Mobile phones of anesthesiologists as reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria in a quaternary teaching hospital: an observational study

Abstract Background: Mobile phones in hospital settings have been identified as an important source of cross-contamination because of the low frequency with which mobile phones are cleaned by health workers and cyclical contamination of the hands and face. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the mobile phones of the anesthesia team at a teaching hospital are potential reservoirs of nosocomial bacteria. In addition, differences in device sanitization and hand hygiene habits between attending and resident anesthesiologists were correlated with mobile phone colonization. Methods: A prevalence study was conducted over a 6-month period from 2017 to 2018 that involved the collection of samples from the mobile phones of the anesthesiology team and culturing for surveillance. A questionnaire was administered to assess the mobile phone sanitization and hand washing routines of the anesthesia team in specific situations. Results: Bacterial contamination was detected for 86 of the 128 mobile phones examined (67.2%). A greater presence of Micrococcus spp. on devices was correlated with a higher frequency of mobile phone use (p = 0.003) and a lower frequency of sanitization (p = 0.003). The presence of bacteria was increased on the mobile phones of professionals who did not perform handwashing after tracheal intubation (p = 0.003). Conclusion: Hand hygiene and device sanitization habits were more important than the use behavior, as a higher presence of bacteria correlated with poorer hygiene habits. Furthermore, handwashing is the best approach to prevent serious colonization of mobile devices and the possible transmission of pathogens to patients under the care of anesthesiologists.

Infecciones bacterianas en pacientes internados por COVID-19 en Unidad de Paciente Crítico / Bacterial infections in COVID-19 patients hospitalized in intensive care unit

Resumen En esta comunicación breve, describimos retrospectivamente las características de los pacientes internados graves con COVID-19 en UCI. Reportamos 37,6 % de infecciones bacterianas secundarias, principalmente de origen nosocomial respiratorio y muy infrecuente comunitario.

Abstract In this brief communication, we retrospectively describe COVID-19 severe patient's characteristics in ICU, and report 37,6% of secondary bacterial infections, mainly with nosocomial respiratory infections and rarely from community source.

Demanda de culturas microbiológicas e prevalência de microrganismos em um hospital universitário de Pernambuco / Demand for microbiological cultures and prevalence of microorganisms in a university hospital of Pernambuco / Demanda de culturas microbiológicas y prevalencia de microrganismos en un hospital universitario de Pernambuco

Objetivo: verificar a demanda de hemoculturas, aspirados traqueais e uroculturas realizadas no HU-UNIVASF/ EBSERH e a prevalência dos microrganismos identificados no período de janeiro a junho de 2016. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo documental com abordagem quantitativa. Resultados: o setor de microbiologia realizou 488 hemoculturas, 427 uroculturas e 197 aspirados traqueais. A positividade de hemoculturas mostrou-se entre 10,9 à 25,7%, e o percentual de contaminações variou de 6,8 à 14,0%. Os microrganismos mais prevalência nas hemoculturas foram Staphylococcus epidermidis (23,7%), Staphylococcus aureus (19,3%) e Klebisiella pneumoniae (9,6%). Nas uroculturas foram Klebisiella pneumoniae (23,1%), Candida sp. (13,5%) e Escherichia coli (12,5%). Nos aspirados traqueais foram Acinetobacter baumannii (29,2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26,6%) e Staphylococcus aureus (16,2%). Conclusão: a cultura mais solicitada foi hemocultura. A bactéria mais prevalente nas hemoculturas foi Staphylococcus epidermidis, nos aspirados traqueais Acinetobacter baumannii e nas uroculturas Klebisiella pneumoniae

Objective: the study's purpose has been to verify the demand for blood cultures, tracheal aspirates and urine cultures performed at a University Hospital from the Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (HU-UNIVASF/EBSERH), as well as the predominance of microorganisms identified over the period from January to June 2016. Methods: it is a retrospective documentary study with a quantitative approach. Results: the microbiology sector carried out 488 blood cultures, 427 urine cultures and 197 tracheal aspirates. The positivity of blood cultures was between 10.9 and 25.7%, and the percentage of contaminations ranged from 6.8 to 14.0%. The most prevalent microorganisms in blood cultures were Staphylococcus epidermidis (23.7%), Staphylococcus aureus (19.3%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.6%). In urine cultures were Klebsiella pneumoniae (23.1%), Candida sp. (13.5%) and Escherichia coli (12.5%). In tracheal aspirates were Acinetobacter baumannii (29.2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26.6%) and Staphylococcus aureus (16.2%). Conclusion: the most requested culture was blood culture. The most prevalent bacterium in blood cultures was Staphylococcus epidermidis, in tracheal aspirates was Acinetobacter baumannii, and in urine cultures was Klebsiella pneumoniae

Objetivo: el propósito del trabajo es verificar la demanda de hemocultivos, aspirados traqueales y urocultivos realizados en el Hospital Universitário de la Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (HU-UNIVASF/ EBSERH) y la prevalencia de los microorganismos identificados en el período de enero a junio de 2016. Métodos: este trabajo es un estudio retrospectivo documental con abordaje cuantitativo. Resultados: el sector de microbiología realizó 488 hemocultivos, 427 urocultivos y 197 aspirados traqueales. La positividad de hemocultivos se mostró entre el 10,9 al 25,7%, y el porcentaje de contaminaciones varía de 6,8 a 14,0%. Los microorganismos más prevalentes en los hemocultivos fueron Staphylococcus epidermidis (23,7%), Staphylococcus aureus (19,3%) y Klebsiella pneumoniae (9,6%). En los urocultivos fueron Klebisiella pneumoniae (23,1%), Candida sp. (13,5%) y Escherichia coli (12,5%). En los aspirados traqueales fueron Acinetobacter baumannii (29,2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26,6%) y Staphylococcus aureus (16,2%). Conclusión: la cultura más solicitada fue hemocultivo. La bacteria más prevalente en los hemocultivos fue Staphylococcus epidermidis, en los aspirados traqueales, Acinetobacter baumannii y en los urocultivos, Klebisiella pneumoniae

Análise do consumo de antimicrobianos e infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde após implantação de um programa de gestão de antimicrobianos em unidade de tratamento intensivo neonatal do Rio de Janeiro / Analysis of antimicrobial consumption and healthcare-associated infections after an antimicrobial stewardship program implantation in neonatal intensive care of Rio de Janeiro / Análisis del consumo de antimicrobianos y las infecciones asociadas a la atención de la salud después de la implantación de un programa de administración de antimicrobianos en cuidados intensivos neonatales de Río de Janeiro

Justificativa e objetivos. Programas de gestão de antimicrobianos (PGA) podem contribuir para otimizar o uso de antimicrobianos em unidades de tratamento intensivo neonatais (UTINEO). O objetivo deste estudo foi mensurar o consumo de antimicrobianos, dentre eles os carbapenêmicos e infecções relacionadas à assistência à saúde (IRAS), especificamente as causadas por bactérias Gram-negativas resistentes a carbapenêmicos (BGN-CR) em neonatos após a implantação de um PGA. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo descritivo do consumo de antimicrobianos, dentre eles os carbapenêmicos; e das taxas de IRAS em uma UTINEO, durante 1 ano de seguimento. O consumo fo i medido em dias de terapia/1000 pacientes-dia (DOT/1000PD). Resultados: Em setembro de 2017 o PGA foi implementado com os seguintes elementos-chave: auditoria de antibióticos/feedback, restrição de antimicrobianos-alvo, medida do consumo de antimicrobianos e maior rapidez na liberação de resultados de culturas. Entre setembro de 2017 e setembro de 2018 admitimos 308 pacientes, totalizando 2223 pacientes-dia. A mediana de consumo total de antimicrobianos foi de 1580 DOT/1000PD (variação de 1180,7 a 2336,6/mês) sem tendência de aumento e a de carbapenêmicos 12 DOT/1000PD (variação de 0 a 163,2/mês). O consumo de carbapenêmicos foi reduzido entre abril a setembro de 2018 (valor de p =0,07) quando comparado com os primeiros seis meses. Oito IRAS foram registradas, correspondendo a uma densidade de incidência de 3,6/1000 pacientes-dia. Não foram reportadas BGN-CR causando IRAS. Conclusões: O consumo total de antimicrobianos não apresentou aumento ao longo do ano após implantação do PGA. No entanto, houve redução significativa do consumo de carbapenêmicos. Não foram verificadas IRAS por BGN-CR no período do estudo.(AU)

Background and objectives: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) could contribute to optimize antimicrobial use within neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The aim of this study was to measure the antimicrobial consumption, including carbapenems and healthcare-associated infections (HAI), specifically infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) in neonates, after implementation of an ASP. Methods: A prospective descriptive study of antimicrobial and carbapenem consumption; and healthcare-associated rate in a NICU, during a one-year follow-up. The consumption was measured in days of therapy /1000 patients-days(DOT/1000PD). Results: In September 2017, the ASP was implemented, with the following core components: antibiotic audit and feedback, restriction of target antimicrobials, measure of antimicrobial consumption and improvement of results from microbiologic laboratory. Between September 2017 and September 2018, we admitted 308 patients, totalizing 2223 patient-days. The median of total antimicrobial consumption was 1580 DOT/1000PD (range from 1180.7 to 2336.6/month and of carbapenems 12 DOT/1000PD (range from 0 to 162.3/month). The carbapenem consumption was reduced between April and September of 2018 (p value=0.07) when we compared the first six months of the study. Eight HAI were detected, corresponding to density of incidence of 3.6/1000 patient-days. No HAI due to CR-GNB was reported. Conclusion: The total antimicrobial consumption did not increase during all the year after the ASP implantation. Although there was a significant reduction of carbapenem consumption. Carbapenem-resistant bacteria was not found in NICU causing HAI.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: Los programas de optimizatión de uso de antimicrobianos (POA) podrían contribuir a optimizar el uso de antimicrobianos dentro de las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN). El objetivo de este estudio fue medir el consumo de antimicrobianos incluidos los carbapenems y las infecciones asociadas a la atención de la salud (IAAs), especificamente las infecciones causadas por bacterias Gram negativas resistentes a carbapenems (CR-GNB) en neonatos, después de la implementación de un POA. Métodos: Un estudio descriptivo prospectivo del consumo de antimicrobianos y carbapenems; y la tasa de IAAs en una UCIN durante un año de seguimiento. El consumo se midió en días de terapia (DOT) / 1000 pacientes-días. Resultados: En septiembre de 2017, se implementó el POA con los siguientes componentes principales: auditoría y retroalimentación de antibióticos, restricción de antimicrobianos objetivo, medición del consumo de antimicrobianos y mejora de los resultados del laboratorio microbiológico. Entre septiembre de 2017 y septiembre de 2018, admitimos 308 pacientes, totalizando 2223 días-paciente. La mediana del consumo total de antimicrobianos fue de 1580 DOT / 1000PD (rango de 1180.7 a 2336.6 / mes y de carbapenems 12 (rango de 0 a 162.3 / mes). El consumo de carbapenem se redujo entre abril y septiembre de 2018 (valor p = 0.07) cuando comparamos los primeros seis meses del estudio, se detectaron ocho IAAs, lo que corresponde a la densidad de incidencia de 3.6 / 1000 días-paciente No se informó ningún IAA debido a CR-GNB. Conclusiones: El consumo total de antimicrobianos no aumentó durante todo el año posterior a la implantación de POA. Aunque hubo una reducción significativa del consumo de carbapenem. No se encontraron bacterias resistentes a carbapenem en la UCIN que causa IAA.(AU)

Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the ICU: prevalence, resistance profile, and antimicrobial consumption

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the main pathogens causing infection in intensive care units (ICUs) and usually presents antimicrobial resistance. METHODS: Data were obtained from ICUs between 2010 and 2013. RESULTS: P. aeruginosa had a prevalence of 14.5% of which 48.7% were multidrug resistant. We observed increasing resistance to carbapenems and polymyxin B and growing consumption of aminoglycosides, meropenem, ceftazidime, and polymyxin B. The regression impact between resistance and consumption was significant with respect to amikacin, imipenem, meropenem, and polymyxin B. CONCLUSIONS: Monitoring antimicrobial consumption and resistant microorganisms should be reinforced to combat antimicrobial- and multi-drug resistance.

Aislamientos de Acinetobacter spp. en infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria / Isolation of Acinetobacter spp. in infections associated with health care

Introducción: El Acinetobacter spp. se ha convertido en un germen de gran relevancia clínica, resulta un verdadero paradigma de las infecciones nosocomiales multirresistentes. Objetivo: Caracterizar los aislamientos microbiológicos de Acinetobacter spp. en infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo que incluyó 280 aislamientos de Acinetobacter spp. de las muestras provenientes de pacientes hospitalizados, en el periodo de tres años (del 2016 al 2018) en el Hospital Comandante "Manuel Fajardo Rivero". Las variables del estudio fueron: salas de procedencia del aislamiento, tipo de muestra, factor predictivo, diagnóstico infectológico, susceptibilidad antimicrobiana in vitro y multidrogorresistencia, Resultados: El mayor número de aislamientos de Acinetobacter spp. se obtuvo en la unidad de cuidados intensivos (78,9 por ciento), las secreciones respiratorias fueron las muestras con más aislamientos (58,9 por ciento), la ventilación mecánica resultó el factor predictivo más frecuente (67,9 por ciento) y como diagnóstico infectológico, la neumonía asociada al ventilador (66,8 por ciento). Se encontró un porcentaje elevado de cepas con multidrogorresistencia (73,6 por ciento). Conclusiones: El Acinetobacter spp. se encuentra vinculado a las infecciones asociadas a los servicios de salud, fundamentalmente en los cuidados intensivos. Los antimicrobianos probados evidenciaron altos porcentajes de resistencia, con predominio de las cepas multidrogorresistentes(AU)

Introduction: Acinetobacter spp. has become a germ of great clinical relevance, it is a true paradigm of multiresistant nosocomial infections. Objective: To characterize the microbiological isolates of Acinetobacter spp. in infections associated with health care. Methods: Descriptive study that included 280 isolates of Acinetobacter spp. from the samples of hospitalized patients, in the period of three years (from 2016 to 2018) in the Hospital Comandante "Manuel Fajardo Rivero". The variables of the study were: wards of origin of the isolation, type of sample, predictive factor, infectious diagnosis, antimicrobial susceptibility in vitro and multidrug resistance. Results: The highest number of isolates of Acinetobacter spp. was obtained in the intensive care unit (78.9 percent), the respiratory secretions were the samples with the most isolations (58.9 percent), mechanical ventilation was the most frequent predictor (67.9 percent) and as an infectious diagnosis, ventilator-associated pneumonia (66.8 percent). A high percentage of strains with multidrug resistance (73.6 percent) was found. Conclusions: Acinetobacter spp. is linked to infections associated with health services, mainly in intensive care. The antimicrobials tested showed high percentages of resistance, with a predominance of multidrug resistant strains(AU)

Epidemiología molecular de aislados de Acinetobacter baumannii resistentes a carbapenems en Argentina / Molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii in Argentina

Se estudiaron 100 aislados consecutivos y no epidemiológicamente relacionados de Acinetobacter baumannii resistentes a los carbapenems, recuperados entre enero y agosto de 2016 de muestras clínicas en 11 hospitales de 10 provincias de la Argentina, ubicadas en distintas regiones del país. Los genes que codifican las carbapenemasas de Ambler clase D y clase B se investigaron mediante la técnica de PCR utilizando cebadores específicos. Todos los aislados se agruparon mediante las técnicas de 3-locus sequence typing y la secuenciación del gen blaOXA-51-like. El gen blaOXA-23 se recuperó en todos los aislados estudiados. La población de A. baumannii resistente a carbapenems en Argentina estuvo asociada, principalmente, con ST1 (45%), ST25 (34%) y ST79 (15%). ST25 se recuperó en todas las regiones estudiadas y no se detectó CC2.

One hundred sequential, epidemiologically unrelated carbapenem-resistant- Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from 11 hospitals in 10 Argentine provinces were collected between January and August 2016. Genes coding for Ambler class D and B carbapenemases were investigated by PCR using specific primers. All isolates were typed using the 3-locus sequence typing and b/aOXA-51-like sequence-based typing techniques. The blaOXA-23 gene was recovered in all isolates studied. The population of carbapenem-resistant- A. baumannii in Argentina was principally associated with ST1 (45%), ST25 (34%) and ST79 (15%). ST25 was recovered in all the regions studied and CC2 was not detected.

Colonización por microorganismos multirresistentes en servicio de oncología de Hospital de Niños Roberto del Río durante el 2016 / Colonization by multiresistant microorganisms in oncology service of Roberto del Río Children's Hospital during 2016

Los pacientes inmunocomprometidos presentan un riesgo aumentado de colonización e infecciones por microorganismos multirresistentes (MOR), entre ellos Enterococcus spp resistentes a vancomicina (ERV) y bacterias productoras de betalactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE), las cuales son causa importante de morbimortalidad. OBJETIVO: Describir la prevalencia de MOR en Servicio de Oncología del Hospital Roberto del Río. MÉTODO: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de los niños hospitalizados en el servicio de oncología desde enero a diciembre del 2016 a los cuales se les realizó vigilancia de portación de ERV y BLEE. RESULTADOS: De los 97 pacientes hospitalizados, se identificó un 8% de portación de ERV, un 13,7% de BLEE y un 6,8% presentó portación de ambos microorganismos. DISCUSIÓN: Entre enero 2012 a diciembre del 2013 se observó en nuestro centro que un 52% de los pacientes hospitalizados en oncología estaban colonizados por ERV, la disminución significativa de la portación podría deberse a la mejor adherencia de normas de prevención de infecciones asociadas a la atención en salud (IAAS), programa de uso racional de antimicrobianos y a la nueva infraestructura del servicio.

The inmunosupressed patients are at increased risk of colonization and infection with vancomycin resistant Enterococci (VRE) and extended- spectrum b-lactamase producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL), which can cause substantial morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: Describe the prevalence of VRE and ESBL in the Oncology Unit of Roberto del Río Hospital. METHODS: Descriptive and retrospective study of hospitalized children since January to December 2016 in the Oncology Unit, that underwent VRE and ESBL colonization surveillance. RESULTS: From the 97 hospitalized patients, there were 8% of VRE colonization, 13.7% of ESBL and 6.8% of colonization from both microorganism. DISCUSSION: Between January 2012 and December 2013, we observed that 52% of hospitalized patients in the Oncology Unit were colonized by VRE. The significant decrease in colonization may be due to better fulfillment of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) normative, antibiotics stewardship and new infraestructure of our unit.

Prevalencia de β -lactamasas de espectro extendido en enterobacterias causantes de sepsis neonatal y factores asociados / Prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in enterobacteria of neonatal sepsis and associated factors

Resumen Introducción: Las infecciones causadas por enterobacterias productoras de β-talactamasas de espectro extendido (EP-BLEE) tienen implicaciones sobre la morbilidad y mortalidad neonatal. Objetivo: Describir la prevalencia de EP-BLEE en sepsis neonatal y los factores asociados. Métodos: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo, desde agosto del 2016 a agosto del 2017. Se incluyeron recién nacidos (RNs) ingresados en el Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca". Mediante prueba de difusión de doble disco se indagó la presencia de EP-BLEE y su asociación con características clínicas y demográficas de los RNs. Resultados: Se estudiaron 1.501 RNs hospitalizados, con edad gestacional promedio de 36,3 semanas. Se diagnosticaron 196 eventos de sepsis neonatal, la etiología más frecuente fueron enterobacterias (45,5%); 88,8% demostraron resistencia a ampicilina y más de 42% a cefalosporinas de amplio espectro. El 22,9% presentó fenotipo BLEE positivo. Tener Apgar ≤ 7 a los cinco minutos de vida (OR 4,6; IC 95% 1,47-14,6) y edad gestacional < 37 semanas (OR 5,4; IC 95%1,04-27,7) incrementaron el riesgo. Conclusión: En las enterobacterias causantes de sepsis neonatal, 22,9% son EP-BLEE; la infección es más probable en pacientes con Apgar ≤ 7 a los cinco minutos de vida y en prematuros.

Background: Infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamases enterobacteria (ESBL-EP) have implications for neonatal morbidity and mortality. Aim: To describe the prevalence of ESBL-EP in neonatal sepsis and associated factors. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from August 2016 to August 2017; newborn babies (NB) hospitalized in the Hospital Civil de Guadalajara "Dr. Juan I. Menchaca" were included. The ESBL-EP were investigated by double-disk synergy test and its association with clinical and demographic characteristics of the NB. Results. A total of 1,501 hospitalized NB were studied, with an average gestational age of 36.3 weeks. They were diagnosed 196 neonatal sepsis events, the most frequent etiologies were enterobacteria (45.5%). Resistance to ampicilin was found in 88.8% and to broad spectrum cephalosporins in more than 42% of the strains; 22.9% of them were ESBL phenotype. Apgar ≤ 7 at five minutes of life (OR 4.6; 95% CI 1.47-14.6) and gestational age < 37 weeks (OR 5.4; 95% CI 1.04-27.) increase the risk. Conclusion: In enterobacteria that cause neonatal sepsis, 22.9% were EP-ESBL; infection was more likely in patients with Apgar ≤ 7 at five minutes of age and in preterm infants.

Costos médicos directos de las infecciones del tracto urinario por bacilos Gram negativos resistentes a betalactámicos en un hospital de alta complejidad de Medellín, Colombia / Direct medical costs of urinary tract infections by Gram-negative bacilli resistant to beta-lactams in a tertiary care hospital in Medellín, Colombia

Resumen Introducción. Las infecciones del tracto urinario son muy frecuentes en el ámbito hospitalario. Debido a la aparición de la resistencia antimicrobiana, la complejidad de los procesos de atención ha aumentado y, con ello, la demanda de recursos. Objetivo. Describir y comparar el exceso de los costos médicos directos de las infecciones del tracto urinario por Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae y Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistentes a betalactámicos. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de cohorte en una institución de tercer nivel de Medellín, Colombia, entre octubre del 2014 y septiembre del 2015. Se incluyeron los pacientes con infección urinaria, unos por bacterias sensibles a los antibióticos betalactámicos, y otros por bacterias resistentes a las cefalosporinas de tercera y cuarta generación y a los antibióticos carbapenémicos. Los costos se analizaron desde la perspectiva del sistema de salud. La información clínico-epidemiológica se obtuvo de las historias clínicas y los costos se calcularon utilizando los manuales tarifarios estándar. El exceso de costos se estimó mediante análisis multivariados. Resultados. Se incluyeron 141 pacientes con infección urinaria: 55 (39 %) por bacterias sensibles a los betalactámicos, 54 (38,3 %) por bacterias resistentes a las cefalosporinas y 32 (22,7 %) por bacterias resistentes a los carbapenémicos. El exceso de costos totales ajustado de los 86 pacientes con infecciones del tracto urinario por bacterias resistentes a las cefalosporinas y a los carbapenémicos, fue de USD$ 193 (IC95% -347 a 734) y USD$ 633 (IC95% -50 a 1.316), respectivamente comparados con el grupo de 55 pacientes por bacterias sensibles a los betalactámicos. Las diferencias se presentaron principalmente en el uso de antibióticos de amplio espectro, como el meropenem, la colistina y la fosfomicina. Conclusión. Los resultados evidenciaron un incremento sustancial de los costos médicos directos de los pacientes con infecciones del tracto urinario por bacterias resistentes a las cefalosporinas o a los carbapenémicos. Esta situación genera especial preocupación en los países endémicos como Colombia, donde la alta frecuencia de infecciones del tracto urinario y de resistencia a los betalactámicos puede causar un mayor impacto económico en el sector de la salud.

Abstract Introduction: Urinary tract infections are very frequent in the hospital environment and given the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, they have made care processes more complex and have placed additional pressure on available healthcare resources. Objective: To describe and compare excess direct medical costs of urinary tract infections due to Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa resistant to beta-lactams. Materials and methods: A cohort study was conducted in a third level hospital in Medellín, Colombia, from October, 2014, to September, 2015. It included patients with urinary tract infections caused by beta-lactam-susceptible bacteria, third and fourth generation cephalosporin-resistant, as well as carbapenem-resistant. Costs were analyzed from the perspective of the health system. Clinical-epidemiological information was obtained from medical records and the costs were calculated using standard tariff manuals. Excess costs were estimated with multivariate analyses. Results: We included 141 patients: 55 (39%) were sensitive to beta-lactams, 54 (38.3%) were resistant to cephalosporins and 32 (22.7%) to carbapenems. The excess total adjusted costs of patients with urinary tract infections due to cephalosporin- and carbapenem-resistant bacteria were US$ 193 (95% confidence interval (CI): US$ -347-734) and US$ 633 (95% CI: US$ -50-1316), respectively, compared to the group of patients with beta-lactam sensitive urinary tract infections. The differences were mainly found in the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics such as meropenem, colistin, and fosfomycin. Conclusion: Our results show a substantial increase in the direct medical costs of patients with urinary tract infections caused by beta-lactam-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (cephalosporins and carbapenems). This situation is of particular concern in endemic countries such as Colombia, where the high frequencies of urinary tract infections and the resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics can generate a greater economic impact on the health sector.

Infección por Clostridium difficile: descripción de las cepas NAP1/027 y de otros serotipos en un centro de alta complejidad de Cali, Colombia, 2012-2015 / Clostridium difficile infection: Description of NAP1/027 and non NAP1/027 strains in a high complexity center in Cali, Colombia, 2012-2015

Resumen Introducción. Clostridium difficile ocasiona infecciones hospitalarias que resultan en altas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad. La cepa NAP1/027 se ha asociado con una mayor producción de toxinas y con una mayor gravedad, lo que aumenta la carga de la enfermedad. Objetivo. Describir la epidemiología de las infecciones asociadas con C. difficile y las características de la cepa NAP1/027. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio observacional basado en la revisión de las historias clínicas de los pacientes con muestras de heces positivas para C. difficile identificadas mediante la prueba Xpert™ entre el 2012 y el 2015 en un hospital de alta complejidad. La gravedad de la enfermedad se evaluó con el índice ATLAS. Resultados. Se incluyeron 42 casos de pacientes infectados, 9 de los cuales fueron positivos para la cepa NAP1/027. El uso de antibióticos antes de la infección durante más de siete días fue más frecuente en los casos de pacientes con muestras negativas para NAP1/027. En la mitad de los pacientes, la duración de la diarrea fue mayor de cinco días y no hubo diferencias según el tipo de cepa (p>0,05). Los casos de pacientes positivos para la cepa NAP1/027 se caracterizaron por presentar deposiciones fétidas y sanguinolentas. La gravedad de la infección fue similar entre los grupos. Conclusión. Se comprobó la circulación de la cepa NAP1/027, pero su presencia no supuso diferencias clínicas significativas con respecto a otras cepas, lo cual podría deberse al limitado número de pacientes en este estudio. Sin embargo, su presencia debe alertar a los médicos y a las instituciones de salud, dada su frecuente asociación con la gravedad de la infección y la mortalidad.

Abstract Introduction: Clostridium difficile causes nosocomial infections leading to high morbidity and mortality. The NAP1/027 strain is associated with a higher toxin production and disease severity, which increases the load of the disease. Objective: To describe the epidemiology of the infections associated with C. difficile and the characteristics related to the NAP1/027 strain. Materials and methods: This was an observational study based on the revision of clinical registries of patients with fecal samples that were positive for C. difficile identified by the Xpert test™ between 2012 and 2015 in a high complexity institution. The severity of the disease was evaluated by means of the ATLAS score. Results: We included 42 infected cases, 9 of which were positive for the NAP1/027strain. The use of antibiotics previous to the infection for more than seven days was more frequent in patients with negative results for NAP1/027. The duration of diarrhea in half of the patients was longer than five days and there were no differences according to the type of strain (p>0.05). Positive cases for the NAP1/027 strain were characterized by presenting fetid and bloody stools. The severity of the infection was similar between the groups. Conclusions: In Colombia, the NAP1/027 strain circulates without significant clinical differences, which could be due to the limited number of patients. Nevertheless, the existence of NAP1/027 should alert physicians and health institutions because of its high association with severity and mortality.

Caracterización de los pacientes con bacteriemia por Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina en un hospital militar de alta complejidad / Characterization of patients with bacteremia by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a high-complexity military hospital

Resumen Introducción. En las Fuerzas Militares de Colombia, cerca de 500.000 de sus miembros asisten a consulta en los establecimientos sanitarios militares. En esta población, Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina (SAMR) se ha convertido en un agente patógeno de gran incidencia. Objetivo. Caracterizar los pacientes con diagnóstico de bacteriemia por SAMR en el Hospital Militar Central entre el 2012 y el 2015. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo de revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de pacientes mayores de 18 años, hospitalizados y con hemocultivos positivos para S. aureus resistente a la meticilina. Para la identificación de los pacientes se empleó el sistema Whonet, version 5.6. Resultados. De los 177 cultivos positivos para S. aureus, el 24,8 % (n=44) correspondió a SAMR, con mayor prevalencia en pacientes militares activos(n=20m 45,4 %). Se observó una frecuencia similar para la bacteriemia por SAMR adquirida en la comunidad y la adquirida en el hospital, siendo más frecuente (n=37, 84 %) el fenotipo de la comunidad en ambos grupos. El principal foco infeccioso fueron los tejidos blandos, seguidos por el tejido pulmonar. Se presentaron mayores tasas de complicaciones (61%, n=13) en la bacteriemia adquirida en el hospital; 34,9 % (n=15),de los pacientes tuvieron una estancia hospitalaria prolongada atribuible a las complicaciones desencadenadas por la bacteriemia. Conclusiones. La población más afectada por SAMR fueron los pacientes militares activos (n=20, 45,4 %), con una frecuencia similar de la bacteriemia adquirida en la comunidad (n=18, 43,2 %) y la adquirida en el hospital (n=25, 56,8 %), y el principal foco infeccioso fueron los tejidos blandos. Dados estos resultados, es necesario adelantar estudios para establecer la prevalencia de infecciones por SAMR en la piel.

Abstract Introduction: In Colombia, there are about 500,000 members in the national armed forces who consult military health institutions. In this population, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has become a high-incidence pathogen. Objective: The aim of this study was to characterize patients with MRSA bacteremia in the Hospital Militar Central between 2012 and 2015. Materials and methods: This was an observational descriptive study with a retrospective review of clinical histories of hospitalized patients older than 18 years of age with positive blood cultures for methicillin-resistant S. aureus. The identification of the patients was made using the Whonet system, version 5.6. Results: From cultures positive for S. aureus, 24.8% were methicillin-resistant strains, with a higher prevalence in active military personnel. A similar frequency was observed for community-acquired MRSA bacteremias and those acquired at the hospital, with the community phenotype being the most frequent in both groups. The main infectious focus related to the development of bacteremia was soft tissue, followed by pulmonary tissue. There were higher complication rates in nosocomial bacteremias; 34.9% of the patients had prolonged stays attributable to complications triggered by the bacteremia. Conclusions: Active military personnel was the most affected population by MRSA, with a similar frequency in community-acquired and nosocomial bacteremias. The main infectious focus was soft tissue. Taking into account these data, studies that establish the prevalence of skin infections by MRSA should be carried out.

Parte II. Variables del ambiente hospitalario que inciden en el riesgo de infecciones de pacientes con cáncer y receptores de trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos: Diseño, procesos asistenciales, calidad microbiológica del aire y agua / Hospital environment variables that affect the risk of infections of cancer patients and recipients of hematopoietic precursor transplants: Design, care processes, microbiological quality of air and water

Resumen El ambiente hospitalario es una fuente potencial de exposición a patógenos como bacterias, hongos y parásitos, que pueden provocar infecciones en pacientes con cáncer incluyendo receptores de trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos. Para aminorar este riesgo, se deben tener en cuenta los elementos de diseño, construcción y emplazamiento del área de atención de pacientes. Se entregan recomendaciones para proveer ambientes seguros, incluyendo características y uso de ambiente protegido, la definición de procesos críticos, equipos clínicos destinados a la atención de pacientes, sugerencias de ámbitos a supervisar y aspectos relativos a la calidad microbiológica del aire y agua.

The hospital environment is a potential source of exposure to pathogens such as bacteria, fungi and parasites that can cause infections in patients with cancer including transplanted hematopoietic precursors. To mitigate this risk, the design, construction and location elements of the patient care area must be taken into account. Recommendations are given to provide safe environments, including aspects related to characteristics and use of a protected environment, the definition of critical processes, clinical teams dedicated to the care of patients, suggestions of areas to be monitored, the microbiological quality of air and water.

Parte III. Apoyo del laboratorio de microbiología y anatomía patológica en el diagnóstico y manejo de infecciones en el paciente con cáncer y trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos / Support of the laboratory of microbiology and pathological anatomy in the diagnosis and management of infections in cancer patients and transplantation of hematopoietic stem cell transplant receptors

Resumen El enfrentamiento del diagnóstico diferencial y etiológico de las enfermedades infecciosas de los pacientes con cáncer, incluyendo los receptores de trasplante de precursores hematopoyéticos (TPH), debe corresponder a una decisión informada, oportuna y que repercuta directamente en una conducta médica que determine una mejor sobrevida y calidad de vida de los pacientes. El objetivo de este trabajo fue aportar en el manejo de estos pacientes desarrollando una herramienta útil al médico clínico para tomar estas decisiones. Para ello se agruparon las infecciones por sistemas comprometidos diferenciando los posibles agentes etiológicos en bacterias, virus, hongos y parásitos, explicitando los exámenes diagnósticos más relevantes, mencionando la o las técnicas recomendadas, junto con el tipo de muestra óptima para su adecuado procesamiento. De manera adicional, se incorporó el ítem "nivel de requerimiento" para sugerir lo que, a juicio de los autores y la evidencia existente, debe estar presente obligatoriamente en el centro o puede ser derivable a otro laboratorio.

The confrontation of the differential and etiological diagnosis of the infectious diseases of cancer patients, including hematopoietic stem cells transplant (HSCT) recipients, must correspond to an informed, timely decision that directly affects medical behavior that determines a better survival and quality of life for patients. The main goal of this work was to contribute to the management of these patients developing a useful tool for the clinician to make these decisions. For that, infections were grouped by compromised systems, differentiating the possible etiological agents in bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites, highlighting the relevant diagnostic tests, mentioning the recommended techniques together with the optimal sample type for proper processing. In addition, under each group of techniques we added the item "level of requirement" to suggest what, in the opinion of the authors and the existing evidence, must be mandatory to have at local level or can be derivable to another laboratory.

Molecular characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates from hospital and community environments in northeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT This study characterized 30 MRSA isolates from intensive care unit (ICU) environment and equipment surfaces and healthy children. The SCCmec types I, IVa and V were detected in HA-MRSA isolates while CA-MRSA showed the SCCmec type IVa and V. Most isolates were classified as agr group II. All isolates presented the sei gene, and only HA-MRSA were positive for etb e tst genes. Three genotypes were related to Pediatric (ST5/SCCmecIV) and Berlin (ST45/SCCmecIV) clones. The present study showed molecular similarity between CA- and HA-MRSA isolates in hospital and community settings in a Brazilian region.

Daptomycin and vancomycin non-susceptible methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clonal lineages from bloodstream infection in a Brazilian teaching hospital

ABSTRACT Introduction: This study aimed to characterize Staphylococcus aureus isolates from bloodstream infections in patients attending a teaching hospital, between 2011 and 2015. Methods: The minimum inhibitory concentration for daptomycin, linezolid, oxacillin, teicoplanin, vancomycin, and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole was accessed by broth microdilution. SCCmec type and clonal profile were determined by molecular tests. Vancomycin heteroresistance was evaluated using screening tests and by population analysis profile/area under the curve. Results: Among 200 S. aureus isolates, 55 (27.5%) were MRSA, carrying SCCmec II (45.5%) or IV (54.5%). The most frequent MRSA lineages were USA100 (ST5-II) (45.5%) and USA800 (ST5-IV) (30.9%). Six isolates were confirmed as vancomycin heteroresistant, showing area under the curve ratio 1.1, 1.2 or 1.3 (four USA100, one USA800 and one USA1100 isolates). Conclusions: Daptomycin and vancomycin non-susceptible MRSA clonal lineages were found in bloodstream infections over five years, highlighting the importance of continuous surveillance of multiresistant bacteria in hospitals.

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.

Time of catheter removal in candidemia and mortality

ABSTRACT Background: The impact of central venous catheter (CVC) removal on the outcome of patients with candidemia is controversial, with studies reporting discrepant results depending on the time of CVC removal (early or any time during the course of candidemia). Objective: Evaluate the effect of time to CVC removal, early (within 48 h from the diagnosis of candidemia) vs. removal at any time during the course of candidemia, on the 30-day mortality. Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 285 patients with candidemia analyzing CVC removal within 48 h (first analysis) or at any time (second analysis). Results: A CVC was in place in 212 patients and was removed in 148 (69.8%), either early (88 patients, 41.5%) or late (60 patients, 28.3%). Overall, the median time to CVC removal was one day (range 1-28) but was six days (range 3-28) for those removed later. In the first analysis, APACHE II score (odds ratio [OR] 1.111, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.066-1.158), removal at any time (OR 0.079, 95% CI 0.021-0.298) and Candida parapsilosis infection (OR 0.291, 95% CI 0.133-0.638) were predictors of 30-day mortality. Early removal was not significant. In the second analysis APACHE II score (OR 1.122, 95% CI 1.071-1.175) and C. parapsilosis infection (OR 0.247, 95% CI 0.103-0.590) retained significance. Conclusions: The impact of CVC removal is dependent on whether the optimal analysis strategy is deployed and should be taken into consideration in future analyses.

Multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clones persist on hospital inanimate surfaces

ABSTRACT Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the most frequent Gram-negative opportunistic pathogens associated with hospital-acquired infection worldwide. We briefly describe A. baumannii isolates that were recovered from surrounding ICU bed surfaces, exhibiting multidrug resistance phenotype and belonging to some widely spread clonal complexes of clinical A. baumannii isolates.