Management of Penicillin Allergy in the Perioperative Setting

The selection of perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis is challenging in patients with a history of penicillin allergy; as such, we present a literature review exploring current best practices and the associated supporting evidence, as well as areas for future research. Guidelines recommend the use of alternative agents in patients with an IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction, but those alternative agents are associated with worse outcomes, including an increased risk of surgical site infection, and higher cost. More recent data suggest that the risk of cross-reactivity between penicillins and cephalosporins, particularly cefazolin, is extremely low, and that cefazolin can be used safely in most penicillin-allergic patients. Studies have therefore explored how best to implement first-line cefazolin use in patients with a penicillin allergy label. A variety of interventions, including preoperative allergy de-labeling with incorporation of penicillin skin testing, use of patient risk-stratification questionnaires, and utilization of clinician algorithms to guide antibiotic selection intraoperatively, have all been shown to significantly increase cefazolin utilization without a corresponding increase in adverse events. Further studies are needed to clarify the most effective interventions and implementation strategies, as well as to evaluate whether patients with severe delayed hypersensitivity reactions to penicillin should continue to be excluded from receipt of other beta-lactams.

Validation of the STERIS Amsco 630LS steam sterilizer autoclave for inactivation of category a medical waste from patients with high-consequence infectious diseases

Hospitals caring for patients with high-consequence pathogens may need to safely manage large volumes of category A waste. Using biological indicators to assess for successful sterilization, autoclave cycle parameters that would inactivate 4 categories of waste were identified and validated utilizing a STERIS Amsco 630LS Steam Sterilizer.

Evaluating indwelling devices and other risk factors for mortality in invasive Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales infections in Georgia, 2012-2019

Objective

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections are a public health threat due to the risk of transmission between patients and high associated mortality. We sought to identify risk factors for mortality in patients with invasive CRE infections and to specifically evaluate whether there was an association between indwelling medical devices and 90-day mortality.

Design

Retrospective observational cohort study of patients infected with CRE in the eight-county metropolitan Atlanta area between 2012 and 2019.

Methods

Patients with invasive CRE infections were identified via the Georgia Emerging Infections Program's active, population- and laboratory-based surveillance system and linked with the Georgia Vital Statistics database. We used bivariate analysis to identify risk factors for mortality and completed log binomial multivariable regression to estimate risk ratios (RR) for the association between indwelling devices and mortality.

Results

In total, 154 invasive CRE infections were identified, with indwelling devices present in most patients (87.7%) around the time of infection. Admission to an intensive care unit was found to be associated with 90-day mortality (adjusted RR [aRR] 1.55, 95% CI 1.07, 2.24); however, the presence of any indwelling device was not associated with increased risk of 90-day mortality in multivariable analysis (aRR 1.22, 95% CI 0.55, 2.73). Having at least two indwelling devices was associated with increased mortality (aRR 1.79, 95% CI 1.05, 3.05).

Conclusions

Indwelling devices were prevalent in our cohort but were not consistently associated with an increased risk of mortality. Further studies are needed to examine this relationship and the role of device removal.

Factors associated with stroke after COVID-19 vaccination: a statewide analysis

Background

The objective of our study was to evaluate vaccine type, COVID-19 infection, and their association with stroke soon after COVID-19 vaccination.

Methods

In a retrospective cohort study, we estimated the 21-day post-vaccination incidence of stroke among the recipients of the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. We linked the Georgia Immunization Registry with the Georgia Coverdell Acute Stroke Registry and the Georgia State Electronic Notifiable Disease Surveillance System data to assess the relative risk of stroke by the vaccine type.

Results

Approximately 5 million adult Georgians received at least one COVID-19 vaccine between 1 December 2020 and 28 February 2022: 54% received BNT162b2, 41% received mRNA-1273, and 5% received Ad26.COV2.S. Those with concurrent COVID-19 infection within 21 days post-vaccination had an increased risk of ischemic (OR = 8.00, 95% CI: 4.18, 15.31) and hemorrhagic stroke (OR = 5.23, 95% CI: 1.11, 24.64) with no evidence for interaction between the vaccine type and concurrent COVID-19 infection. The 21-day post-vaccination incidence of ischemic stroke was 8.14, 11.14, and 10.48 per 100,000 for BNT162b2, mRNA-1273, and Ad26.COV2.S recipients, respectively. After adjusting for age, race, gender, and COVID-19 infection status, there was a 57% higher risk (OR = 1.57, 95% CI: 1.02, 2.42) for ischemic stroke within 21 days of vaccination associated with the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine compared to BNT162b2; there was no difference in stroke risk between mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2.

Conclusion

Concurrent COVID-19 infection had the strongest association with early ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke after the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination. Although not all determinants of stroke, particularly comorbidities, were considered in this analysis, the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine was associated with a higher risk of early post-vaccination ischemic stroke than BNT162b2.

416. Evaluating Indwelling Devices and Mortality in Invasive Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales Infections, Atlanta, GA, 2012–2019

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections pose a grave public health threat due to the potentially silent transmission leading to outbreaks, limited therapeutic options and high mortality. We sought to identify risk factors for mortality in patients with invasive CRE infections and describe the association between indwelling medical devices and 90-day mortality.

Methods

The Georgia Emerging Infections Program performs active population and laboratory based surveillance for CRE in the Atlanta, Georgia metropolitan area. Using this data we created a retrospective observational cohort of patients with invasive CRE infections between 2012 and 2019. Invasive infections were defined as resistant isolates obtained from a normally sterile site (Table 1). Indwelling medical devices, including central venous catheters (CVCs), were present within two calendar days prior to infection.

We completed bivariate analyses examining the relationship between covariates and mortality. Multivariable log binomial regression was used to estimate adjusted risk ratios (aRR) for the association of covariates and all-cause 90-day mortality. Sub-group analyses were completed evaluating only those patients with CVCs and those with at least two indwelling devices. Table 1.

1930. Answering the Call: Inpatient Vaccination for SARS-CoV2 Infection in an Academic Hospital

Background

While the available SARS-CoV2 vaccines are up to 94% effective at preventing COVID-19-related death or invasive mechanical ventilation, only 76% of the United States population aged ≥18 years have received a primary series and 49% have received a booster. Vaccine administration has been complicated by changing schedule recommendations, packaging in multi-dose vials, and federal reporting requirements that may have limited the locations offering vaccines. We therefore implemented a pharmacy-based initiative to provide SARS-CoV2 vaccination to patients admitted to an academic health center, in order to encourage vaccination when patients had presented for other care.

Methods

A pharmacy committee developed a protocol for administering the three authorized SARS-CoV2 vaccines to interested inpatients while minimizing vaccine waste, monitoring for safety events, and providing next dose education. Associated training included multidisciplinary education on requirements related to vaccine Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) status. While developing the protocol, the vaccine committee utilized a temporary procedure to administer vaccines once weekly through review by antimicrobial stewardship pharmacists during August 2021. The protocol went live in September 2021 for inpatient and emergency department sites, with subsequent tracking of the number of doses ordered (stratified by vaccine type and dose number) and number administered.

Results

From August 3 2021 to March 25 2022, a total of 389 vaccine orders were placed with 302 doses (78%) administered, including 126 Moderna (48 first, 20 second, 15 third, 42 booster, and 1 undesignated), 165 Pfizer/BioNTech (80 first, 24 second, 41 third, 14 booster, and 6 undesignated), and 11 Janssen COVID-19 vaccine doses. Only 18 vaccine orders were placed on patients in the ED, with 14 (78%) of those doses administered. Of the 87 vaccine orders not administered, 6 were placed but not given, and 81 were placed and then discontinued.

Conclusion

With multidisciplinary collaboration, SARS-CoV2 vaccination can be performed in inpatient and ED settings. However, orders should be monitored for protocol compliance and order discontinuation, as these may increase potential for waste.

Disclosures

All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Rapid Detection and Characterization of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron Variant in a Returning Traveler

We describe rapid detection of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant using targeted spike single-nucleotide polymorphism polymerase chain reaction and viral genome sequencing. This case occurred in a fully vaccinated and boosted returning traveler with mild symptoms who was identified through community surveillance rather than clinical care.

Clinical characteristics and social determinants of health associated with 30-day hospital readmissions of patients with COVID-19

COVID-19 readmissions are associated with increased patient mortality and healthcare system strain. This retrospective cohort study of PCR-confirmed COVID-19 positive adults (>18 years) hospitalized and readmitted within 30 days of discharge from index admission was performed at eight Atlanta hospitals from March to December 2020. The objective was to describe COVID-19 patient-level demographics and clinical characteristics, and community-level social determinants of health (SDoH) that contribute to 30-day readmissions. Demographics, comorbidities, COVID-19 treatment, and discharge disposition data were extracted from the index admission. ZIP codes were linked to a demographic/lifestyle database interpolating to community-level SDoH. Of 7155 patients with COVID-19, 463 (6.5%) had 30-day, unplanned, all-cause hospital readmissions. Statistically significant differences were not found in readmissions stratified by age, sex, race, or ethnicity. Patients with a high-risk Charlson Comorbidity Index had higher odds of readmission (OR 4.8 (95% CI: 2.1 to 11.0)). Remdesivir treatment and intensive care unit (ICU) care were associated with lower odds of readmission (OR 0.5 (95% CI: 0.4 to 0.8) and OR 0.5 (95% CI: 0.4 to 0.7), respectively). Patients residing in communities with larger average household size were less likely to be readmitted (OR 0.7 (95% CI: 0.5 to 0.9). In this cohort, patients who received remdesivir, were cared for in an ICU, and resided in ZIP codes with higher proportions of residents with increased social support had lower odds of readmission. These patient-level factors and community-level SDoH may be used to identify patients with COVID-19 who are at increased risk of readmission.

Efficacy of Noncarbapenem β-Lactams Compared to Carbapenems for Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales Urinary Tract Infections

Background

Extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales are frequent causes of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Severe infections caused by ESBL Enterobacterales are often treated with carbapenems, but optimal treatment for less severe infections such as UTIs is unclear.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included patients admitted to 4 hospitals in an academic healthcare system with an ESBL UTI treated with either a noncarbapenem β-lactam (NCBL) or a carbapenem for at least 48 hours from 1 April 2014 to 30 April 2018. Those who received an NCBL were compared to those receiving a carbapenem, with a primary outcome of hospital length of stay (LOS) and secondary outcomes of clinical and microbiological response, days until transition to oral therapy, rate of relapsed infection, and rate of secondary infections with a multidrug-resistant organism.

Results

Characteristics were similar among patients who received carbapenems (n = 321) and NCBLs (n = 171). There was no difference in LOS for the NCBL group compared to the carbapenem group (13 days vs 15 days, P = .66). The NCBL group had higher rates of microbiologic eradication (98% vs 92%, P = .002), shorter time to transition to oral therapy (5 days vs 9 days, P < .001), shorter overall durations of therapy (7 days vs 10 days, P < .001), and lower rates of relapsed infections (5% vs 42%, P = .0003).

Conclusions

Patients treated with NCBLs had similar LOS, higher rates of culture clearance, and shorter durations of antibiotic therapy compared to patients treated with carbapenems, suggesting that treatment for ESBL UTIs should not be selected solely based on phenotypic resistance.

Risk factors for isolation of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales from normally sterile sites and urine

BACKGROUND

Invasive infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are of significant concern in health care settings. We assessed risk factors for a positive CRE culture from a sterile site (invasive infection) compared to isolation from urine in a large patient cohort in Atlanta from August 2011 to December 2015.

METHODS

CRE cases required isolation, from urine or a normally-sterile site, of E. coli, Klebsiella spp., or Enterobacter spp. that were carbapenem-nonsusceptible (excluding ertapenem) and resistant to all third-generation cephalosporins tested. Risk factors were compared between patients with invasive and urinary infections using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 576 patients had at least 1 incident case of CRE, with 91 (16%) having an invasive infection. In multivariable analysis, the presence of a central venous catheter (OR 3.58; 95% CI: 2.06-6.23) or other indwelling device (OR 2.34; 95% CI: 1.35-4.06), and recent surgery within the last year (OR 1.81; 95% CI: 1.08-3.05) were associated with invasive infection when compared to urinary infection.

DISCUSSION

Health care exposures and devices were associated with invasive infections in patients with CRE, suggesting that targeting indwelling catheters, including preventing unwarranted insertion or encouraging rapid removal, may be a potential infection control intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

Future infection prevention efforts to decrease CRE cases in health care settings should focus on minimizing unnecessary devices.

Reductions in inpatient fluoroquinolone use and postdischarge Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) from a systemwide antimicrobial stewardship intervention

Objective

To determine the impact of an inpatient stewardship intervention targeting fluoroquinolone use on inpatient and postdischarge Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI).

Design

We used an interrupted time series study design to evaluate the rate of hospital-onset CDI (HO-CDI), postdischarge CDI (PD-CDI) within 12 weeks, and inpatient fluoroquinolone use from 2 years prior to 1 year after a stewardship intervention.

Setting

An academic healthcare system with 4 hospitals.

Patients

All inpatients hospitalized between January 2017 and September 2020, excluding those discharged from locations caring for oncology, bone marrow transplant, or solid-organ transplant patients.

Intervention

Introduction of electronic order sets designed to reduce inpatient fluoroquinolone prescribing.

Results

Among 163,117 admissions, there were 683 cases of HO-CDI and 1,104 cases of PD-CDI. In the context of a 2% month-to-month decline starting in the preintervention period (P < .01), we observed a reduction in fluoroquinolone days of therapy per 1,000 patient days of 21% after the intervention (level change, P < .05). HO-CDI rates were stable throughout the study period. In contrast, we also detected a change in the trend of PD-CDI rates from a stable monthly rate in the preintervention period to a monthly decrease of 2.5% in the postintervention period (P < .01).

Conclusions

Our systemwide intervention reduced inpatient fluoroquinolone use immediately, but not HO-CDI. However, a downward trend in PD-CDI occurred. Relying on outcome measures limited to the inpatient setting may not reflect the full impact of inpatient stewardship efforts.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of toxoplasmosis among transplant recipients at two US academic medical centers

Toxoplasma gondii can cause severe opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals, but diagnosis is often delayed. We conducted a retrospective review of solid organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients with toxoplasmosis between 2002 and 2018 at two large US academic transplant centers. Patients were identified by ICD-9 or ICD-10 toxoplasmosis codes, positive Toxoplasma polymerase chain reaction test result, or pathologic diagnosis. Data were collected regarding transplant type, time from transplant to toxoplasmosis diagnosis, clinical and radiographic features, and mortality at 30 and 90 days. Twenty patients were identified: 10 HSCT recipients (80% allogeneic HSCT) and 10 SOT recipients (60% deceased donor renal transplants). Rejection among SOT recipients (70%) and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis among HSCT recipients (50%) were frequent. Median time from transplant to toxoplasmosis diagnosis was longer for SOT than HSCT (1385 vs. 5 days, P-value .002). Clinical manifestations most commonly were encephalitis (65%), respiratory failure (40%), renal failure (40%), and distributive shock (40%). Cohort 30-day mortality was 45%, and 90-day mortality was 55%. Diagnosis was postmortem in 25% of the cohort. Further evaluation of toxoplasmosis screening is needed for noncardiac SOT recipients, HSCT recipients with GVHD, and periods of increased net immunosuppression.

Immediate reactions following the first dose of the SARS-CoV2 mRNA vaccines do not preclude second dose administration

Addressing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy and minimizing potential vaccine contraindications are critical to combatting the pandemic. We describe a practical approach to immediate adverse events after the first dose of messenger RNA vaccines for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, focusing on diagnosis and management of allergic reactions.

Novel approach to deployment of crisis situation supply of N95 respirator models in a healthcare system

Given supply constraints of N95s in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare facilities have turned to extended use protocols and new sources of N95s. Because fit testing every employee for every new mask is not feasible, our Infection Prevention Department developed a method for rapid deployment of new N95s.

Approach to Cataract Surgery in an Ebola Virus Disease Survivor with Prior Ocular Viral Persistence

A 46-year-old patient with previously documented Ebola virus persistence in his ocular fluid, associated with severe panuveitis, developed a visually significant cataract. A multidisciplinary approach was taken to prevent and control infection. Ebola virus persistence was assessed before and during the operation to provide safe, vision-restorative phacoemulsification surgery.

506. Urinary Catheters Are Associated with Progression from Bacteriuria to Invasive Infections in Patients with Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae, Metropolitan Atlanta, 2011–2017

Background

Patients with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) bacteriuria have better outcomes than patients with an invasive CRE infection, but patients with bacteriuria may subsequently develop an invasive infection (“progression”). We sought to evaluate risk factors, particularly urinary catheters, for progression from CRE bacteriuria to an invasive CRE infection within one year.

Methods

We used population-based active surveillance data from the Georgia Emerging Infections Program to identify patients in metropolitan Atlanta with CRE in urine, but not in a concomitant or previous sterile site between August 1, 2011 and July 31, 2017. CRE was defined as an isolate resistant to tested third-generation cephalosporins and a minimum inhibitory concentration of ≥4 µg/mL for meropenem, doripenem or imipenem. We then assessed if these patients developed an invasive CRE infection (positive sterile site culture) with the same organism between one day and one year later. Demographics, culture site, comorbidities, and risk factors were obtained by chart review. Univariable analyses and multivariable logistic regression with progression as the outcome were performed in SAS 9.4.

Results

We identified 551 patients with CRE bacteriuria in 6 years, with an annual incidence of 1.1 cases/100,000 population. Many patients previously resided in long-term care facilities (48%), had a Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) >3 (38%), a central venous catheter (CVC, 34%) or a decubitus ulcer (27%, Table 1). Twenty-five patients (5%) progressed from CRE bacteriuria to an invasive CRE infection within one year (median 34 days). Predictors of progression in univariable analyses included the presence of a urinary catheter (OR 6.4 [95% CI: 1.9–21.6]), decubitus ulcer, CVC or other indwelling device, Klebsiella pneumoniae, black race, CCI >3, and ICU stay after urine culture was obtained (Table 2). In a multivariable analysis, urinary catheter (OR 4.6 [95% CI: 1.3–16.1]) predicted progression as well as K. pneumoniae, CCI >3 and CVC.

Conclusion

Progression from CRE bacteriuria to an invasive CRE infection is rare but clinically significant and is associated with urinary catheters. Future interventions should target urinary catheter removal, where possible, in patients with CRE bacteriuria.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

2693. Clinical Presentation of Toxoplasmosis and 30-Day Mortality in Transplant Recipients at Two Academic Medical Centers

Background

Toxoplasma gondii causes opportunistic infections in transplant recipients after primary, donor-derived, or reactivated infection. Diagnosis in solid-organ transplant (SOT) and hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients may be delayed due to varied clinical presentations, which can mimic bacterial sepsis. These delays could contribute to significant associated mortality, with a reported rate exceeding 50% in disseminated disease. Further exploration of expanded donor screening, targeted recipient prophylaxis, and enhanced early detection may be warranted. We therefore examined patient characteristics, clinical presentation, time to toxoplasmosis diagnosis, and mortality in transplant recipients at two centers.

Methods

A retrospective chart review of SOT and HSCT recipients diagnosed with toxoplasmosis from 2002–2018 at Emory Healthcare and Duke University Hospital was performed, with cases identified via an electronic query of relevant ICD codes, positive serum or CSF toxoplasmosis PCRs, and pathologic diagnoses. Patient characteristics, including age, sex, race, time since transplantation, method of toxoplasmosis diagnosis, and symptoms, were abstracted. Primary outcomes included time from transplant to diagnosis and estimated 30- and 90-day all-cause mortality.

Results

16 patients were identified, with a median age of 56 years at diagnosis. 50% were male, and the majority were white (63%) and SOT recipients (56%; see table). Median time from transplant to diagnosis was 295 days, with PCR the most common diagnostic modality (63%). In 31% of cases, toxoplasmosis was diagnosed after patient death. The most common clinical presentations were encephalitis (69%), respiratory failure (63%), renal failure (50%), diarrhea (50%), and septic shock (50%). The estimated all-cause 30-day and 90-day mortality rates were 56% and 69%, respectively.

Conclusion

Toxoplasmosis has diverse presentations in transplant recipients, likely contributing to diagnostic delays and high mortality. Future study is needed to determine clinical scenarios and risk factors where donor and recipient serologic screening may beneficial.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

Left Ventricular Assist Device Infections and the Potential Role for Dalbavancin: A Case Report

Left ventricular assist device infections (LVADIs) are common but challenging to treat, often requiring prolonged courses of intravenous antibiotics. Dalbavancin could have a role in treating patients with chronic LVADIs given its less frequent dosing requirements. Here, we illustrate a case in which dalbavancin was used as suppressive therapy for an LVADI for greater than 7 months.

Variability of Antibiotic Prescribing in a Large Healthcare Network Despite Adjusting for Patient-Mix: Reconsidering Targets for Improved Prescribing

Background

In the outpatient setting, the majority of antibiotic prescriptions are for acute respiratory infections (ARIs), but most of these infections are viral and antibiotics are unnecessary. We analyzed provider-specific antibiotic prescribing in a group of outpatient clinics affiliated with an academic medical center to inform future interventions to minimize unnecessary antibiotic use.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients who presented with an ARI to any of 15 The Emory Clinic (TEC) primary care clinic sites between October 2015 and September 2017. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the impact of patient, provider, and clinic characteristics on antibiotic prescribing. We also compared provider-specific prescribing rates within and between clinic sites.

Results

A total of 53.4% of the 9600 patient encounters with a diagnosis of ARI resulted in an antibiotic prescription. The odds of an encounter resulting in an antibiotic prescription were independently associated with patient characteristics of white race (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.47–1.73), older age (aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.20–1.46 for patients 51 to 64 years; aOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.20–1.46 for patients ≥65 years), and comorbid condition presence (aOR = 1.19; 95% CI, 1.09–1.30). Of the 109 providers, 13 (12%) had a rate significantly higher than predicted by modeling.

Conclusions

Antibiotic prescribing for ARIs within TEC outpatient settings is higher than expected based on prescribing guidelines, with substantial variation in prescribing rates by site and provider. These data lay the foundation for quality improvement interventions to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.

Severe Community-Acquired Pneumonia due to Acinetobacter baumannii in North America: Case Report and Review of the Literature

Acinetobacter baumannii is a rare but emerging cause of fulminant community-acquired pneumonia (CAP-AB). We describe a patient from a rural area who developed acute respiratory distress syndrome and septic shock. We describe risk factors and characteristics of this syndrome and review published cases of CAP-AB from North America.

Comparison of 30- and 90-Day Mortality Rates in Patients with Cultures Positive for Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter in Atlanta, 2011–2015

Background

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) pose a threat to public health, but comparisons of disease burden are limited. We compared survival in patients following cultures positive for CRE or CRAB.

Methods

The Georgia Emerging Infections Program performs active population-based and laboratory-based surveillance for CRE and CRAB in metropolitan Atlanta, GA. Using standard CDC definitions, we included patients who had incident carbapenem-nonsusceptible E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Enterobacter spp., or Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from urine only (noninvasive infection) or a sterile site (invasive infection) between 8/2011 and 12/2015. Death dates, verified by Georgia Vital Statistics records, were used to calculate 30- and 90-day mortality rates. We used the chi-square test for mortality rates and the log-rank test for survival analysis to 90 days to compare patients with invasive CRAB, noninvasive CRAB, invasive CRE, and noninvasive CRE.

Results

There were 535 patients with CRE (87 invasive, 448 noninvasive) and 279 (78 invasive, 201 noninvasive) with CRAB. Nearly all patients with CRE and CRAB had healthcare exposures (97.2% vs. 100%) and most were immunosuppressed (62.6% vs. 56.3%). Both 30-day (24.4% vs. 18.3%, p = 0.04) and 90-day (37.6% vs. 30.5%, p = 0.04) mortality were higher in patients with CRAB than CRE. Patients with invasive infections were more likely to die at 90 days than those with noninvasive infections (53.3% vs. 38.4%, p < 0.0001). Overall mortality rates for invasive infection were similar between CRAB and CRE at 30 (44.9% vs. 34.5% p = 0.2) and 90 days (59.0% vs. 48.3%, p = 0.2). Using survival analysis at 90 days, invasive CRAB had the worst outcomes, followed by invasive CRE, noninvasive CRAB and noninvasive CRE 
(p < 0.0001, see Figure).

Conclusion

Ninety-day mortality for invasive infections with CRE and CRAB was ~50%, and patients with CRAB had lower survival than those with CRE, suggesting that prevention efforts may need to prioritize CRAB as highly as CRE in facilities with endemic CRAB. With the high proportion of healthcare exposures and immunosuppression, these infections may signify poor prognosis or directly contribute to mortality.

Disclosures

All authors: No reported disclosures.

A forgotten population: older adults with newly diagnosed HIV

Limited data are available regarding adults age ≥50 at initial HIV diagnosis. Improved understanding of this group is critical in designing interventions to facilitate earlier diagnosis and linkage to HIV care. We characterize individuals newly diagnosed with HIV, particularly those ≥50 years old, and examine the relationship between age and late diagnosis defined as concurrent HIV and AIDS diagnoses. This is a retrospective study of individuals newly diagnosed with HIV from 2006-2011 at an academic medical center in New York City. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate the effect of age, gender, race/ethnicity, risk factor, and prior medical visits on late diagnosis. Adults age ≥50 comprised 21.3% of all newly diagnosed individuals. Among these older adults, 70.0% were diagnosed as inpatients and 68.9% concurrent with AIDS, compared to 41.7% and 38.9% of younger adults, respectively. On adjusted analyses, age ≥50 (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.63, 5.98) and injection drug use (OR 4.4, 95% CI 1.31, 14.75) were positively associated with late diagnosis, whereas female gender was negatively associated with late diagnosis (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.28, 0.98). Our data suggest that HIV testing efforts targeting older adults are essential to address the unmet needs of this population, including implementation of HIV screening guidelines in primary care settings.

How reliable is self-testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia among men who have sex with men?

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have demonstrated a high prevalence of pharyngeal (P) and rectal (R) Neisseria gonorrhoeae (GC) and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infections among men who have sex with men (MSM). Guidelines by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend testing at least annually. But surveys of medical providers suggest that adherence to these guidelines is minimal as a result of limited time and staff. Because of these concerns, we evaluated the feasibility and accuracy of patient self-testing.

METHODS

Three-hundred seventy-four patients at a Washington, DC clinic who identified themselves as MSM and requested testing for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) participated in the study. Patients performed self-screening using the Gen-Probe APTIMA Combo 2 (AC2) kit after viewing written and pictorial instructions. Trained providers also screened patients. We randomized the order in which patients or providers performed testing.

RESULTS

Among those receiving specific tests, 8% of patients tested positive for R-GC, 9.3% for P-GC, 12.7% for R-CT, and 1.3% for P-CT. We performed McNemar tests, stratified by infection type and anatomic site to evaluate concordance. Self-administered testing was significantly better at identifying P-GC (discordant: 3%) and R-GC (discordant: 2.9%) (P ≤.01), and had results similar to provider- administered testing for P-CT (discordant: 0.5%) and R-CT (discordant: 1.1%) detection.

CONCLUSIONS

The equivalent or better detection rates for rectal and oral gonorrhea and chlamydia among patients suggest that patients are capable of performing their own screening for STIs, which may increase infection detection and treatment.

Prediction of developmental outcome using a perinatal risk inventory

An effective perinatal developmental screening that predicts developmental outcome of high-risk neonates is currently not available. One hundred twenty-five high-risk infants were evaluated prior to discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit using a newly developed perinatal risk inventory, family status index, and abbreviated neurobehavioral assessment scale. All infants had been evaluated using the Bayley Mental and Motor Scales of the Stanford-Binet. They were also evaluated by a pediatrician, audiologist, and ophthalmologist. Fifteen infants had been evaluated using 9-month Bayley Scales of Infant Development, 74 had been evaluated using the Bayley at 9 and 18 months, and 36 children had been assessed using the Stanford-Binet at 36 months. The total score of the perinatal risk inventory demonstrated a significant correlation with the infants' last score on the Bayley and Stanford-Binet (r = .55, P less than .001). The abbreviated neurobehavioral assessment scale correlated with the infants' IQ and developmental quotient score (r = .3, P less than .001); the family status index did not correlate well with the developmental outcome. Using a score of 10 on the perinatal risk inventory provided a sensitivity of 0.76, specificity of 0.79, positive predictive value of 0.475, and negative predictive value of 0.929. Twelve of the 13 infants with cerebral palsy were identified as being potentially developmentally abnormal prior to discharge. It appears that it is possible to predict the developmental outcome of high-risk neonates using a perinatal risk inventory.

The vulnerable child syndrome: fact and theory

Studies which have evaluated parent-child relationships following a life-threatening event indicate that parents and children have subsequent interactional difficulties. This study sampled a group of 17 mothers who gave birth to a low birth weight infant (mean weight 1260 grams) and compared them to 17 mothers of normal infants matched for age, education and marital status. The mothers were studied at the infant's adjusted chronological age of 12 to 18 months. At that time all infants were developing normally as determined by the Denver Prescreening Questionnaire. The results indicated that mothers of low birth weight infants did not demonstrate any greater degree of depression or over-protection than their matched controls. The findings of this preliminary study suggest the need for reassessing the relationship between prematurity and other life-threatening events and the psychological sequelae associated with the vulnerable child syndrome. Previous studies are reviewed, and their methodologies are discussed.

Alienation, dogmatism, and related personality characteristics

Examined the relationship between alienation and dogmatism, as measured by shared personality characteristics. Scores from the Rokeach Dogmatism Scale, the Keniston Alienation Scale, the California Test of Personality, and the Omnibus Personality Inventory were obtained for a sample of 92 college freshmen. Alienation and dogmatism were found to be positively related concepts. The factors that best predicted alienation from dogmatic responses were intolerance expressed for opposing beliefs and compulsivity in the belief system. Alienation and dogmatism also were found to be associated with several commonly held personality traits, which center around anxiety, low self-esteem, and social estrangement manifested in feelings of hostility, aggression, loneliness, rejection, and isolation. These results were discussed and compared to previous research that explored the two concepts separately.