scholarly journals The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare-associated infections in intensive care unit patients: a retrospective cohort study

Author(s):  
V. Baccolini ◽  
G. Migliara ◽  
C. Isonne ◽  
B. Dorelli ◽  
L. C. Barone ◽  
...  

Abstract Background During the intensive care units’ (ICUs) reorganization that was forced by the COVID-19 emergency, attention to traditional infection control measures may have been reduced. Nevertheless, evidence on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is still limited and mixed. In this study, we estimated the pandemic impact on HAI incidence and investigated the HAI type occurring in COVID-19 patients. Methods Patients admitted to the main ICU of the Umberto I teaching hospital of Rome from March 1st and April 4th 2020 were compared with patients hospitalized in 2019. We assessed the association of risk factors and time-to-first event through multivariable Fine and Grey’s regression models, that consider the competitive risk of death on the development of HAI (Model 1) or device related-HAI (dr-HAI, Model 2) and provide estimates of the sub-distribution hazard ratio (SHR) and its associated confidence interval (CI). A subgroup analysis was performed on the 2020 cohort. Results Data from 104 patients were retrieved. Overall, 59 HAIs were recorded, 32 of which occurred in the COVID-19 group. Patients admitted in 2020 were found to be positively associated with both HAI and dr-HAI onset (SHR: 2.66, 95% CI 1.31–5.38, and SHR: 10.0, 95% CI 1.84–54.41, respectively). Despite being not confirmed at the multivariable analysis, a greater proportion of dr-HAIs seemed to occur in COVID-19 patients, especially ventilator-associated pneumonia, and catheter-related urinary tract infections. Conclusions We observed an increase in the incidence of patients with HAIs, especially dr-HAIs, mainly sustained by COVID-19 patients. A greater susceptibility of these patients to device-related infections was hypothesized, but further studies are needed.

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (7) ◽  
pp. 2622-2626 ◽  
Author(s):  
Letitia Doina Duceac ◽  
Constantin Marcu ◽  
Daniela Luminita Ichim ◽  
Irina Mihaela Ciomaga ◽  
Elena Tarca ◽  
...  

Over the past two decades, the resistance to antibiotics, especially for Gram-negative bacteria, has increased at an alarming rate, requiring constant concern for resolving and controlling this extremely important therapeutic aspect in any medical department but in particular, in Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Units, in units of neonatology, paediatrics, neurosurgery, burned patients and immunosuppressed. Specialists note a particular concern for the resistance of Enterobacteriaceae to third-generation cephalosporins and aztreonam, with a resistance profile frequently associated with the expression of extended-spectrum �-lactamases (ESBL). The Enterobacter genus comprises 14 species, but two are of medical interest, Enterobacter aerogenes and E. cloacae, which are involved in inducing healthcare-associated infections such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia associated with mechanical ventilation, bacteremia, septicemia, etc. The purpose of the study was to highlight the antibiotic molecules in which microbial resistance of some circulating strains of enterobacteria was detected. A descriptive and retrospective study was conducted between 2012-2017, on a batch of 35 patients, admitted to the Sf. Maria Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children of Iasi, from whom various pathological products were collected to highlight the Enterobacter sp strains involved in the production of infections associated with the inpatient medical care. The antimicrobial sensitivity of each strain was determined by diffusimetric method, while the interpretation criteria were considered to be those of the laboratory standards. Most cases were reported in 2017 (31.42%). The majority were registered in new-borns (42.85%) and infants (25.71%). The Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Units and Neonatology Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Units departments were the most involved. Microbial antibacterial resistance of Enterobacter sp isolates showed that all manifested resistance to ampicillin, amoxicillin and clavulanic acid, 48.57% were resistant to Cefuroxime, 42.85% resistant to Ceftazidime and Ceftriaxone, 14.28% to ciprofloxacin, 11.42% to ertapenem, 5.71% to Meronem. Although it showed relatively few cases with infections associated with healthcare in which strains of Enterobacter sp. were isolated our study, which was carried out over a period of 5 years, provides useful indications regarding the prevalence of healthcare associated infections with Enterobacter sp in paediatric patients and guidelines for antibiotic therapy.


2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (10) ◽  
pp. 1139-1147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hajime Kanamori ◽  
David J. Weber ◽  
Lauren M. DiBiase ◽  
Emily E. Sickbert-Bennett ◽  
Rebecca Brooks ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVETargeted surveillance has focused on device-associated infections and surgical site infections (SSIs) and is often limited to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in high-risk areas. Longitudinal trends in all HAIs, including other types of HAIs, and HAIs outside of intensive care units (ICUs) remain unclear. We examined the incidences of all HAIs using comprehensive hospital-wide surveillance over a 12-year period (2001–2012).METHODSThis retrospective observational study was conducted at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospitals, a tertiary care academic facility. All HAIs, including 5 major infections with 14 specific infection sites as defined using CDC criteria, were ascertained through comprehensive hospital-wide surveillance. Generalized linear models were used to examine the incidence rate difference by infection type over time.RESULTSA total of 16,579 HAIs included 6,397 cases in ICUs and 10,182 cases outside ICUs. The incidence of overall HAIs decreased significantly hospital-wide (−3.4 infections per 1,000 patient days), in ICUs (−8.4 infections per 1,000 patient days), and in non-ICU settings (−1.9 infections per 1,000 patient days). The incidences of bloodstream infection, urinary tract infection, and pneumonia in hospital-wide settings decreased significantly, but the incidences of SSI and lower respiratory tract infection remained unchanged. The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) increased remarkably. The outcomes were estimated to include 700 overall HAIs prevented, 40 lives saved, and cost savings in excess of $10 million.CONCLUSIONSWe demonstrated success in reducing overall HAIs over a 12-year period. Our data underscore the necessity for surveillance and infection prevention interventions outside of the ICUs, for non–device-associated HAIs, and for CDI.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(10):1139–1147


1987 ◽  
Vol 8 (7) ◽  
pp. 284-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kim M. Onesko ◽  
Eugene C. Wienke

AbstractA significant unremitting increase in the incidence of nosocomial methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in a 500-bed acute care community teaching hospital prompted reevaluation of the efficacy of the infection control measures used. A well-accepted, low-iodine, antimicrobial soap was used to replace a liquid natural handsoap in two areas with the highest incidence of MRSA—the intensive care unit, and a medical division.Over a two-year period, an analysis was made of the effect of soap replacement on nosocomial infections and pathogens. Soap changeover occurred at the midpoint of the two-year period. From year to year, the nosocomial MRSA rate decreased 80% (t test, P=0.005). Other pathogens that demonstrated a dramatic decrease included methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA), infections where no pathogens were isolated, and various gram-negative infections. Categories of nosocomial infections that decreased included surgical wound infections, primary bacteremias, and respiratory tract infections. The overall nosocomial infection rate of the two combined areas decreased 21.5%, representing a year-to-year savings of $109,500. As a result, the decision was made to install the low-iodine hand-soap permanently at all sinks within the hospital.


Author(s):  
Mehmet Emirhan Işık ◽  
Ergin Arslanoğlu ◽  
Ömer Faruk Şavluk ◽  
Hakan Ceyran

Objectives: Healthcare-associated infections are the most common problem in intensive care unit worldwide. Children with congenital heart diseases have many complications such as developmental problems, respiratory tract infections, endocarditis,pneumonia and after long-term hospital and intensive care stays and surgeries patients become vulnerable to healthcare-associated infections. Patients and Methods: The study presents the frequency of infection, microorganisms in patients hospitalized at SBÜ Koşuyolu High Spesialization Research and Training Hospital pediatric cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit between 2016-2020. Results: One hundred-eight HAI episodes were seen in 83 of 1920 patients hospitalized in pediatric cardiovascular surgery intensive care unit between 2016-2020.HAI rates varied between 4.8% and 7.77%. In the 5-year period,a total of 118 different microorganisms were detected.Among all microorganisms, Candida species (n: 43, 36.4%) ranked first. central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) 53 (49%), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)40 (37%), surgical site infection (SSI) 8 (6.5%), catheter -associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) 7 (6%) Conclusion: Healthcare-associated infections are require special attention in pediatric cardiovascular intensive care units. In order to prevent, innovations such as bundle applications should be implemented as well as personnel training.


Author(s):  
Stefanie Kampmeier ◽  
Hauke Tönnies ◽  
Carlos L. Correa-Martinez ◽  
Alexander Mellmann ◽  
Vera Schwierzeck

Abstract Background Currently, hospitals have been forced to divert substantial resources to cope with the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. It is unclear if this situation will affect long-standing infection prevention practices and impact on healthcare associated infections. Here, we report a nosocomial cluster of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) that occurred on a COVID-19 dedicated intensive care unit (ICU) despite intensified contact precautions during the current pandemic. Whole genome sequence-based typing (WGS) was used to investigate genetic relatedness of VRE isolates collected from COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients during the outbreak and to compare them to environmental VRE samples. Methods Five VRE isolated from patients (three clinical and two screening samples) as well as 11 VRE and six vancomycin susceptible Enterococcus faecium (E. faecium) samples from environmental sites underwent WGS during the outbreak investigation. Isolate relatedness was determined using core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST). Results WGS revealed two genotypic distinct VRE clusters with genetically closely related patient and environmental isolates. The cluster was terminated by enhanced infection control bundle strategies. Conclusions Our results illustrate the importance of continued adherence to infection prevention and control measures during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent VRE transmission and healthcare associated infections.


2009 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 331-336
Author(s):  
Ashwani Kumar ◽  
Praveen Kumar

Systematic surveillance is the first and integral step of all infection control measures, especially in intensive care settings. Surveillance systems started evolving in developed countries nearly 40 years ago. With experience and wisdom gained, the surveillance methods have improved and become more standardized. It is now clearly recognized that all patients are not at equal risk. For fair comparisons over time within an unit and in between units, the denominator must take the underlying risk into account. Infection surveillance in the NICU presents a number of unique challenges regarding definitions and differing symptoms and signs in the neonate. Although the importance of surveillance is being increasingly recognized in our country and the methods of developed countries are being adopted, there are numerous issues which need local research. This is in view of the limited manpower and financial resources and different profile of organisms and their epidemiology.


2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 610-612 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noleen J. Bennett ◽  
Sandra A. Johnson ◽  
Michael J. Richards ◽  
Mary A. Smith ◽  
Leon J. Worth

Our survey of 112 Australian aged-care facilities demonstrated the prevalence of healthcare-associated infections to be 2.9%. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) defined by McGeer criteria comprised 35% of all clinically defined UTIs. To estimate the infection burden in these facilities where microbiologic testing is not routine, modified surveillance criteria for UTIs are necessary.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:610–612


Author(s):  
Wafaa Seddik Hamza ◽  
Samar Saeed Morsi ◽  
Ebtehal Saleh Al Roomi ◽  
Vincent Olubunmi Rotimi

Background: Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is frequently found in hospital environments and usually associated with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), particularly in patients in the intensive care units (ICU). The current study report an outbreak of E. meningoseptica infection/colonization in the pediatric intensive care unit, highlighted the infection control methods used to stem the spread.Methods: During a period of 7 months, May-November 2015, 4 patients were infected/ colonized by E. meningoseptica. Infection control measures were re-emphasized after each case and environmental swabs were cultured to detect possible source. Follow up for 25 months to ensure eradication of the pathogen.Results: Four patients were colonized/ infected with E. meningoseptica, their mean age 22 months. The average time patients spent in ICU between admission and isolation of E. meningoseptica was 27.5±19.2 days. All patients were mechanically ventilated. 25% E. meningoseptica isolated from blood causing healthcare associated Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infection (CLABSI) while it was isolated from endotracheal tube (ETT) secretion in 75% as healthcare associated colonization. The 4 isolates confirmed as identical using pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).Conclusions: Intensive infection control measures including healthcare workers education, emphasizing hand hygiene, comprehensive cleaning and disinfection of equipment and the environment are important to eradicate the bacterium.


Author(s):  
Meltem Karabay ◽  
Gulsum Kaya ◽  
Taner Hafizoglu ◽  
Oguz Karabay

Abstract Background In terms of pediatric healthcare-associated infections (HAI), neonatal intensive care units (NICU) constitute the greatest risk. Contacting a health care personnel, either directly or indirectly, elevates NICU occurrence rate and risks other infants in the same unit. In this study, it is aimed to retrospectively analyze the effect of the training along with camera monitoring and feedback (CMAF) to control the infection following a small outbreak. Methods ESBL producing Klebsiella pneumoniae was detected on three infants in May 2014 at the isolation room of Sakarya University Hospital NICU. Precautions were taken to prevent further spread of the infection. The infected infants were isolated and the decolonization process was initiated. For this aspect, health care workers (HCWs) in NICU were trained for infection control measures. An infection control committee has monitored the HCWs. Before monitoring, an approval was obtained from the hospital management and HCWs were informed about the CMAF, who were then periodically updated. On a weekly basis, NICU workers were provided with the feedbacks. Epidemic period and post-epidemic control period (June–July–August 2014) were evaluated and p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) density was 9.59% before the onset of the CMAF, whereas it was detected as 2.24% during the CMAF period (p < 0.05). Following the precautions, HAI and HAI density rates have reduced to 76.6% and 74.85%, respectively. Moreover, hand hygiene compliance of health care workers was found 49.0% before the outbreak, whereas this rate has elevated to 62.7% after CMAF. Conclusions Healthcare workers should be monitored in order to increase their compliance for infection control measures. Here, we emphasized that that CMAF of health workers may contribute reducing the HAI rate in the NICU.


Author(s):  
Caroline Quach

Infants, especially preterm, in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are especially susceptible to healthcare-associated infections (HAI), given their immature immune system, the acuity of care that they need, and the frequency of invasive procedures performed. Moreover, HAIs have major impacts on premature infant outcomes. HAIs in the NICU have been associated with a twofold increase in the risk of death. This chapter reviews several strategies to prevent healthcare-associated infections, including central line–associated bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection, in the neonatal intensive care unit setting. The importance of the neonatal microbiome in the prevention of infections is emphasized.


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