scholarly journals Detection of Possible Medical Product-Related Infection or Pathogen Transmission—United States, 2015–2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. s30-s31
Author(s):  
Isaac Benowitz ◽  
Joseph Perz ◽  
Julia Marders
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Medical Product ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Biological Products ◽  
Medical Products ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Background: Medications, medical devices, biological products, and other medical products can cause healthcare-associated infections related to contamination in production or transportation (intrinsic contamination) or contamination at the point of use (extrinsic contamination). Rapid identification of contaminated medical products can lead to actions to decrease further patient harm. We sought to describe events that prompted public health investigations of contaminated medical products in healthcare facilities. Methods: We reviewed records of CDC consultations with health departments and healthcare facilities from January 2015 through August 2019 to identify public health investigations in which medical products were identified as a likely source of patient infection or pathogen transmission to at least 1 patient. We collected data on products, contamination type, pathogens, route of patient exposure, healthcare setting where exposure occurred, and resulting actions. Results: There were 34 investigations involving medications (n = 15, 44%), medical devices (n = 12, 35%), biological products (n = 3, 9%), and other medical products (n = 4, 12%). Intrinsic contamination was suspected in 15 investigations (44%), with 13 (87%) based on isolation of a pathogen from unopened products and 2 (13%) based on isolation of similar pathogens from patients in contact with a medical product at multiple facilities. Extrinsic contamination was suspected in 19 investigations (56%) based on evidence of pathogen transmission at a single healthcare facility and concurrent infection control gaps at that facility supporting a mechanism of contamination. The most common pathogens prompting investigation were nontuberculous mycobacteria (n = 9, 26%), Burkholderia spp (n = 7, 21%), Klebsiella spp (n = 3, 9%), Serratia spp (n = 2, 6%), and other environmental and commensal organisms. Patients were most commonly exposed in hospitals (n = 19, 56%) and outpatient settings (n = 9, 26%). The most common patient exposures that resulted in transmission of the pathogen were infusions and injections (n = 15, 44%), diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (n = 9, 26%), and surgery (n = 5, 15%). Patient were notified and offered testing in at least 6 investigations (18%) . Interventions included product removal, healthcare provider alerts, patient notification and testing, modification of injection safety practices and other general infection control practices, correction of improper storage and handling, and changes in product design, manufacturing processes, or instructions for use. Conclusions: Public health investigations identified intrinsic and extrinsic contamination of medications, devices, and other products as a cause of healthcare-associated infections. Healthcare facilities should consider contaminated products in investigations of healthcare-associated infections, take steps to identify local infection control concerns, and alert public health authorities to events that could suggest widespread contamination.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Managing Our Microbial Mark

2016 ◽  
Vol 42 (2-3) ◽  
pp. 393-428
Author(s):  
Ann Marie Marciarille
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
The United States ◽  
West African ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Quality Reporting ◽  
Reporting Systems ◽  
Control Procedures ◽  
Healthcare Associated

The narrative of Ebola's arrival in the United States has been overwhelmed by our fear of a West African-style epidemic. The real story of Ebola's arrival is about our healthcare system's failure to identify, treat, and contain healthcare associated infections. Having long been willfully ignorant of the path of fatal infectious diseases through our healthcare facilities, this paper considers why our reimbursement and quality reporting systems made it easy for this to be so. West Africa's challenges in controlling Ebola resonate with our own struggles to standardize, centralize, and enforce infection control procedures in American healthcare facilities.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of autoclaving in sterilizing reusable medical devices in healthcare facilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 858-864 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gopal Panta ◽  
Ann K Richardson ◽  
Ian C Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Biological Indicators ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Steam Sterilization ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Clinical Procedures ◽  
Cost Effective Method ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Medical devices are sterilized before being used for invasive clinical procedures such as surgery, to prevent pathogen transfer. Failure to sterilize medical devices properly presents a risk of healthcare-associated infections. Studies and reports have indicated that inadequately sterilized medical devices are one of the causes of a higher rate of healthcare-associated infections in developing countries. Steam sterilization (autoclaving) is the most widely used method for sterilization and is considered the most robust and cost-effective method for sterilization of medical devices. The effectiveness of steam sterilization can be measured using biological indicators. A literature search was undertaken to understand the effectiveness of autoclaving in sterilizing reusable medical devices in healthcare facilities across the globe. Studies using biological indicators for measuring the effectiveness of autoclaving were obtained. Failures of steam sterilization practices were identified and discussed as a means of identifying factors that might be associated with the ineffectiveness of steam sterilization practices between different countries. The number of studies measuring the effectiveness of steam sterilization is small, and few evaluate the effectiveness of steam sterilization specifically in developing countries. There are fewer studies on higher level healthcare facilities than dental facilities. More evidence about the effectiveness of autoclaving in healthcare facilities is needed to draw firm conclusions, but the data suggest that there are inadequacies in autoclave procedures and operator education.

scholarly journals Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections?

Materials ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (13) ◽  
pp. 3444
Author(s):  
Joji Abraham ◽  
Kim Dowling ◽  
Singarayer Florentine
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Copper Alloys ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Pathogen Transmission ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Traditional Use ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Infection Control Measures

Pathogen transfer and infection in the built environment are globally significant events, leading to the spread of disease and an increase in subsequent morbidity and mortality rates. There are numerous strategies followed in healthcare facilities to minimize pathogen transfer, but complete infection control has not, as yet, been achieved. However, based on traditional use in many cultures, the introduction of copper products and surfaces to significantly and positively retard pathogen transmission invites further investigation. For example, many microbes are rendered unviable upon contact exposure to copper or copper alloys, either immediately or within a short time. In addition, many disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, hospital superbugs, and several viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) are also susceptible to exposure to copper surfaces. It is thus suggested that replacing common touch surfaces in healthcare facilities, food industries, and public places (including public transport) with copper or alloys of copper may substantially contribute to limiting transmission. Subsequent hospital admissions and mortality rates will consequently be lowered, with a concomitant saving of lives and considerable levels of resources. This consideration is very significant in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming epidemics, as it is becoming clear that all forms of possible infection control measures should be practiced in order to protect community well-being and promote healthy outcomes.

Burden of healthcare-associated infections among hospitalized children within community hospitals participating in an infection control network

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Ibukunoluwa C. Akinboyo ◽  
Rebecca R. Young ◽  
Michael J. Smith ◽  
Sarah S. Lewis ◽  
Becky A. Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Central Line ◽  
Control Network ◽  
Hospitalized Children ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Community Hospitals ◽  
Prospective Surveillance ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Pediatric Healthcare

Abstract We describe the frequency of pediatric healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) identified through prospective surveillance in community hospitals participating in an infection control network. Over a 6-year period, 84 HAIs were identified. Of these 51 (61%) were pediatric central-line–associated bloodstream infections, and they often occurred in children <1 year of age.

scholarly journals Impact of Healthcare-Associated Infections Connected to Medical Devices—An Update

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2332
Author(s):  
Nitin Chandra Teja Dadi ◽  
Barbora Radochová ◽  
Jarmila Vargová ◽  
Helena Bujdáková
Keyword(s):  
Medical Devices ◽  
Surgical Site Infections ◽  
Central Line ◽  
Ventilator Associated Pneumonia ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Care Bundles ◽  
Planktonic Form ◽  
Novel Approaches ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
The Impact

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are caused by nosocomial pathogens. HAIs have an immense impact not only on developing countries but also on highly developed parts of world. They are predominantly device-associated infections that are caused by the planktonic form of microorganisms as well as those organized in biofilms. This review elucidates the impact of HAIs, focusing on device-associated infections such as central line-associated bloodstream infection including catheter infection, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and surgical site infections. The most relevant microorganisms are mentioned in terms of their frequency of infection on medical devices. Standard care bundles, conventional therapy, and novel approaches against device-associated infections are briefly mentioned as well. This review concisely summarizes relevant and up-to-date information on HAIs and HAI-associated microorganisms and also provides a description of several useful approaches for tackling HAIs.

scholarly journals Increased Involvement of Klebsiellapneumoniae and Enterococcusfaecium in Healthcare-Associated Infections of Intensive Care Units in Taiwan

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 1349
Author(s):  
Yu-Ren Lin ◽  
Yen-Yue Lin ◽  
Chia-Peng Yu ◽  
Ya-Sung Yang ◽  
Chun-Gu Cheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Enterococcus Faecium ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Incidence Density ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Control Protocols ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) cause increases in length of stay, mortality, and healthcare costs. A previous study conducted in Taiwan obtained similar results to those reported in Korea and Japan in 2015. Changes in microorganisms have been noted in recent years. Understanding the recent condition of HAIs in intensive care units (ICUs) can enable healthcare providers to develop effective infection control protocols to reduce HAIs. Methods: We used the Taiwan Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System to evaluate the incidence densities of HAIs, the proportions of causative pathogens, and the proportions of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The Poisson regression model was constructed to incidence density, and the chi-square test was used to assess proportion. Results: The incidence density of HAIs decreased 5.7 to 5.4 per 1000 person-days. However, the proportions of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterococcus faecium significantly increased. In addition, the proportions of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium significantly increased over time. Conclusion: Analysis of the microorganisms involved in HAIs in ICUs showed elevated proportions of K. pneumoniae and E. faecium with AMR. Infection control protocols have been implemented for several years and require improvements regarding environmental cleanliness and medical staff prevention.

scholarly journals Modeling Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae episodes’ evolution in France over 2010-2020

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
J Roux ◽  
N Nekkab ◽  
P Astagneau ◽  
P Crépey
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Time Series ◽  
Patient Safety ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Time Series Modeling ◽  
National Healthcare ◽  
Response System ◽  
Health Authorities ◽  
Public Health Authorities ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Abstract Background Incidence of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) episodes within hospitals is rising at an alarming rate and threaten health systems and patient safety worldwide. Their number is growing in France since 2009 associated with inter-regional dissemination and importation of international cases. This study aimed at describing the dynamics of CPE episodes in France over 2010-2016 and forecasting their evolution for 2017-2020. Methods Surveillance data of CPE episodes (imported and non-imported) from August 2010 to November 2016 were issued from the French national Healthcare-Associated Infections Early Warning and Response System. Impact of seasonality on the number of CPE episodes was analyzed using seasonal-to-irregular ratios. Seven models issued from time series analysis and three ensemble stacking models (average, convex and linear stacking) were used to describe and forecast CPE episodes. The model with the best forecasting’s quality was then trained on all available data (2010-2016) and used to predict CPE episodes over 2017-2020. Results Over 2010-2016, 3,559 CPE episodes were observed in France. Compared to the average yearly trend, we observed a 30% increase in the number of CPE episodes in September and October. On the opposite, a decrease of 20% was noticed in February compared to other months. We also noticed a 1-month lagged seasonality of non-imported episodes compared to imported ones. The number of non-imported episodes appeared to grow faster than imported ones starting from 2014. Average stacking gave the best forecasts and predicted an increase over 2017-2020 with a peak up to 345 CPE episodes (95% PI [124-1,158], 80% PI [171-742]) in September 2020. Conclusions The number of CPE episodes is predicted to rise in the next years in France because of non-imported episodes. These results could help public health authorities in the definition and evaluation of new containment strategies. Key messages Time series modeling predicts an increase in the number of CPE episodes in France in the next few years with a quicker rise of non-imported episodes. An increase of 30% in the number of CPE episodes was observed in September and October with a 1-month lagged seasonality impact of non-imported episodes compared to imported one.

Persisting intrahospital transmission of multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and challenges for infection control

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 904-909 ◽  
Author(s):  
Isabelle Vock ◽  
Sarah Tschudin-Sutter
Keyword(s):  
Klebsiella Pneumoniae ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Global Scale ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
The Past ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Antibiotic Agents

AbstractIn the past several decades, the incidence of Klebsiella pneumoniae harboring resistance mechanisms against multiple antibiotic agents has increased on a global scale. We discuss reasons for ongoing transmission of multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae in healthcare settings, which has resulted in the successful spread and establishment of this pathogen. It is now one of the most important causes of healthcare-associated infections worldwide.

scholarly journals Enhanced antibacterial efficacy of nitric oxide releasing thermoplastic polyurethanes with antifouling hydrophilic topcoats

2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (7) ◽  
pp. 1246-1255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priyadarshini Singha ◽  
Jitendra Pant ◽  
Marcus J. Goudie ◽  
Christina D. Workman ◽  
Hitesh Handa
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Medical Devices ◽  
Antimicrobial Efficacy ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Antibacterial Efficacy ◽  
Thermoplastic Polyurethanes ◽  
Nitric Oxide Releasing ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Hydrophilic antifouling topcoat combined with nitric oxide releasing polymer to enhance antimicrobial efficacy and combat healthcare-associated infections caused by medical devices.

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