Knowledge and attitudes towards COVID-19 among emergency medical service workers

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Good knowledge of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) among healthcare workers is essential for keeping health systems active and controlling the outbreak. We aimed to investigate the knowledge and attitudes of Emergency Medical Service (EMS) employees who fight COVID-19 at the forefront. METHODS: A total of 400 EMS workers (doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and ambulance drivers) were included in this study. Knowledge, attitude, and preventive behaviors for COVID-19 were evaluated using an online questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 275 EMS workers participated in the study with a response rate of 68.8%. The respondents reported that their highest common sources of knowledge about COVID-19 were social media and television (n=240, 88%). Overall, > 96% of the participants had adequate knowledge about the transmission routes of COVID-19. Among the respondents, 36% of them were unaware of the correct hand washing or scrubbing technique. In addition, 78% of the participants had poor knowledge about floor and surface disinfection. The majority of the participants exhibited inaccurate attitudes toward the use of personal preventive equipment. More than half of EMS workers (52%) agreed that a surgical mask is not enough during the procedures that do not generate aerosol. Moreover, a significant proportion of the participants (66%) perceived that a N95 mask is required. CONCLUSIONS: As a consequence, although emergency workers have sufficient basic knowledge about COVID-19, there is a need for postgraduate training in many subjects.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Um bom conhecimento sobre a doença por coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) entre profissionais de saúde é essencial para manter os sistemas de saúde ativos e controlar o surto. Nosso objetivo foi investigar o conhecimento e as atitudes dos funcionários do serviço médico de emergência (EMS) que lutam com o COVID-19 na vanguarda. MÉTODOS: Um total de 400 trabalhadores do SME (médicos, enfermeiros, técnico de emergência médica, paramédicos e motoristas de ambulância) foram incluídos neste estudo. Conhecimento, atitude e comportamentos preventivos para COVID-19 foram avaliados usando um questionário on-line. RESULTADOS: Um total de 275 trabalhadores do SME participou do estudo com uma taxa de resposta de 68,8%. Os entrevistados relataram que as maiores fontes comuns de conhecimento sobre COVID-19 foram as mídias sociais e a televisão (n = 240, 88%). No geral,> 96% dos participantes tinham conhecimento adequado sobre as rotas de transmissão do COVID-19. Entre os entrevistados, 36% deles desconheciam a técnica correta de lavar ou esfregar as mãos. Além disso, 78% dos participantes tinham pouco conhecimento sobre desinfecção de pisos e superfícies. A maioria dos participantes exibiu atitudes imprecisas em relação ao uso de equipamentos preventivos pessoais. Mais da metade dos trabalhadores do SME (52%) concordou que a máscara cirúrgica não é suficiente durante os procedimentos que não geram aerossol. Além disso, uma proporção significativa dos participantes (66%) percebeu que a máscara N95 é necessária. CONCLUSÕES: Como conseqüência, embora os trabalhadores de emergência tenham conhecimento básico suficiente sobre o COVID-19, há necessidade de treinamento de pós-graduação em muitas disciplinas.

Investigation of the frequency of COVID-19 in patients treated with intravesical BCG

SUMMARY INTRODUCTION In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of COVID-19 in patients with and without BCG application due to bladder tumors. METHODS The presence of COVID-19 was investigated in 167 patients with BCG and 167 without bladder cancer. All patients were compatible with COVID-19 infection. Patients with RT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2 and/or Chest CT positive for viral pneumonia between March and May 2020 were included in the study. RESULTS A total of 334 patients were included in the study. The mean age of the 167 patients in the study group was 71.1±14.2 1 (min. 38.0- max. 98.0 years), 141 (84.4%) were male. The mean age of the 167 patients in the control group was 70.5±13.8 years (min. 41.0- max. 96.0 years), and 149 were male (p> 0.05). COVID-19 was detected in 5 patients in the BCG group and in 4 patients in the control group (P> 0.05). CONCLUSION Intravesical BCG administration does not decrease the frequency of COVID-19 infection.

RESUMO INTRODUÇÃO Neste estudo retrospectivo, objetivou-se investigar a frequência de COVID-19 em pacientes com e sem aplicação de BCG por tumor de bexiga. MÉTODOS A presença de COVID-19 foi investigada em 167 pacientes com BCG e 167 sem câncer de bexiga. Todos os pacientes compatíveis para infecção por COVID-19. Resumidamente, os pacientes foram incluídos no estudo com RT-PCR positivo para Sars-CoV-2 e/ou TC de tórax positivo para pneumonia viral entre março e maio de 2020. RESULTADOS Um total de 334 pacientes foi incluído no estudo. A idade média dos 167 pacientes no grupo de estudo foi de 71,1±14,2 1 (min. 38,0 - máx. 98,0 anos), 141 (84,4%) eram do sexo masculino; 167 pacientes do grupo controle tinham idade média de 70,5±13,8 (min. 41,0 - máx. 96,0 anos) e 149 eram do sexo masculino (p>0,05). A COVID-19 foi detectada em cinco pacientes no grupo BCG e em um no grupo controle (p>0,05). CONCLUSÃO A administração intravesical de BCG não diminui a frequência da infecção por COVID-19.

Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in nursing home residents in Bolu, Turkey.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed (a) to provide information on methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus colonization ratio in residents of nursing homes; (b) to determine the effect of hand-washing education given to nursing home residents and employees on nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus (NCSA) and (c) to obtain probable risk factors for MRSA colonization of residents in two nursing homes. METHODS: Seventy-nine volunteers (24 females and 55 males) from Bolu nursing homes were included in the study. Nasal samples were taken with sterile swabs from the anterior nares. Staphylococcus aureus strains were identified using classical methods and genotyping of methicillin resistant strains was done using Arbitrary Primed PCR (AP-PCR). Antibiotic susceptibilities were determined by disk diffusion methods according to NCCLS standards. After first nasal samples were taken, all employees and residents of nursing homes were educated about the methods of hand hygiene over two days. RESULTS: With hand-washing education, the decrease of NCSA rate (initially 43%; after education, 21%) was significant (p < 0.05) while decrease of MRSA carriage (initially 5%, after education 1%) was not (p > 0.05). MRSA carriage was significantly correlated with presence of skin lesions, prior hospitalization within the last six months, and antibiotics usage within the last six months. AP PCR results suggested that residents' carriage of MRSA was the result of the same source. CONCLUSION: MSSA and MRSA colonization rates were found to be 38% and 5% in nursing homes, respectively. These ratios can decrease with simple precautions like hand-washing after a short education period

Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus in nursing home residents in Bolu, Turkey / Portación Nasal de Staphylococcus Aureus Resistentes a la Meticilina y Susceptible a la Meticilina en los Residentes del Hogar de Ancianos en Bolu, Turquía

BACKGROUND: This study aimed (a) to provide information on methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) Staphylococcus aureus colonization ratio in residents of nursing homes; (b) to determine the effect of hand-washing education given to nursing home residents and employees on nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus (NCSA) and (c) to obtain probable risk factors for MRSA colonization of residents in two nursing homes. METHODS: Seventy-nine volunteers (24 females and 55 males) from Bolu nursing homes were included in the study. Nasal samples were taken with sterile swabs from the anterior nares. Staphylococcus aureus strains were identified using classical methods and genotyping of methicillin resistant strains was done using Arbitrary Primed PCR (AP-PCR). Antibiotic susceptibilities were determined by disk diffusion methods according to NCCLS standards. After first nasal samples were taken, all employees and residents of nursing homes were educated about the methods of hand hygiene over two days. RESULTS: With hand-washing education, the decrease of NCSA rate (initially 43; after education, 21) was significant (p 0.05). MRSA carriage was significantly correlated with presence of skin lesions, prior hospitalization within the last six months, and antibiotics usage within the last six months. AP PCR results suggested that residents' carriage of MRSA was the result of the same source. CONCLUSION: MSSA and MRSA colonization rates were found to be 38and 5in nursing homes, respectively. These ratios can decrease with simple precautions like hand-washing after a short education period.

ANTECEDENTES: Este estudio tiene como propósito: (a) ofrecer información sobre la tasa de colonización Staphylococcus aureus resistentes a la meticilina (SARM) y el de Staphylococcus aureus susceptibles a la meticilina (SASM) de residentes en hogares de ancianos; (b) determinar el efecto de la educación del lavado de manos brindada a los residentes y empleados, sobre la portación nasal de Staphylococcus aureus (PNSA); y (c) obtener los factores de riesgo probables por la colonización de SARM en los residentes de dos hogares de ancianos. MÉTODOS: Setenta y nueve voluntarios (24 hembras y 55 varones) de los hogares de ancianos Bolu fueron incluidos en el estudio. Se tomaron muestras nasales con hisopos estériles, de 1/3 orificios nasales anteriores. Se identificaron cepas de Staphylococcus aureus usando métodos clásicos; y la genotipificación de las cepas resistentes a la meticilina se realizó por medio de la técnica de la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa con iniciadores arbitrarios (AP-PCR). Las susceptibilidades antibióticas se determinaron mediante métodos de difusión por disco de acuerdo con los estándares del NCCLS. Después que se tomaron las primeras muestras nasales, todos los empleados y los residentes de los hogares de ancianos recibieron instrucción sobre métodos de higiene de las manos durante dos días. RESULTADOS: Con la educación del lavado de manos, la disminución de la tasa de PNSA (inicialmente 43%; después del entrenamiento 21%) fue significativa (p < 0.05), mientras que la disminución de la tasa de portación de SARM (inicialmente 5%; después del entrenamiento 1%) no fue significativa (p > 0.05).

In vitro activity of sodium-benzoate against isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates have increased dramatically during the last decades. Sodium benzoate (SB) is a chemical substance that is used for preparing food and drinks and in the treatment of some metabolic (urea cycle disorders and hepatic coma) diseases. No studies were found which focussed on the effects of SB in MRSA infections. The aim was to determine in vitro activity of sodium benzoate against MRSA clinical isolates. METHODS: In this study, MIC for SB in 36 MRSA and 29 methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolates were determined by a broth microdilution method recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. RESULTS: The MIC at which all of the MRSA and MSSA strains were inhibited was at 32 microg/ml and higher concentrations. CONCLUSION: Sodium benzoate showed good in vitro activity against clinically relevant MRSA and MSSA isolates. It is suggested in this study that this cheap substance, which has been used for systemic and local treatment of infection in humans, may be used alternatively for the treatment of MRSA infections. However, it is clear that more comprehensive and in vivo studies are needed to further elucidate the activity of SB against MRSA infections.

In vitro activity of sodium-benzoate against isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus / Actividad In Vitro del Benzoato de Sodio contra los Aislados de Staphylococcus aureus Resistentes a la Meticilina

BACKGROUND: Worldwide, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates have increased dramatically during the last decades. Sodium benzoate (SB) is a chemical substance that is used for preparing food and drinks and in the treatment of some metabolic (urea cycle disorders and hepatic coma) diseases. No studies were found which focussed on the effects of SB in MRSA infections. The aim was to determine in vitro activity of sodium benzoate against MRSA clinical isolates. METHODS: In this study, MIC for SB in 36 MRSA and 29 methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) isolates were determined by a broth microdilution method recommended by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards. RESULTS: The MIC at which all of the MRSA and MSSA strains were inhibited was at 32 microg/ml and higher concentrations. CONCLUSION: Sodium benzoate showed good in vitro activity against clinically relevant MRSA and MSSA isolates. It is suggested in this study that this cheap substance, which has been used for systemic and local treatment of infection in humans, may be used alternatively for the treatment of MRSA infections. However, it is clear that more comprehensive and in vivo studies are needed to further elucidate the activity of SB against MRSA infections

Antecedentes: A nivel mundial, los índices de Staphylococcus aureus resistente a la meticilina (SARM) han aumentado dramáticamente durante las últimas décadas. El benzoato de sodio (BS) es una sustancia química que se usa ampliamente en la preparación de comidas y bebidas, y en el tratamiento de algunas enfermedades metabólicas (trastornos del ciclo de la urea y coma hepático). No encontramos ningún estudio dedicado específicamente a los efectos del BS en las infecciones por SARM. Nos trazamos como objetivo determinar la actividad in vitro del benzoato de sodio contra los aislados clínicos de SARM. Métodos: En este estudio, se determinaron la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) para el BS en 36 SARM y 29 aislados de Staphylococcus aureus sensible a la meticilina (SASM), mediante un método de microdilución en caldo, recomendado por el Comité Nacional para las Normas de Laboratorios Clínicos. Resultados: La CMI a la que se inhibieron todas las cepas de SARM y SASM fue de 32 µg/ml y concentraciones más altas. Conclusión: El benzoato de sodio demostró ser bueno en la actividad in vitro contra los aislados de SARM y SASM clínicamente relevantes. Sugerimos que esta sustancia económica, que se ha usado para el tratamiento sistémico y local de infecciones en los seres humanos, puede usarse alternativamente para el tratamiento de infecciones por SARM. Sin embargo, está claro que se requieren estudios in vivo y más exhaustivos, que contribuyan a un entendimiento aún más claro de la actividad del BS contra las infecciones por SARM.