Strict Infection Control Leads to Low Incidence of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusBloodstream Infection over 20 Years

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (6) ◽  
pp. 702-709 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas F. Widmer ◽  
Botond Lakatos ◽  
Reno Frei
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Multiple Infection ◽  
Case Report Form ◽  
Contact Precautions

OBJECTIVEMethicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) is a worldwide issue associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Multiple infection control (IC) approaches have been tested to control its spread; however, the success of the majority of trials has been short-lived and many efforts have failed. We report the long-term success of MRSA control from a prospective observational study over 20 years.SETTINGUniversity Hospital Basel is a large tertiary care center with a median bed capacity of 855 and 5 intensive care units (ICUs); currently, the facility has >32,000 admissions per year.METHODSThe IC program at the University Hospital Basel was created in 1993, after 2 MRSA outbreaks. The program has included strict contact precautions with single rooms for MRSA-colonized or -infected patients, targeted admission screening of high-risk patients and healthcare workers at risk for carriage, molecular typing of all MRSA strains and routine decolonization of MRSA carriers including healthcare workers. We used the incidence of MRSA bloodstream infections (BSIs) to assess the effectiveness of this program. All MRSA cases were prospectively classified using a standardized case report form in nosocomial and nonnosocomial cases, based on CDC definitions.RESULTSBetween 1993 and 2012, 540,669 blood samples were cultured. The number of blood cultures increased from 865 per 10,000 patient days in 1993 to 1,568 per 10,000 patient days in 2012 (P<.001). We identified 1,268 episodes ofS. aureusBSI from 1,204 patients. MRSA accounted for 34 episodes (2.7%) and 24 of these (1.9%) were nosocomial. MRSA BSI incidence varied between 0 and 0.27 per 10,000 patient days and remained stable with no significant variation throughout the study period (P=.882).CONCLUSIONSLong-term control of MRSA is feasible when a bundle of IC precautions is strictly enforced over time.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2015;00(0): 1–8

Nosocomial Acquisition of Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusDuring an Outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 134-137 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susan M. Poutanen ◽  
Mary Vearncombe ◽  
Allison J. McGeer ◽  
Michael Gardam ◽  
Grant Large ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Retrospective Cohort ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Community Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Contact Precautions ◽  
Control Education ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospitals

AbstractObjective:The four hospitals assessed in this study use active surveillance cultures for methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and contact precautions for MRSA-positive patients as part of routine infection control practices. The objective of this study was to determine whether nosocomial acquisition of MRSA decreased in these hospitals during an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) when barrier precautions were routinely used for all patients.Design:Retrospective cohort study.Setting:Three tertiary-care hospitals (a 1,100-bed hospital; a 500-bed hospital; and an 823-bed hospital) and a 430-bed community hospital, each located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.Patients:All admitted patients were included.Results:The nosocomial rate of MRSA in all four hospitals combined during the SARS outbreak (3.7 per 10,000 patient-days) was not significantly different from that before (4.7 per 10,000 patient-days) or after (3.4 per 10,000 patient-days) the outbreak (P= .30 andP= .76, respectively). The nosocomial rate of MRSA after the outbreak was significantly lower than that before the outbreak (P= .003). Inappropriate reuse of gloves and gowns and failure to wash hands between patients on non-SARS wards were observed during the outbreak. Increased attention was paid to infection control education following the outbreak.Conclusions:Inappropriate reuse of gloves and gowns and failure to wash hands between patients may have contributed to transmission of MRSA during the SARS outbreak. Attention should be paid to training healthcare workers regarding the appropriate use of precautions as a means to protect themselves and patients.

Transmission of Group A Streptococcus Limited to Healthcare Workers with Exposure in the Operating Room

2006 ◽  
Vol 27 (11) ◽  
pp. 1159-1163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca E. Chandler ◽  
Lore E. Lee ◽  
John M. Townes ◽  
Randy A. Taplitz
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Operating Room ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Index Patient ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Nosocomial Transmission ◽  
Prolonged Contact ◽  
Group A

Background.Nosocomial transmission of group A Streptococcus (GAS) has been well described. A recent report of an outbreak investigation suggested that transmission can be extensive and that standard infection control measures may not be adequate to prevent transmission from patients with severe, invasive disease to healthcare workers (HCWs).Objective.A case of pharyngitis in an HCW caring for a patient with GAS pharyngitis and necrotizing fasciitis prompted an investigation of the extent and risk factors for nosocomial transmission of GAS.Setting.A 509-bed, tertiary care center in Portland, Oregon with 631,100 patient visits (hospital and clinic) and 11,500 employees in the year 2003.Methods.HCWs with exposure to the index patient (“contacts”) were identified for streptococcal screening and culture and completion of a questionnaire regarding the location and duration of exposure, use of personal protective equipment, and symptoms of GAS infection.Results.We identified 103 contacts of the index patient; 89 (86%) submitted oropharyngeal swabs for screening and culture. Only 3 (3.4%) of contacts had a culture that yielded GAS; emm typing results and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis patterns of GAS isolates from 2 HCWs were identical to those for the isolate from the index patient. Both HCWs were symptomatic, with febrile pharyngitis and reported prolonged contact with the open wound of the patient in the operating room.Conclusions.In this investigation, nosocomial transmission was not extensive, and standard precautions provided adequate protection for the majority of HCWs. Transmission was restricted to individuals with prolonged intraoperative exposure to open wounds. As a result, infection control policy for individuals was modified only for HCWs with exposure to GAS in the operating room.

scholarly journals Emergence of Glutaraldehyde-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (12) ◽  
pp. 1173-1178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah Tschudin-Sutter ◽  
Reno Frei ◽  
Günter Kampf ◽  
Michael Tamm ◽  
Eric Pflimlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pseudomonas Aeruginosa ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Medical Chart ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Medical Chart Review

Objective.In November 2009, routine sampling of endoscopes performed to monitor the effectiveness of the endoscope-cleaning procedure at our hospital detected Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Herein we report the results of the subsequent investigation.Design and Methods.The investigation included environmental cultures for source investigation, molecular analysis by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to reveal the identity of the strains, and determination of the bactericidal activity of the glutaraldehyde-based disinfectant used for automated endoscope reprocessing. In addition, patient outcome was analyzed by medical chart review, and incidence rates of clinical samples with P. aeruginosa were compared.Setting.The University Hospital of Basel is an 855-bed tertiary care center in Basel, Switzerland. Approximately 1,700 flexible bronchoscopic, 2,500 gastroscopic, 1,400 colonoscopic, 140 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographic, and 140 endosonographic procedures are performed annually.Results.P. aeruginosa was detected in samples obtained from endoscopes in November 2009 for the first time since the initiation of surveillance in 2006. It was found in the rinsing water and in the drain of 1 of the 2 automated endoscope reprocessors. PFGE revealed 2 distinct P. aeruginosa strains, one in each reprocessor. The glutaraldehyde-based disinfectant showed no activity against the 2 pseudo-outbreak strains when used in the recommended concentration under standard conditions. After medical chart review, 6 patients with lower respiratory tract and bloodstream infections were identified as having a possible epidemiological link to the pseudo-outbreak strain.Conclusions.This is the first description of a pseudo-outbreak caused by P. aeruginosa with reduced susceptibility to an aldehyde-based disinfectant routinely used in the automated processing of endoscopes.

Efficacy of Infection Control Strategies to Reduce Transmission of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Korea: A 4-Year Follow-Up Study

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 493-495 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sung Won YoonChang ◽  
Kyong Ran Peck ◽  
Og Son Kim ◽  
Jang Ho Lee ◽  
Nam Yong Lee ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Control Strategies ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Contact Precautions ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant ◽  
Hospital Contact

To determine the effectiveness of infection control strategies to reduce transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), a cohort study was performed in a university hospital. Contact precautions alone were not effective in reducing transmission of VRE. Strict isolation of affected patients in private rooms, in addition to use of contact precautions, showed a significantly improved reduction in the transmission of VRE.

scholarly journals Hospital-Acquired Bloodstream Infections With MRSA and VRE: Standardized Admission Screening Did Not Impact Rates

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s253-s254
Author(s):  
Jennifer Ellison ◽  
Blanda Chow ◽  
Andrea Howatt ◽  
Ted Pfister ◽  
Kathryn Bush
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Cost Of Care ◽  
Early Initiation ◽  
Solid Organ ◽  
Screening Practices ◽  
Contact Precautions ◽  
Admission Screening ◽  
Hospital Acquired ◽  
Standardized Screening

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in severely ill patients, contributing to increased length of stay and a higher cost of care. Surveillance of hospital-acquired (HA) BSI is considered a measure of quality of care and has been performed provincially in Alberta since 2011. Prior to October 2015, a nonstandardized, risk-factor–based VRE screening process was used. Screening practices for antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs) were aligned in October 2015 with a provincially standardized admission screening tool to allow for early initiation of contact precautions for patients colonized or infected with MRSA or VRE. In this data review, we sought to determine whether this admission screening change influenced ARO infections through review of HA-BSI rates. Methods: Prospectively, we reviewed reports of all patients admitted to Alberta Health Services/Covenant Health acute-care and acute-/tertiary-care rehabilitation facilities who met inclusion criteria: (1) positive blood culture identified with MRSA or VRE; (2) new episode for the patient; and (3) positive result occurred on or after calendar day 3 of admission. Data are presented as quarterly rates. Screening practices for MRSA and VRE were standardized provincially in October 2015 to include screening for MRSA on admission for patients who had an inpatient admission, received hemodialysis, or was an inmate in a correctional facility in the past 6 months. We also screened for VRE patients admitted to a solid-organ transplant unit or a hematology unit, regardless of risk factors. Results: We detected no changes in the quarterly rates of HA-BSI with MRSA or VRE after admission screening was standardized. Prior to standardized screening, MRSA BSI rates ranged from 0.12 to 0.25 per 10,000 patient days, with an overall rate of 0.18 per 10,000 patient days. After standardization, rates ranged from 0.09 to 0.30 per 10,000 patient days, with an overall rate of 0.17 per 10,000 patient days (P = .46). VRE BSI rates prior to standardization ranged from 0.03 to 0.13 per 10,000 patient days, with an overall rate of 0.08 per 10,000 patient days, which increased slightly to 0.09 per 10,000 patient days after standardized screening, ranging between 0.04 and 0.16 per 10,000 patient days (P = .61). Conclusions: Following the implementation of standardized admission screening and the early initiation of contact precautions, no significant changes were observed in rates of either HA-BSI with MRSA or VRE. Further investigation is required to identify the most effective strategies to reduce HA-BSIs caused by MRSA and VRE.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

scholarly journals Effect of Removing Contact Precautions for Multidrug-Resistant Organisms on Hospital Infections in a Pediatric Health System

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s199-s200
Author(s):  
Matthew Linam ◽  
Dorian Hoskins ◽  
Preeti Jaggi ◽  
Mark Gonzalez ◽  
Renee Watson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Central Line ◽  
Contact Precautions ◽  
Stewardship Program ◽  
Tract Infections ◽  
The Impact

Background: Discontinuation of contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) have failed to show an increase in associated transmission or infections in adult healthcare settings. Pediatric experience is limited. Objective: We evaluated the impact of discontinuing contact precautions for MRSA, VRE, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing gram-negative bacilli (ESBLs) on device-associated healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Methods: In October 2018, contact precautions were discontinued for children with MRSA, VRE, and ESBLs in a large, tertiary-care pediatric healthcare system comprising 2 hospitals and 620 beds. Coincident interventions that potentially reduced HAIs included blood culture diagnostic stewardship (June 2018), a hand hygiene education initiative (July 2018), a handshake antibiotic stewardship program (December 2018) and multidisciplinary infection prevention rounding in the intensive care units (November 2018). Compliance with hand hygiene and HAI prevention bundles were monitored. Device-associated HAIs were identified using standard definitions. Annotated run charts were used to track the impact of interventions on changes in device-associated HAIs over time. Results: Average hand hygiene compliance was 91%. Compliance with HAI prevention bundles was 81% for ventilator-associated pneumonias, 90% for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and 97% for central-line–associated bloodstream infections. Overall, device-associated HAIs decreased from 6.04 per 10,000 patient days to 3.25 per 10,000 patient days after October 2018 (Fig. 1). Prior to October 2018, MRSA, VRE and ESBLs accounted for 10% of device-associated HAIs. This rate decreased to 5% after October 2018. The decrease in HAIs was likely related to interventions such as infection prevention rounds and handshake stewardship. Conclusions: Discontinuation of contact precautions for children with MRSA, VRE, and ESBLs were not associated with increased device-associated HAIs, and such discontinuation is likely safe in the setting of robust infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship programs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Nephrocalcinosis, Renal Dysfunction, and Calculi in Patients With Primary Hypoparathyroidism on Long-Term Conventional Therapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. e1215-e1224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Soma Saha ◽  
Devasenathipathy Kandasamy ◽  
Raju Sharma ◽  
Chandrasekhar Bal ◽  
Vishnubhatla Sreenivas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Dysfunction ◽  
Conventional Therapy ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Fractional Excretion ◽  
Renal Calculi ◽  
Serum Total Calcium ◽  
Calcium Phosphorus

Abstract Context There are concerns about the long-term safety of conventional therapy on renal health in patients with hypoparathyroidism. Careful audit of these would help comparisons with upcoming parathyroid hormone therapy. Objective We investigated nephrocalcinosis, renal dysfunction, and calculi, their predictors and progression over long-term follow-up in patients with primary hypoparathyroidism (PH). Design and Setting An observational study at a tertiary care center was conducted. Participants and Methods A total of 165 PH patients receiving conventional therapy were evaluated by radiographs, ultrasonography, and computed tomography. Their glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was measured by Tc-99m-diethylenetriamine penta-acetic acid clearance. Clinical characteristics, serum total calcium, phosphorus, creatinine, hypercalciuria, and fractional excretion of phosphorus (FEPh) at presentation and during follow-up were analyzed as possible predictors of renal complications. Controls were 165 apparently healthy individuals. Results Nephrocalcinosis was present in 6.7% of PH patients but not in controls. Patients younger than 15 years at presentation and with higher serum calcium-phosphorus product were at higher risk. Nephrocalcinosis showed no significant association with cataract and intracranial calcification. Prevalence of renal calculi was comparable between hypoparathyroid patients and controls (5% vs 3.6%, P = .58). Fourteen percent of patients had a GFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Increased FEPh during follow-up was the significant predictor of low GFR. Nephrocalcinosis developed in 9% of patients over 10 years of conventional therapy. Conclusion A total of 6.7% of PH patients had nephrocalcinosis, and 14% showed renal dysfunction. Prevalence of renal calculi was similar in patients and controls. Nine percent of patients developed nephrocalcinosis over 10 years of conventional therapy.

scholarly journals Clinical and laboratory follow-up after hospitalization for COVID-19 at an Italian tertiary care center

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michele Spinicci ◽  
Iacopo Vellere ◽  
Lucia Graziani ◽  
Marta Tilli ◽  
Beatrice Borchi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infectious Diseases ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Tertiary Care Center ◽  
Persistent Symptom ◽  
Post Discharge

Abstract We evaluated 100 post-acute COVID-19 patients, a median of 60 days (IQR 48-67) after discharge from the Careggi University Hospital, Italy. Eighty-four (84%) had at least one persistent symptom, irrespective of COVID-19 severity. A considerable number of hospital re-admission (10%) and/or infectious diseases (14%) during the post-discharge period was reported.

Histopathological Study of Cystoscopic Bladder Biopsies in a Tertiary Care Center

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1310-1314
Author(s):  
Rachana Dhakal ◽  
Hem Nath Joshi ◽  
Ramesh Makaju ◽  
Shailendra Sigdel
Keyword(s):  
Urinary Bladder ◽  
Urothelial Carcinoma ◽  
Pathological Condition ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
World Health ◽  
Histopathological Study ◽  
Neoplastic Lesion ◽  
Neoplastic Lesions

Introduction: Non-neoplastic urinary bladder lesions are not life threatening, but are an important source to cause clinical symptoms and signs. However, neoplasms of the bladder are a source of morbidity, mortality, and exhibit more clinical challenges. Cystoscopy provides overall information about an anatomical/pathological condition of the urinary bladder which will be helpful for patients' management. A cystoscopic biopsy is a primary diagnostic tool for diagnosing urinary bladder cancer. Objectives: The objective of the study was to find the frequency and histomorphological characteristics of urinary bladder lesions in Dhulikhel Hospital, to find the clinical presentation of urinary bladder lesions and to grade the urothelial tumors based on the World Health Organization (WHO)/ International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) classification 2004. Methodology: This was a retrospective, cross-sectional, observational study carried out in the Department of Pathology, Dhulikhel Hospital-Kathmandu University Hospital. Convenient sampling was done. All cystoscopy biopsies received from January 2014 to December 2018 were studied. All tissue blocks were retrieved, cut, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin. The stained slides were examined under a light microscope by the primary investigator. Result: A total of 70 cystoscopic biopsies were analyzed. The majority of patients 20 (28.6%) were in the age group between 60 and 69 years and males were predominant 43 (61.4%). The neoplastic lesions constituted 40 (57.1%) of all bladder lesions, among them urothelial carcinoma accounted for 38 (54.2%). Similarly, chronic cystitis 27(38.6%) was the most common non-neoplastic lesion. Conclusion: The study found that the neoplastic lesions were commonly encountered in urinary bladder lesions. Among them, lowgrade urothelial carcinoma was the most common bladder tumor. However, most of the non-neoplastic lesions were inflammatory in origin. Cystoscopy combined with histomorphological examination helps in the early detection of bladder lesions. 

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