Risk of central line-associated bloodstream infections during COVID-19 pandemic in intensive care patients in a tertiary care centre in Saudi Arabia.

This retrospective study compared central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates per 1 000 central line days, and overall mortality before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in adult, paediatric, and neonatal ICU patients at King Abdul-Aziz Medical City-Riyadh who had a central line and were diagnosed with CLABSI according to the National Healthcare Safety Network standard definition. The study spanned between January 2018 and December 2019 (pre-pandemic), and January 2020 and December 2021 (pandemic). SARS-CoV-2 was confirmed by positive RT-PCR testing. The study included 156 CLABSI events and 46 406 central line days; 52 and 22 447 (respectively) in pre-pandemic, and 104 and 23 959 (respectively) during the pandemic. CLABSI rates increased by 2.02 per 1 000 central line days during the pandemic period (from 2.32 to 4.34, p < 0.001). Likewise, overall mortality rates increased by 0.86 per 1 000 patient days (from 0.93 to 1.79, p = 0.003). Both CLABSI rates (6.18 vs. 3.7, p = 0.006) and overall mortality (2.72 vs. 1.47, p = 0.014) were higher among COVID-19 patients compared to non-COVID-19 patients. The pandemic was associated with a substantial increase in CLABSI-associated morbidity and mortality.

Competency level and determinants among infection prevention and control staff in the Middle East and North Africa region.

BACKGROUND: Competency of the staff working in infection prevention and control (IPC) is the cornerstone of successful IPC programs. The objective was to assess competency level and associated factors among IPC staff working in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2019 among active IPC staff who were members of the Arab Countries Infection Control Network. The questionnaire covered demographic and professional characteristics of IPC staff and characteristics of work facilities and IPC programs. A competency score was created from self-perceived responses to 8 competency domains. The competency score was then transformed into 100-scale and categorized into two groups (≥ median and < median). RESULTS: A total of 176 participants completed the survey. Participants were mostly female (65.7%), and the mean age was 40.2 ± 8.3 years. The mean competency score was 61.4%. It was slightly variable between domains, being highest with preventing transmission of infection (65%) and lowest with sterilization and disinfection (59%). Higher (≥ median) competency score was associated with having CBIC certification (p < 0.001). It was also associated with facilities having IPC plan (p = 0.005), IPC committee (p = 0.049), regular meetings of IPC committee (p < 0.001), and IPC plan included communications with healthcare workers (p < 0.001). Domain-specific competency scores were significantly associated with receiving same domain-specific training (p < 0.05 for all). CONCLUSIONS: The competency levels of IPC staff in the MENA region is still suboptimal. The current finding calls for more regional and national investment in IPC staff by providing up-to-date customized educational and training opportunities.

Symptomatic MERS-CoV infection reduces the risk of future COVID-19 disease; a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The general human immune responses similarity against different coronaviruses may reflect some degree of cross-immunity, whereby exposure to one coronavirus may confer partial immunity to another. The aim was to determine whether previous MERS-CoV infection was associated with a lower risk of subsequent COVID-19 disease and its related outcomes. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study among all patients screened for MERS-CoV at a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia between 2012 and early 2020. Both MERS-CoV positive and negative patients were followed up from early 2020 to September 2021 for developing COVID-19 infection confirmed by RT-PCR testing. RESULTS: A total of 397 participants followed for an average 15 months during COVID-19 pandemic (4.9 years from MERS-CoV infection). Of the 397 participants, 93 (23.4%) were positive for MERS-CoV at baseline; 61 (65.6%) of the positive cases were symptomatic. Out of 397, 48 (12.1%) participants developed COVID-19 by the end of the follow-up period. Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, and major comorbidity showed a marginally significant lower risk of COVID-19 disease (hazard ratio = 0.533, p = 0.085) and hospital admission (hazard ratio = 0.411, p = 0.061) in patients with positive MERS-CoV. Additionally, the risk of COVID-19 disease was further reduced and became significant in patients with symptomatic MERS-CoV infection (hazard ratio = 0.324, p = 0.034) and hospital admission (hazard ratio = 0.317, p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: The current findings may indicate a partial cross-immunity, where patients with symptomatic MERS-CoV have a lower risk of future COVID-19 infection and related hospitalization. The present results may need further examination nationally using immunity markers.

Antimicrobial therapy, resistance, and appropriateness in healthcare-associated and community-associated infections; a point prevalence survey.

BACKGROUND: Data examining differences in antimicrobial therapy and its appropriateness between healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and community-associated infections (CAIs) are limited. The objective was to compare antimicrobial therapy, resistance, and appropriateness between CAIs and HAIs. METHODS: One-day point prevalence survey targeting admitted patients with active infections was conducted in six tertiary care hospitals. Antimicrobial appropriateness was decided based on hospital antimicrobial guidelines, clinical assessment, culture results, and other relevant investigations. RESULTS: Out of 1666 patient records reviewed, 240 (14.4%) infection events were identified. Prevalence of infections treated with antimicrobials were 6.5% for HAIs and 7.1% for CAIs. The most commonly prescribed antimicrobials were carbapenems (19.6%), cephalosporins (14.8%), and vancomycin (13.2%), with some differences between HAIs and CAIs. The overall contribution of MDR pathogens to both HAIs and CAIs was similar (34.0% versus 34.3%, p = 0.969). ESBL was significantly associated with CAIs while other gram-negative MDR pathogens significantly associated with HAIs. Overall appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy was similar in HAI and CAI events (64.2% versus 64.7%, p = 0.934). However, it was highest in aminoglycosides (78.6%) and lowest in vancomycin (40.8%). It was lowest in bloodstream infections than other infections (48.5% versus 61% to 78%, p = 0.044). CONCLUSION: Although the overall burden of MDR pathogens and appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy were similar in HAI and CAI events, there were some differences related to the type of MDR, type of antimicrobials, and type of infection. The current finding can guide training and educational activities of local antimicrobial stewardship initiatives aiming to improve antimicrobial therapy in hospital setting.

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.

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.

High contribution and impact of resistant gram negative pathogens causing surgical site infections at a multi-hospital healthcare system in Saudi Arabia, 2007-2016.

BACKGROUND: Despite being largely preventable, surgical site infections (SSIs) are still one of the most frequent healthcare-associated infections. The presence of resistant pathogens can further augment their clinical and economic impacts. The objective was to estimate the distribution and resistance in SSI pathogens in Saudi Arabia and to compare them to the US National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) hospitals. METHODS: Targeted SSI surveillance was prospectively conducted on several surgical procedures done between 2007 and 2016 in four hospitals of Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. Definitions and methodology of SSI and bacterial resistance were based on NHSN. RESULTS: A total 492 pathogens causing 403 SSI events were included. The most frequent pathogens were Staphylococcus aureus (22.8%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.1%), Klebsiella spp. (12.2%), and Escherichia coli (12.2%), with marked variability between surgeries. Approximately 30.3% of Staphylococcus aureus was methicillin-resistant (MRSA), 13.0% of Enterococcus spp. was vancomycin-resistant (VRE), and 5.5% of Enterobacteriaceae were carbapenem resistant (CRE). The highest multidrug-resistant (MDR) GNPs were Acinetobacter spp. (58.3%), Klebsiella spp. (20.4%) and Escherichia coli (16.3%). MRSA was significantly less frequent while cephalosporin-resistant Klebsiella spp., MDR Klebsiella spp., and MDR Escherichia coli were significantly more frequent in our hospitals compared with NHSN hospitals. CONCLUSION: GNPs in a tertiary care setting in Saudi Arabia are responsible for more than 60% of SSI with more resistant patterns than Western countries. This information may be critical to secure resources and ensure support for caregivers and healthcare leaders in implementing antimicrobial stewardship programs and evidence-based SSI preventive practices.

Antimicrobial consumption in three pediatric and neonatal intensive care units in Saudi Arabia: 33-month surveillance study.

BACKGROUND: Despite their critical role in antimicrobial stewardship programs, data on antimicrobial consumption among the pediatric and neonatal population is limited internationally and lacking in Saudi Arabia. The current study was done as part of our antimicrobial stewardship activities. OBJECTIVES: To calculate overall and type-specific antimicrobial consumption. METHODS: A prospective surveillance study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, between October 2012 and June 2015 in two pediatric and one neonatal intensive care units (ICUs). Consumption data were collected manually on a daily basis by infection control practitioners. Data were presented as days of therapy (DOT) per 1000 patient-days and as frequency of daily consumption. RESULTS: During the 33 months of the study, a total of 30,110 DOTs were monitored during 4921 admissions contributing 62,606 patient-days. Cephalosporins represented 38.0% of monitored antimicrobials in pediatric ICUs followed by vancomycin (21.9%), carbapenems (14.0%), aminoglycosides (8.8%), and piperacillin/tazobactam (8.8%). Their consumption rates were 265.1, 152.6, 97.6, 61.4, and 61.4 DOTs per 1000 patient-days (respectively). Aminoglycosides represented 45.4% of monitored antimicrobials in neonatal ICU followed by cephalosporins (30.4%) vancomycin (13.6%), and carbapenems (8.3%). Their consumption rates were 147.5, 98.7, 44.3, and 27 DOTs per 1000 patient-days (respectively). CONCLUSION: Cephalosporins are frequently used in pediatric ICU while aminoglycosides are frequently used in neonatal ICU. The local consumption of cephalosporins and carbapenems in both ICUs is probably higher than international levels. Such data can help in establishing and monitoring the functions of antimicrobial stewardship activities aiming to ensure judicious consumption of antimicrobials.

Identified Transmission Dynamics of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Infection During an Outbreak: Implications of an Overcrowded Emergency Department.

A total 130 cases of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus were identified during a large hospital outbreak in Saudi Arabia; 87 patients and 43 healthcare workers. The majority (80%) of transmission was healthcare-acquired (HAI) infection, with 4 generations of HAI transmission. The emergency department was the main location of exposure.

Notes from the Field: Nosocomial Outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome in a Large Tertiary Care Hospital--Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, 2015.

Since the first diagnosis of Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) caused by the MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2012, sporadic cases and clusters have occurred throughout the country (1). During June-August, 2015, a large MERS outbreak occurred at King Abulaziz Medical City, a 1,200-bed tertiary-care hospital that includes a 150-bed emergency department that registers 250,000 visits per year.

Comparison of HOMA-IR, HOMA-ß% and disposition index between US white men and Japanese men in Japan: the ERA JUMP study.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: At the same level of BMI, white people have less visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and are less susceptible to developing type 2 diabetes than Japanese people. No previous population-based studies have compared insulin resistance and insulin secretion between these two races in a standardised manner that accounts for VAT. We compared HOMA-IR, HOMA of beta cell function (HOMA-ß%) and disposition index (DI) in US white men and Japanese men in Japan. METHODS: We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study, comprising 298 white men and 294 Japanese men aged 40-49 years without diabetes. Insulin, glucose, VAT and other measurements were performed at the University of Pittsburgh. We used ANCOVA to compare geometric means of HOMA-IR, HOMA-ß% and DI, adjusting for VAT and other covariates. RESULTS: White men had higher HOMA-IR, HOMA-ß% and DI than Japanese men, and the difference remained significant (p < 0.01) after adjusting for VAT (geometric mean [95% CI]): 3.1 (2.9, 3.2) vs 2.5 (2.4, 2.6), 130.8 (124.6, 137.3) vs 86.7 (82.5, 91.0), and 42.4 (41.0, 44.0) vs 34.8 (33.6, 36.0), respectively. Moreover, HOMA-IR, HOMA-ß% and DI were significantly higher in white men even after further adjustment for BMI, impaired fasting glucose and other risk factors. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The higher VAT-adjusted DI in white men than Japanese men may partly explain lower susceptibility of white people than Japanese people to developing type 2 diabetes. The results, however, should be interpreted with caution because the assessment of insulin indices was made using fasting samples and adjustment was not made for baseline glucose tolerance. Further studies using formal methods to evaluate insulin indices are warranted.

The outcome of oncoplastic techniques in defect reconstruction after resection of central breast tumors.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, conservative breast surgery was contraindicated in centrally located breast tumors, with total mastectomy as the treatment of choice. However, restorations of the central defects by the oncoplastic volume displacement or replacement techniques have been shown to be effective. The aim of the current study was to assess the surgical outcome of oncoplastic techniques after central breast tumors resection. METHODS: Thirty patients with central breast cancer, including two patients with Paget disease, treated at the Oncology Center of Mansoura University (Egypt) between June 2011 and December 2014 were included in this study. The oncoplastic techniques performed were Grisotti advancement rotational flap in eight (26.7%) patients, classic skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) with latissimus dorsi pedicled flap in 20 (66.7%) patients, and skin-reducing mastectomy (SRM) with latissimus dorsi pedicled flap using wise pattern inverted T incision in two (6.7%) patients. The choice of the oncoplastic techniques depends on the achievement of free safety margins, the breast volume, and its ptotic degree. RESULTS: The median age was 40.5 years (range; 23-55). There were no major complications that require repeating the oncoplastic techniques. Recorded complications included wound dehiscence (4/30, 13.3%) donor site seroma (4/30, 13.3%), and surgical site infection (1/30, 3.3%). The 6-month subjective patient satisfaction was excellent in 21 (70%) patients, good in 6 (20%) patients, and fair in 3 (10%) patients. There was no episode of local recurrence or systemic metastasis after an average follow-up duration of 24 months (range; 6-42). CONCLUSIONS: Restoring the central defect after resection of the central breast tumors can be safely achieved using oncoplastic procedures including the Grisotti technique or the design of SSM or SRM with immediate breast reconstruction. In our patients, these procedures yield a satisfactory esthetic outcome with lower morbidity.

Novel preventive bundle for multidrug-resistant organisms in intensive care setting; tertiary care experience.

Background: A widely-accepted standardized preventive bundle targeting multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is lacking. The objective was to describe the components, implementation, compliance, and impact of a novel MDROs bundle in intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: Cohort study of surveillance activities on the components of MDROs bundle (July 2019 to June 2022) and the incidence of MDROs (April 2016 to June 2022). The implementation of MDROs bundle were preceded by ICPs-led education of the staff working in target ICUs about the importance and components of the MDROs bundle. These included the overall use of antimicrobials, appropriate environmental cleaning, appropriate contact precautions, and hand hygiene compliance. Results: During implementation, the overall use of antimicrobials was 57.8 days of therapy per 100 patient-days (44,492/76,933). It was higher in adult compared with pediatric/neonatal ICUs (p < 0.001). Appropriate environmental cleaning was 74.8% (12,409/16,582), appropriate contact precautions was 83.8% (10,467/12,497), and hand hygiene compliance was 86.9% (27,023/31,096). The three components were significantly higher in pediatric/neonatal compared with adult ICUs (p = 0.027, p < 0.001, p = 0.006, respectively). The MDROs rates per 10,000 patient-days were 71.8 before (April 2016 to June 2019) and 62.0 during (July 2019 to June 2022) the bundle implementation (858/119,565 versus 891/143,649 p = 0.002). The reduction in MDROs rates were replicated in adult (p = 0.001) but not pediatric/neonatal ICUs (p = 0.530). Conclusions: The finding of this study indicate that the implementation of the current bundle was associated with a modest decrease in MDROs rates in adult ICUs. The provided detailed definitions and methodology will facilitate its use by other healthcare facilities.

Clinical characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 cases admitted to adult intensive care units during the pandemic: A single center experience.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is the largest recorded pandemic in history. It causes several complications such as shock, pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, and organ failure. The objective was to determine COVID-19 outcomes and risk factors in the intensive care (ICU) setting. METHODS: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data was conducted. Adult patients with a positive RT-PCR test for COVID-19 admitted to ICUs of a tertiary care hospital between 2020 and 2022 were included. Patients who had severe complex trauma were excluded. The outcomes examined included ventilation use and duration, length of stay (LOS), and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 964 patients were included. The mean ( ± standard deviation, SD) age was 63.7 ± 16.9 years. The majority of the patients were males (59.0 %) and Saudi (75.7 %). Ventilation use was documented in 443 (57.1 %) patients, with a mean ( ± SD) ventilation duration of 9.7 ± 8.4 days. Death occurred in 361 (37.4 %) patients after a mean ( ± SD) of 33.3 ± 44.5 days from infection. The mean ( ± SD) LOS was 30.6 ± 54.1 days in hospital and 5.2 ± 5.4 days in ICU. Ventilation use was associated with older age, males, longer ICU LOS, mortality, and admission to medical-surgical ICU. Crude mortality use was associated with older age, longer ICU LOS, use of ventilator, shorter ventilation duration, and admission to medical-surgical or respiratory ICUs. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 patients admitted to adult ICUs are at high risk of death and mechanical ventilation. The crude risks of both outcomes are higher in older age and longer ICU LOS and are very variable by ICU type.

Correlation of a self-report and direct measure of physical activity level in the electron-beam tomography and risk assessment among Japanese and US Men in the post World War II birth cohort (ERA JUMP) study.

BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) is complex and a difficult behavior to assess as there is no ideal assessment tool(s) that can capture all contexts of PA. Therefore, it is important to understand how different assessment tools rank individuals. We examined the extent to which self-report and direct assessment PA tools yielded the same ranking of PA levels. METHODS: PA levels were measured by the Modifiable Activity Questionnaire (MAQ) and pedometer at baseline among 855 white (W), African-American (AA), Japanese-American (JA), and Korean (K) men (mean age 45.3 years) in 3 geographic locations in the ERA JUMP study. RESULTS: Korean men were more active than W, AA, and JA men, according to both the MAQ and pedometer (MAQ total PA [mean ± SD]: 41.6 ± 17.8, 20.9 ± 9.9, 20.0 ± 9.1, and 29.4 ± 10.3 metabolic equivalent [MET] hours/week, respectively; pedometer: 9584.4 ± 449.4, 8363.8 ± 368.6, 8930.3 ± 285.6, 8335.7 ± 368.6 steps/day, respectively). Higher levels of total PA in Korean men, as shown by MAQ, were due to higher occupational PA. Spearman correlations between PA levels reported on the MAQ and pedometer indicated positive associations ranging from rho = 0.29 to 0.42 for total activity, rho = 0.13 to 0.35 for leisure activity, and rho = 0.10 to 0.26 for occupational activity. CONCLUSIONS: The 2 assessment methods correlated and were complementary rather than interchangeable. The MAQ revealed why Korean men were more active. In some subpopulations it may be necessary to assess PA domains other than leisure and to use more than 1 assessment tool to obtain a more representative picture of PA levels.

Distribution and the trend of airborne particles and bio-aerosol concentration in pediatric intensive care units with different ventilation setting at two hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the distribution and the trend of airborne particles and bio-aerosol concentration in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in two tertiary care hospitals with different ventilation setting. METHODS: Hospitals A but not B is provided with a central HEPA filter. PICUs in both hospitals were categorized into protective environment (PE) with room HEPA filter, semi-protective environment (SPE) with portable air-purifier, and non-protective environment (NPE) with neither system. Fine particles (≤ 2.5 µm) and coarse particles (≤ 10.0 µm) were obtained using optical particle counter (Lighthouse Handheld 3016) and total bacterial (TBC) and fungal (TFC) counts were obtained using Andersen air sampler. RESULTS: Hospital B had significantly higher levels of fine and coarse particles (in all room), TBC (in PE), but not TFC compared with matched rooms in hospital A. In hospital B, the levels of fine particles, coarse particles, and TBC were lowest in SPE (p < 0.001, p = 0.004, and p = 0.006, respectively) while TFC was lowest in NPE (p = 0.014). Airborne particles, TBC, and TFC had variable trends with some of the indoor peaks follow outdoor peaks. Gram-positive bacteria (69 %) were the predominant bacteria in hospital A while bacterial flora (70 %) were the predominant bacteria in hospital B (p < 0.001 for each). CONCLUSIONS: The levels of airborne contaminants and microbial counts in PICUs are significantly affected by the ventilation system and to less extent by outdoor levels. The results indicated that advanced filtration system and central HEPA filters play a significant role in the reduction of indoor fine particulates and TBC.

Coverage and methods of surveillance of healthcare-associated infections in Middle Eastern and North African countries.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is a cornerstone for effective infection prevention and control (IPC) programs. The objective was to evaluate the coverage and methods of HAI surveillance in Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study targeted IPC staff working in MENA countries using the Infection Control Network electronic database of the Arab countries. The study focused on self-reported surveillance-related characteristics of IPC staff, facilities, and the IPC program. RESULTS: A total of 269 IPC staff were included. They were mainly females (68%), nurses (63%), and working in GCC countries (83%). Approximately 69% of covered facilities had surveillance activities. Hand hygiene, multidrug-resistant organisms, central line-associated bloodstream infections, and catheter-associated urinary tract infections were the most common surveillance activities (>90%). The surveillance workload consumed 27% of the average weekly working time. The scores of performing multiple surveillance, with appropriate methods and tools, were 83%, 67%, and 61% (respectively). Appropriate surveillance methods and/or tools were linked to GCC region, CBIC qualifications, surveillance training, specific setting (acute care and long term), staff-to-bed ratio, presence and active function of IPC committee, presence of IPC annual plan, communications with health care workers, and leadership support. CONCLUSIONS: While most health care facilities in the MENA region perform multiple surveillance, surveillance methods and tools are still suboptimal and their optimization should be a priority.

Awareness of health care workers with appropriate infection control practices related to multi-patient use of Close Loop Medication Administration device.

Background: Portable computerized devices represent a potential source of healthcare infections. The objective was to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of healthcare workers (HCWs) toward infection control practices used with Close Loop Medication Administration (CLMA) devices. Additionally, to quantify the impact of education and training on the bacterial burden on CLMA devices. Methods: The study design consisted of two steps: a cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs working in a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A 32-item questionnaire was used to assess KAP information. The second step was environmental samples collected from the surfaces of CLMA devices before and after implementing a multifaceted intervention. Result: A total of 325 HCWs were included in the study. The mean age was 32.6±7.4 years. The majority were females (92%) and nurses (91.3%). The overall KAP score was 74.8%, 74.2% adequate knowledge, 79.3% positive attitude, and 71.3% appropriate practices. KAP score was better (≥ median KAP score) among HCWs working in laboratory and organ transplant units (P<0.001). It was also better among those with a longer duration of work experience (P<0.001) and those who received related training (P<0.001). Approximately 75% of HCWs expressed their need for more information about CLMA. Post-interventional samples had much lower bacterial burden, with the positive rate reduced from 51.4% before intervention to 16.8% after intervention (P<0.001). Conclusions: Awareness and behavior of HCWs about appropriate infection control practices related to portable devices is still inadequate. A multifaceted intervention including education and training significantly reduces the bioburden on portable devices.

National Healthcare-Associated Infections Report 2022 - Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Surveillance data are very essential for the effective use of available resources, the prioritization of infection control practices, and setting goals for intervention. The aim was to present the current rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and device utilization ratios (DUR) among the Saudi Ministry of health (MOH) hospitals. METHODS: MOH analyzed the surveillance data collected from 106 MOH hospitals enrolled in the health electronic surveillance network (HESN) between January 2022 and December 2022. The surveillance methodology was similar to the methods of the US National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) center for infection control. RESULTS: More than one million device-days of surveillance were analyzed. The rate of central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) was 2.57 per 1000 central lines days. The rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) was 1.08 per 1000 urinary catheter days. The rate of ventilator-associated events (VAE) was 4.21 per 1000 ventilator days. The average rate of pediatric/neonatal ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was 1.53 per 1000 ventilator days. The average DURs were 0.33 for central line, 0.61 for urinary catheter, 0.44 for ventilator in adult patients, and 0.26 in ventilator in pediatric/neonatal patients. In 238632 months of surveillance, the rate of dialysis events (DE) was 0.97 per 100 patient-months. In 86324 surgeries monitored, the rate of surgical site infection (SSI) was 0.87 per 100 surgeries surveyed. CONCLUSIONS: The current report can serve as a national benchmark for MOH hospitals and a regional benchmark for similar hospitals in the region.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the rates of central line...associated bloodstream infection and catheter-associated urinary tract infection in an.ßintensive care setting:.ßNational 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.ßMinistry 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).ßthe 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.ß=.ß.010). CAUTI rates significantly decreased in 2020-2021 compared with 2019 (0.96 versus 1.54 per 1000 urinary catheter days, P.ß<.ß.001). CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 pandemic is.ßassociated with increased CLABSI rates and reduced CAUTI rates. It.ßis 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.ßthe nature of their case definitions.