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.

Shorter Incubation Times for Detecting Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria in Patient Samples: Defining Early Imaging Time Points Using Growth Kinetics and Total Laboratory Automation

BACKGROUND: The transition from manual processing of patient samples to automated workflows in medical microbiology is challenging. Although automation enables microbiologists to evaluate all samples following the same incubation period, the essential incubation times have yet to be determined. We defined essential incubation times for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria (MDRGN), and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). METHODS: We monitored the growth kinetics of MRSA, MDRGN, and VRE between two and 48 hours on chromogenic media to establish the time points of first growth, single colony appearance, and typical morphology for 102, 104, 106, and 108 colony forming units/mL. Subsequently, we imaged plates inoculated with 778 patient samples after 20, 24, and 36 hours. RESULTS: The first growth, single colony appearance, and typical morphology time points were inoculum-dependent. First growth appeared after 6–18 hours, 4–18 hours, and 8–48 hours for MRSA, MDRGN, and VRE, respectively, and single colonies appeared at 12–18 hours, 6–20 hours, and 12–48 hours, respectively. Typical morphology was visible at 14–22 hours and 12–48 hours for MRSA and VRE, but was not determined for MDRGN. By examining patient samples, ≥98% of MRSA and MDRGN were visible 20 hours after the start of incubation. Following 24 hours of incubation, only 79.5% of VRE were clearly visible on the respective plates. CONCLUSIONS: An incubation time of 20 hours is sufficient for detecting MRSA and MDRGN. VRE growth is much slower and requires additional imaging after 36 hours.

Factores asociados a colonización por enterococo sp resistente a vancomicina en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos del Paraguay: estudio transversal sobre historias clínicas / Factors associated with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus colonization in a pediatric intensive care unit of Paraguay: a cross-sectional study on hospital charts

INTRODUCCIÓN Las infecciones por Enterococcus sp resistente a la vancomicina se han diseminado y generan un desafío clínico-terapéutico en los pacientes hospitalizados. La amenaza de que la infección por enterococos intratables y la posibilidad que la resistencia a la vancomicina pueda propagarse a neumococos o estafilococos, abogan por la vigilancia atenta de las cepas resistentes. OBJETIVO Determinar los factores de riesgos asociados a la portación de Enterococcus sp resistente a la vancomicina en pacientes pediátricos ingresados en una unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos del Paraguay en el periodo entre enero de 2012 y junio de 2013. MÉTODOS Estudio transversal. Se analizaron las historias clínicas previas de 140 pacientes ingresados a terapia intensiva (niños de un mes a 18 años), a quienes se realizaron cultivos de hisopado rectal dentro de las 48 horas del ingreso, para determinar los factores asociados a la portación de Enterococcus sp resistente a la vancomicina en unidad de cuidados intensivos pediátricos. Se calculó el Odd ratio con sus intervalos de confianza y p < 0,05 para las variables de estudio. Posteriormente, se realizó regresión logística múltiple para las variables estadísticamente significativas. RESULTADOS La portación de Enterococcus sp resistente a la vancomicina se observó en 18,6% de los pacientes. Se identificaron como factores asociados: la hospitalización previa durante el último año (Odds ratio: 10,8; intervalo de confianza 95%: 2,43 a 47,8; p = 0,001), uso previo de antibióticos de amplio espectro (Odds ratio: 5,05; intervalo de confianza 95%: 2,04 a 12,5; p = 0,000), uso de dos o más antibióticos de amplio espectro en el último año (Odds ratio: 5,4; intervalo de confianza 95%: 1,5 a 18,4; p = 0,009), internación previa en área de alto riesgo (Odds ratio: 4,91; intervalo de confianza 95%: 1,83 a 13,2; p = 0,000), internación por igual o mayor a seis días en área de alto riesgo (Odds ratio: 5,64; intervalo de confianza 95%: 2,18 a 14,6; p = 0,000) y uso de inmunosupresores (Odds ratio: 4,84; intervalo de confianza 95%: 1,92 a 11,9; p = 0,001). La regresión múltiple señala a la utilización de dos o más antibióticos de amplio espectro (Odds ratio: 4,81; intervalo de confianza 95%: 1,01 a 22,8; p = 0,047) y a la historia de hospitalización previa dentro del año (Odds ratio: 7,84; intervalo de confianza 95%: 1,24 a 49,32; p = 0,028) como factores independientes asociados estadísticamente con la portación de Enterococcus sp resistente a la vancomicina. CONCLUSIÓN Los pacientes pediátricos ingresados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos con historia de internación previa dentro del año y la exposición a dos o más antibióticos de amplio espectro, tienen mayor riesgo de colonización por el enterococo resistente a vancomicina.

INTRODUCTION Vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) infections have become widespread and a challenge in hospitalized patients. The threat of infection by intractable enterococci and the possibility that vancomycin resistance could involve pneumococci or staphylococci advocate for careful surveillance of resistant strains. OBJECTIVE To determine the risk factors associated with VRE colonization in pediatric patients admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) in the period between January 2012 and June 2013. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study analyzing the clinical histories of 140 patients admitted to the PICU (children from 1 month to 18 years), who underwent rectal swab cultures within 48 hours of admission. We calculated the odds ratios and confidence intervals of the risk factors for VRE colonization in the PICU, and then we used multiple logistic regression for the statistically significant variables. RESULTS VRE colonization was present in 18.6% of patients. The following were identified as risk factors associated to VRE colonization: hospitalization during the previous year (odds ratio: 10.8, 95% confidence interval: 2.43 to 47.8; p = 0.001), prior use of one broad-spectrum antibiotic (odds ratio: 5.05; 95% confidence interval: 2.04 to 12.5; p = 0.000), use of two or more broad-spectrum antibiotics in the last year (odds ratio: 5.4, 95% confidence interval: 1.5 to 18.4; p = 0.009), prior hospitalization in the risk area (odds ratio: 4.91, 95% confidence interval: 1.83 to 13.2; p = 0.000), hospitalization for more than five days in high-risk area (odds ratio: 5.64, 95% confidence interval: 2.18 to 14.6; p = 0.000), and use of immunosuppressant drugs (odds ratio: 4.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.92 to 11.9; p = 0.001). In a logistic multiple regression the use of two or more broad-spectrum antibiotics (odds ratio: 4.81, 95% confidence interval: 1.01 to 22.8; p = 0.047) and the history of prior hospitalization in the last year (odds ratio: 7.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.24 to 49.32, p = 0.028) were identified as independent factors statistically associated with VRE colonization. CONCLUSION Pediatric patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit with a history of prior hospitalization in the previous year, and exposure to two or more broad-spectrum antibiotics have a greater risk of colonization by vancomycin-resistant enterococcus.

Factors Associated with Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus Colonization in Patients Transferred to Emergency Departments in Korea

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) infections have become a major healthcare-associated pathogen problem worldwide. Nosocomial VRE infections could be effectively controlled by screening patients at high risk of harboring VRE and thereby lowering the influx of VRE into healthcare centers. In this study, we evaluated factors associated with VRE colonization in patients transferred to emergency departments, to detect patients at risk for VRE carriage. METHODS: This study was conducted in the emergency department of a medical college-affiliated hospital in Korea. Every patient transferred to the emergency department and admitted to the hospital from January to December 2016 was screened for VRE using rectal cultures. In this cross-sectional study, the dependent variable was VRE colonization and the independent variables were demographic and clinical factors of the patients and factors related to the transferring hospital. Patients were divided into two groups, VRE and non-VRE, and previously collected patient data were analyzed. Then we performed logistic regression analyses of characteristics that differed significantly between groups. RESULTS: Out of 650 patients, 106 (16.3%) had positive VRE culture results. Significant variables in the logistic analysis were transfer from geriatric long-term care hospital (adjusted odds ration [aOR]: 8.017; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.378–46.651), hospital days (4–7 days; aOR: 7.246; 95% CI: 3.229–16.261), duration of antimicrobial exposure (1–3 days; aOR: 1.976; 95% CI: 1.137–3.436), and age (aOR: 1.025; 95% CI: 1.007–1.043). CONCLUSION: VRE colonization in patients transferred to the emergency department is associated primarily with factors related to the transferred hospitals rather than demographic and clinical characteristics.

A Study of the Trends in Korean Nursing Research on Critical Care in the Last 10 Years (2008–2017) Using Integrated Review and Key Word Analysis / 중환자간호학회지

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the possible direction of critical care nursing research in the future by analyzing the trends of recent Korean studies.METHOD: Using a database search, we selected 263 articles on critical care nursing that were published in Korean journals between 2008 and 2017. Then, we conducted an integrative review of the contents of the selected articles and analyzed the English abstracts using the relevant packages and functions of the R program.RESULTS: The number of studies concerning critical care nursing has increased over the 10-year period, and the specific topic of each study has diversified according to the time at which it was conducted. In terms of quality, the majority of the research was published in high-level academic journals. The key words regularly studied over the past decade were: knowledge, delirium, education, restraint, stress, and infection. Studies related to vancomycin-resistant enterococci infection, compliance, and standards have decreased, while studies related to death, communication, and safety have increased.CONCLUSION: Randomized controlled trials and protocol research for evidence-based critical care need to be conducted, as does research on family involvement. The key word analysis of unstructured text used in this study is a relatively new method; it is suggested that this method be applied to various critical care nursing research and develop it methodologically.

Colonización por enterococo resistente a vancomicina en pacientes internados en un hospital de Lima, Perú / Colonization by Enterococcal Strains Resistant to Vancomycin in Patients from a Hospital in Lima, Peru

RESUMEN Con el objetivo de determinar la frecuencia de colonización por el enterococo resistente a vancomicina (ERV), el genotipo de resistencia y los factores asociados, se realizó un estudio de tipo transversal durante noviembre y diciembre del 2013 en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia en Lima, Perú. Se encontró una frecuencia de colonización por ERV de 6,2% (IC 95%: 1,67-10,73), todas las cepas aisladas tenían el genotipo de resistencia vanA, y se halló que las variables hospitalización previa (p=0,001) y el uso de cefalosporinas de tercera generación (p=0,016) estaban asociadas a la colonización por ERV. En conclusión, existe colonización perianal por ERV en los diversos servicios de hospitalización, el gen vanA podría ser transmitido a gérmenes más virulentos y ocasionar la aparición de la bacteria Staphylococcus aureus resistente a vancomicina (VRSA). Es necesario adoptar medidas de control de infecciones para evitar la transmisión de esta bacteria en el ambiente hospitalario.

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study was conducted from November to December of 2013 at the Cayetano Heredia National Hospital in Lima, Peru, to determine the rate of infection with vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), the resistance genotype, and associated factors. The rate of infection with VRE was 6.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67-10.73) and the resistance genotype isolated from all strains was the vanA gene. The factors associated with colonization with VRE were previous hospitalizations (p = 0.001) and the use of third-generation cephalosporins (p = 0.016). In conclusion, perianal colonization with VRE is present in many hospital services. Moreover, the vanA gene may cause resistance to vancomycin and promote the development of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Therefore, infection control measures should be adopted to prevent the dissemination of this bacterial strain in hospital settings.

Clonal dissemination of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium ST412 in a Brazilian region

ABSTRACT Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREfm) has emerged as an important global nosocomial pathogen, and this trend is associated with the spread of high-risk clones. Here, we determined the genetic and phenotypic features of 93 VREfm isolates that were obtained from patients in 13 hospitals in Vitória, Espírito Santo, Brazil, during 2012-2013. All the isolates were vancomycin-resistant and harbored the vanA gene. Only 6 (6.5%) of the VREfm isolates showed the ability to form biofilm. The 93 isolates analyzed belong to a single pulsed-field gel electrophoresis lineage and presented six subtypes. MLST genotyping showed that all VREfm belonged to ST412 (the high-risk clone, hospital-adapted). The present study describes the dissemination of ST412 clone in the local hospitals. The clonal spread of these ST412 isolates in the area we analyzed as well as other hospitals in southeastern Brazil supports the importance of identifying and controlling the presence of these microorganisms in health care-related services.

Evaluation of a selective chromogenic medium for detecting vancomycin-resistant enterococci

ABSTRACT Rapid identification of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) can assist in choosing the appropriate treatment and preventing VRE spread. The performance of chromIDTM VRE agar was evaluated using 184 clinical isolates of Enterococcus spp. and reference strains. The test had a sensitivity of 95.52% but a low specificity of 30%.

Detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) in stool specimens submitted for Clostridium difficile toxin testing

Abstract The aim of this study was to determine the association between Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and efficacy of screening stools submitted for C. difficile toxin assay for prevalence of VRE. Between April 2012 and February 2014, 158 stool samples submitted for C. difficile toxin to the Marmara University Microbiology Laboratory, were included in the study. Stool samples were analyzed by enzyme immuno assay test; VIDAS (bioMerieux, France) for Toxin A&B. Samples were inoculated on chromID VRE (bioMerieux, France) and incubated 24 h at 37 °C. Manuel tests and API20 STREP (bioMerieux, France) test were used to identify the Enterococci species. After the species identification, vancomycin and teicoplanin MIC's were performed by E test and molecular resistance genes for vanA vs vanB were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 158 stool samples, 88 were toxin positive. The prevalence of VRE was 17%(n:19) in toxin positives however, 11.4% in toxin negatives(n:70). All VRE isolates were identified as Enterococcus faecium. These results were evaluated according to Fischer's exact chi-square test and p value between VRE colonization and C. difficile toxin positivity was detected 0.047 (p < 0.05). PPV and NPV were 79% and 47% respectively. In our study, the presence of VRE in C. difficile toxin positives is statistically significant compared with toxin negatives (p < 0.05). Screening for VRE is both additional cost and work load for the laboratories. Therefore VRE screening among C. difficile toxin positive samples, will be cost effective for determination of high risk patients in the hospitals especially for developing countries.

Normas 2017 de contención de infecciones por gérmenes productores de carbapenemasas del Hospital Nacional de Itauguá, Paraguay / 2017 regulations for the containment of carbapenemase-producing infections of the National Hospital of Itauguá, Paraguay

La carbapenemasa es una enzima producida por varias especies bacterianas, capaz de inactivar un grupo de antibióticos: los carbapenemes. El riesgo radica, además de la dificultad para el tratamiento de las infecciones resistentes a estos antibióticos, en su fácil diseminación entre especies bacterianas, entre pacientes y entre pacientes y contactos (familiares, personal de salud, etc.) Su sigla KPC se generalizó desde el primer caso se dio en la Klebsiella pneumoniae. Se publican Normas que tienen el objetivo de prevenir y controlar la colonización e infección de pacientes con gérmenes productores de carbapenemasa (tipo KPC-NDM etc.) en el Hospital Nacional.

Carbapenemase is an enzyme produced by several bacterial species, capable of inactivating a group of antibiotics: carbapenems. In addition to the difficulty in treating infections resistant to these antibiotics, the risk lies in their easy spread among bacterial species, between patients and between patients and contacts (family members, health personnel, etc.). Its initials KPC was generalized since the first case that occurred in Klebsiella pneumoniae. Guidelines that aim to prevent and control the colonization and infection of patients with carbape

Emergence of Vancomycin-resistantat a Teaching Hospital, Saudi Arabia / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are a major and emerging hospital-acquired pathogen associated with high mortality, particularly among the critically ill and Intensive Care Units (ICUs) patients. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and demographic and clinical characteristics of VRE among patients admitted to a university hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A study was conducted during the period from September 2014 to November 2015 at King Khalid University Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, including in-patients with VRE infection. Data were collected using laboratory results and the medical records of admitted patients and were analyzed using SPSS version 19.0 statistical software.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In a one-year period, 231 enterococci were isolated from blood, urine, exudates, sputum, stool, and body fluid. There were 191 (82.7%) vancomycin-sensitive enterococci (VSE) and 40 (17.3%) isolates were VRE. The Enterococcus species included E. faecalis 168 (72.7%), E. faecium, 53 (22.8%) E. gallinarum 5 (2.2%), and E. avium 5 (2.2%). VRE were more significant from blood specimens (P< 0.0001) while VSE were significantly more predominant from urine specimens (P< 0.0001). VRE were more commonly isolated from patients in ICUs and oncology unit (P = 0.0151 and P< 0.001, respectively) while VSE were more predominant in the medical and surgical areas (P = 0.0178 and P = 0.0178, respectively).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This study highlights the high prevalence of VRE in the hospital and the association of enterococcal infections with high-risk areas and oncology units, which warrant more studies looking for better management of these infections.</p>

Brain Abscess Caused by Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci

No abstract available.

Prevalence of Multidrug Resistant Organisms in Inter-Hospital Transferred Critically Ill Patients

PURPOSE: To assess the prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in inter-hospital transferred critically ill patients. METHODS: This is a retrospective study. The study population comprised patients who were transferred from other hospitals or health care units into the medical or surgical intensive care unit of Samsung Medical Center from January 2012 to December 2014. We evaluated the acquisition of clinically significant MDROs including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Gram-negative bacteria, and carbapenem- resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB). RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-one patients were included in this study. One hundred and fifty-one patients (47.0%) had at least one species of MDRO, 21.5% in MRSA, 27.1% in VRE, 15.6% in CRGNB, and 3.7% in ESBL. The prevalence of MDROs was significantly higher in male (52.7%), patients with diabetes (61.6%), patients with combined infectious diseases (51.6%), and medical patients (49.3%). Patients with MRSA had significantly longer length of stay than the patients without MRSA. The patients with CRGNB had higher mortality than the patients without CRGNB. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of MDROs in inter-hospital transferred critically ill patients was very high. Patients with MDROs in this study had longer hospital stay and higher mortality. These patients require more attention for isolation and hygiene protocols, and antibiotic choices.

La resistencia a vancomicina más allá de los enterococos / Resistance to vancomycin beyond enterococci

La vancomicina (VAN) es un glucopéptido que inhibe la síntesis de la pared celular y con el tiempo se había transformado en la droga de elección para el tratamiento de infecciones graves por gram positivos. La resistencia observada en enterococos y la sensibilidad disminuida registrada en estafilococos hasta cierto punto han limitado su uso. La aparición de estreptococos del grupo viridans y del grupo B con marcadores de resistencia a vancomicina enciende un alerta en función de su posible pasaje a neumococos y Streptococcus pyogenes (AU)

Vancomycin (VAN) is a glycopeptide inhibiting cell-wall synthesis and has become the drug of choice for the treatment of severe gram-positive infections. Resistance observed in enterococci and decreased sensitivity in staphylococci have to a certain point limited its use. The appearance of the viridans group and group B streptococci showing markers for resistance to vancomycin have caused an alert regarding the possible passage to pneumococci and Streptococcus pyogenes (AU)

Análisis de mortalidad debida a una infección del torrente sanguíneo por Enterococcus faecium en Taiwán central / Mortality analysis of Enterococcus faecium bloodstream infection in central Taiwan

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium), particularly those due to vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE), are still a therapeutic challenge. Aim: To evaluate mortality from BSI due to E. faecium and VRE in central Taiwan. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively analyzed cases of significant E. faecium BSI in the Changhua Christian Hospital System between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2013. Results: Of the 76 cases, 28 patients (36.8%) were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) at the onset of BSI, 10 (13.2%) cases were associated with polymicrobial bacteremia, and 29 (38.2%) cases were associated with entry via the biliary tract. VRE was observed in 18 (23.7%) cases. The 30-day mortality rate was 13.1% (10/76). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that bacteremia of non-biliary tract origin (OR = 8.43, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.32-54.00, p = 0.002) and ICU admission (OR = 4.2, 95% CI = 1.7-10.0, p = 0.002) were significant risk factors for 30-day mortality, whereas appropriate antimicrobial therapy was a protective factor for 30-day mortality (OR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.14-0.79, p = 0.013). Conclusions: Our results underscore the need to assist patients admitted to ICUs with E. faecium BSIs with a non-biliary tract origin. We emphasize the use of appropriate antimicrobial therapy for E. faecium BSI with the aim to rescue more patients with these infections.

Antecedentes: Las infecciones del torrente sanguíneo por Enterococcus faecium, particularmente aquellas causadas por enterococos resistentes a vancomicina (ERV), representan aún un desafío para los tratamientos. Este estudio está orientado a la evaluación de la mortalidad debido a la infección del torrente sanguíneo (ITS) por E. faecium y por enterococos resistentes a vancomicina (ERV) en Taiwán central. Materiales y Métodos: Analizamos de forma retrospectiva casos de ITS causadas por E. faecium genuinas en el Sistema del Hospital Changhua Christian, entre los días 1 de enero de 2010 y 31 de diciembre de 2013. Resultados: De los 76 casos analizados, 28 pacientes fueron ingresados a las Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) al comienzo de una ITS (36,8%), 10 casos fueron asociados a bacteriemia polimicrobiana (13,2%), y 29 casos tuvieron como puerta de entrada la vía biliar. En 18 casos se pudieron observar ERV (23,7%). La mortalidad a 30 días fue de 13,1% (10/76). El análisis multivariado mediante regresión logística mostró que la bacteriemia de origen no biliar (OR = 8,43, 95% intervalo de confianza (95% CI) = 1,32-54,00; p = 0,002), y el ingreso a la UCI (OR = 4,2; 95% CI = 1,7-10,0; p = 0,002), fueron factores de riesgo significativos para el rango de mortalidad de 30 días, así como un tratamiento de antimicrobiano apropiado constituye un factor protector en contra la mortalidad (OR = 0,33; 95% CI = 0,14-0,79; p = 0,013). Conclusiones: Nuestros resultados destacan la necesidad de asistir a los pacientes ingresados a la UCI con ITS por E. faecium con origen no biliar. Hacemos énfasis a la aplicación de una antibioterapia adecuada para sacar adelante a un mayor número de pacientes con este tipo de infecciones.

Annual Report on the External Quality Assessment Scheme for Clinical Microbiology in Korea (2015)

Annual proficiency surveys were conducted in March, June, and September in 2015 by the Clinical Microbiology Subcommittee of the Korean Association of External Quality Assessment Service. The program covers the sections of bacteriology, advanced bacteriology and mycology, mycobacteriology, and parasitology. Each trial was composed of three sets of different combinations of five bacteria and yeasts. These sets were distributed among laboratories for Gram staining, culture, identification, and antimicrobial susceptibility tests. Five slides with fixed sputum smears were provided as part of each trial for acid-fast bacilli detection. The survey material distribution was section-based. Two survey materials were provided in each trial, while five specimens for mycobacterial culture and identification, five specimens for anti-tuberculosis susceptibility testing and two Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains for rapid detection of rifampin and isoniazid resistance were distributed in the March and June trials. Five virtual microscopy files for stool parasite examination were availed by registered participants in the June trial. Out of the 334 enrolled laboratories, 328 (98.2%), 328 (98.2%), and 329 (98.5%) submitted responses in trials I, II, and III, respectively. Identification of bacteria, namely, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Vibrio fluvialis by more than 95% of participants was acceptable. Surveillance cultures for vancomycin-resistant enterococci and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae were determined accurately by 75.8%–85.3% and 93.1% of the respondents, respectively. Species-level identification of Candida krusei, Candida lusitanae, and Candida guilliermondii was still low at 79.8%, 55.7%, and 42.7%, respectively. Disk diffusion method revealed an unacceptably high false-positive rate of resistance to glycopeptides in E. faecalis and to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole in S. pneumoniae. Advanced bacteriology trials revealed unsatisfactory results for species-level identification of moulds. Mycobacterial culture, identification and susceptibility testing, and molecular detection of rifampin and isoniazid resistance were performed exceedingly well by participants. Hymenolepsis diminuta could not be identified by participants, with a correct answer rate of only 46.5% and ‘no parasite seen’ answer rate of only 31.8% for negative specimens. Species-level identification of Candida and moulds was challenging for clinical microbiology laboratories. Disk diffusion method was found to be problematic in testing the susceptibility of microorganisms to glycopeptides and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Improvement is required in result interpretation of negative specimens in parasitology.

Healthcare-associated vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium infections in the Mansoura University Hospitals intensive care units, Egypt

Vancomycin resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF) ia an emerging and challenging nosocomial pathogen. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors and clonal relationships between different VREF isolates in the intensive care units (ICUs) of the university hospitals in our geographic location. This prospective study was conducted from July, 2012 until September, 2013 on 781 patients who were admitted to the ICUs of the Mansoura University Hospitals (MUHs), and fulfilled the healthcare-associated infection (HAI) criteria. Susceptibility testing was determined using the disk diffusion method. The clonal relationships were evaluated with pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Out of 52 E. faecium isolates, 12 (23.1%) were vancomycin resistant. The significant risk factors for the VREF infections were: transfer to the ICU from a ward, renal failure, an extended ICU stay and use of third-generation cephalosporins, gentamicin, or ciprofloxacin. PFGE with the 12 isolates showed 9 different patterns; 3 belonged to the same pulsotype and another 2 carried a second pulsotypes. The similar pulsotypes isolates were isolated from ICUs of one hospital (EICUs); however, all of the isolates from the other ICUs had different patterns. Infection control policy, in conjunction with antibiotic stewardship, is important to combat VREF transmission in these high-risk patients.

Factores de riesgo de colonización por Enterococcus spp resistente a vancomicina en pacientes pediátricos hospitalizados con patología oncológica / Risk factor of intestinal colonization with vancomycin resistant Enterococcus spp in hospitalized pediatric patients with oncological disease

Background: The isolation of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp (ERV) has increased significantly within the last few years, along with the risk of infection and dissemination of these bacteria. Our aim was to determine risk factors (RF) for intestinal colonization in hospitalized pediatric patients with oncological disease at Hospital de Niños Roberto del Río. Methods: Between January 2012 and December 2013 a transversal study was performed with 107 rectal swabs and processed with a PCR for ERV. The patients were classified as "colonized with ERV" and "not colonized with ERV" and we evaluated possible RF for intestinal colonization in both groups. Results: VRE colonization was found in 51 patients (52%). The median of time elapsed between oncological diagnosis and VRE colonization was 35 days. The significant RF associated with VRE colonization were days of hospitalization prior to study, neutropenia and treatment with antibiotics within 30 days prior to study and mucositis. Conclusions: According to the RF revealed in this study we may suggest prevention standards to avoid ERV colonization. This is the first investigation in our country in hospitalized pediatric patients with oncological disease and processed with a multiplex PCR for ERV, therefore it is a great contribution about this subject in Chile.

Introducción: El aislamiento de Enterococcus spp resistentes a vancomicina (ERV) ha presentado un incremento significativo en los últimos años, aumentando el riesgo de infección por esta bacteria y favoreciendo su diseminación. Nuestro objetivo es determinar los factores de riesgo (FR) de colonización intestinal de ERV en pacientes oncológicos internados en el Hospital de Niños Roberto del Río. Método: Entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2013 se realizó un estudio transversal de colonización rectal por ERV mediante muestras de hisopado rectal obtenidas en 107 pacientes efectuando RPC múltiple para ERV. Se dividió en grupo "portador" y "no portador" y se evaluó los posibles FR para colonización por ERV. Resultados: Se encontró colonización por ERV en 51 pacientes (52%). El tiempo transcurrido desde el diagnóstico oncológico y la colonización presentó una mediana de 35 días. Los FR encontrados con asociación significativa fueron el número de días de hospitalización previa, neutropenia, uso de antimicrobianos 30 días previos y mucositis. Conclusión: De acuerdo a los FR encontrados podemos sugerir medidas de prevención para colonización por ERV. Esta es la primera investigación realizada en nuestro país en pacientes oncológicos pediátricos y que utiliza la técnica de RPC múltiple para ERV, lo que permite un aporte significativo sobre este tema en Chile.

Enterococcus spp. resistentes à vancomicina: características clínicas efatores de risco / Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp: clinical characteristics and risk factors

Enterococcus spp. resistentes à vancomicina (ERV) têm emergido como um patógeno multirresistente relevante e de etiologia potencialmente letal nas infecções associadas à assistência em saúde ao redor do mundo. Este estudo pretende mostrar epidemiologia e características clínicas de pacientes com ERV em um hospital do sul do Brasil. Um estudo retrospectivo foi conduzido no período de janeiro de 2005 a novembro de 2007 no Hospital Universitário de Londrina. Todos os pacientes com cultura clínica com ERV foram identificados e seu prontuário médico revisado. A presença de colonização foi avaliada através de culturas de swab retal e a identificação das amostras clínicas foi realizada pelo método automatizado MicroScan®. A média de idade dos pacientes foi de 54 anos. Trato urinário (68,0%) e corrente sanguínea (23,8%) foram os sítios mais frequentes, e a UTI apresentou se como setor de maior ocorrência (49,2%) das culturas positivas. E. faecium foi a espécie predominante, em 82,8% dos casos. Os fatores de risco observados foram a duração da internação (média de 58,2 dias), uso de antimicrobianos prévios e realização de procedimento invasivos, como o uso de cateter venoso central, sonda vesical e ventilação mecânica. Medidas de controle e culturas de vigilância são imprescindíveis no controle da disseminação do ERV. Os resultados obtidos no presente trabalho contribuem para uma melhor compreensão da dinâmica epidemiológica das infecções e da disseminação do ERV no Hospital Universitário de Londrina.

Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) have emerged as a relevant multidrug-resistant pathogen and potencially lethal etiology of healthcare associated infections worldwide. This study intends to show the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of patients with VRE in a Hospital in South Brazil. A retrospective study was conducted from January 2005 to November 2007. A total of 122 VRE were identified in this period at the University Hospital of Londrina. All patients with VRE clinical culture have identified and their medical records have reviewed. The presence of colonization was evaluated through rectal swab cultures, and the species identification of clinical samples was performed by automated method MicroScan®. The mean age of patients was 54 years. Urinary tract (68.0%) and blood (23.8%) were the most frequent sites, and ICU was the largest sector of occurrence (49.2%). E. faecium was the predominant species, in 82.8% of cases.The risk factors presents were length of hospitalization (mean 58.2 days), previous use of antimicrobials and invasive procedure, such as use of central venous catheter, urinary catheter and mechanical ventilation. Control barriers and surveillance cultures are essential to prevent the VRE spread. The results obtained in this study contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiological dynamics of infections and the spread of VRE in University Hospital of Londrina.

Detection of both vanA & vanB genes in vanA phenotypes of Enterococci by Taq Man RT-PCR

Twenty seven isolates of vancomycin resistant Enterococci based on the disk diffusion and E- test have been screened; being found eight (0.3%) clinical isolates of vanA & vanB through Taq Man Real Time PCR assay. This study shows the presence of both vanA & vanB genotypes in vanA phenotypes clinical isolates in the three hospitals in Iran.