The Disproportionate Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic on Healthcare-Associated Infections in Community Hospitals: Need for Expanding the Infectious Disease Workforce.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic had a considerable impact on US healthcare systems, straining hospital resources, staff, and operations. However, a comprehensive assessment of the impact on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) across different hospitals with varying level of infectious disease (ID) physician expertise, resources, and infrastructure is lacking. METHODS: This retrospective longitudinal multicenter cohort study included central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs), and ventilator-associated events (VAEs) from 53 hospitals (academic and community) in Southeastern United States from 1 January 2018 to 31 March 2021. Segmented negative binomial regression generalized estimating equations models estimated changes in monthly incidence rates in the baseline (01/2018-02/2020) compared to the pandemic period (03/2020-03/2021, further divided into three pandemic phases). RESULTS: CLABSIs and VAEs increased by 24% and 34%, respectively, during the pandemic period. VAEs increased in all phases of the pandemic, while CLABSIs increased in later phases of the pandemic. CDI trend increased by 4.2% per month in the pandemic period. On stratifying the analysis by hospital characteristics, the impact of the pandemic on healthcare-associated infections was more significant in smaller sized and community hospitals. CAUTIs did not change significantly during the pandemic across all hospital types. CONCLUSIONS: CLABSIs, VAEs, and CDIs increased significantly during the pandemic, especially in smaller community hospitals, most of which lack ID physician expertise. Future efforts should focus on better understanding challenges faced by community hospitals, strengthening the infection prevention infrastructure, and expanding the ID workforce, particularly to community hospitals.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 environmental contamination in hospital rooms is uncommon using viral culture techniques.

We assessed environmental contamination of inpatient rooms housing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in a dedicated COVID-19 unit. Contamination with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was found on 5.5% (19/347) of surfaces via reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and 0.3% (1/347) of surfaces via cell culture. Environmental contamination is uncommon in hospitals rooms; RNA presence is not a specific indicator of infectious virus.

Outcomes for children with acquired brain injury (ABI) admitted to acute neurorehabilitation.

AIM: To evaluate an innovative paediatric neurorehabilitation model in relation to improving quality of neurorehabilitation and reducing length of stay (LOS) for children with acquired brain injury. METHOD: A process evaluation approach was conducted in line with Medical Research Council evaluation of complex interventions guidance. Analysis was conducted on routinely collected patient data from 2017 to 2018, including LOS and family feedback. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for quantitative analysis and qualitative data was analysed thematically. RESULTS: Outcomes for 70 children (0-16y, median age 5y, IQR 1-11y, 46 males, 24 females) referred to the service indicated improved function and reduced complexity of need. The mean LOS was 10.6 days compared to baseline mean LOS of 41 days (2011-2012). High satisfaction from the families was recorded; however, ongoing needs and service gaps regarding long-term support were identified. INTERPRETATION: This service model is effective in delivering quality paediatric neurorehabilitation, demonstrating a sustained impact on LOS, and positive patient outcome data and family feedback for this group of patients. What this paper adds Investment in early intensive neurorehabilitation and supported discharge impacts length of stay (LOS) for children with acquired brain injury. Early intensive neurorehabilitation and supported discharge is effective. This is demonstrated by a sustained reduction in LOS, positive patient outcomes, and family feedback.

COVID-19 Surveillance: Not Everything That Counts Can be Counted, and not Everything That Can be Counted Countsa.

Infectious disease surveillance is one of the most valuable tools in monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. Here we examine the components of an ideal surveillance system and assess the effectiveness of COVID-19 surveillance in North Carolina and around the world.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation discussions with patients admitted to acute oncology wards: A national audit of current practice.

OBJECTIVES: To map current practice regarding discussions around resuscitation across England and Scotland in patients with cancer admitted acutely to hospital and to demonstrate the value of medical students in rapidly collecting national audit data. METHODS: Collaborators from the Macmillan medical student network collected data from 251 patient encounters across eight hospitals in England and Scotland. Data were collected to identify whether discussion regarding resuscitation was documented as having taken place during inpatient admission to acute oncology. As an audit standard, it was expected that all patients should be invited to discuss resuscitation within 24 hr of admission. RESULTS: Resuscitation discussions were had in 43.1% of admissions and of these 64.0% were within 24 hr; 27.6% of all admissions. 6.5% of patients had a "do not attempt resuscitation" order prior to admission with a difference noted between patients receiving palliative and curative treatment (8.5% and 0.39%, respectively, p < .05). Discussions regarding escalation of care took place in only 29.3% of admissions. CONCLUSIONS: These data highlight deficiencies in the number of discussions regarding resuscitation that are being conducted with cancer patients that become acutely unwell. It also demonstrates the value of medical student collaboration in rapidly collecting national audit data.

The Effect of Methylmalonic Acid Treatment on Human Neuronal Cell Coenzyme Q10 Status and Mitochondrial Function.

Methylmalonic acidemia is an inborn metabolic disease of propionate catabolism, biochemically characterized by accumulation of methylmalonic acid (MMA) to millimolar concentrations in tissues and body fluids. However, MMA's role in the pathophysiology of the disorder and its status as a "toxic intermediate" is unclear, despite evidence for its ability to compromise antioxidant defenses and induce mitochondrial dysfunction. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a prominent electron carrier in the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) and a lipid-soluble antioxidant which has been reported to be deficient in patient-derived fibroblasts and renal tissue from an animal model of the disease. However, at present, it is uncertain which factors are responsible for inducing this CoQ10 deficiency or the effect of this deficit in CoQ10 status on mitochondrial function. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the potential of MMA, the principal metabolite that accumulates in methylmalonic acidemia, to induce a cellular CoQ10 deficiency. In view of the severe neurological presentation of patients with this condition, human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells were used as a neuronal cell model for this investigation. Following treatment with pathological concentrations of MMA (>0.5 mM), we found a significant (p = 0.0087) ~75% reduction in neuronal cell CoQ10 status together with a significant (p = 0.0099) decrease in MRC complex II-III activity at higher concentrations (>2 mM). The deficits in neuronal CoQ10 status and MRC complex II-III activity were associated with a loss of cell viability. However, no significant impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was detectable. These findings indicate the potential of pathological concentrations of MMA to induce a neuronal cell CoQ10 deficiency with an associated loss of MRC complex II-III activity. However, in the absence of an impairment of ΔΨm, the contribution this potential deficit in cellular CoQ10 status makes towards the disease pathophysiology methylmalonic acidemia has yet to be fully elucidated.

Germicidal Activity against Carbapenem/Colistin-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Using a Quantitative Carrier Test Method.

Susceptibility to germicides for carbapenem/colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae is poorly described. We investigated the efficacy of multiple germicides against these emerging antibiotic-resistant pathogens using the disc-based quantitative carrier test method that can produce results more similar to those encountered in health care settings than a suspension test. Our study results demonstrated that germicides commonly used in health care facilities likely will be effective against carbapenem/colistin-resistant Enterobacteriaceae when used appropriately in health care facilities.

Preventable Patient Harm: a Multidisciplinary, Bundled Approach to Reducing Clostridium difficile Infections While Using a Glutamate Dehydrogenase/Toxin Immunochromatographic Assay/Nucleic Acid Amplification Test Diagnostic Algorithm.

Health care facility-onset Clostridium difficile infections (HO-CDI) are an important national problem, causing increased morbidity and mortality. HO-CDI is an important metric for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service's (CMS) performance measures. Hospitals that fall into the worst-performing quartile in preventing hospital-acquired infections, including HO-CDI, may lose millions of dollars in reimbursement. Under pressure to reduce CDI and without a clear optimal method for C. difficile detection, health care facilities are questioning how best to use highly sensitive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) to aid in the diagnosis of CDI. Our institution has used a two-step glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH)/toxin immunochromatographic assay/NAAT algorithm since 2009. In 2016, our institution set an organizational goal to reduce our CDI rates by 10% by July 2017. We achieved a statistically significant reduction of 42.7% in our HO-CDI rate by forming a multidisciplinary group to implement and monitor eight key categories of infection prevention interventions over a period of 13 months. Notably, we achieved this reduction without modifying our laboratory algorithm. Significant reductions in CDI rates can be achieved without altering sensitive laboratory testing methods.

Early discharge and rehabilitation in paediatric acquired brain and neurological injury: a transferable model.

Children and young people who require rehabilitation following sustaining an acquired brain injury often experience long lengths of stay (LOS) and potentially poorer recovery outcomes due to limited access to therapy and little proactive discharge planning. After stakeholder enquiry we launched a new team and pathway with a primary aim to reduce LOS. The secondary aims were to pilot an outreach model, reduce cost and improve patient and family satisfaction. We achieved a significantly improved change in quality care with a financial gain and increased patient and family satisfaction.

Reduction of Healthcare-Associated Infections by Exceeding High Compliance with Hand Hygiene Practices.

Improving hand hygiene from high to very high compliance has not been documented to decrease healthcare-associated infections. We conducted longitudinal analyses during 2013-2015 in an 853-bed hospital and observed a significantly increased hand hygiene compliance rate (p<0.001) and a significantly decreased healthcare-associated infection rate (p = 0.0066).

Can an early diagnostic procedure of metformin-associated lactic acidosis in an emergency unit reduce mortality?

OBJECTIVE: Metformin-associated lactic acidosis (MALA) is a rare but serious adverse reaction with a mortality rate of up to 50%. Unfortunately, diagnosis and care management are often delayed. The objective was to assess the impact on the mortality rate and length of hospital stay of a MALA early diagnosis procedure in diabetic patients with metformin at emergency department (ED) admission. METHOD: From 1/7/2012, a new MALA diagnosis procedure (pH, lactate, metformin) was implemented in all diabetic patients with metformin just after their admission to the ED. The pharmacovigilance staff confirmed the MALA cases (defined as pH≤7.35, lactate concentration>5mmol/L) in patients exposed to metformin and after a causality assessment to eliminate other common causes of lactic acidosis. To assess the impact of this new diagnosis procedure, a before-after study was conducted between two groups: a series of cases with intervention (IG; 1/7/2012-30/6/2013) and a control series of past cases without intervention (CG; 1/1/2011-30/6/2012). The main outcome was the relative reduction of mortality rate and length of hospital stay between the two groups. RESULTS: Thirty-four MALA cases were confirmed in 745 subjects admitted with lactic acidosis, (IG: 12; CG: 22). A higher illness severity score in the IG vs. CG was observed: respectively arterial lactate (14.2±6.9 vs. 8.8±5.8mmol/L, P<0.05), arterial bicarbonate (7.8±4.3 vs. 14.3±6.3mmol/L, P<0.05). The median time up to MALA diagnosis was 20.5 (Q1-Q3: 11.3-38.5) minutes for IG and 55.0 (Q1-Q3: 33.0-132.0) minutes for CG. After procedure implementation, the mortality relative risk reduction was 26.7% (95% CI: -84.3%, 70.8%), and especially 54.2% (95% CI: -265.2%, 94.2%) in the ED. There was no difference in the hospital stay duration between the two groups. CONCLUSION: While the results were not significant, the study suggests that the implementation of a MALA early diagnosis procedure in all patients with metformin admitted to an ED tends to decrease mortality, especially for serious MALA cases detected earlier.

Review of fungal outbreaks and infection prevention in healthcare settings during construction and renovation.

Hospital construction and renovation activities are an ever-constant phenomenon in healthcare facilities, causing dust contamination and possible dispersal of fungal spores. We reviewed fungal outbreaks that occurred during construction and renovation over the last 4 decades as well as current infection prevention strategies and control measures. Fungal outbreaks still occur in healthcare settings, especially among patients with hematological malignancies and those who are immunocompromised. The causative pathogens of these outbreaks were usually Aspergillus species, but Zygomycetes and other fungi were occasionally reported. Aspergillus most commonly caused pulmonary infection. The overall mortality of construction/renovation-associated fungal infection was approximately 50%. The minimal concentration of fungal spores by air sampling for acquisition of fungal infections remains to be determined. Performing infection control risk assessments and implementing the recommended control measures is essential to prevent healthcare-associated fungal outbreaks during construction and renovation.

A Directed Evolution Protocol for Engineering Minimal Transcription Factors, Based on CIS Display.

Directed evolution is an efficient strategy for obtaining desired biomolecules. Since the 1990s, the emergence of display techniques has enabled high-throughput screening of functional proteins. However, classical methods require library construction by plasmid cloning and are limited by transformation efficiencies, typically limiting library sizes to ~106-107 variants. More recently, in vitro techniques have emerged that avoid cloning, allowing library sizes of >1012 members. One of these, CIS display, is a DNA-based display technique which allows high-throughput selection of biomolecules in vitro. CIS display creates the genotype-phenotype link required for selection by a DNA replication initiator protein, RepA, that binds exclusively to the template from which it has been expressed. This method has been successfully used to evolve new protein-protein interactions but has not been used before to select DNA-binding proteins, which are major components in mammalian synthetic biology. In this chapter, we describe a directed evolution method using CIS display to efficiently select functional DNA-binding proteins from pools of nonbinding proteins. The method is illustrated by enriching the minimal transcription factor Cro from a low starting frequency (1 in 109). This protocol is also applicable to engineering other DNA-binding proteins or transcription factors from combinatorial libraries.

Evaluation of the quality and self-management related content of websites promoting physical activity engagement after myocardial infarction or cardiac surgery: A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Uncertainty about safe engagement in activity during early recovery after cardiac events is common. Websites are a potential source of health information, especially for those unable to access follow-up support from health professionals. The variability in online health information quality is concerning as poor web-based information can negatively impact patient health outcomes and the ability to self-manage. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the quality and self-management-related content of websites providing information about physical activity following an MI or cardiac surgery. METHODS: Patient-facing websites were searched using three search engines (Google, Bing, and Yahoo). Information about activities of daily living (ADLs), exercise (aerobic and resistance), and safety considerations were explored. Self-management strategies for physical activity were evaluated using a customized 9-item checklist. Website quality was assessed using the 4-item JAMA framework criteria. RESULTS: 31 websites were included. Aerobic exercise, ADLs, and safety considerations were the most comprehensively covered topics. Resistance exercise was less frequently and comprehensively covered. The median self-management checklist score was 3/9 (with nine being the highest possible score). Partnering with healthcare professionals, decision-making, action planning, and verbal persuasion were the most common self-management skills addressed by the websites. In contrast, ten or fewer websites modelled mastery experiences, vicarious experiences, reflection, problem-solving, and resource utilization. The median JAMA score for website quality was 2/4 (with four being the highest possible score). CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight quality improvement opportunities for web providers and provide insight for patients and clinicians regarding the highest quality websites that best meet the information and self-management needs following an MI or cardiac surgery.

Understanding barriers and facilitators to long-term participation needs in children and young people following acquired brain injuries: a qualitative multi-stakeholder study.

Background This study focused on exploring the longer-term participation needs of children and young people with acquired brain injury (CYP-ABI) and their families in one region of the UK and identifying the barriers and facilitators of their participation and well-being to inform the development of a behavioural change intervention for clinical implementation. Methods Qualitative interviews were conducted with CYP-ABI and parents. Focus groups were created with health, education, care and charity stakeholders. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) and the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW) were used to map needs, barriers and facilitators. Results A total of 10 CYP/parent dyads (n = 20) and 17 health, education, care and charity stakeholders were included in this study. Unmet participation needs were mapped to the ICF and barriers/facilitators to the BCW. Significant unmet needs impacting CYP-ABI participation and family well-being were found. Barriers spanned 'Capability', 'Opportunity' and 'Motivation', the greatest being knowledge, skills, social influences, environmental context and resources, social identity and emotion. Facilitators included increasing awareness and understanding, supporting parents, long-term access to specialist assessment and rehabilitation, peer support and integrated collaborative pathways. Conclusion The long-term impact of ABI on CYP and families' participation and well-being were significant, with barriers spanning every sector and level of society. Implementation of collaborative, cross-sector (education, health and social care) accessible and family-centred care pathways is needed to meet the long-term needs of CYP-ABI and their families, ensuring equity of access. Multi-modal, family-centred, needs-led, theory-based interventions should be co-developed with CYP, families and stakeholders to improve the health and well-being outcomes and the lives of CYP-ABI and their families.

Disentangling detrimental sand fly-mite interactions in a closed laboratory sand fly colony: implications for vector-borne disease studies and guidelines for overcoming severe mite infestations.

BACKGROUND: Vector sand fly colonies are a critical component of studies aimed at improving the understanding of the neglected tropical disease leishmaniasis and alleviating its global impact. However, among laboratory-colonized arthropod vectors of infectious diseases, the labor-intensive nature of sand fly rearing coupled with the low number of colonies worldwide has generally discouraged the widespread use of sand flies in laboratory settings. Among the different factors associated with the low productivity of sand fly colonies, mite infestations are a significant factor. Sand fly colonies are prone to infestation by mites, and the physical interactions between sand flies and mites and metabolites have a negative impact on sand fly larval development. METHODS: Mites were collected from sand fly larval rearing pots and morphologically identified using taxonomic keys. Upon identification, they were photographed with a scanning electron microscope. Several mite control measures were adopted in two different laboratories, one at the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases-National Institutes of Health (Rockville, MD, USA), and the other at the University of Calgary (Calgary, AB, Canada). RESULTS: The mite species associated with sand fly colonies in the two laboratories were morphologically identified as Tyrophagus sp. and Stratiolaelaps scimitus. While complete eradication of mites in sand fly colonies is considered unrealistic, drastically reducing their population has been associated with higher sand fly productivity. CONCLUSIONS: We report a case of detrimental interaction between sand flies and Tyrophagus sp. and S. scimitus in a closed laboratory sand fly colony, discuss their impact on sand fly production and provide guidelines for limiting the mite population size in a closed laboratory colony leading to improved sand fly yields.

Bacille Calmette-Guérin preparation and intravesical administration to patients with bladder cancer: Risks to healthcare personnel and patients, and mitigation strategies.

Intravesical Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a standard therapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer used in urology clinics and inpatient settings. We present a review of infection risks to patients receiving intravesical BCG, healthcare personnel who prepare and administer BCG, and other patients treated in facilities where BCG is prepared and administered. Knowledge of these risks and relevant regulations informs appropriate infection prevention measures.

Microbial burden on environmental surfaces in long-term care facilities: a quantitative analysis.

BACKGROUND: We conducted a quantitative analysis of the microbial burden and prevalence of epidemiologically important pathogens (EIP) found on long-term care facilities (LTCF) environmental surfaces. METHODS: Microbiological samples were collected using Rodac plates (25cm2/plate) from resident rooms and common areas in five LTCFs. EIP were defined as MRSA, VRE, C. difficile and multidrug-resistant (MDR) Gram-negative rods (GNRs). RESULTS: Rooms of residents with reported colonization had much greater EIP counts per Rodac (8.32 CFU, 95% CI 8.05, 8.60) than rooms of non-colonized residents (0.78 CFU, 95% CI 0.70, 0.86). Sixty-five percent of the resident rooms and 50% of the common areas were positive for at least one EIP. If a resident was labeled by the facility as colonized with an EIP, we only found that EIP in 30% of the rooms. MRSA was the most common EIP recovered, followed by C. difficile and MDR-GNR. DISCUSSION: We found frequent environmental contamination with EIP in LTCFs. Colonization status of a resident was a strong predictor of higher levels of EIP being recovered from his/her room.

The impact of minimally invasive surgical approaches on surgical-site infections.

We performed a literature review to describe the risk of surgical-site infection (SSI) in minimally invasive surgery (MIS) compared to standard open surgery. Most studies reported decreased SSI rates among patients undergoing MIS compared to open procedures. However, many were observational studies and may have been affected by selection bias. MIS is associated with reduced risk of surgical-site infection compared to standard open surgery and should be considered when feasible.

Healthcare Provider N95 Respirator Contamination Worn Behind Face Shields With SARS-CoV-2 During Routine Clinical Care of Patients With COVID-19.

N95 respirator contamination with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during clinical care of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 is poorly understood. We performed a prospective observational study on healthcare provider's (HCP's) N95 respirators' and face shields' SARS-CoV-2 contamination during aerosol-generating procedures on SARS-CoV-2-positive patients housed in a COVID-19-specific unit. Medical masks worn on top of HCP's N95 respirators, and under face shields, during study aerosol-generating procedures were used as surrogates to detect contamination to avoid waste. Thirty-three HCPs were studied, and a total of 33 mask and 27 face shields were sampled. Masks were cut into 9 pieces and face shields were sampled twice, front and back, to determine locality of contamination; however, no positive samples were identified using standard polymerase chain reaction techniques with a CT value up to 40. All 9 mask piece samples were then pooled, as were face shield samples, using centrifugal concentration with polyethersulfone membranes. Once pooled and concentrated, overall, 9 (15%) samples were positive via real-time polymerase chain reaction: 5 from masks (15.2%) and 4 from face shields (14.8%).