Identification and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus with special reference to methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus in tertiary care hospital

Background: The emergence of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has posed a serious therapeutic challenge. It is responsible for a wide range of infections including superficial skin infections, food poisoning, osteomyelitis and septicemia. Aim of this study was to identify and to determine antibiotic susceptibility pattern of Staphylococcus aureus from various clinical samples. Materials and methods: Different clinical specimens were collected and processed for routine culture and antibiotic sensitivity test by standard microbiology techniques. Results: A total of 129 S. aureus strains were isolated from various clinical specimens out of which 84 (65.12%) were Methicillin Resistance Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 66(51.16%) S. aureus were obtained from indoor (IPD) patients. S. aureus was found higher in male than female. S. aureus was found highly resistant to Benzylpenicillin (94.57%) followed by ciprofloxacin (77.51%), Erythromycin (61.24%), and Cotrimoxazole (51.94%), Clindamycin (44.19%), and Gentamicin (17.05%). 1 (0.78%) of the isolates were resistance to Vancomycin and Linezolid. For urine isolates Nitrofurantoin was drug of choice. Conclusion: Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus was found 65.12% of Staphylococcus aureus isolates. It was most common in males and hospitalized patients. Teicoplanin or Tigecyline seems to be drug of choice followed by Vancomycin, Linezolid, Tetracycline and Gentamicin. It would be helpful to formulating and monitoring the antibiotic policy and ensure proper empiric treatment.

Investigation of a suspected outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia infection / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo investigate a suspected outbreak of healthcare-associated infection （HAI） caused by carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia （CRKP） in a secondary grade-A hospital， analyze the infection source and transmission route， and put forward corresponding preventive and control measures. MethodsEpidemiological investigation was conducted on 5 patients with CRKP infection in department of neurosurgery during December 23‒30， 2021. Specimens were collected with the environmental microbiology monitoring procedure. CRKP isolated from the environmental samples were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing （MLST） method. Comprehensive measures were taken to control the CRKP infection. ResultsThe 5 infected patients were located in 3 rooms， and all were diagnosed as HAI. The antimicrobial susceptibility testing results from the specimens of 3 CRKP infected patients were the same. Through environmental microbiology monitoring， CRKP strains were detected from the faucet handle and sink specimens in 3 rooms. The results of MLST analysis showed that the faucet handle and sink specimens in room 2 and 3 were ST11 type. The environmental specimen in room 1 was ST23 type. The suspected outbreak was effectively controlled after comprehensive interventions. ConclusionHAI suspected outbreak might be caused by the environmental contamination from the pathogens of CRKP-infected patients as well as the contaminated hands of medical staff and accompanying family members. Strengthening the publicity， education and management of medical staff and accompanying staff， early identification of infection outbreaks， and timely comprehensive control measures are the keys to controlling multidrug-resistant nosocomial infection outbreaks.

What do patients know about healthcare-associated infections? What do they want to know? Ethical evaluation

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION: Patients hospitalized for treatment may be exposed to healthcare-associated infections, and these infections can affect patients seriously. OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to determine what hospitalized patients know and what they want to know about healthcare-associated infections. METHODS: This is a full-text original research article. The study was conducted between July and September 2022 with inpatients in all clinics of Kocaeli University Hospital in Turkey. A total of 310 patients participated in this cross-sectional study. The questions were asked by the researcher and the answers were recorded. RESULTS: Almost all (92.8%) the patients who stated that they knew what healthcare-associated infection was evaluated their knowledge as insufficient. Patients with higher educational levels have more information (p=0.000) about healthcare-associated infections. Young (p=0.000) and highly educated patients (p=0.000) stated that the infection rate of the hospital would affect the choice of hospital. CONCLUSION: Patients want to learn about healthcare-associated infections, but most do not know about them. Patients should be informed about healthcare-associated infections during hospitalization planning and hospitalization.

Factores asociados a las infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria en la unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos

Introducción: Las infecciones asociadas con la asistencia sanitaria representan un grave problema de salud e impacto económico, elementos que conducen a un aumento en el número de días estancia, agrava el pronóstico del paciente grave y condiciona costo familiar y social. Objetivo: Determinar los principales factores de riesgo asociados a las infecciones relacionadas con la atención médica en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico, tipo casos y controles en la sala de cuidados intensivos del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario "Paquito González Cueto" en pacientes con infecciones relacionadas con los servicios sanitarios, desde enero 2018 a diciembre 2020. Resultados: Predominaron los menores de 4 años fundamentalmente el grupo de 1-4 años con riesgo 2,1 veces mayor para las infecciones con ligero predominio del sexo masculino, prevalecieron los normopesos 31,6 % que presentaron algún déficit nutricional por defecto, con un riesgo de infección de 7,2 veces para desnutridos; 48,3 % de los pacientes tenían un factor intrínseco asociado. Las enfermedades neurológicas crónicas, oncoproliferativas e inmunodeficiencias fueron las más representativas; el uso previo de antibióticos, cateterismo y estadía hospitalaria prolongada fueron los factores extrínsecos que predominaron, con riesgo significativo en casi la totalidad de los pacientes. Conclusiones: Existe asociación con riesgo elevado de infección en niños menores de 4 años, con déficit nutricional por defecto; factores intrínsecos como las enfermedades crónicas con predominio de las neurológicas y factores de riesgo extrínsecos significativos en su mayoría. Esto permite dirigir las estrategias de mejora para disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad.

Introduction: Infections associated with healthcare represent a serious health problem and an economic impact, elements that lead to an increase in the number of days/stay, worsen the prognosis of the seriously ill patient and conditions family and social cost. Objective: To determine the main risk factors associated with healthcare-related infections in the intensive care unit. Methods: Observational, analytical, case-control type study in the intensive care unit of "Paquito González Cueto" University Pediatric Hospital in patients with infections related to health services, from January 2018 to December 2020. Results: Children under 4 years of age predominated, mainly the group of 1-4 years with a 2.1 times higher risk for infections, with a slight predominance of the male sex, the normal weight prevailed (31.6%) who presented some nutritional deficit by default, with a risk of infection of 7.2 times for malnourished; 48.3% of the patients had an associated intrinsic factor. Chronic neurological, onco-proliferative and immunodeficiencies diseases were the most representative; the previous use of antibiotics, catheterization and prolonged hospital stay were the extrinsic factors that predominated, with significant risk in almost all patients. Conclusions: There is an association with an elevated risk of infection in children under 4 years of age, with nutritional deficit by default; intrinsic factors such as chronic diseases with a predominance of neurological diseases and significant extrinsic risk factors. This makes it possible to direct improvement strategies to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Infecciones asociadas a la atención de la Salud en pacientes internados en una Unidad de Terapia Intensiva durante la pandemia por COVID-19 en el año 2020

Introducción: La pandemia por coronavirus se diseminó mundialmente con una amplia variedad de presentaciones clínicas. Se reportó que 15% de los pacientes requirió internación en una unidad de cuidados intensivos (UCI). Estudios epidemiológicos demostraron que pacientes con ventilación mecánica invasiva (VMi) por SARS-Cov-2 presentan más riesgo de infecciones asociadas a la atención de la salud (IAAS). Objetivo: Describir la incidencia IAAS en adultos internados en UCI en VMi del Sanatorio Anchorena San Martín, durante la pandemia en 2020. Pacientes y Métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, el análisis de normalidad se efectuó mediante test Shapiro-Wilk. El análisis de regresión múltiple se realizó en forma automática, (backward selection). Para la comparación entre grupo COVID-19 y no COVID-19 se utilizó T test o Test de Wilcoxon según correspondiera; y el χ2 o el test exacto de Fisher. Todas las estimaciones de las funciones de incidencia acumuladas fueron realizadas con el paquete cmprsk. Resultados: Se incluyeron 252 pacientes, 40 desarrollaron IAAS (incidencia acumulada de 15,9%), con un total de 60 eventos de IAAS. La edad (OR 0,96), cantidad de accesos venosos centrales (AVC) (OR 2,01), COVID-19 (OR 2,96) y decúbito prono (OR 2,78) se asociaron a IAAS. Desarrollar IAAS se asoció a más días de VMi y estadía en UCI. La incidencia acumulada de IAAS en pacientes NO COVID fue menor que en COVID-19. Días de VMi y mortalidad en UCI fueron mayores en pacientes con COVID. El 29,6% de los pacientes con COVID-19 desarrolló algún tipo de IAAS vs 7,1% en NO COVID. Conclusión: Describimos la incidencia de IAAS en nuestra cohorte. La presencia de COVID-19, AVC, el decúbito prono y estadía en UCI se asociaron con mayor probabilidad de contraer una IAAS.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread fast globally comprising a great variety of clinical presentations. It was reported that 15% of patients required admission to intensive care units (ICU). Previous epidemiological studies have reported higher risk of healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) in those patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (iMV) due to COVID-19. Aim: To analyze the incidence of HCAI in adults under iMV admitted to ICU of Anchorena San Martín Clinic during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Retrospective cohort study, the analysis of normality was carried out using the Shapiro-Wilk test. The multiple regression analysis was performed automatically, based on backward elimination of the variables (backward selection). For the comparison between the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups, the T test or Wilcoxon test was used, as appropriate; and the χ2 or Fisher's exact test. All cumulative incidence function estimates were made with the cmprsk package. Results: 252 patients were included, 40 patients developed HCAI (accumulated incidence was 15.9%), counting for 60 total HCAI events. Age (OR 0.96), number of central venous access devices (CVAD) (OR 2.01), COVID-19 (OR 2.96) and prone positioning (OR 2.78) were associated with HCAI. HCAI was associated with more days of iMV and ICU stay. The accumulated incidence of HCAI in non-COVID-19 patients was lower than in COVID-19 patients. iMV days and mortality were higher in COVID-19. 29.6% of COVID-19 patients developed HCAIs vs 7.1% of non-COVID-19 ones. Conclusión: We describe the incidence of HCAI. Age, COVID-19, CVAD, prone positioning and ICU stay were associated with higher probability of HCAIs.

Diagnóstico microbiológico de infección por Clostridioides difficile en épocas de COVID-19 en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad / Microbiological diagnosis of Clostridioides difficile infection in times of COVID-19 in a high complexity pediatric hospital

Resumen La infección por Clostridioides difficile (ICD) puede variar desde diarrea hasta megacolon tóxico. Los objetivos del trabajo fueron mostrar la variación en el número de casos diagnosticados de ICD en este laboratorio entre 2020, cuando comenzó la pandemia de COVID-19 y 2019 y 2021 y detallar los casos precedidos por la infección de SARS-CoV-2. El presente es un estudio retrospectivo observacional en el que se registraron el número total de muestras procesadas con sospecha de ICD y el de positivas y los antecedentes clínicos de pacientes con ICD hasta dos meses después de su diagnóstico de COVID-19. Durante 2020 se procesaron menos muestras que en 2019 y 2021; sin embargo, el porcentaje de positividad fue de 13,1%, 7,2% y 7,8%, respectivamente. Esto pudo deberse a mejoras en el criterio clínico al momento de seleccionar las muestras con sospecha de ICD.

Abstract Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) can cause anything from diarrhea to toxic megacolon. The objectives of this study were: to show the variation in the number of diagnosed cases of CDI in this center, comparing 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic began, with 2019 and 2021 and to detail cases preceded by SARS-CoV-2 infection. This is an observational retrospective study in which the total number of samples processed with suspected CDI were recorded. The positive ones and the clinical history of patients with a diagnosis of CDI up to two months after their diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection were recorded as well. During 2020 a smaller number of samples were processed. However, during this year the percentage of positivity was 13.1% vs. 7,2% and 7.8% during 2019 and 2021, respectively. It is believed that this may have been due to improvements in clinical suspicion and sample selection for CDI diagnosis.

Resumo A infecção por Clostridioides difficile (ICD) pode causar desde diarreia até megacólon tóxico. Os objetivos desta apresentação foram: mostrar a variação do número de casos diagnosticados de ICD neste laboratório, entre 2020 quando começou a pandemia de COVID-19 e 2019 e 2021 e, detalhar os casos precedidos pela infecção por SARS-CoV-2. Esse estudo foi retrospectivo observacional e foram registrados: o número total de amostras processadas com suspeita de ICD e de amostras positivas e os antecedentes clínicos daqueles pacientes com diagnóstico de ICD até dois meses após o diagnóstico de COVID 19. Durante 2020, foram processadas menos amostras do que em 2019 e 2021; no entanto, o percentual de positividade foi de 13,1%, 7,2% e 7,8%, respectivamente. Isso pode ter sido resultado de melhorias no critério clínico na hora de selecionar as amostras com suspeita de ICD.

Deep Learning-based Risk Prediction Model for Postoperative Healthcare-associated Infections / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To develop a risk prediction model combining pre/intraoperative risk factors and intraoperative vital signs for postoperative healthcare-associated infection(HAI)based on deep learning. Methods We carried out a retrospective study based on two randomized controlled trials(NCT02715076,ChiCTR-IPR-17011099).The patients who underwent elective radical resection of advanced digestive system tumor were included in this study.The primary outcome was HAI within 30 days after surgery.Logistic regression analysis and long short-term memory(LSTM)model based on iteratively occluding sections of the input were used for feature selection.The risk prediction model for postoperative HAI was developed based on deep learning,combining the selected pre/intraoperative risk factors and intraoperative vital signs,and was evaluated by comparison with other models.Finally,we adopted the simulated annealing algorithm to simulatively adjust the vital signs during surgery,trying to explore the adjustment system that can reduce the risk of HAI. Results A total of 839 patients were included in this study,of which 112(13.3%)developed HAI within 30 days after surgery.The selected pre/intraoperative risk factors included neoadjuvant chemotherapy,parenteral nutrition,esophagectomy,gastrectomy,colorectal resection,pancreatoduodenectomy,hepatic resection,intraoperative blood loss>500 ml,and anesthesia time>4 h.The intraoperative vital signs significantly associated with HAI were in an order of heart rate>core body temperature>systolic blood pressure>diastolic blood pressure.Compared with multivariable Logistic regression model,random forest model,and LSTM model including vital signs only,this deep learning-based prediction model performed best(ACC=0.733,F1=0.237,AUC=0.728).The simulation via simulated annealing algorithm reduced the incidence of postoperative HAI.Moreover,the incidence decreased most in the case of reducing the initial annealing temperature and choosing the last 20% of surgery procedure. Conclusions This study developed a risk prediction model for postoperative HAI based on deep learning,which combined pre/intraoperative risk factors and intraoperative basic vital signs.Using simulated annealing algorithm to adjust intraoperative vital signs could reduce the incidence of postoperative HAI to some extent.

Research progress on healthcare-associated infection in patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation / 中华危重病急救医学

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), as an effecitive life support technique, is widely used in patients with respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Infection, with a prevalence of approximately 21% in adult patients with ECMO, is one of the most common complications and has a significant impact on mortality. Early identification of infections, and accurate prevention and anti-infective therapies for ECMO patients can improve their survival, but there is a lack of standardized protocols for recognition, diagnosis, management, prevention and treatment of the infections. By analyzing a series of literatures on healthcare-associated infections in patients with ECMO, the epidemiology, pathogens, risk factors, diagnosis, prevention and treatment were summarized to provide a theoretical background for the early identification, diagnosis and patient management of nosocomial infections.

A Competency-based Approach to Promoting Effective Hand Hygiene in Longterm Care Facilities / Un enfoque basado en la competencia para promover la higiene de las manos eficaz en los centros de atención a largo plazo / Uma abordagem baseada na competência para promover a higiene das mãos ecaz em centros de atenção em longo prazo

Introduction: Long-term care facilities comprise a large proportion of healthcare service users due to the increasing ageing population. Healthcare-associated infections constitute a major burden in long-term care facilities and are associated with significant infectious disease outbreaks and mortality. The non-adherence to effective hand hygiene practice due to missed opportunities for staff to explore its role in infection prevention and control within these settings has been emphasised by the Covid-19 pandemic.Methods: This article is designed to assist the continuing professional development needs of nursing and associate professionals in long-term care facilities. It explores the factors contributing to the poor attitude of staff members towards non-compliance with infection prevention and control measures in long-term care facilities.Results: Recommendations for improving infection prevention and control measures were further made based on the Infection Prevention Society competency framework which serves as a tool for individuals to improve their performance continually and become efficient practitioners.Conclusion: After reading this article, healthcare practitioners should be able to (i) identify various means of promoting adequate hand hygiene in long-term care facilities; (ii) understand that every activity taken to prevent the spread of healthcare-associated infections begins and ends with effective hand hygiene; (iii) recognise steps to prevent cross-infection through improved compliance with the five moments of hand hygiene in long-term care facilities; (iv) develop a satisfactory attitude towards hand hygiene compliance in the workplace, and (v) appraise own competence, and promote staff compliance through feedback.

Introducción: Los centros de cuidados de larga duración representan una gran proporción de usuarios de servicios sanitarios debido al creciente envejecimiento de la población. Las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria constituyen una carga importante en los centros de asistencia de larga duración y están asociadas a importantes brotes de enfermedades infecciosas y a la mortalidad. La falta de adherencia a la práctica efectiva de la higiene de manos debido a la pérdida de oportunidades para que el personal explore su papel en la prevención y el control de las infecciones dentro de estos entornos ha sido enfatizada por la pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Este artículo está diseñado para ayudar a las necesidades de desarrollo profesional continuo de los profesionales de enfermería y asociados en los centros de cuidados de larga duración. Explora los factores que contribuyen a la mala actitud de los miembros del personal hacia el incumplimiento de las medidas de prevención y control de infecciones en los centros de cuidados de larga duración. Resultados: Se formularon además recomendaciones para mejorar las medidas de prevención y control de las infecciones basadas en el marco de competencias de la Sociedad de Prevención de Infecciones, que sirve de herramienta para que los individuos mejoren continuamente su rendimiento y se conviertan en profesionales eficientes. Conclusión: Después de leer este artículo, los profesionales sanitarios deberían ser capaces de (i) identificar diversos medios para promover una adecuada higiene de las manos en los centros de cuidados de larga duración; (ii) comprender que toda actividad realizada para prevenir la propagación de las infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria comienza y termina con una higiene de las manos eficaz; (iii) reconocer los pasos para prevenir la infección cruzada mediante un mejor cumplimiento de los cinco momentos de la higiene de las manos en los centros de cuidados de larga duración; (iv) desarrollar una actitud satisfactoria hacia el cumplimiento de la higiene de las manos en el lugar de trabajo, y (v) evaluar la propia competencia, y promover el cumplimiento del personal mediante la retroalimentación.

Introdução: Os centros de cuidados de longa duração representam uma grande proporção de usuários de serviços sanitários devido ao crescente envelhecimento da população. As infeções associadas à assistência sanitária constituem um fardo significativo em centros de assistência de longa duração e estão associadas a importantes surtos de doenças infeciosas e à mortalidade. A falta de adesão à prática efetiva da higiene de mãos devido à perda de oportunidades para o pessoal explorar o seu papel na prevenção e controle das infeções dentro desses ambientes já foi enfatizada pela pandemia de COVID-19. Métodos: Este artigo foi desenhado para ajudar às necessidades de desenvolvimento profissional continuo dos profissionais de enfermagem e associados nos centros de cuidados de longa permanencia. Explora os fatores que contribuem para as más atitudes dos funcionários para o não cumprimento das medidas de prevenção e controle de infeções nos centros de cuidados de longa duração. Resultados: Foram formuladas também recomendações para melhorar as medidas de prevenção e controle das infeções baseadas no quadro de competências da Sociedade de Prevenção de Infeções, que serve de ferramenta para que os indivíduos melhorem continuamente seu desempenho e se tornem profissionais eficientes. Conclusão: Após a leitura deste artigo, os profissionais sanitários devem ser capazes de (i) identificar diversos meios para promover uma adequada higiene das mãos nos centros de cuidados de longa duração; (ii) entender que toda atividade realizada para prevenir a propagação das infeções associadas à assistência sanitária começa e termina com uma higiene eficaz das mãos; (iii) reconhecer os passos para prevenir a infeção cruzada por meio de uma melhor adesão aos cinco momentos da higiene das mãos em centros de cuidados de longa duração; (iv) desenvolver uma atitude satisfatória em relação à adesão da higiene das mãos no local de trabalho, e (v) avaliar a própria competência, e promover a adesão da equipe mediante a retroalimentação.

Secondary infections in a cohort of patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit: impact of gram-negative bacterial resistance

ABSTRACT Some studies have shown that secondary infections during the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the high mortality. Our objective was to identify the frequency, types and etiology of bacterial infections in patients with COVID-19 admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) and to evaluate the results of ICU stay, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and in-hospital mortality. It was a single-center study with a retrospective cohort of patients admitted consecutively to the ICU for more than 48 h between March and May 2020. Comparisons of groups with and without ICU- acquired infection were performed. A total of 191 patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were included and 57 patients had 97 secondary infectious events. The most frequent agents were Acinetobacter baumannii (28.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.7%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (14.4%); multi-drug resistance was present in 96% of A. baumannii and in 57% of K. pneumoniae. The most prevalent infection was ventilator-associated pneumonia in 57.9% of patients with bacterial infections, or 17.3% of all COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU, followed by tracheobronchitis (26.3%). Patients with secondary infections had a longer ICU stay (40.0 vs. 17 days; p < 0.001), as well as a longer duration of MV (24.0 vs 9.0 days; p= 0.003). There were 68 (35.6%) deaths overall, of which 27 (39.7%) patients had bacterial infections. Among the 123 survivors, 30 (24.4%) had a secondary infections (OR 2.041; 95% CI 1.080 - 3.859). A high incidence of secondary infections, mainly caused by gram-negative bacteria has been observed. Secondary infections were associated with longer ICU stay, MV use and higher mortality.

Surge in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonias and Bloodstream Infections in An Academic Referral Center Converted to Treat COVID-19 Patients

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are important adverse events that must be prevented. Objective: The objective of the study was to report and study possible changes in HAI rates as well as their causes after the COVID-19 hospital surge capacity response (HSCR) in an academic referral center. Methods: This was a before-after observational study. The Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) program (prospective surveillance, prevention bundles, antibiotic stewardship, continuing education, and feedback) was transiently disrupted after the start of HSCR (March 2020). HAI rates were compared before (January 2019-February 2020) and after (April-July 2020) HSCR, and plausible predisposing factors in affected patients were compared. Results: An increase in the HAI rate from 6.2 to 11.8 cases/1000 patient-days was noted between periods due to increases in ventilator-associated pneumonia and bloodstream infection (BSI) rates. More critically ill patients were admitted during HSCR, and use of invasive devices increased. Prone positioning and infusion of muscle relaxants became commonplace. The nurse-to-patient ratio in the intensive care unit decreased, and 4 h shifts were introduced to avoid fatigue. The BSI rate decreased after the IPC program with additional measures was reintroduced in May 2020. Conclusions: The strain on the workforce and modifications to the IPC program very possibly underlay the findings. IPC programs continue to be essential during the pandemic.

The impact of healthcare-associated infections on COVID-19 mortality: a cohort study from a Brazilian public hospital

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aims to analyze the risk factors for in-hospital mortality in a cohort of patients admitted to a newly adapted intensive care unit in a public hospital in Rio de Janeiro. METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective, and descriptive study. Data were obtained from electronic medical records. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was diagnosed by detecting viral ribonucleic acid using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Factors associated with the risk/protection from death were determined using the odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients were admitted to the hospital. The median age of the patients was 63 years, 60% were male patients, and 54% were white patients. Sixty-seven percent of the patients were diagnosed with COVID-19. Sepsis at admission increased the chance of in-hospital death by 21 times (adjusted odds ratio=21.06 [0.79-555.2]; p=0.06). The strongest risk factor for death was the development of septic shock during hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio=98.56 [2.75-352.5]; p=0.01), and one in four patients had multidrug-resistant bacteria. Mechanical ventilation, vasopressors, neuromuscular blockers, and sedatives were also the risk factors for in-hospital mortality. The in-hospital mortality rate was 41%, and the mortality rate of patients on mechanical ventilation was 60%. The diagnosis of COVID-19 was not statistically related to the adverse outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort, the strongest risk factor for in-hospital death was the development of nosocomial septic shock. Healthcare-associated infections have a significant impact on mortality rates. Therefore, to have a better outcome, it is important to consider not only the availability of beds but also the way healthcare is delivered.

Wuhan's experience in fighting against COVID-19:How to prevent COVID-19 infection among health care workers / 中国感染控制杂志

In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)pandemic,thousands of health care wor- kers (HCWs)worldwide infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2),some even have lost their lives.At the early stage of the epidemic,some Chinese HCWs were infected.Owing to limited knowledge of characteristics of SARS-CoV-2,more than 3,000 HCWs in Hubei Province contracted SARS-CoV-2 at the early stage of the outbreak.Due to overloaded work of HCWs in local hospitals,more than 42,000 HCWs (including HCWs from the military)were dispatched to Hubei Province from all over the country.At the peak of epidemic,one in 10 intensive care HCWs in China were working in Wuhan.During fighting against COVID-19 in China,although a certain number of HCWs were infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the early stages of the epidemic, effective prevention was achieved through timely adoption of prevention measures,including fast diagnosis,timely isolation of patients,strengthening of HCWs'safety,intensified training on basic protective knowledge and unified management of HCWs,there was no report about infection among the 42,632 members of the national medical teams sent to Hubei,and the number of COVID-19 cases among HCWs in local hospitals also significantly de- creased,thereby indicating that healthcare-associated infection (HAI)of COVID-19 among HCWs are fully pre- ventable.This paper explores how to prevent HCWs from contracting SARS-CoV-2 through effective measures during the epidemic in Wuhan,China.

Investigation on the status of healthcare-associated infections among 42 429 inpatients in Wuhan City / 公共卫生与预防医学

Objective To understand the current status of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) among inpatients in medical institutions of Wuhan, and to provide a scientific basis for improving the management of healthcare-associated infections. Methods A combined method of bedside investigation and case review of the patients’ medical records were used to investigate all hospitalized patients in 31 hospitals. Results A total of 42 429 inpatients were investigated, of whom 938 had HAI (2.21%), and 7 561 had community-associated infection (CAI, 17.82%). The top three departments with the highest prevalence rate of HAI were ICU (17.95%), hematology (8.49%), and neurosurgery (6.57%), while the top three departments with the highest prevalence rate of CAI were burns (75.00%), pediatric non-neonatal group (70.26%) and respiratory department (67.53%). Both healthcare-associated infections and community infections were mainly in the lower respiratory tract, which accounted for 47.33% and 53.00%, respectively. The main pathogens of both HAI and CAI were Gram-negative bacteria, which accounted for 65.03% and 57.73%, respectively. The use rate of antimicrobial drugs was 31.74%, and the detection rate of pathogenic bacteria before antimicrobial treatment was 55.77%. The three departments with the highest rates of the use of antibacterial drugs were the pediatric non-neonatal group (78.20%), the department of burns (75.00%) and the department of urology (73.24%). Conclusion ICU, hematology department, and neurosurgery department were high-risk departments for healthcare-associated infections. Pediatrics, burns, and urology departments were the departments with high use of antibacterial drugs. The pathogenic bacterial detection rate has declined, which needs to be strengthened.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Hand Hygiene among Clinical Year Medical Students at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Background: Healthcare-associated infection (HCAI) is defined as any infection that the patient gets during hospitalization or after discharge, which was not present at the time of admission. Several factors contribute to HCAIs such as inappropriate hand hygiene, which is considered the most important and simplest precautionary measure to reduce the prevalence and control infection. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices of hand hygiene among clinical year medical students of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 240 clinical year medical students (4th and 5th year) at IMSIU was conducted using a validated self-administered questionnaire. It was cross-sectionally distributed to our participants. Results: Total 196 male students (n=196/240) participated in the questionnaire with a response rate of 81.7%. All participants were male students with the mean age of 23 years old. Overall, the level of knowledge, attitude and practices of hand hygiene among clinical year medical students at IMSIU, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was found to be moderate (50%-75%). Conclusion: The present study warrants for systematic educational programs for students’ awareness regarding the knowledge, attitude and practice towards hand hygiene use and implementation of strict guidelines to regulate nosocomial infection.

Ultrasound gel as a source of hospital outbreaks: Indian experience and literature review

Purpose: Hospital outbreaks are observed increasingly worldwide with various organisms from different sources such as contaminated ultrasound gel, intravenous (IV) fluids and IV medications. Among these, ultrasound gel is one of the most commonly reported sources for Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) outbreaks. In this study, we describe our experience on investigation and the management of Bcc bacteraemia outbreak due to contaminated ultrasound gel from a tertiary care centre, South India. Materials and Methods: Over a 10-day period in October 2016, seven children in our Paediatric intensive care unit (ICU) were found to have bacteraemia with Bcc isolated from their blood culture. Repeated isolation of the same organism with similar antimicrobial susceptibility pattern over a short incubation period from the same location, confirmed the outbreak. An active outbreak investigation, including environmental surveillance, was carried out to find the source and control the outbreak. Isolates were subjected to multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) and global eBURST (goeBURST) analysis. Results: Environmental surveillance revealed contaminated ultrasound gel as the source of infection. MLST and goeBURST analysis confirmed that the outbreak was caused by a novel sequence type 1362 with the same clonal complex CC517. The outbreak was controlled by stringent infection control measures, withdrawal of contaminated ultrasound gel from regular usage and implementing the practice of using ultrasonogram (USG) probe cover for USG screening and guided procedures. Conclusion: This report highlights the importance of early identification of an outbreak, prompt response of the ICU and infection control teams, sound environmental and epidemiological surveillance methods to identify the source and stringent infection control measures to control the outbreak. Contaminated ultrasound gel can be a potential source for healthcare-associated infection, which cannot be overlooked.

Surveillance of multidrug-resistant bacteria in pediatric and neonatal intensive care units in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Multi-drug-resistant bacteria surveillance (MDR) systems are used to identify the epidemiology of MDR bacteria in neonates and children. This study aimed to describe the patterns by which MDR bacteria colonize and infect neonatal (NICU) and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients in the state of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. METHODS A cross-sectional survey was performed using electronic data on NICU and PICU patients reported to the Rio de Janeiro State MDR bacteria surveillance system. All healthcare institutions that reported at least one case during the study period were included. RESULTS Between 2014 and 2017, 10,210 MDR bacteria cases, including 9261 colonizations and 949 infections, were reported. Among the colonizations, 5379 occurred in NICUs and 3882 in PICUs, while 405 infections occurred in NICUs and 544 in PICUs. ESBL producing Klebsiella sp and E. coli were the most reported colonization-causing agents in NICUs (1983/5379, 36.9%) and PICUs (1494/3882; 38.5%). The main causing bacteria reported in catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), ventilator associated pneumonia, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection in NICUs were Klebsiella sp and E.coli (56/156, 35.9%), carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) (22/65, 33.9%), and CRGNB (11/36, 30.6%) respectively, while in PICUs, they were MRSA (53/169, 31.4%), CRGNB (50/87, 57.4%), Klebsiella sp and E.coli (18/52, 34.6%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS MDR Gram-negative bacteria (ESBL producers and carbapenem-resistant bacteria) were the most reported agents among MDR bacteria reported to Rio de Janeiro surveillance system. Except for CLABSI in children, they caused all device-associated infections in NICUs and PICUs.

Status of microbiological reports at partial provincial level annual academic conference of healthcare-associated infection from 2015 to 2017 / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To understand the present status of special reports relating to microbiology at China provincial-level annual academic conference of healthcare-associated infection (HAI), and provide basis for the training and capacity-building of HAI management staff.Methods The conference arrangements for annual academic conference of provincial HAI quality control centers and HAI management societies from January 2015 to May 2017 were collected, and the special reports on microbiology were summarized and analyzed.Results A total of 35 annual academic conferences held by 17 provinces/municipalities directly under the central government/autonomous regions were included in the study, most conferences (42.31％) were concentrated on the fourth quarter. 15 annual academic conferences were related to microbiology report, accounting for 5.91％ of the total reports, reporting time accounted for 4.81％ of total time. There were various forms of microbiological thematic reports, subject reports, literature exchange, and interactive exchange accounted for 68.96％, 24.14％, and 6.90％ respectively. The proportion of topics related to microbiology reports increased to a certain extent, but the proportion of reporting time decreased.Conclusion At present, the proportion and reporting time of microbiology reports in China provincial-level annual academic conference of HAI is relatively low, it is necessary to increase the number of microbiology reports in the future annual conference of HAI.

Pathogenic microorganism contamination and duration of service time of medical waste sharps containers / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To understand pathogenic microorganism contamination status of medical waste sharps containers with different use time, explore the reasonable duration of service time of sharps containers, provide reference for the management of medical waste.Methods Twelve 2 L sharps containers on treatment trolleys in a tertiary first-class infectious disease specialty hospital were randomly selected, viral loads of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as well as bacterial colonies on inner and outer surfaces of sharps containers at different time points were detected, three unused sharps containers were taken as control at the same time.Results Sixty eluent specimens of outer surface and contents of sharps containers in trial group and control group were collected respectively at four time points (48 h, 72 h, 5 d, 7 d), no HIV and HCV were detected, and no HBV was detected in specimens of outer surface of sharps containers, HBV was detected in the eluent of contents in one sharps container 72 hours after the use, concentration of HBV was 2.20 E+01 IU/mL. Changes in bacteria in the eluent of used sharps containers: 100％ of the eluent of contents in sharps containers grew bacteria on the 5 th day after use, bacterial load of the eluent of contents in sharps containers on the 7 th day after use was incalculable. Bacterial load on the outer surface of sharps containers ranged from 1 to 9 CFU/cm2. No significant changes were observed in the inner and outer surfaces of all sharps containers, and no discomfort odor emerged.Conclusion With the storage time prolonged to 7 days, bacterial colonies on the outer surface of sharps containers didn't increase significantly, HIV, HBV and HCV were not detected. It is suggested that service time of sharps containers with small production of contents should not be set compulsorily at 48 hours (even if the contents in sharps container is less than 3/4 of storage capacity after 48 hours of use).

Cleaning quality of different cleaning methods for reusable laparoscopic instruments / 中国感染控制杂志

Objective To evaluate the cleaning quality of different cleaning methods for laparoscopic instruments, ensure the cleaning quality of instruments.Methods The used laparoscopic instruments were classified into two categories: non-lumen instruments and lumen instruments. Three cleaning methods, traditional manual cleaning (A), manual cleaning + ultrasonic cleaning (B), manual cleaning + automatic cleaning disinfector (C), were adopted respectively for treating instruments. Cleaning quality of instruments were detected with ATP bioluminescence assay.Results The qualified rates of laparoscopic non-lumen instruments cleaned by methods A, B, and C were 78.75％, 95.71％, and 96.00％ respectively, difference was significant (χ2=16.453, P＜0.001);qualified rate of methods B and C for cleaning non-lumen instruments was higher than that of method A (P＜0.016), there was no significant difference between methods B and C (P＞0.016). Qualified rates of laparoscopic lumen instruments cleaned by methods A, B, and C were 76.47％, 98.75％, and 91.55％ respectively, difference was significant (χ2=21.087, P＜0.001); qualified rates of methods B and C for cleaning lumen instruments were both higher than that of method A (P＜0.016), there was no significant difference between methods B and C (P＞0.016). Conclusion Effect of manual cleaning + ultrasonic cleaning and manual cleaning + automatic cleaning disinfector on used laparoscopic instruments are both better than that of traditional manual cleaning method, can effectively guarantee the cleaning quality of instruments and help to ensure the operation safety of patients.