1837. Considerations for a Targeted Approach to Contact Precautions for Patients with MRSA in Hospitals: A Multicenter Cohort Study to Identify High-Risk Patient Characteristics and Healthcare Personnel Interactions

Background Healthcare personnel’s (HCP) gloves and gowns are frequently contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the intensive care unit (ICU). Guidelines recommend contact precautions for patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); however, this approach remains controversial. This study aimed to identify which patients are more likely to transfer MRSA to HCP gloves or gowns and to identify HCP interactions more likely to lead to glove or gown contamination. Methods In a multicenter cohort study of MRSA colonized patients, we observed HCP–patient interactions and cultured HCP’s gloves and gowns before doffing. We also assessed the association between bacterial burden and contamination by sampling patients’ anterior nares, perianal area, chest, and arm. Results We enrolled 402 MRSA-colonized patients and observed 3,982 HCP interactions. MRSA contamination of HCP gloves and gown occurred in 14.3% and 5.9% of interactions, respectively. Contamination of either gloves or gown occurred in 16.2% of interactions. Occupational/physical therapists had the highest rates of contamination (OR: 6.96 [95% CI: 3.51–13.79]), followed by respiratory therapists (OR: 5.34 [95% CI: 3.04–9.39]) when compared with the “Other” category. Touching the patient was associated with higher contamination (OR: 2.59 [95% CI: 1.04–6.51]) when compared with touching nothing in the room. Touching only the environment was not associated with glove or gown contamination (OR: 1.13 [95% CI: 0.43, 3.00]) when compared with touching nothing. Touching the endotracheal tube (OR: 1.75 [95% CI: 1.38–2.19]), bedding (OR: 1.43 [95% CI: 1.20–1.70]) and bathing a patient (OR: 1.32 [95% CI: 1.01–1.75]) increased odds of contamination when compared with not having such contacts (Figures 1 and 2). We found an association between increasing bacterial burden in the patient’s nares, perianal area, and chest skin and glove or gown contamination. Conclusion Contamination of HCP gloves and gowns with MRSA occurs frequently when caring for ICU patients. We identified interactions that are high-risk for transmission. Hospitals may consider optimizing contact precautions by using less precautions for low-risk interactions and more precautions for high-risk interactions. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.