Outbreak of Healthcare-Associated Infection and Colonization With Multidrug-ResistantSalmonella entericaSerovar Senftenberg in Florida

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (7) ◽  
pp. 805-811 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robyn S. Kay ◽  
Alexander G. Vandevelde ◽  
Paul D. Fiorella ◽  
Rebecca Crouse ◽  
Carina Blackmore ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Chronically Ill ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infection ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Chronically Ill Patients

Background.In July 1999, a rare strain of multidrug-resistantSalmonella entericaserovar Senftenberg was isolated from the sputum of a trauma patient. Over a 6-year period (1999-2005) in northeast Florida, thisSalmonellaserovar spread to 66 other patients in 16 different healthcare facilities as a result of frequent transfers of patients among institutions. To our knowledge, this is the first outbreak of healthcare-associated infection and colonization with a fluoroquinolone-resistant strain of S. Senftenberg in the United States.Objectives.To investigate an outbreak of infection and colonization with an unusual strain of S. Senftenberg and assist with infection control measures.Design.A case series, outbreak investigation, and microbiological study of all samples positive forS.Senftenberg on culture.Setting.Cases ofS.Senftenberg infection and colonization occurred in hospitals and long-term care facilities in 2 counties in northeast Florida.Results.The affected patients were mostly elderly persons with multiple medical conditions. They were frequently transferred between healthcare facilities. ThisSalmonellaserovar was capable of long-term colonization of chronically ill patients. AllS.Senftenberg isolates tested shared a similar pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern.Conclusion.A prolonged outbreak of infection and colonization with multidrug-resistantS.Senftenberg was identified in several healthcare facilities throughout the Jacksonville, Florida, area and became established when infection control measures failed. The bacterial agent was capable of long-term colonization in chronically ill patients. Because the dispersal pattern of this strain suggested a breakdown of infection control practices, a multipronged intervention approach was undertaken that included intense education of personnel in the different institutions, interinstitutional cooperation, and transfer paperwork notification.

Healthcare-associated infections and infection control

2017 ◽  
pp. 667-674
Author(s):  
Pascal Astagneau ◽  
Elise Seringe ◽  
François Bricaire
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Older People ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Resistant Bacteria ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Poor Nutritional Status ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in older people frequently occur in mid or long-term cares facilities. The most frequent infections are those of the urinary tract, respiratory tract, skin/soft tissue, and gastrointestinal tract. The spectrum of pathogens are different in epidemic and endemic situations. Outbreaks occurring in long-term care frequently involve seasonal viruses such influenza, scabies, and multidrug-resistant bacteria such as Clostridium difficile. Ageing is a risk factor for HAI, which impairs immunological, metabolical, and neurological functions. Indwelling devices, poor nutritional status, and lack of mobility also increase the infection risk in the cared-for elderly. Infection control measures have to be implemented according to standard recommendations, including the use of alcohol-based hand rubs. Control measures should be adapted to the organization of healthcare facilites for older people, in particular environment and poor staff ressources. Focus should be made on vaccination programme of healthcare staff, especially against influenza.

scholarly journals Candida auris: Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Pathogenesis, Antifungal Susceptibility, and Infection Control Measures to Combat the Spread of Infections in Healthcare Facilities

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 807
Author(s):  
Suhail Ahmad ◽  
Wadha Alfouzan
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Close Contact ◽  
Antifungal Susceptibility ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Antifungal Drugs ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Candida Auris ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Infection Control Measures

Candida auris, a recently recognized, often multidrug-resistant yeast, has become a significant fungal pathogen due to its ability to cause invasive infections and outbreaks in healthcare facilities which have been difficult to control and treat. The extraordinary abilities of C. auris to easily contaminate the environment around colonized patients and persist for long periods have recently resulted in major outbreaks in many countries. C. auris resists elimination by robust cleaning and other decontamination procedures, likely due to the formation of ‘dry’ biofilms. Susceptible hospitalized patients, particularly those with multiple comorbidities in intensive care settings, acquire C. auris rather easily from close contact with C. auris-infected patients, their environment, or the equipment used on colonized patients, often with fatal consequences. This review highlights the lessons learned from recent studies on the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, susceptibility, and molecular basis of resistance to antifungal drugs and infection control measures to combat the spread of C. auris infections in healthcare facilities. Particular emphasis is given to interventions aiming to prevent new infections in healthcare facilities, including the screening of susceptible patients for colonization; the cleaning and decontamination of the environment, equipment, and colonized patients; and successful approaches to identify and treat infected patients, particularly during outbreaks.

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.

Healthcare personnel experiences implementing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales infection control measures at a ventilator-capable skilled nursing facility—A qualitative analysis

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Katharina R. Rynkiewich ◽  
Jinal Makhija ◽  
Mary Carl M. Froilan ◽  
Ellen C. Benson ◽  
Alice Han ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Healthcare Personnel ◽  
Skilled Nursing ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Carbapenem Resistant ◽  
Resident Care ◽  
Semistructured Interviews ◽  
Self Protection

Abstract Objective: Ventilator-capable skilled nursing facilities (vSNFs) are critical to the epidemiology and control of antibiotic-resistant organisms. During an infection prevention intervention to control carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), we conducted a qualitative study to characterize vSNF healthcare personnel beliefs and experiences regarding infection control measures. Design: A qualitative study involving semistructured interviews. Setting: One vSNF in the Chicago, Illinois, metropolitan region. Participants: The study included 17 healthcare personnel representing management, nursing, and nursing assistants. Methods: We used face-to-face, semistructured interviews to measure healthcare personnel experiences with infection control measures at the midpoint of a 2-year quality improvement project. Results: Healthcare personnel characterized their facility as a home-like environment, yet they recognized that it is a setting where germs were ‘invisible’ and potentially ‘threatening.’ Healthcare personnel described elaborate self-protection measures to avoid acquisition or transfer of germs to their own household. Healthcare personnel were motivated to implement infection control measures to protect residents, but many identified structural barriers such as understaffing and time constraints, and some reported persistent preference for soap and water. Conclusions: Healthcare personnel in vSNFs, from management to frontline staff, understood germ theory and the significance of multidrug-resistant organism transmission. However, their ability to implement infection control measures was hampered by resource limitations and mixed beliefs regarding the effectiveness of infection control measures. Self-protection from acquiring multidrug-resistant organisms was a strong motivator for healthcare personnel both outside and inside the workplace, and it could explain variation in adherence to infection control measures such as a higher hand hygiene adherence after resident care than before resident care.

scholarly journals Tuberculosis in Healthcare Workers and Infection Control Measures at Primary Healthcare Facilities in South Africa

PLoS ONE ◽  
2013 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. e76272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mareli M. Claassens ◽  
Cari van Schalkwyk ◽  
Elizabeth du Toit ◽  
Eline Roest ◽  
Carl J. Lombard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
Infection Control Measures

scholarly journals TB management in the European Union/European Economic Area: a multi‐centre survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 126-133
Author(s):  
G. Sotgiu ◽  
S. Rosales-Klintz ◽  
R. Centis ◽  
L. D'Ambrosio ◽  
R. Verduin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
European Union ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Multidrug Resistant ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
European Economic Area ◽  
The European Union ◽  
European Economic ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Economic Area

BACKGROUND: Essential TB care in the European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) comprises 21 standards for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of TB that constitute the European Union Standards for Tuberculosis Care (ESTC).METHODS: In 2017, we conducted an audit on TB management and infection control measures against the ESTC standards. TB reference centres in five EU/EEA countries were purposely selected to represent the heterogeneous European TB burden and examine geographic variability.RESULTS: Data from 122 patients, diagnosed between 2012 and 2015 with multidrug-resistant TB (n = 49), extensively drug‐resistant TB (XDR‐TB) (n = 11), pre‐XDR‐TB (n = 29) and drug‐susceptible TB (n = 33), showed that TB diagnosis and treatment practices were in general in agreement with the ESTC.CONCLUSION: Overall, TB management and infection control practices were in agreement with the ESTC in the selected EU/EEA reference centres. Areas for improvement include strengthening of integrated care services and further implementation of patient‐centred approaches.

scholarly journals Epidemiological analysis of Elizabethkingia meningoseptica infection cluster among mechanically ventilated pediatric intensive care patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (8) ◽  
pp. 3212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wafaa Seddik Hamza ◽  
Samar Saeed Morsi ◽  
Ebtehal Saleh Al Roomi ◽  
Vincent Olubunmi Rotimi
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Infection Control ◽  
Blood Stream Infection ◽  
Pediatric Intensive Care ◽  
Blood Stream ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Mechanically Ventilated ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Elizabethkingia Meningoseptica ◽  
Healthcare Associated

Background: Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is frequently found in hospital environments and usually associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly in patients in the intensive care units (ICU). The current study report an outbreak of E. meningoseptica infection/colonization in the pediatric intensive care unit, highlighted the infection control methods used to stem the spread.Methods: During a period of 7 months, May-November 2015, 4 patients were infected/ colonized by E. meningoseptica. Infection control measures were re-emphasized after each case and environmental swabs were cultured to detect possible source. Follow up for 25 months to ensure eradication of the pathogen.Results: Four patients were colonized/ infected with E. meningoseptica, their mean age 22 months. The average time patients spent in ICU between admission and isolation of E. meningoseptica was 27.5±19.2 days. All patients were mechanically ventilated. 25% E. meningoseptica isolated from blood causing healthcare associated Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI) while it was isolated from endotracheal tube (ETT) secretion in 75% as healthcare associated colonization. The 4 isolates confirmed as identical using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).Conclusions: Intensive infection control measures including healthcare workers education, emphasizing hand hygiene, comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of equipment and the environment are important to eradicate the bacterium.

scholarly journals Nurses’ Awareness of Infection Control Measures, and the Role and Effect in Patient and Family Education

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (27) ◽  
pp. 59
Author(s):  
Sahar Hammoud ◽  
Bassam Ghazi ◽  
Mohamad Nassredine ◽  
Mohamad Abou Haidar
Keyword(s):  
Infection Control ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Family Members ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Family Education ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
High Level ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Respiratory Hygiene

Background: Healthcare Associated Infections are serious problems in healthcare sector that threatened patient safety since decades till present. The proper adherence to infection control measures is a major factor in reducing these infections. Objectives: The objectives of this study were, to assess the level of nurses’ awareness with infection control measures in Lebanon and to determine its role in implementing patient and family education. Methodology and Results: A quantitative study was done. Questionnaires were distributed over 260 nurses, and 260 patients and family members at four well known hospitals in Lebanon. The study showed a high level of infection control awareness (81.57 %) among Lebanese nurses, and showed that Lebanese hospitals are training their nurses on IC topics (99.1 % of nurses were trained). As for patients and family members’ education, the JCI accredited hospital showed the highest level of education on infection control measures (58.3 %). Conclusion and Recommendations: The study showed that nurses who had a high awareness in infection control educated more their patients and family members on these measures than nurses with low awareness. (64.1 % and 42.1 % when educating on respiratory hygiene, p=0.013, 86.2 % and 57.9 % when educating on usage of PPE, p=0.000, 89.2 % and 68.4 % when educating on the reason for isolation, p=0.001). The major recommendations were to enhance the culture that believes in the partnership between patients, their families and healthcare providers at the hospitals level, and to include a new standard in the Lebanese Accreditation Standards that requires educating patients and family members on infection control measures at the Ministry of Public Health level.

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