Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of central line-associated bloodstream infection and catheter-associated urinary tract infection in an intensive care setting: National experience.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is believed to increase the risk of secondary health care-associated infections. The objective was to estimate the impact of COVID-l9 pandemic on the rates of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) in the Ministry of Health hospitals across Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected CLABSI and CAUTI data over a period of 3 years (2019-2021) was done. The data were obtained from the Saudi Health Electronic Surveillance Network. All adult intensive care units in 78 Ministry of Health hospitals that contributed CLABSI or CAUTI data before (2019) and during (2020-2021) the pandemic were included. RESULTS: During the study, 1440 CLABSI events and 1119 CAUTI events were identified. CLABSI rates significantly increased in 2020-2021 compared with 2019 (2.50 versus 2.16 per 1000 central line days, P = .010). CAUTI rates significantly decreased in 2020-2021 compared with 2019 (0.96 versus 1.54 per 1000 urinary catheter days, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 pandemic is associated with increased CLABSI rates and reduced CAUTI rates. It is believed to have negative impacts on several infection control practices and surveillance accuracy. The opposite impacts of COVID-19 on CLABSI and CAUTI probably reflect the nature of their case definitions.

Outcome of Transplant Recipients Infected with Omicron BA.1 and BA.2: A Single-Center Retrospective Study in Saudi Arabia.

The outcome of transplant recipients is variable depending on the study population, vaccination status and COVID-19 variants. Our aim was to study the impact of Omicron subvariants on the mortality of transplant recipients. We reviewed the results of SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequence of random isolates collected from 29 December 2021 until 17 May 2022 in King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research center, Jeddah (KFSHRC-J), Saudi Arabia performed as hospital genomic surveillance program for COVID-19 variants. We included 25 transplant patients infected with confirmed Omicron variants.17 (68%) and 8 (32%) patients had Omicron BA.1 and BA.2, respectively. 12 (68%) patients had renal transplants. Only 36% of patients received three doses of COVID-19 vaccines. 23 (92%) patients required hospitalization. 20 (80%) patients survived and 6 (25%) required intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Among ICU patients, 66.7% were more than 50 years, 50% had two to three comorbidities and 5 out of 6 (83%) died. The mortality of transplant patients infected with Omicron variants in our cohort was higher than other centers as a limited number of patients received booster vaccines. Optimizing booster vaccination is the most efficient method to improve the mortality of COVID-19 in transplant recipients recognizing the inefficacy of monoclonal antibodies in the presence of SARS-CoV-2 emerging variants. We did not show a difference in mortality in transplant patients infected with Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 knowing the limitation of our sample size.

Epidemiological and molecular description of nosocomial outbreak of COVID-19 Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial outbreaks frequently occurred during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; however, sharing experiences on outbreak containment is vital to reduce the related burden in different locations. OBJECTIVES: This article aims at sharing a practical experience on COVID-19 outbreak containment, including contact tracing, screening of target population, testing including molecular analysis, and preventive modalities. It also provides an epidemiological and molecular analysis of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS­CoV­2) infection outbreak in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: The outbreak occurred in a non-COVID medical ward at a tertiary care hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 22nd March and 15th April 2021. The multidisciplinary outbreak response team performed clinical and epidemiological investigations. Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) was implemented on selected isolates for further molecular characterization. RESULTS: A total of eight nurses (20 % of the assigned ward nurses) and six patients (16.2 % of the ward admitted patients at the time of the outbreak) tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on PCR testing. The outbreak investigation identified strong evidence of an epidemiologic link between the affected cases. WGS revealed a set of spike mutations and deletions specific to the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7 lineage). All the nurses had mild symptoms, and the fatality among the patients was 50 % (three out of the six patients). CONCLUSIONS: The current nosocomial COVID-19 outbreak, caused by the Alpha variant, revealed multiple breaches in the adherence to the hospital infection control recommended measures. Containment strategies were successful in controlling the outbreak and limiting infection spread. Molecular analysis and genome sequencing are essential tools besides epidemiological investigation to inform appropriate actions, especially with emerging pathogens.

COVID-19 breakthrough infections in rheumatic diseases patients after vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatic diseases patients receiving Rituximab had severe COVID-19 disease. Although they had impaired humoral immune responses following COVID-19 vaccine, they had preserved cellular immune responses. Waning of COVID-19 antibody responses was observed within six months post vaccination among immunocompromised patients. Recent reports showed fatal outcome of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infections among vaccinated high-risk rheumatic diseases patients receiving Rituximab. SAR-CoV-2 serological tests were not performed. OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of COVID-19 vaccine humoral responses and breakthrough infections among low risk fully vaccinated rheumatic patients during the Delta Variant Era. METHODS: A case series of 19 fully vaccinated patients with rheumatic diseases were followed to determine post vaccine SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody titers and to monitor the development of breakthrough infections up to eight months post vaccine at our tertiary care center in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia from 1st April until 30th November 2021. RESULTS: The mean age of patients was 49 years old. 10% of patients were receiving Rituximab. 73% of patients had positive SARS-CoV-2 serological testing post second vaccine. Two mild breakthrough COVID-19 infections were diagnosed six months post second dose of vaccine. Patients were less than 65 years, did not receive Rituximab, did not have interstitial lung diseases and had positive post vaccine serological testing. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated high SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies seroprevalence and self-limiting breakthrough infections in low risk rheumatic diseases patients during the Delta Era. Future studies are needed to study the outcome of rheumatic diseases patients in the Era of Omicron in view of viral immune escape responses.

De-isolation of vaccinated COVID-19 health care workers using rapid antigen detection test.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 de-isolation guidelines of health care workers (HCW) were formulated based on evidence describing the duration of infectious viral shedding of the wild SARS-CoV-2 virus. During the periods of COVID-19 vaccination and variants, a test-based approach was recommended to end isolation of HCW, based on emerging data describing the viral kinetics of COVID-19 variants. While Rapid antigen detection tests (RADT) are increasingly used in the diagnosis of COVID-19, their use is limited in de-isolation. METHODS: We described the use of RADT in the de-isolation of COVID-19 vaccinated HCW with mild infection who were asymptomatic on day 7 post diagnosis in a single center retrospective cohort study during the Omicron surge. RESULTS: Of the 480 HCWs, 173 (36%) had positive RADT. The positivity rate of RADT was not different in HCW who received two doses versus three doses of vaccine (34.4% versus 40.3%, p = 0.239). CONCLUSIONS: A symptom based, test-based approach using RADT is a useful tool in the de-isolation of HCW, with mild disease, in the era of Omicron. Further studies are required to evaluate the role of RADT in de-isolation of patients with severe COVID-19 disease.

Risk of COVID-19 in healthcare workers working in intensive care setting.

BACKGROUND: The higher risk of COVID-19 in health care workers (HCWs) is well-known. However, the risk within HCWs is not fully understood. The objective was to compare the COVID-19 risk in intensive care unit (ICU) vs non-ICU locations. METHODS: A prospective surveillance study was conducted among HCWs at a large tertiary care facility in Riyadh between March 1st to November 30th, 2020. HCWs included both clinical (provide direct patient care) and nonclinical positions (do not provide direct patient care). RESULTS: A total 1,594 HCWs with COVID-19 were included; 103 (6.5%) working in ICU and 1,491 (93.5%) working in non-ICU locations. Compared with non-ICU locations, ICU had more nurses (54.4% vs 22.1%, P < .001) and less support staff (2.9% vs 53.1%, P < .001). COVID-19 infection was similar in ICU and non-ICU locations (9.0% vs 9.8%, P = .374). However, it was significantly higher in ICU nurses (12.3% vs 6.5%, P < .001). Support staff had higher risk than other HCWs, irrespective of ICU working status (15.1% vs 7.2%, P < 0.001). The crude relative risk of COVID-19 in ICU vs non-ICU locations was 0.92, 95% confidence interval ( was 0.76-1.11 (P = .374). However, relative risk adjusted for professional category was significantly increased to 1.23, 95% confidence interval 1.01-1.50 (P = .036). CONCLUSIONS: ICU had a significantly higher risk of COVID-19 infection only after adjusting for the distribution and risk of different professional categories. The latter is probably determined by both exposure level and protection practices. The finding underscores the importance of strict implementation of preventive measures among all HCWs, including those performing nonclinical services.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the surveillance, prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance: a global survey.

OBJECTIVES: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on health systems. The WHO Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Surveillance and Quality Assessment Collaborating Centres Network conducted a survey to assess the effects of COVID-19 on AMR surveillance, prevention and control. METHODS: From October to December 2020, WHO Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) national focal points completed a questionnaire, including Likert scales and open-ended questions. Data were descriptively analysed, income/regional differences were assessed and free-text questions were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Seventy-three countries across income levels participated. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 67% reported limited ability to work with AMR partnerships; decreases in funding were frequently reported by low- and middle-income countries (LMICs; P < 0.01). Reduced availability of nursing, medical and public health staff for AMR was reported by 71%, 69% and 64%, respectively, whereas 67% reported stable cleaning staff availability. The majority (58%) reported reduced reagents/consumables, particularly LMICs (P < 0.01). Decreased numbers of cultures, elective procedures, chronically ill admissions and outpatients and increased ICU admissions reported could bias AMR data. Reported overall infection prevention and control (IPC) improvement could decrease AMR rates, whereas increases in selected inappropriate IPC practices and antimicrobial prescribing could increase rates. Most did not yet have complete data on changing AMR rates due to COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first survey to explore the global impact of COVID-19 on AMR among GLASS countries. Responses highlight important actions to help ensure that AMR remains a global health priority, including engaging with GLASS to facilitate reliable AMR surveillance data, seizing the opportunity to develop more sustainable IPC programmes, promoting integrated antibiotic stewardship guidance, leveraging increased laboratory capabilities and other system-strengthening efforts.

Post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in tertiary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia: A case series.

Healthcare workers have been categorized among the priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination. However, post-vaccination infections have been identified. This study was conducted to investigate SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers (HCWs) who received the COVID-19 vaccine. A case series in a multicenter healthcare system in Saudi Arabia was created from HCWs who had (PCR-RT) confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection after at least one dose of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccination. A total of 20 healthcare workers (HCWs) have been included. The majority (70.0%) were males and the average age was 39.4 ± 10.1 years. They included physicians (55.0%), nurses (25.0%) and other HCWs (20.0%). Eighteen (90%) HCWs had infection after the first dose; 47.1% within the first week, 41.2% within the second week, and 11.8% within the third week. Only two HCWs (10.0%) had infection one week after the second dose. The majority (63.2%) had mild (52.6%) or moderate (10.3%) disease with no severe disease or hospitalization. The majority of post-vaccination COVID-19 infections among HCWs occurred before the full protection of the vaccine is gained. Suspicion of COVID-19 infection should be considered even with a history of COVID-19 vaccination. Recently vaccinated HCWs should be advised to fully comply with all recommended precautions to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

Test-based de-isolation in COVID-19 immunocompromised patients: Cycle threshold value versus SARS-CoV-2 viral culture.

BACKGROUND: Immunocompromised patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have prolonged infectious viral shedding for more than 20 days. A test-based approach is suggested for de-isolation of these patients. METHODS: The strategy was evaluated by comparing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load (cycle threshold (Ct) values) and viral culture at the time of hospital discharge in a series of 13 COVID-19 patients: six immunocompetent and seven immunocompromised (five solid organ transplant patients, one lymphoma patient, and one hepatocellular carcinoma patient). RESULTS: Three of the 13 (23%) patients had positive viral cultures: one patient with lymphoma (on day 16) and two immunocompetent patients (on day 7 and day 11). Eighty percent of the patients had negative viral cultures and had a mean Ct value of 20.5. None of the solid organ transplant recipients had positive viral cultures. CONCLUSIONS: The mean Ct value for negative viral cultures was 20.5 in this case series of immunocompromised patients. Unlike those with hematological malignancies, none of the solid organ transplant patients had positive viral cultures. Adopting the test-based approach for all immunocompromised patients may lead to prolonged quarantine. Large-scale studies in disease-specific populations are needed to determine whether a test-based approach versus a symptom-based approach or a combination is applicable for the de-isolation of various immunocompromised patients.

Risk of COVID-19 morbidity and mortality among healthcare workers working in a Large Tertiary Care Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate COVID-19 infection and outcomes among healthcare workers (HCWs) compared with non-HCWs. METHODS: A prospective surveillance study was conducted among HCWs and non-HCWs eligible for treatment at a large tertiary care facility in Riyadh between March 1st to November 30th, 2020. RESULTS: A total 13,219 cases with confirmed COVID-19 have been detected during the study; 1596 (12.1%) HCW patients (HCWPs) and 11623 (87.9%) non-HCWPs. Infection per 100 population was almost ten-fold higher in HCWs compared with non-HCWs (9.78 versus 1.01, p<0.001). The risk of infection in support staff (15.1%) was almost double the risk in other professional groups (p<0.001). Hospitalization (14.1% versus 1.8%, p<0.001), ICU admission (3.0% versus 0.5%, p<0.001), and case fatality (0.13% versus 2.77%, p<0.001) were significantly lower in HCWPs compared with non-HCWPs. The mortality per 100,000 population was significantly lower in HCWs compared with non-HCWs (12.3 and 28.1, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: HCWs are at ten-fold higher risk of COVID-19 infection but have much better outcomes compared with non-HCWs. More strict infection control measures are still required to protect HCWs, including those who are not involved in direct patient care.

Nursing strategic pillars to enhance nursing preparedness and response to COVID-19 pandemic at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 pandemic caused enormous implications on the frontline staff. The objective was to share our nursing experience in responding to COVID-19 pandemic at a large hospital and its impact on nursing safety and healthcare services. METHODS: Six nursing strategic pillars were implemented. Pillar 1: establishing corona command centre. Pillar 2: limiting exposure by virtual care model, strict infection control measures, altered patient flow, active surveillance, and contact tracing. Pillar 3: maintaining sufficient supplies of personal protective equipment. Pillar 4: creating surge capacity by establishing dedicated COVID-19 units and increasing critical care beds. Pillar 5: training and redeployment of nurses and implementing alternate staffing models. Pillar 6: monitoring staff wellbeing, establishing mental health support hotline and clinic, providing hotel self-quarantine, and financial incentives. RESULTS: Out of 5483 nurses, 543 (10%) were trained for redeployment, mainly at acute and intensive care units. After serving 11,623 infected patient including 1646 hospitalizations during the first 9 months of the pandemic, only 385 (7.0%) nurses were infected with COVID-19. Out of them, only 10 (2.6%) required hospitalization, one (0.3%) required ICU admission, and none died. Although the number of patients hospitalized at our hospital during the current pandemic was 17 folds higher than the 2015 outbreak of middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, the hospital administration did not have to close the hospital as they did in 2015. CONCLUSIONS: Proactive nursing leadership and implementation of multiple nursing pillars enabled the facility to maintain the safety of nursing workforce while serving large influx of COVID-19 patients.

Longevity of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Antibody Responses in Humans, Saudi Arabia.

Understanding the immune response to Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is crucial for disease prevention and vaccine development. We studied the antibody responses in 48 human MERS-CoV infection survivors who had variable disease severity in Saudi Arabia. MERS-CoV-specific neutralizing antibodies were detected for 6 years postinfection.