Analysis of Healthcare-associated Infections before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a Colombian hospital

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections pose a significant challenge, contributing to hospital morbidity and mortality. Objective: To describe the behavior of Healthcare Associated Infections before and during the pandemic reported to a high-complexity health institution in Colombia. Material and Methods: In our retrospective observational study on Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), we analyzed data from all in-patients diagnosed with HAIs between 2018 and 2020. This included clinical, demographic, microbiological, and microbial susceptibility information collected from the Committee on Nosocomial Infections' prospective database. Data from 391 isolates were obtained using Whonet software for antimicrobial resistance surveillance. Results: We found 504 cases of HAIs (2018-2020) with an overall in-hospital infection rate of 2.55/1000 patient-days. The median age for pediatric patients was 5 years, and for adults, 56 years, with 57% male. The leading admission diagnoses were oncologic disease complications (31%). Bacteremia had a 30-day mortality rate of 13%, predominantly catheter-associated (37%). Gram-negative bacilli, notably Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, represented 58% cases of HAI. Discussion: The critical need for specific interventions and antimicrobial management to control HAIs, especially given the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, is highlighted. Conclusions: This is the first report on HAIs incidence at a tertiary hospital in Bucaramanga, Santander (Colombia). Bacteremia was predominant; 75% of HAIs patients had comorbidities. Gram-negative bacilli prevailed; a notable rise in ICU respiratory infections occurred during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Resistance to cephalosporins and carbapenems was prevalent.

Infección por Kodamaea ohmeri en un recién nacido con una masa mediastinal / Kodamaea ohmeri infection in a newborn with a mediastinal mass

Las infecciones por hongos son una causa de morbilidad y mortalidad, lo que lleva a un incremento de la estancia hospitalaria y a un aumento de los costos en salud, en el período neonatal. Durante este período, los prematuros son los más afectados. Las especies Candida son la causa principal de infección fúngica. La mayoría son causadas por C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata y C. tropicalis, aunque otras especies han sido reportadas. Una de ellas, como un patógeno emergente, es K. ohmeri. Este organismo ha sido reportado como patógeno en el período neonatal, principalmente en prematuros. Los factores de riesgo asociados a infección fúngica son accesos venosos centrales, inmunosupresión, larga estancia hospitalaria, intubación endotraqueal y uso de antibióticos. Presentamos a un neonato con una masa mediastinal, quien requirió múltiples intervenciones, como pericardiocentesis, catéter central, ventilación mecánica y antibióticos. Durante su evolución, presentó infección por K. ohmeri. Fue tratado con anfotericina B, con evolución clínica satisfactoria.

Invasive fungal infections are a considerable cause of morbidity, mortality, increased hospital stay durations, and high health care costs, during neonatal period. In this period, the premature infants are the most affected. Candida species are the leading cause of invasive fungal infections. The majority of neonatal Candida infections are caused by C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. glabrata and C. tropicalis, although other fungus species are being reported. One such emerging pathogen is K. ohmeri. This organism has been reported as a pathogen in the neonatal period, principally in premature infants. The risk factors associated with fungal infection are central line, immunosuppression, prolonged hospital stay, endotracheal intubation and exposure to antibiotics. We present a term baby with a mediastinal mass, who required several procedures, as pericardiocentesis, central catheters, mechanical ventilation, antibiotics. During his evolution, he presented infection by K. ohmeri. The baby was treated with amphotericin B, with satisfactory clinical course.