X-ray structures of the hexameric building block of the HIV capsid.

The mature capsids of HIV and other retroviruses organize and package the viral genome and its associated enzymes for delivery into host cells. The HIV capsid is a fullerene cone: a variably curved, closed shell composed of approximately 250 hexamers and exactly 12 pentamers of the viral CA protein. We devised methods for isolating soluble, assembly-competent CA hexamers and derived four crystallographically independent models that define the structure of this capsid assembly unit at atomic resolution. A ring of six CA N-terminal domains form an apparently rigid core, surrounded by an outer ring of C-terminal domains. Mobility of the outer ring appears to be an underlying mechanism for generating the variably curved lattice in authentic capsids. Hexamer-stabilizing interfaces are highly hydrated, and this property may be key to the formation of quasi-equivalent interactions within hexamers and pentamers. The structures also clarify the molecular basis for capsid assembly inhibition and should facilitate structure-based drug design strategies.

Inositol Hexakisphosphate (IP6) Accelerates Immature HIV-1 Gag Protein Assembly toward Kinetically Trapped Morphologies.

During the late stages of the HIV-1 lifecycle, immature virions are produced by the concerted activity of Gag polyproteins, primarily mediated by the capsid (CA) and spacer peptide 1 (SP1) domains, which assemble into a spherical lattice, package viral genomic RNA, and deform the plasma membrane. Recently, inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6) has been identified as an essential assembly cofactor that efficiently produces both immature virions in vivo and immature virus-like particles in vitro. To date, however, several distinct mechanistic roles for IP6 have been proposed on the basis of independent functional, structural, and kinetic studies. In this work, we investigate the molecular influence of IP6 on the structural outcomes and dynamics of CA/SP1 assembly using coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy calculations. Here, we derive a bottom-up, low-resolution, and implicit-solvent CG model of CA/SP1 and IP6, and simulate their assembly under conditions that emulate both in vitro and in vivo systems. Our analysis identifies IP6 as an assembly accelerant that promotes curvature generation and fissure-like defects throughout the lattice. Our findings suggest that IP6 induces kinetically trapped immature morphologies, which may be physiologically important for later stages of viral morphogenesis and potentially useful for virus-like particle technologies.

Structure of spastin bound to a glutamate-rich peptide implies a hand-over-hand mechanism of substrate translocation.

Many members of the AAA+ ATPase family function as hexamers that unfold their protein substrates. These AAA unfoldases include spastin, which plays a critical role in the architecture of eukaryotic cells by driving the remodeling and severing of microtubules, which are cytoskeletal polymers of tubulin subunits. Here, we demonstrate that a human spastin binds weakly to unmodified peptides from the C-terminal segment of human tubulin α1A/B. A peptide comprising alternating glutamate and tyrosine residues binds more tightly, which is consistent with the known importance of glutamylation for spastin microtubule severing activity. A cryo-EM structure of the spastin-peptide complex at 4.2 Å resolution revealed an asymmetric hexamer in which five spastin subunits adopt a helical, spiral staircase configuration that binds the peptide within the central pore, whereas the sixth subunit of the hexamer is displaced from the peptide/substrate, as if transitioning from one end of the helix to the other. This configuration differs from a recently published structure of spastin from Drosophila melanogaster, which forms a six-subunit spiral without a transitioning subunit. Our structure resembles other recently reported AAA unfoldases, including the meiotic clade relative Vps4, and supports a model in which spastin utilizes a hand-over-hand mechanism of tubulin translocation and microtubule remodeling.

Preservation of HIV-1 Gag Helical Bundle Symmetry by Bevirimat Is Central to Maturation Inhibition.

The assembly and maturation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) require proteolytic cleavage of the Gag polyprotein. The rate-limiting step resides at the junction between the capsid protein CA and spacer peptide 1, which assembles as a six-helix bundle (6HB). Bevirimat (BVM), the first-in-class maturation inhibitor drug, targets the 6HB and impedes proteolytic cleavage, yet the molecular mechanisms of its activity, and relatedly, the escape mechanisms of mutant viruses, remain unclear. Here, we employed extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and free energy calculations to quantitatively investigate molecular structure-activity relationships, comparing wild-type and mutant viruses in the presence and absence of BVM and inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6), an assembly cofactor. Our analysis shows that the efficacy of BVM is directly correlated with preservation of 6-fold symmetry in the 6HB, which exists as an ensemble of structural states. We identified two primary escape mechanisms, and both lead to loss of symmetry, thereby facilitating helix uncoiling to aid access of protease. Our findings also highlight specific interactions that can be targeted for improved inhibitor activity and support the use of MD simulations for future inhibitor design.

MicroED structures of HIV-1 Gag CTD-SP1 reveal binding interactions with the maturation inhibitor bevirimat.

HIV-1 protease (PR) cleavage of the Gag polyprotein triggers the assembly of mature, infectious particles. Final cleavage of Gag occurs at the junction helix between the capsid protein CA and the SP1 spacer peptide. Here we used MicroED to delineate the binding interactions of the maturation inhibitor bevirimat (BVM) using very thin frozen-hydrated, 3D microcrystals of a CTD-SP1 Gag construct with and without bound BVM. The 2.9-Å MicroED structure revealed that a single BVM molecule stabilizes the six-helix bundle via both electrostatic interactions with the dimethylsuccinyl moiety and hydrophobic interactions with the pentacyclic triterpenoid ring. These results provide insight into the mechanism of action of BVM and related maturation inhibitors that will inform further drug discovery efforts. This study also demonstrates the capabilities of MicroED for structure-based drug design.

Constitutive SRC-mediated phosphorylation of pannexin 1 at tyrosine 198 occurs at the plasma membrane.

Pannexin 1 (PANX1)-mediated ATP release in vascular smooth muscle coordinates α1-adrenergic receptor (α1-AR) vasoconstriction and blood pressure homeostasis. We recently identified amino acids 198-200 (YLK) on the PANX1 intracellular loop that are critical for α1-AR-mediated vasoconstriction and PANX1 channel function. We report herein that the YLK motif is contained within an SRC homology 2 domain and is directly phosphorylated by SRC proto-oncogene, nonreceptor tyrosine kinase (SRC) at Tyr198 We demonstrate that PANX1-mediated ATP release occurs independently of intracellular calcium but is sensitive to SRC family kinase (SFK) inhibition, suggestive of channel regulation by tyrosine phosphorylation. Using a PANX1 Tyr198-specific antibody, SFK inhibitors, SRC knockdown, temperature-dependent SRC cells, and kinase assays, we found that PANX1-mediated ATP release and vasoconstriction involves constitutive phosphorylation of PANX1 Tyr198 by SRC. We specifically detected SRC-mediated Tyr198 phosphorylation at the plasma membrane and observed that it is not enhanced or induced by α1-AR activation. Last, we show that PANX1 immunostaining is enriched in the smooth muscle layer of arteries from hypertensive humans and that Tyr198 phosphorylation is detectable in these samples, indicative of a role for membrane-associated PANX1 in small arteries of hypertensive humans. Our discovery adds insight into the regulation of PANX1 by post-translational modifications and connects a significant purinergic vasoconstriction pathway with a previously identified, yet unexplored, tyrosine kinase-based α1-AR constriction mechanism. This work implicates SRC-mediated PANX1 function in normal vascular hemodynamics and suggests that Tyr198-phosphorylated PANX1 is involved in hypertensive vascular pathology.

Immature HIV-1 lattice assembly dynamics are regulated by scaffolding from nucleic acid and the plasma membrane.

The packaging and budding of Gag polyprotein and viral RNA is a critical step in the HIV-1 life cycle. High-resolution structures of the Gag polyprotein have revealed that the capsid (CA) and spacer peptide 1 (SP1) domains contain important interfaces for Gag self-assembly. However, the molecular details of the multimerization process, especially in the presence of RNA and the cell membrane, have remained unclear. In this work, we investigate the mechanisms that work in concert between the polyproteins, RNA, and membrane to promote immature lattice growth. We develop a coarse-grained (CG) computational model that is derived from subnanometer resolution structural data. Our simulations recapitulate contiguous and hexameric lattice assembly driven only by weak anisotropic attractions at the helical CA-SP1 junction. Importantly, analysis from CG and single-particle tracking photoactivated localization (spt-PALM) trajectories indicates that viral RNA and the membrane are critical constituents that actively promote Gag multimerization through scaffolding, while overexpression of short competitor RNA can suppress assembly. We also find that the CA amino-terminal domain imparts intrinsic curvature to the Gag lattice. As a consequence, immature lattice growth appears to be coupled to the dynamics of spontaneous membrane deformation. Our findings elucidate a simple network of interactions that regulate the early stages of HIV-1 assembly and budding.

The Stress Hormone Cortisol Enhances Interferon-υ-Mediated Proinflammatory Responses of Human Immune Cells.

BACKGROUND: Cortisol is a prototypical human stress hormone essential for life, yet the precise role of cortisol in the human stress response to injury or infection is still uncertain. Glucocorticoids (GCs) such as cortisol are widely understood to suppress inflammation and immunity. However, recent research shows that GCs also induce delayed immune effects manifesting as immune stimulation. In this study, we show that cortisol enhances the immune-stimulating effects of a prototypical proinflammatory cytokine, interferon-υ (IFN-υ). We tested the hypothesis that cortisol enhances IFN-υ-mediated proinflammatory responses of human mononuclear phagocytes (monocyte/macrophages [MOs]) stimulated by bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]). METHODS: Human MOs were cultured for 18 hours with or without IFN-υ and/or cortisol before LPS stimulation. MO differentiation factors granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) or M-CSF were added to separate cultures. We also compared the inflammatory response with an acute, 4-hour MO incubation with IFN-υ plus cortisol and LPS to a delayed 18-hour incubation with cortisol before LPS exposure. MO activation was assessed by interleukin-6 (IL-6) release and by multiplex analysis of pro- and anti-inflammatory soluble mediators. RESULTS: After the 18-hour incubation, we observed that cortisol significantly increased LPS-stimulated IL-6 release from IFN-υ-treated undifferentiated MOs. In GM-CSF-pretreated MOs, cortisol increased IFN-υ-mediated IL-6 release by >4-fold and release of the immune stimulant IFN-α2 (IFN-α2) by >3-fold, while suppressing release of the anti-inflammatory mediator, IL-1 receptor antagonist to 15% of control. These results were reversed by either the GC receptor antagonist RU486 or by an IFN-υ receptor type 1 antibody antagonist. Cortisol alone increased expression of the IFN-υ receptor type 1 on undifferentiated and GM-CSF-treated MOs. In contrast, an acute 4-hour incubation of MOs with IFN-υ and cortisol showed classic suppression of the IL-6 response to LPS. CONCLUSIONS: These results reveal a surprisingly robust proinflammatory interaction between the human stress response hormone cortisol and the immune activating cytokine IFN-υ. The results support an emerging physiological model with an adaptive role for cortisol, wherein acute release of cortisol suppresses early proinflammatory responses but also primes immune cells for an augmented response to a subsequent immune challenge. These findings have broad clinical implications and provide an experimental framework to examine individual differences, mechanisms, and translational implications of cortisol-enhanced immune responses in humans.

Crystal Structure of the Human Astrovirus Capsid Protein.

UNLABELLED: Human astrovirus (HAstV) is a leading cause of viral diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. HAstV is a nonenveloped virus with a T=3 capsid and a positive-sense RNA genome. The capsid protein (CP) of HAstV is synthesized as a 90-kDa precursor (VP90) that can be divided into three linear domains: a conserved N-terminal domain, a hypervariable domain, and an acidic C-terminal domain. Maturation of HAstV requires proteolytic processing of the astrovirus CP both inside and outside the host cell, resulting in the removal of the C-terminal domain and the breakdown of the rest of the CP into three predominant protein species with molecular masses of ∼34, 27/29, and 25/26 kDa, respectively. We have now solved the crystal structure of VP90(71-415) (amino acids [aa] 71 to 415 of VP90) of human astrovirus serotype 8 at a 2.15-Å resolution. VP90(71-415) encompasses the conserved N-terminal domain of VP90 but lacks the hypervariable domain, which forms the capsid surface spikes. The structure of VP90(71-415) is comprised of two domains: an S domain, which adopts the typical jelly-roll ß-barrel fold, and a P1 domain, which forms a squashed ß-barrel consisting of six antiparallel ß-strands similar to what was observed in the hepatitis E virus (HEV) capsid structure. Fitting of the VP90(71-415) structure into the cryo-electron microscopy (EM) maps of HAstV produced an atomic model for a continuous, T=3 icosahedral capsid shell. Our pseudoatomic model of the human HAstV capsid shell provides valuable insights into intermolecular interactions required for capsid assembly and trypsin-mediated proteolytic maturation needed for virus infectivity. Such information has potential applications in the development of a virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine as well as small-molecule drugs targeting astrovirus assembly/maturation. IMPORTANCE: Human astrovirus (HAstV) is a leading cause of viral diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. As a nonenveloped virus, HAstV exhibits an intriguing feature in that its maturation requires extensive proteolytic processing of the astrovirus capsid protein (CP) both inside and outside the host cell. Mature HAstV contains three predominant protein species, but the mechanism for acquired infectivity upon maturation is unclear. We have solved the crystal structure of VP90(71-415) of human astrovirus serotype 8. VP90(71-415) encompasses the conserved N-terminal domain of the viral CP. Fitting of the VP90(71-415) structure into the cryo-EM maps of HAstV produced an atomic model for the T=3 icosahedral capsid. Our model of the HAstV capsid provides valuable insights into intermolecular interactions required for capsid assembly and trypsin-mediated proteolytic maturation. Such information has potential applications in the development of a VLP vaccine as well as small-molecule drugs targeting astrovirus assembly/maturation.

Multiparametric CMR imaging of infarct remodeling in a percutaneous reperfused Yucatan mini-pig model.

To further understanding of the temporal evolution and pathophysiology of adverse ventricular remodeling over the first 60 days following a myocardial infarction (MI) in both the infarcted and remote myocardium, we performed multi-parametric cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging in a closed-chest chronic Yucatan mini-pig model of reperfused MI. Ten animals underwent 90 min left anterior descending artery occlusion and reperfusion. Three animals served as controls. Multiparametric CMR (1.5T) was performed at baseline, Day 2, Day 30 and in four animals on Day 60 after MI. Left ventricular (LV) volumes and infarct size were measured. T1 and T2 mapping sequences were performed to measure values in the infarct and remote regions. Remote region collagen fractions were compared between infarcted animals and controls. Procedure success was 80%. The model created large infarcts (28 ± 5% of LV mass on Day 2), which led to significant adverse myocardial remodeling that stabilized beyond 30 days. Native T1 values did not reliably differentiate remote and infarct regions acutely. There was no evidence of remote fibrosis as indicated by partition coefficient and collagen fraction analyses. The infarct T2 values remained elevated up to 60 days after MI. Multiparametric CMR in this model showed significant adverse ventricular remodeling 30 days after MI similar to that seen in humans. In addition, this study demonstrated that remote fibrosis is absent and that infarct T2 signal remains chronically elevated in this model. These findings need to be considered when designing preclinical trials using CMR endpoints.

Atomic-level modelling of the HIV capsid.

The mature capsids of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and other retroviruses are fullerene shells, composed of the viral CA protein, that enclose the viral genome and facilitate its delivery into new host cells. Retroviral CA proteins contain independently folded amino (N)- and carboxy (C)-terminal domains (NTD and CTD) that are connected by a flexible linker. The NTD forms either hexameric or pentameric rings, whereas the CTD forms symmetric homodimers that connect the rings into a hexagonal lattice. We previously used a disulphide crosslinking strategy to enable isolation and crystallization of soluble HIV-1 CA hexamers. Here we use the same approach to solve the X-ray structure of the HIV-1 CA pentamer at 2.5 Å resolution. Two mutant CA proteins with engineered disulphides at different positions (P17C/T19C and N21C/A22C) converged onto the same quaternary structure, indicating that the disulphide-crosslinked proteins recapitulate the structure of the native pentamer. Assembly of the quasi-equivalent hexamers and pentamers requires remarkably subtle rearrangements in subunit interactions, and appears to be controlled by an electrostatic switch that favours hexamers over pentamers. This study completes the gallery of substructures describing the components of the HIV-1 capsid and enables atomic-level modelling of the complete capsid. Rigid-body rotations around two assembly interfaces appear sufficient to generate the full range of continuously varying lattice curvature in the fullerene cone.

Structural basis of HIV-1 capsid recognition by PF74 and CPSF6.

Upon infection of susceptible cells by HIV-1, the conical capsid formed by ∼250 hexamers and 12 pentamers of the CA protein is delivered to the cytoplasm. The capsid shields the RNA genome and proteins required for reverse transcription. In addition, the surface of the capsid mediates numerous host-virus interactions, which either promote infection or enable viral restriction by innate immune responses. In the intact capsid, there is an intermolecular interface between the N-terminal domain (NTD) of one subunit and the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the adjacent subunit within the same hexameric ring. The NTD-CTD interface is critical for capsid assembly, both as an architectural element of the CA hexamer and pentamer and as a mechanistic element for generating lattice curvature. Here we report biochemical experiments showing that PF-3450074 (PF74), a drug that inhibits HIV-1 infection, as well as host proteins cleavage and polyadenylation specific factor 6 (CPSF6) and nucleoporin 153 kDa (NUP153), bind to the CA hexamer with at least 10-fold higher affinities compared with nonassembled CA or isolated CA domains. The crystal structure of PF74 in complex with the CA hexamer reveals that PF74 binds in a preformed pocket encompassing the NTD-CTD interface, suggesting that the principal inhibitory target of PF74 is the assembled capsid. Likewise, CPSF6 binds in the same pocket. Given that the NTD-CTD interface is a specific molecular signature of assembled hexamers in the capsid, binding of NUP153 at this site suggests that key features of capsid architecture remain intact upon delivery of the preintegration complex to the nucleus.

Helical Conformation in the CA-SP1 Junction of the Immature HIV-1 Lattice Determined from Solid-State NMR of Virus-like Particles.

Maturation of HIV-1 requires disassembly of the Gag polyprotein lattice, which lines the viral membrane in the immature state, and subsequent assembly of the mature capsid protein lattice, which encloses viral RNA in the mature state. Metastability of the immature lattice has been proposed to depend on the existence of a structurally ordered, α-helical segment spanning the junction between capsid (CA) and spacer peptide 1 (SP1) subunits of Gag, a segment that is dynamically disordered in the mature capsid lattice. We report solid state nuclear magnetic resonance (ssNMR) measurements on the immature lattice in noncrystalline, spherical virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from Gag. The ssNMR data provide definitive evidence for this critical α-helical segment in the VLPs. Differences in ssNMR chemical shifts and signal intensities between immature and mature lattice assemblies also support a major rearrangement of intermolecular interactions in the maturation process, consistent with recent models from electron cryomicroscopy and X-ray crystallography.

Glucocorticoids enhance the in vivo migratory response of human monocytes.

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are best known for their potent anti-inflammatory effects. However, an emerging model for glucocorticoid (GC) regulation of in vivo inflammation also includes a delayed, preparatory effect that manifests as enhanced inflammation following exposure to an inflammatory stimulus. When GCs are transiently elevated in vivo following exposure to a stressful event, this model proposes that a subsequent period of increased inflammatory responsiveness is adaptive because it enhances resistance to a subsequent stressor. In the present study, we examined the migratory response of human monocytes/macrophages following transient in vivo exposure to stress-associated concentrations of cortisol. Participants were administered cortisol for 6h to elevate in vivo cortisol levels to approximate those observed during major systemic stress. Monocytes in peripheral blood and macrophages in sterile inflammatory tissue (skin blisters) were studied before and after exposure to cortisol or placebo. We found that exposure to cortisol induced transient upregulation of monocyte mRNA for CCR2, the receptor for monocyte chemotactic protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2) as well as for the chemokine receptor CX3CR1. At the same time, mRNA for the transcription factor IκBα was decreased. Monocyte surface expression of CCR2 but not CX3CR1 increased in the first 24h after cortisol exposure. Transient exposure to cortisol also led to an increased number of macrophages and neutrophils in fluid derived from a sterile inflammatory site in vivo. These findings suggest that the delayed, pro-inflammatory effects of cortisol on the human inflammatory responses may include enhanced localization of effector cells at sites of in vivo inflammation.

Steroid-based facial amphiphiles for stabilization and crystallization of membrane proteins.

Amphiphile selection is a critical step for structural studies of membrane proteins (MPs). We have developed a family of steroid-based facial amphiphiles (FAs) that are structurally distinct from conventional detergents and previously developed FAs. The unique FAs stabilize MPs and form relatively small protein-detergent complexes (PDCs), a property considered favorable for MP crystallization. We attempted to crystallize several MPs belonging to different protein families, including the human gap junction channel protein connexin 26, the ATP binding cassette transporter MsbA, the seven-transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor-like bacteriorhodopsin, and cytochrome P450s (peripheral MPs). Using FAs alone or mixed with other detergents or lipids, we obtained 3D crystals of the above proteins suitable for X-ray crystallographic analysis. The fact that FAs enhance MP crystallizability compared with traditional detergents can be attributed to several properties, including increased protein stability, formation of small PDCs, decreased PDC surface flexibility, and potential to mediate crystal lattice contacts.

Hemagglutinin Spatial Distribution Shifts in Response to Cholesterol in the Influenza Viral Envelope.

Influenza virus delivers its genome to the host cytoplasm via a process of membrane fusion mediated by the viral hemagglutinin protein. Optimal fusion likely requires multiple hemagglutinin trimers, so the spatial distribution of hemagglutinin on the viral envelope may influence fusion mechanism. We have previously shown that moderate depletion of cholesterol from the influenza viral envelope accelerates fusion kinetics even though it decreases fusion efficiency, both in a reversible manner. Here, we use electron cryo-microscopy to measure how the hemagglutinin lateral density in the viral envelope changes with cholesterol extraction. We extract this information by measuring the radial distribution function of electron density in >4000 viral images per sample, assigning hemagglutinin density by comparing images with and without anti-HA Fab bound. On average, hemagglutinin trimers move closer together: we estimate that the typical trimer-trimer spacing reduces from 94 to 84 Å when ∼90% of cholesterol is removed from the viral membrane. Upon restoration of viral envelope cholesterol, this spacing once again expands. This finding can qualitatively explain the observed changes to fusion kinetics: contemporary models from single-virus microscopy are that fusion requires the engagement of several hemagglutinin trimers in close proximity. If removing cholesterol increases the lateral density of hemagglutinin, this should result in an increase in the rate of fusion.

Hand hygiene knowledge and perceptions among anesthesia providers.

BACKGROUND: Health care worker compliance with hand hygiene guidelines is an important measure for health care-associated infection prevention, yet overall compliance across all health care arenas remains low. A correct answer to 4 of 4 structured questions pertaining to indications for hand decontamination (according to types of contact) has been associated with improved health care provider hand hygiene compliance when compared to those health care providers answering incorrectly for 1 or more questions. A better understanding of knowledge deficits among anesthesia providers may lead to hand hygiene improvement strategies. In this study, our primary aims were to characterize and identify predictors for hand hygiene knowledge deficits among anesthesia providers. METHODS: We modified this previously tested survey instrument to measure anesthesia provider hand hygiene knowledge regarding the 5 moments of hand hygiene across national and multicenter groups. Complete knowledge was defined by correct answers to 5 questions addressing the 5 moments for hand hygiene and received a score of 1. Incomplete knowledge was defined by an incorrect answer to 1 or more of the 5 questions and received a score of 0. We used a multilevel random-effects XTMELOGIT logistic model clustering at the respondent and geographic location for insufficient knowledge and forward/backward stepwise logistic regression analysis to identify predictors for incomplete knowledge. RESULTS: The survey response rates were 55.8% and 18.2% for the multicenter and national survey study groups, respectively. One or more knowledge deficits occurred with 81.6% of survey respondents, with the mean number of correct answers 2.89 (95% confidence interval, 2.78- 2.99). Failure of providers to recognize prior contact with the environment and prior contact with the patient as hand hygiene opportunities contributed to the low mean. Several cognitive factors were associated with a reduced risk of incomplete knowledge including providers responding positively to washing their hands after contact with the environment (odds ratio [OR] 0.23, 0.14-0.37, P < 0.001), disinfecting their environment during patient care (OR 0.54, 0.35-0.82, P = 0.004), believing that they can influence their colleagues (OR 0.43, 0.27-0.68, P < 0.001), and intending to adhere to guidelines (OR 0.56, 0.36-0.86, P = 0.008). These covariates were associated with an area under receiver operator characteristics curve of 0.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.74-0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia provider knowledge deficits around to hand hygiene guidelines occur frequently and are often due to failure to recognize opportunities for hand hygiene after prior contact with contaminated patient and environmental reservoirs. Intraoperative hand hygiene improvement programs should address these knowledge deficits. Predictors for incomplete knowledge as identified in this study should be validated in future studies.

The epidemiology of Staphylococcus aureus transmission in the anesthesia work area.

BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding the epidemiology of intraoperative Staphylococcus aureus transmission. The primary aim of this study was to examine the mode of transmission, reservoir of origin, transmission locations, and antibiotic susceptibility for frequently encountered S aureus strains (phenotypes) in the anesthesia work area. Our secondary aims were to examine phenotypic associations with 30-day postoperative patient cultures, phenotypic growth rates, and risk factors for phenotypic isolation. METHODS: S aureus isolates previously identified as possible intraoperative bacterial transmission events by class of pathogen, temporal association, and analytical profile indexing were subjected to antibiotic disk diffusion sensitivity. The combination of these techniques was then used to confirm S aureus transmission events and to classify them as occurring within or between operative cases (mode). The origin of S aureus transmission events was determined via use of a previously validated experimental model and links to 30-day postoperative patient cultures confirmed via pulsed-field gel electrophoresis. Growth rates were assessed via time-to-positivity analysis, and risk factors for isolation were characterized via logistic regression. RESULTS: One hundred seventy S aureus isolates previously implicated as possible intraoperative transmission events were further subdivided by analytical profile indexing phenotype. Two phenotypes, phenotype P (patients) and phenotype H (hands), accounted for 65% of isolates. Phenotype P and phenotype H contributed to at least 1 confirmed transmission event in 39% and 28% of cases, respectively. Patient skin surfaces (odds ratio [OR], 8.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.30-30.73) and environmental (OR, 10.89; 95% CI, 1.29-92.13) samples were more likely than provider hands (referent) to have phenotype P positivity. Phenotype P was more likely than phenotype H to be resistant to methicillin (OR, 4.38; 95% CI, 1.59-12.06; P = 0.004) and to be linked to 30-day postoperative patient cultures (risk ratio, 36.63 [risk difference, 0.174; 95% CI, 0.019-0.328]; P < 0.001). Phenotype P exhibited a faster growth rate for methicillin resistant and for methicillin susceptible than phenotype H (phenotype P: median, 10.32H; interquartile range, 10.08-10.56; phenotype H: median, 10.56H; interquartile range, 10.32-10.8; P = 0.012). Risk factors for isolation of phenotype P included age (OR, 14.11; 95% CI, 3.12-63.5; P = 0.001) and patient exposure to the hospital ward (OR, 41.11; 95% CI, 5.30-318.78; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Two S aureus phenotypes are frequently transmitted in the anesthesia work area. A patient and environmentally derived phenotype is associated with increased risk of antibiotic resistance and links to 30-day postoperative patient cultures as compared with a provider hand-derived phenotype. Future work should be directed toward improved screening and decolonization of patients entering the perioperative arena and improved intraoperative environmental cleaning to attenuate postoperative health care-associated infections.

The dynamics of Enterococcus transmission from bacterial reservoirs commonly encountered by anesthesia providers.

BACKGROUND: Enterococci, the second leading cause of health care-associated infections, have evolved from commensal and harmless organisms to multidrug-resistant bacteria associated with a significant increase in patient morbidity and mortality. Prevention of ongoing spread of this organism within and between hospitals is important. In this study, we characterized Enterococcus transmission dynamics for bacterial reservoirs commonly encountered by anesthesia providers during the routine administration of general anesthesia. METHODS: Enterococcus isolates previously obtained from bacterial reservoirs frequently encountered by anesthesiologists (patient nasopharynx and axilla, anesthesia provider hands, and the adjustable pressure-limiting valve and agent dial of the anesthesia machine) at 3 major academic medical centers were identified as possible intraoperative bacterial transmission events by class of pathogen, temporal association, and phenotypic analysis (analytical profile indexing). They were then subjected to antibiotic disk diffusion sensitivity for transmission event confirmation. Isolates involved in confirmed transmission events were further analyzed to characterize the frequency, mode, origin, location of transmission events, and antibiotic susceptibility of transmitted pathogens. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-nine anesthesia reservoir isolates were previously identified by gross morphology and simple rapid tests as Enterococcus. The combination of further analytical profile indexing analysis and temporal association implicated 43% (166/389) of those isolates in possible intraoperative bacterial transmission events. Approximately, 30% (49/166) of possible transmission events were confirmed by additional antibiotic disk diffusion analysis. Two phenotypes, E5 and E7, explained 80% (39/49) of confirmed transmission events. For both phenotypes, provider hands were a common reservoir of origin proximal to the transmission event (96% [72/75] hand origin for E7 and 89% [50/56] hand origin for E5) and site of transmission (94% [16/17] hand transmission location for E7 and 86% [19/22] hand transmission location for E5). CONCLUSIONS: Anesthesia provider hand contamination is a common proximal source and transmission location for Enterococcus transmission events in the anesthesia work area. Future work should evaluate the impact of intraoperative hand hygiene improvement strategies on the dynamics of intraoperative Enterococcus transmission.