-
Healthcare-associated carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae infections are associated with higher mortality compared to carbapenem-sensitive K. pneumoniae infections in the ICU: a retrospective cohort study J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-19 Yao Yao, Zhuhong Zha, Lingzhu Li, Honglin Tan, Jianhua Pi, Canqing You, Bao Liu
We aimed to investigate the association between carbapenem resistance and the mortality rate, length of stay, and hospital cost in patients with infection. : The retrospective cohort study was conducted in the intensive care units of a large teaching tertiary hospital in southwest China between 1st January 2020 and 31st December 2022. To examine the impact of carbapenem resistance on mortality rates
-
The impact of discontinuing single-room isolation of patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococci: a quasi-experimental single-center study in South Korea J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-15 Soyeon Park, Seongman Bae, Eun Ok Kim, Euijin Chang, Min Jae Kim, Yong Pil Chong, Sang-Ho Choi, Sang-Oh Lee, Yang Soo Kim, Jiwon Jung, Sung-Han Kim
There is limited data on the effects of discontinuing single-room isolation while maintaining contact precautions, such as the use of gowns and gloves. In April 2021, our hospital ceased single-room isolation for patients with VRE because of single-room unavailability. This study assessed the impact of this policy by examining the incidence of hospital-acquired VRE bloodstream infections (HA-VRE BSI)
-
A predictive score for the result of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae and Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci screening J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-13 F. Stordeur, A.-G. Si Larbi, K. Le Neindre, J. Ory, F. Faibis, C. Lawrence, F. Barbut, D. Lecointe, E. Farfour, the RéFraLHHa group, Clément Andonian, Fabienne Faure-Audebert, Céline Ciotti, Simone Nérome, Pierre Foucault-Picher, Floriane Grade, Marie de Fondaumière, Camille Durand, Yannick Costa, Jean-Winoc Decousser, Jérôme Robert, Evelyne Kinziger, Audrey Migeon, Laetitia Zon, Sandrine Delattre
The duration of extensively drug-resistant bacteria (XDR) carriage depends on several factors for which the information can be difficult to recover. We aimed to determine whether past screening and clinical results of patients can predict the results of subsequent screening. In total, 256 patients were retrospectively included from 10 healthcare centres in France from January 2014 to January 2022.
-
Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections in cancer patients: current knowledge and future directions J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-13 Aleece MacPhail, Claire Dendle, Monica Slavin, Zoe McQuilten
Cancer patients experience higher rates of preventable harm from hospital acquired bloodstream infection (haBSI) and central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) than the general hospital population. Prevention of haBSI and CLABSI in cancer patients is an urgent priority and requires standardised surveillance and reporting efforts.
-
Virucidal activity of a plant-oil-based oral rinse against respiratory viruses J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-13 T.L. Meister, Y. Brüggemann, B. Becker, D. Paulmann, F.H.H. Brill, E. Steinmann
Respiratory viruses have been reported to infect the salivary glands and the throat, which are potential reservoirs for virus replication and transmission. Therefore, strategies to reduce the amount of infective virus particles in the oral mucous membranes could lower the risk of transmission. The viral inactivation capacity of a plant-oil-based oral rinse (Salviathymol®) was evaluated in comparison
-
Predicting consequences of COVID-19 control measure de-escalation on nosocomial transmission and mortality: a modelling study in a French rehabilitation hospital J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-11 D.R.M. Smith, A. Duval, R. Grant, M. Abbas, S. Harbarth, L. Opatowski, L. Temime
Infection control measures are effective for nosocomial COVID-19 prevention but bear substantial health-economic costs, motivating their “de-escalation” in settings at low risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Yet consequences of de-escalation are difficult to predict, particularly in light of novel variants and heterogeneous population immunity. To estimate how infection control measure de-escalation influences
-
Costs and resource utilization patterns in surgical site infections: A pre-COVID-19 perspective from France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-11 Jon Salmanton-García, Caroline Bruns, Jule Rutz, Markus Albertsmeier, Juliane Ankert, Louis Bernard, Camille Bataille, Elodie Couvé-Deacon, María Fernández-Ferrer, Jesús Fortún, Alicia Galar, Eva Grill, Thomas Guimard, Annika Y. Classen, Jörg Janne Vehreschild, Jannik Stemler, Jan-Hendrik Naendrup, Jürgen Hampl, Bradly Tallon, Rosanne Sprute, Juan Pablo Horcajada, Joan Mollar-Maseres, Patricia Muñoz
Surgical site infections (SSI), mainly caused by , pose a significant economic burden in Europe, leading to increased hospitalization duration, mortality, and treatment costs, particularly with drug-resistant strains like meticillin-resistant . . We conducted a case-control study on the economic impact of SSI in adult surgical patients across high-volume centres in France, Germany, Spain, and the UK
-
TEMPORARY REMOVAL: Overview of the second edition of the joint British Society of Gastroenterology and Healthcare Infection Society faecal microbiota transplant guidelines, 2024 J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-10 Benjamin H. Mullish, Aggie Bak, Blair Merrick, Mohammed Nabil Quraishi, Simon D. Goldenberg, Horace R.T. Williams
The publisher regrets that this article has been temporarily removed. A replacement will appear as soon as possible in which the reason for the removal of the article will be specified, or the article will be reinstated.
-
How long do nosocomial pathogens persist on inanimate surfaces? A scoping review J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-05 L. Porter, O. Sultan, B.G. Mitchell, A. Jenney, M. Kiernan, D.J. Brewster, P.L. Russo
Healthcare hygiene plays a crucial role in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. Patients admitted to a room where the previous occupant had a multi-drug-resistant bacterial infection are at an increased risk of colonization and infection with the same organism. A 2006 systematic review by Kramer found that certain pathogens can survive for months on dry surfaces. The aim of this review
-
Electronic hand hygiene monitoring tools for implementation of optimal hand sanitizing adherence in neonatal intensive care J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-04 C. Minotti, S. Aghlmandi, J.A. Bielicki
-
Assessing the effects of transient weather conditions on airborne transmission risk in naturally ventilated hospitals J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-04 Alexander J. Edwards, Marco-Felipe King, Martín López-García, Daniel Peckham, Catherine J. Noakes
Many UK hospitals rely heavily on natural ventilation as their main source of airflow in patient wards. This method of ventilation can have cost and energy benefits, but it may lead to unpredictable flow patterns between indoor spaces, potentially leading to the unexpected transport of infectious material to other connecting zones. However, the effects of weather conditions on airborne transmission
-
Tailored Care for Cardiac Health: Risk Stratification and Gentamicin-Infused Collagen Sponges to Minimize Cardiac Device Infections and Healthcare Costs J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-04 Andrea Matteucci MD MSc MStat, Claudio Pandozi MD, Carlo Pignalberi MD, Carlo Lavalle MD, Marco Valerio Mariani MD, Stefania Angela Di Fusco MD MSc, Furio Colivicchi MD
-
A search strategy for detecting duodenoscope-associated infections: a retrospective observational study J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-04 K. van der Ploeg, C.H.W. Klaassen, M.C. Vos, J.A. Severin, B.C.G.C. Mason-Slingerland, M.J. Bruno
Duodenoscope-associated infections (DAIs) are exogenous infections resulting from the use of contaminated duodenoscopes. Though numerous outbreaks of DAI have involved multidrug-resistant micro-organisms (MDROs), outbreaks involving non-MDROs are also likely to occur. Detection challenges arise as these infections often resolve before culture or because causative strains are not retained for comparison
-
Evaluation of infection prevention and control programmes according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the World Health Organization in Spain 2012–2022: indicators of core component 1 J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 L.M. Parra, M. Cantero, R.M. Ortí-Lucas, I. Salcedo-Leal, Á. Asensio, EPINE study Group
Key and core components of effective infection prevention and control programmes (IPCPs) issued by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have been described. WHO core component 1 relates to the structure, organization and management of IPCPs. The objective of this study was to assess the status and the time trends of some indicators of
-
Advancing outbreak simulation training: a collaborative pilot study for dual-specialty medical trainees and infection prevention and control professionals J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 A. King, S. Cairns, L. Shepherd, J. Barrett, T. Inkster
In response to identified gaps in infection prevention and control (IPC) training within Scotland, a Short Life Working Group initiated an innovative outbreak simulation training programme. To enhance the knowledge and confidence of medical microbiology and infectious diseases trainees and IPC professionals in managing healthcare-associated infection (HAI) outbreaks, employing the National Infection
-
Management of newborns and healthcare workers exposed to isoniazid-resistant congenital tuberculosis in the neonatal intensive care unit J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-03-01 S. Lee, G. Kim, G-M. Park, J. Jeong, E. Jung, B.S. Lee, E. Jo, S. Lee, H. Yoon, K-W. Jo, S-H. Kim, J. Lee
Management of newborns and healthcare workers (HCWs) exposed to congenital tuberculosis (TB) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has been reported rarely. To outline a contact investigation process for individuals exposed to congenital TB in the NICU and investigate nosocomial transmission. Additionally, to assess the efficacy and safety of window prophylaxis in exposed newborns. A baby, born
-
Not only COVID-19: a systematic review of anti-COVID-19 measures and their effect on healthcare-associated infections J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-27 F. Ciccacci, C. De Santo, C. Mosconi, S. Orlando, M. Carestia, L. Guarente, G. Liotta, L. Palombi, L.E. Gialloreti
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) burden healthcare globally. Amid the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, intensified infection control measures, such as mask usage and hand hygiene, were implemented. To assess the efficacy of these measures in preventing HAIs among hospitalized patients. Using the PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome), the study focused on hospitalized patients and
-
What is the effect of reducing the air change rate on the ventilation effectiveness in ultra-clean operating rooms? J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-27 J.L.A. Lans, N.M.C. Mathijssen, A. Bode, J.J. van den Dobbelsteen, M. van der Elst, P.G. Luscuere
The operating room (OR) department is one of the most energy-intensive departments of a hospital. The majority of ORs in the Netherlands have an air-handling installation with an ultra-clean ventilation system. However, not all surgeries require an ultra-clean OR. To determine the effect of reducing the air change rate on the ventilation effectiveness in ultra-clean ORs. Lower air volume ventilation
-
How and why do healthcare workers use gloves in two Norwegian nursing homes? J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-27 P.C. Kristiansen, S. Bastien, J. Debesay, M. Fagernes
Incorrect glove use can cause cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections. Previous research has identified reasons for this, such as lack of indication, improper changing, and poor hand hygiene post use. Limited research has investigated the reasons behind healthcare workers' glove usage. To develop an in-depth understanding of healthcare worker (HCW) attitudes and perceptions of glove
-
Barriers and facilitators for the implementation and expansion of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy: a systematic review J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-27 S.A. Mohammed, M.O. Cotta, G.M. Assefa, D. Erku, F. Sime
Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) has been expanding in recent years and serves as a viable solution in reducing the shortage of hospital beds. However, the wider implementation of OPAT faces numerous challenges. This review aimed to assess implementation barriers and facilitators of OPAT services. Studies describing barriers and facilitators of the OPAT service were retrieved from
-
Impact of infection prevention and control practices, including personal protective equipment, on the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections in acute care hospitals during COVID-19: a systematic review and meta-analysis J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-27 J.K. Teus, L. Mithen, H. Green, A. Hutton, R. Fernandez
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to healthcare systems globally. Personal protective equipment has played a fundamental role in protecting healthcare workers and patients, but its effectiveness in reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) during the pandemic remains a subject of debate. To conduct a synthesis and meta-analysis of the best available evidence of the prevalence
-
High-consequence infectious diseases: the conception and development of a multi-disciplinary, interprofessional simulation training programme J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-23 L. Sowole, R. Kainth, C. Tuudah, A. Delmonte Sen, N. Price, G. O'Hara
High-consequence infectious diseases (HCIDs) represent a group of acute infectious diseases with the potential to impact healthcare systems and public health profoundly. Effective management requires a system-based strategy focused on early detection, initiation of infection prevention and control measures, and appropriate use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Inadequate training in the safe
-
Achromobacter species (sp.) outbreak caused by hospital equipment containing contaminated water: risk factors for infection J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-23 J. Tian, T. Zhao, R. Tu, B. Zhang, Y. Huang, Z. Shen, G. Du, Y. Wang
Nosocomial outbreaks of urinary tract infections caused by spp. have been rare in recent decades. To identify the origin of an sp. outbreak, conduct multi-modal infection control measures, and finally to stop the outbreak. To this end, an epidemiological outbreak investigation and risk factor analysis were performed. sp. was detected in 22 patients in our urology wards and six environmental cultures
-
How reliable are test results from 17 laboratories on the basis of EN 1500 for a hand rub based on 80% (w/w)? J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-17 M. Suchomel, G. Kampf, J. Gebel, F. Droop, B. Christiansen, K-M. Roesch
A ring trial organized by the Association of Applied Hygiene (VAH) on the bactericidal efficacy of an ethanol-based hand rub was carried out in 17 laboratories according to EN 1500 with the aim of describing the variability of test results and fulfilment of the methodological acceptance criteria. As a test product, a hand rub based on 80% ethanol (w/w) was tested in comparison with the reference alcohol
-
Epidemiology and prevention of surgical site infection in Japan J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-16 K. Morikane
Healthcare-associated infection control practices in Japan were not commonly acknowledged until mid-1980s, when an academic society focusing on infection control was founded and large academic hospitals began to establish infection control departments. In the late 1990s, the society established a nationwide surveillance system mainly focusing on surgical site infection (SSI). Coincidentally, the guideline
-
Comparison of clinical outcomes of patients with serial negative surveillance cultures according to a subsequent PCR test for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-16 Hyeonji Seo, Seowoo Kim, Yun Woo Lee, Hong Sang Oh, Han-Sung Kim, Yong Kyun Kim
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are of serious concern worldwide due to high morbidity and mortality. To evaluate the impact of the result of a subsequent polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for carbapenemase after serial negative surveillance cultures on positive culture conversion in patients with three consecutive negative surveillance cultures for CPE, and to identify risk factors
-
Dynamics of blaOXA-23 gene transmission in Acinetobacter spp. from contaminated veterinary environmental surfaces: an emerging One Health threat? J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-14 J. Moreira da Silva, J. Menezes, L. Fernandes, C. Marques, S.S. Costa, D. Timofte, A. Amaral, C. Pomba
Carbapenem-resistant is a common pathogen associated with healthcare-acquired infections, and robust infection prevention and control protocols exist in human healthcare settings. In contrast, infection prevention and control (IPC) standards are limited in veterinary medicine, necessitating further investigation. Examine the possible transmission of carbapenem-resistant spp. in a veterinary practice
-
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium – impact of ending screening and isolation in a Danish University hospital J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-13 Sanne Groenvall Kjaer Hansen, Kasper Klein, Anita Nymark, Lise Andersen, Kim O. Gradel, Joanna Lis-Toender, Claus Oestergaard, Ming Chen, Raluca Datcu, Marianne N. Skov, Anette Holm, Flemming S. Rosenvinge
Substantial resources are used at the hospitals worldwide to counteract the ever-increasing incidence of vancomycin-resistant and vancomycin-variable (VREfm and VVEfm), but it is important to balance patient safety, infection prevention, and hospital costs. Our aims were to investigate the impact of ending VREfm/VVEfm screening and isolation at Odense University Hospital (OUH), Denmark on patient and
-
Hospital-based Antimicrobial Stewardship in Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands – Current landscape and barriers J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-13 Christian Kraef, Kristina Öbrink-Hansen, Mathias Hertz, Trine Langfeldt Hagen, Susanna Deutch, Jon Gitz Holler, Birthe Riis Olesen, Mette Holm, Shahin Gaini, Anders Koch, Thomas Benfield, Flemming S. Rosenvinge, Isik Somuncu Johansen
To describe the current organization and implementation of formalized, multidisciplinary hospital-based antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) structures in Denmark, the Faroe Islands, and Greenland. A structured electronic questionnaire was sent to all trainees and specialists in clinical microbiology (n=207) and infectious diseases (n=260), as well as clinical pharmacists (n=20) and paediatricians (n=10)
-
Hospital wide healthcare associated carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales outbreak: risks of electric floor scrubbers in catering facilities and kitchens J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-08 Aled Benbow, Mitch Clarke, Carl Yates, Ros Montgomery, Karren Staniforth, Tim Boswell, Katherine Prescott, Nikunj Mahida
Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) are associated with poor clinical outcomes and can spread rapidly in healthcare settings. Environmental reservoirs are increasingly recognized as playing an important part in some nosocomial outbreaks. To describe the investigation and control of a CPE outbreak, lasting several years, across two separate hospital sites within one organization. Investigation
-
Current practices in neonatal umbilical venous catheters: inquiring about the 48-hour dwell time and advocating for evidence-based care J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-08 F. Miselli, L. Casadei, L. Lugli, L. Bedetti, L. Corso, M. Buttera, A. Berardi
-
Contamination of hospital drains and toilets by carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales: a prevalence study apart from any outbreak context J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-03 C. Durand, S. Jolivet, K. Le Neindre, J. Couturier, C. Lazare, T. Montagne, G. Nou, C. Leplay, F. Barbut
Abstract not available
-
Prevalence and factors associated with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonisation on admission to geriatric care units: impact on screening practices J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-01 Arnaud Bruyneel, Isaline Miesse, Delphine Mathieu, Clémence Djuidjé Yuemo, Anne Simon
Objectives Universal screening for MRSA entails additional costs and there is no consensus for targeted screening for high-risk units. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of MRSA in geriatric care units and to identify the factors associated with this colonisation on admission. Methods This was a retrospective case-control study (1:1) in the geriatric care unit of six Belgian hospitals
-
Patient perspectives on infection prevention and control in cancer care: a survey of knowledge and attitudes among persons with cancer and their next of kin J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-02 A.S. Danielsen, N.J. Nygaard, A.W. Børseth, J.V. Nilsen, H. Øvreness, R. Raastad, M.A. Borg, O. Kacelnik, J.V. Bjørnholt
With the growing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, there may be a need to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in cancer care. When developing clinical guidelines, it is important to incorporate patient perspectives. To determine the knowledge of, and attitudes towards, IPC among persons with cancer and their next of kin in Norway. Through discussions in expert panels and
-
Sex differences in surgical site infections following coronary artery bypass grafting: a retrospective observational study J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-02 M. Boyle, R. Vaja, M. Rochon, S. Luhana, M. Gopalaswamy, S. Bhudia, S. Raja, M. Petrou, C. Quarto
Surgical site infection (SSI) following cardiac surgery poses a significant challenge for healthcare providers. Despite advances in surgical techniques and infection control measures, SSI remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, in addition to being a significant economic burden on healthcare services. Current literature suggests there is a reproducible difference in the incidence of SSI
-
Reduction of blood culture contamination rates through simplified personal protective equipment in COVID-19 patient care setting J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-02 Jae Hyeon Park, Taek Soo Kim, Hyeon Jae Jo, Chan Mi Lee, Mimi Lee, Chang Kyung Kang, Pyoeng Gyun Choe, Wan Beom Park, Nam Joong Kim
Abstract not available
-
Establishing semi-automated infection surveillance in obstetrics and gynaecology J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-02-01 H. Hill, I. Wagenhäuser, P. Schuller, J. Diessner, M. Eisenmann, S. Kampmeier, U. Vogel, A. Wöckel, M. Krone
Surveillance is an acknowledged method to decrease nosocomial infections, such as surgical site infections (SSIs). Electronic healthcare records create the opportunity for automated surveillance. While approaches for different types of surgeries and indicators already exist, there are very few for obstetrics and gynaecology. To analyse the sensitivity and workload reduction of semi-automated surveillance
-
Efficacy of preventive interventions against ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients: An umbrella review of meta-analyses J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-29 Dongwei Zhu, Qi Zhao, Shenhao Guo, Le Bai, Shuang Yang, Yisheng Zhao, Yong Xu, Xianmei Zhou
Background Many meta-analyses have assessed the efficacy of preventive interventions against ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in critically ill patients. However, there has been no comprehensive analysis of the strength and quality of evidence to date. Methods Systematic reviews of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials, which evaluated the effect of preventive strategies on the incidence
-
Whole Genome Sequencing reveals two prolonged simultaneous outbreaks involving Pseudomonas aeruginosa high-risk strains ST111 and ST235 with resistance to quaternary ammonium compounds J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-28 Anca Rath, Bärbel Kieninger, Jürgen Fritsch, Aila Caplunik-Pratsch, Stefan Blaas, Monika Ochmann, Michael Pfeifer, Jiri Hartl, Thomas Holzmann, Wulf Schneider-Brachert
Objective Water-bearing systems are known as frequent Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) outbreak sources. Still, many older buildings have sanitary facilities in high-risk departments like the ICU. We present two simultaneous prolonged multidrug-resistant (MDR) PA outbreaks detected at the ICU of a pulmonology hospital, which were resolved by whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Methods Outbreak management and
-
Emergence and dissemination of epidemic-causing OXA-244 carbapenemase-producing Escherichia coli ST38 through hospital sewage in Norway, 2020-2022 J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-28 Didrik H. Grevskott, Vera Radisic, Francisco Salvà-Serra, Edward R.B. Moore, Kristine S. Akervold, Manish P. Victor, Nachiket P. Marathe
Background Population-based sewage surveillance has emerged as a promising approach for studying the prevalence of antibiotic resistance in pathogens. Aim To determine the temporal prevalence of cefotaxime-resistant E. coli in sewage from five sewage treatment plants located in Bergen city, to determine whether ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing E. coli are consistently disseminated in the receiving
-
Incorporation of skin preparation guidelines in local surgical facilities protocols: what kind of barriers does it face? A multicentre study in France J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-27 Delphine VERJAT-TRANNOY, Véronique MERLE, Caroline DANIEL, Jessica SAMBOURG, Pascal ASTAGNEAU
Background Surgical site infection (SSI) is the most frequent and severe adverse event after surgery. Among preventive measures, the preoperative skin preparation (PSP) is known to be heterogeneously implemented in routine practice. A prerequisite would be the actual incorporation of guidelines in French surgical local protocols. Aim To assess whether PSP recommendations have been incorporated in local
-
Proposal for a screening protocol for Candida auris colonization J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-27 Sonja E. Leonhard, Ga-Lai Chong, Dimard E. Foudraine, Lonneke G.M. Bode, Peter Croughs, Stephanie Popping, Erik Schaftenaar, Corné H.W. Klaassen, Juliëtte A. Severin
Candida auris is an emerging multidrug-resistant yeast which can cause severe infection in hospitalized patients. Since its first detection in 2009, C. auris has spread globally. The control and elimination of this pathogen in a hospital setting is particularly challenging because of its ability to form biofilms, allowing for long-term patient colonization and persistence in the environment. Identification
-
Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices and Perceived Challenges for Healthcare Workers on Water-Less ICU Care at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Singapore J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-25 S. Buvaneswarran, M.C.W. Chua, Z. Amin, W. Xia, J.M. Low
Background Implementation of water-less care, including removal of sinks from patient care areas, is an emerging approach to reduce water-borne infections in high-risk areas such as intensive care units (ICUs). This approach, however, requires significant changes from traditional infection control practices and acceptance by healthcare workers (HCWs) for successful transition. Aim To explore the knowledge
-
-
Validation of a hand hygiene visual feedback system to improve compliance with drying time of alcohol-based handrub in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: The Incubator Traffic Light system J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-24 Ronald van Gils, René Kornelisse, Jenny Dankelman, Onno Helder
Introduction Compliance with the recommended 30-second drying time of alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is often suboptimal. To increase hand hygiene compliance at a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), we installed an Incubator Traffic Light (ITL) system which shows ‘green light’ to open incubator doors after the recommended drying time. This study aims to measure the impact of this visual feedback system
-
The Relative Efficacy of Multiple Syringe Tip Disinfection Techniques Against Virulent Staphylococcus Contamination J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-24 Stephanie Gibbons, Franklin Dexter, Randy W. Loftus, Jeremiah Brown, Brendan T. Wanta, Jonathan E. Charnin
Background A recent study confirmed significant contamination of syringe tips following routine anaesthesia practice of at least 6 hours in duration. Aim We assessed the relative efficacy of clinically relevant syringe tip disinfection techniques following contamination with the hyper transmissible and more pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus sequence type 5 (S. aureus ST5) strain characteristic associated
-
Plasma-activated liquid as a potential decontaminant in healthcare. Assessment of antibacterial activity and use with cleaning cloths J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-24 M. Fallon, S. Kennedy, S. Daniels, H. Humphreys
Background ; Cold air plasma (CAP) can generate plasma activated liquids (PALs) with high concentrations of reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), e.g. nitrites, with antimicrobial properties. Aim We investigated the concentrations of ROS and RNS in saline PAL. We assessed planktonic bacterial inactivation by PAL and the decontamination of contaminated cleaning cloths. Methods Phosphate-buffered
-
Closed Incision Negative Pressure Wound Therapy Reduces Superficial Surgical Site Infections After Open Colon Surgery: A NSQIP-Colectomy Study J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-24 Marc M. Mankarious, Nina L. Eng, Austin C. Portolese, Michael J. Deutsch, Patricio Lynn, Audrey S. Kulaylat, Jeffrey S. Scow
Background The use of closed incision negative pressure wound therapy (iNPWT) has increased in the last decade across surgical fields, including colectomy. Aim Compare postoperative outcomes associated with use of (iNPWT) following open colectomy from a large national database. Methods A retrospective review of patients who underwent operations from 2015-2020 was performed using National Surgical Quality
-
Assessment of mould remediation in a healthcare setting following extensive flooding J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-20 M. Meda, V. Gentry, E. Preece, Carmen Nagy, Prassana Kumari, Peter Wilson, Peter Hoffman
Background A new hospital building was close to completion when a large pipe carrying clean water broke, causing extensive flooding. Aim Whilst standard flood remediation by the builders was relatively straightforward, there was no model for specialist assessment of patient risk due to the flood-associated mould growth. As levels of background airborne fungal spores can be expected to vary significantly
-
Contamination of hospital linen in critical care wards: still a hazard? J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-20 V. Saegeman, V. Cossey, A. Schuermans
Abstract not available
-
COVID-19 and antibiotic consumption in the Intensive Care Units of the Polish tertiary hospital J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-12 Jadwiga Wójkowska-Mach, Paweł Krzyściak, Mateusz Gajda, Anna Różańska
Abstract not available
-
An outbreak with multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii on a burn ICU and its control with multifaceted containment measures J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-12 Tilman Obenhuber, Thomas C. Scheier, Tatjana Stutz, Marcel Hug, Duveken Fontein, Anne Kaiser, Stefan Schoene, Peter Steiger, Silvio D. Brugger, Walter Zingg, Peter W. Schreiber
Background Patients in burn centres are at high risk of acquiring multidrug-resistant pathogens due to reduced skin barrier and long hospital stay. Methods We report the investigation and control of an outbreak due to multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in a burn centre. The 27 patients hospitalized in the centre during the outbreak were regularly screened and a total of 132 environmental samples
-
Prevention of Legionella infections from toilet flushing cisterns J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-13 Lukas Bechmann, Katja Bauer, Patrick Zerban, Torben Esser, Aljoscha Tersteegen, Sebastian A. Fuchs, Achim J. Kaasch, Denise Wolleschak, Enrico Schalk, Thomas Fischer, Dimitrios Mougiakakos, Gernot Geginat
INTRODUCTION Immunocompromised patients are at an increased risk of severe Legionella infections. We present the results of an outbreak investigation initiated following a fatal case of hospital-acquired legionellosis linked to contaminated water from a toilet-flushing cistern. Additionally, we provide experimental data on the growth of Legionella spp. in flushing cisterns and propose a straightforward
-
Generalisability of predictive models for Clostridioides difficile infection, severity, and recurrence at an urban safety-net hospital J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-12 Nicole Rafalko, Jessica L. Webster, Gunnar Jacob, Michele Kutzler, Neal D. Goldstein
Introduction Predictive models for Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection can identify high risk patients and aid clinicians in preventing infection. Issues of generalisability regarding current predictive models have been acknowledged but to our knowledge have never been quantified. Methods Through case-control sampling from an urban safety-net hospital, we created C. difficile infection
-
-
-
Effectiveness of reducing bacterial air contamination when covering sterile goods in the operating room setting: a systematic review and meta-analysis J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-13 C. Wistrand, E. Westerdahl, A-S. Sundqvist
Background Postoperative surgical site infection is a serious problem. Coverage of sterile goods may be important to protect the goods from bacterial air contamination while awaiting surgery. Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of this practice in a systematic review covering five databases using search terms related to bacterial contamination in the operating room and on surgical instruments. Methods
-
Diagnostic accuracy of clinical and laboratory characteristics in suspected non-surgical nosocomial central nervous system infections J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-12 I.E. van Zeggeren, C.J. Pennartz, L. ter Horst, D. van de Beek, M.C. Brouwer
Background The diagnosis of meningitis in non-surgical hospitalized patients is often difficult and diagnostic accuracy of clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics is unknown. Aim To assess diagnostic accuracy for individual clinical characteristics of patients suspected of non-surgical nosocomial central nervous system (CNS) infections. Methods In a prospective multi-centre cohort study
-
Comparison of different regimens of short-term antibiotic prophylaxis in transrectal prostate biopsy J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-12 E. Krsakova, A. Cermak, M. Fedorko
Background Prostate cancer is the most common malignant solid tumour in men aged >70 years and is the second most common cause of death from oncological circumstances. Aim To evaluate the effect of different short-term prophylactic antibiotic regimens in transrectal prostate biopsy (PB) on the incidence of infectious complications. Methods Patients who underwent transrectal ultrasound-guided PB between
-
The cost-utility analysis of antifungal prophylaxis for invasive fungal infections in acute myeloid leukaemia patients receiving chemotherapy, a study from a middle-income country J. Hosp. Infect. (IF 6.9) Pub Date : 2024-01-12 Teeramet Pungprasert, Dhanach Dhirachaikulpanich, Woraphun Phutthasakda, Narisa Tantai, Satanun Maneeon, Variya Nganthavee, Kawita Atipas, Sirikul Tanpong, Saran Krithin, Supang Tanglitanon, Warissara Jutidamrongphan, Methee Chayakulkeeree, Varalak Srinonprasert, Ployploen Phikulsod
Background Invasive fungal infections (IFI) contribute to morbidity and mortality during acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) treatment. Without prophylaxis, IFI rate during AML treatment in Thailand was high and resulted in a high mortality rate and a prolonged hospital stay. Aims To evaluate the cost-utility of antifungal therapy (AFT) prophylaxis during AML treatment. Method We assessed the cost-utility