.4%) for KPC-producing CPE exposures was significantly higher than that for NDM-1 exposures (2.7%) (P = 0.01).

Conclusion

The CPE acquisition rate was 3.2% among close contacts sharing a multi-patient room, with about a two-fold higher risk of KPC-producing CPE than NDM-1-producing CPE.