Legislative Mandates for Use of Active Surveillance Cultures to Screen for Methicillin-ResistantStaphylococcus aureusand Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci: Position Statement From the Joint SHEA and APIC Task Force

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 249-260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen G. Weber ◽  
Susan S. Huang ◽  
Shannon Oriola ◽  
W. Charles Huskins ◽  
Gary A. Noskin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Surveillance ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci ◽  
Surveillance Cultures ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant ◽  
State And Local ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Legislation aimed at controlling antimicrobial-resistant pathogens through the use of active surveillance cultures to screen hospitalized patients has been introduced in at least 2 US states. In response to the proposed legislation, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and the Association of Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) have developed this joint position statement. Both organizations are dedicated to combating healthcare-associated infections with a wide array of methods, including the use of active surveillance cultures in appropriate circumstances. This position statement reviews the proposed legislation and the rationale for use of active surveillance cultures, examines the scientific evidence supporting the use of this strategy, and discusses a number of unresolved issues surrounding legislation mandating use of active surveillance cultures. The following 5 consensus points are offered. (1) Although reducing the burden of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, including methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), is of preeminent importance, APIC and SHEA do not support legislation to mandate use of active surveillance cultures to screen for MRSA, VRE, or other antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. (2) SHEA and APIC support the continued development, validation, and application of efficacious and cost-effective strategies for the prevention of infections caused by MRSA, VRE, and other antimicrobial-resistant and antimicrobial-susceptible pathogens. (3) APIC and SHEA welcome efforts by healthcare consumers, together with private, local, state, and federal policy makers, to focus attention on and formulate solutions for the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections. (4) SHEA and APIC support ongoing additional research to determine and optimize the appropriateness, utility, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of using active surveillance cultures to screen both lower-risk and high-risk populations. (5) APIC and SHEA support stronger collaboration between state and local public health authorities and institutional infection prevention and control experts.

scholarly journals A nosocomial cluster of vancomycin resistant enterococci among COVID-19 patients in an intensive care unit

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Stefanie Kampmeier ◽  
Hauke Tönnies ◽  
Carlos L. Correa-Martinez ◽  
Alexander Mellmann ◽  
Vera Schwierzeck
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Infection Prevention ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Whole Genome Sequence ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Abstract Background Currently, hospitals have been forced to divert substantial resources to cope with the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It is unclear if this situation will affect long-standing infection prevention practices and impact on healthcare associated infections. Here, we report a nosocomial cluster of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) that occurred on a COVID-19 dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) despite intensified contact precautions during the current pandemic. Whole genome sequence-based typing (WGS) was used to investigate genetic relatedness of VRE isolates collected from COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients during the outbreak and to compare them to environmental VRE samples. Methods Five VRE isolated from patients (three clinical and two screening samples) as well as 11 VRE and six vancomycin susceptible Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) samples from environmental sites underwent WGS during the outbreak investigation. Isolate relatedness was determined using core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). Results WGS revealed two genotypic distinct VRE clusters with genetically closely related patient and environmental isolates. The cluster was terminated by enhanced infection control bundle strategies. Conclusions Our results illustrate the importance of continued adherence to infection prevention and control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent VRE transmission and healthcare associated infections.

Politically Incorrect: Legislation Must Not Mandate Specific Healthcare Epidemiology and Infection Prevention and Control Practices

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (05) ◽  
pp. 594-595 ◽  
Author(s):  
Victoria Fraser ◽  
Denise Murphy ◽  
P. J. Brennan ◽  
Janet Frain ◽  
Kathleen Meehan Arias ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Active Surveillance ◽  
Boards Of Directors ◽  
Task Force ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Position Statement ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Surveillance Cultures ◽  
Healthcare Epidemiology ◽  
And Control

In this issue of the journal, Dr. Farr offers his perspective on the recent position statement from the Joint SHEA and APIC Task Force regarding legislative mandates for use of active surveillance cultures to screen for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). The position statement specifically addresses the issue of whether the use of MRSA and VRE surveillance cultures in healthcare settings should be mandated by legislation. It does not attempt to address whether or not, when, or for whom active surveillance cultures should be performed. A broad range of experts and the Boards of Directors of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology (SHEA) and the Association of Professionals in Infection Control (APIC) reviewed this position statement, which summarizes the effectiveness of active surveillance culturing as it pertains to potential legislation. Both Boards agree the position statement represents a well-reasoned, systematic, and fair review of the literature. Of course, no single document, group, or individual should ever be viewed as having the final word on this or any subject. Thoughtful debate regarding the scientific evidence, when conducted in a professional and constructive manner, is a critical and necessary step in the translation of research and clinical observations into bedside practices. Such debate should also lead to a research agenda that will help fill gaps in knowledge that become apparent in the discussion.

Control of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

2005 ◽  
Vol 26 (7) ◽  
pp. 646-649 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nalini Singh ◽  
Marie-Michèle Léger ◽  
Joyce Campbell ◽  
Billie Short ◽  
Joseph M. Campos
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Dna Fingerprinting ◽  
Active Surveillance ◽  
Genetic Relatedness ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci ◽  
Surveillance Cultures ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant

AbstractBackground and Objective:Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), such as vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), cause serious infections, especially among high-risk patients in NICUs. When VRE was introduced and transmitted in our NICU despite recommended infection control practices, we instituted active surveillance cultures to determine their efficacy in detecting and controlling spread of VRE among high-risk infants.Methods:Active surveillance cultures, other infection control measures, and a mandatory in-service education module on preventing MDRO transmission were implemented. Cultures were performed on NICU admission and then weekly during their stay. Molecular DNA fingerprinting of VRE isolates facilitated targeting efforts to eliminate clonal spread of VRE. Repetitive sequence PCR (rep-PCR)-based DNA fingerprinting was used to compare isolates recovered from patients with VRE infection or colonization. Environmental VRE cultures were performed around VRE-colonized or -infected patients. DNA fingerprints were prepared from the products of rep-PCR amplification and analyzed using software to determine strain genetic relatedness.Results:Active surveillance cultures identified 65 patients with VRE colonization or infection among 1,820 admitted to the NICU. Rep-PCR performed on 60 VRE isolates identified 3 clusters. Cluster 1 included isolates from 21 patients and 4 isolates from the environment of the index patient. Clusters 2 and 3 included isolates from 23 and 3 patients, respectively. Similarity coefficients among the members of each cluster were 95% or greater.Conclusions:Control of transmission of multi-clonal VRE strains was achieved. Active surveillance cultures, together with implementation of other infection control measures, combined with rep-PCR DNA fingerprinting were instrumental in controlling VRE transmission in our NICU. (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2005;26:646-649)

The Role Played by Contaminated Surfaces in the Transmission of Nosocomial Pathogens

2011 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 687-699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan A. Otter ◽  
Saber Yezli ◽  
Gary L. French
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Nosocomial Pathogens ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci ◽  
Environmental Surface ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Cleaning And Disinfection ◽  
Endemic Transmission

Studies in the 1970s and 1980s suggested that environmental surface contamination played a negligible role in the endemic transmission of healthcare-associated infections. However, recent studies have demonstrated that several major nosocomial pathogens are shed by patients and contaminate hospital surfaces at concentrations sufficient for transmission, survive for extended periods, persist despite attempts to disinfect or remove them, and can be transferred to the hands of healthcare workers. Evidence is accumulating that contaminated surfaces make an important contribution to the epidemic and endemic transmission ofClostridium difficile,vancomycin-resistant enterococci, methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,and norovirus and that improved environmental decontamination contributes to the control of outbreaks. Efforts to improve environmental hygiene should include enhancing the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection and reducing the shedding of pathogens. Further high-quality studies are needed to clarify the role played by surfaces in nosocomial transmission and to determine the effectiveness of different interventions in reducing associated infection rates.

Timing and route of contamination of hospitalized patient rooms with healthcare-associated pathogens

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Sarah N. Redmond ◽  
Basya S. Pearlmutter ◽  
Yilen K. Ng-Wong ◽  
Heba Alhmidi ◽  
Jennifer L. Cadnum ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pathogen Detection ◽  
Veterans Affairs ◽  
Portable Equipment ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Bacteriophage Ms2 ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci ◽  
Observational Cohort ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Abstract Objective: To investigate the timing and routes of contamination of the rooms of patients newly admitted to the hospital. Design: Observational cohort study and simulations of pathogen transfer. Setting: A Veterans’ Affairs hospital. Participants: Patients newly admitted to the hospital with no known carriage of healthcare-associated pathogens. Methods: Interactions between the participants and personnel or portable equipment were observed, and cultures of high-touch surfaces, floors, bedding, and patients’ socks and skin were collected for up to 4 days. Cultures were processed for Clostridioides difficile, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Simulations were conducted with bacteriophage MS2 to assess plausibility of transfer from contaminated floors to high-touch surfaces and to assess the effectiveness of wearing slippers in reducing transfer. Results: Environmental cultures became positive for at least 1 pathogen in 10 (59%) of the 17 rooms, with cultures positive for MRSA, C. difficile, and VRE in the rooms of 10 (59%), 2 (12%), and 2 (12%) participants, respectively. For all 14 instances of pathogen detection, the initial site of recovery was the floor followed in a subset of patients by detection on sock bottoms, bedding, and high-touch surfaces. In simulations, wearing slippers over hospital socks dramatically reduced transfer of bacteriophage MS2 from the floor to hands and to high-touch surfaces. Conclusions: Floors may be an underappreciated source of pathogen dissemination in healthcare facilities. Simple interventions such as having patients wear slippers could potentially reduce the risk for transfer of pathogens from floors to hands and high-touch surfaces.

scholarly journals Discontinuation of Reflex Testing of Stool Samples for Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci Resulted in Increased Prevalence

2013 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 838-840 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mandy Bodily ◽  
Kathleen M. McMullen ◽  
Anthony J. Russo ◽  
Nupur D. Kittur ◽  
Joan Hoppe-Bauer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cost Benefit Analysis ◽  
Hospital Costs ◽  
Cost Benefit ◽  
Benefit Analysis ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant Enterococci ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Reflex Testing ◽  
Stool Samples ◽  
Vancomycin Resistant ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Discontinuation of reflex testing of stool submitted forClostridium difficiletesting for vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) led to an increase in the number of patients with healthcare-associated VRE bacteremia and bacteriuria (0.21 vs 0.36 cases per 1,000 patient-days;P< .01). Cost-benefit analysis showed reflex screening and isolation of VRE reduced hospital costs.

Point prevalence of healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic use in a tertiary care teaching hospital in Nepal: A cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
pp. 175717742110358
Author(s):  
Sailesh Kumar Shrestha ◽  
Swarup Shrestha ◽  
Sisham Ingnam
Keyword(s):  
Prevention And Control ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Antibiotic Use ◽  
Point Prevalence ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Prevalence Survey ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
And Control

Information on the burden of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and patterns of antibiotic use are prerequisites for infection prevention and control (IPC) and antibiotics stewardship programmes. However, a few studies have been reported from resource-limited settings and many of them have not used standard definitions to diagnose HAI precluding benchmarking with regional or international data. This study aims to estimate the prevalence of HAIs and antibiotic use in our centre. We conducted a point prevalence survey in a 350-bed university hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal in April 2019. We reviewed all patients aged ⩾ 18 years admitted to the hospital for at least two calendar days and evaluated for the three common HAIs—pneumonia, urinary tract infection and surgical site infection. We used the clinical criteria by the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control to diagnose the HAIs. We also collected information on the antibiotics used. Of 160 eligible patients, 18 (11.25%) had HAIs and 114 (87.5%) were on antibiotics, with more than half of them (61/114 patients, 53.5%) receiving two or more antibiotics. This highlights the need for effective implementation of IPC as well as antibiotics stewardship programmes in our centre.

scholarly journals Are Invasive Procedures and a Longer Hospital Stay Increasing the Risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections among the Admitted Patients at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia?

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Moti Tolera ◽  
Dadi Marami ◽  
Degu Abate ◽  
Merga Dheresa
Keyword(s):  
Cigarette Smoking ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Infection Prevention And Control ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Invasive Procedures ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infection ◽  
Eastern Ethiopia ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
The Impact

Background. Healthcare-associated infection is a major public health problem, in terms of mortality, morbidity, and costs. Majorities of the cause of these infections were preventable. Understanding the potential risk factors is important to reduce the impact of these avoidable infections. The study was aimed to identify factors associated with healthcare-associated infections among patients admitted at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Harar, Eastern Ethiopia. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 433 patients over a period of five months at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital. Sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from a patient admitted for 48 hours and above in the four wards (surgical, medical, obstetrics/gynecology, and pediatrics) using a structured questionnaire. A multivariate logistic regression model was applied to identify predictors of healthcare-associated infections. A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. Fifty-four (13.7%) patients had a history of a previous admission. The median length of hospital stay was 6.1 days. Forty-six (11.7%) participants reported comorbid conditions. Ninety-six (24.4%) participants underwent surgical procedures. The overall prevalence of healthcare-associated infection was 29 (7.4%, 95% CI: 5.2–10.6). Cigarette smoking (AOR: 5.18, 95% CI: 2.15–20.47), staying in the hospital for more than 4 days (AOR: 4.29, 95% CI: 2.31–6.15), and undergoing invasive procedures (AOR: 3.58, 95% CI: 1.11–7.52) increase the odds of acquiring healthcare-associated infections. Conclusion. The cumulative prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in this study was comparable with similar studies conducted in developing countries. Cigarette smoking, staying in the hospital for more than 4 days, and undergoing invasive procedures increase the odds of healthcare-associated infections. These factors should be considered in the infection prevention and control program of the hospital.

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