Detection of a Human Adenovirus Outbreak, Including Some Critical Infections, Using Multipathogen Testing at a Large University, September 2022-January 2023.

Background: Human adenoviruses (HAdVs) can cause outbreaks of flu-like illness in university settings. Most infections in healthy young adults are mild; severe illnesses rarely occur. In Fall 2022, an adenovirus outbreak was identified in university students. Methods: HAdV cases were defined as university students 17-26 years old who presented to the University Health Service or nearby emergency department with flu-like symptoms (eg, fever, cough, headache, myalgia, nausea) and had confirmed adenovirus infections by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Demographic and clinical characteristics were abstracted from electronic medical records; clinical severity was categorized as mild, moderate, severe, or critical. We performed contact investigations among critical cases. A subset of specimens was sequenced to confirm the HAdV type. Results: From 28 September 2022 to 30 January 2023, 90 PCR-confirmed cases were identified (51% female; mean age, 19.6 years). Most cases (88.9%) had mild illness. Seven cases required hospitalization, including 2 critical cases that required intensive care. Contact investigation identified 44 close contacts; 6 (14%) were confirmed HAdV cases and 8 (18%) reported symptoms but never sought care. All typed HAdV-positive specimens (n = 36) were type 4. Conclusions: While most students with confirmed HAdV had mild illness, 7 otherwise healthy students had severe or critical illness. Between the relatively high number of hospitalizations and proportion of close contacts with symptoms who did not seek care, the true number of HAdV cases was likely higher. Our findings illustrate the need to consider a wide range of pathogens, even when other viruses are known to be circulating.

Evaluation of hospital-onset bloodstream infections compared to central line...associated bloodstream infections at an acute, tertiary care hospital.

BACKGROUND: Central line...associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is the current benchmark used in HAI (Hospital-associated infection) surveillance and effective interventions have greatly reduced the incidence in recent years. However, bloodstream infection (BSI) continues to be a major source of morbidity and mortality in hospitals. Hospital-onset bloodstream infection (HOBSI), which includes central and peripheral line surveillance, may be a more sensitive indicator of preventable BSI. Our objective is to assess the impact of a change to HOBSI surveillance by comparing the incidence of BSIs using the National Health care and Safety Network LabID and BSI definitions compared to CLABSI. METHODS: Utilizing electronic medical charts, we determined if each blood culture met the HOBSI criteria according to the National Health care and Safety Network LabID and BSI definitions. We calculated the incidence rates (IRs) per 10,000 patient days for both definitions and compared them to the CLABSI rate per 10,000 patient days for the same period. RESULTS: The IR of HOBSI using the LabID definition was 10.25. Using the BSI definition, we found an IR of 3.77. The IR of CLABSI for the same period was 1.84. CONCLUSIONS: After excluding secondary BSIs, the HOBSI rate is still double that of the CLABSI rate. HOBSI surveillance is a more sensitive indicator of BSI than CLABSI, and thus a better target for monitoring effectiveness of interventions.

COVID-19 Transmission to Health Care Personnel During Tracheostomy Under a Multidisciplinary Safety Protocol.

BACKGROUND: Tracheostomies are highly aerosolizing procedures yet are often indicated in patients with COVID-19 who require prolonged intubation. Robust investigations of the safety of tracheostomy protocols and provider adherence and evaluations are limited. OBJECTIVES: To determine the rate of COVID-19 infection of health care personnel involved in COVID-19 tracheostomies under a multidisciplinary safety protocol and to investigate health care personnel's attitudes and suggested areas for improvement concerning the protocol. METHODS: All health care personnel involved in tracheostomies in COVID-19-positive patients from April 9 through July 11, 2020, were sent a 22-item electronic survey. RESULTS: Among 107 health care personnel (80.5%) who responded to the survey, 5 reported a positive COVID-19 test result (n = 2) or symptoms of COVID-19 (n = 3) within 21 days of the tracheostomy. Respondents reported 100% adherence to use of adequate personal protective equipment. Most (91%) were familiar with the tracheostomy protocol and felt safe (92%) while performing tracheostomy. Suggested improvements included creating dedicated tracheostomy teams and increasing provider choices surrounding personal protective equipment. CONCLUSIONS: Multidisciplinary engagement in the development and implementation of a COVID-19 tracheostomy protocol is associated with acceptable safety for all members of the care team.

Risk factors and outcomes associated with community-onset and hospital-acquired coinfection in patients hospitalized for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): A multihospital cohort study.

BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the incidence of community-onset and hospital-acquired coinfection in patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to evaluate associated predictors and outcomes. METHODS: In this multicenter retrospective cohort study of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from March 2020 to August 2020 across 38 Michigan hospitals, we assessed prevalence, predictors, and outcomes of community-onset and hospital-acquired coinfections. In-hospital and 60-day mortality, readmission, discharge to long-term care facility (LTCF), and mechanical ventilation duration were assessed for patients with versus without coinfection. RESULTS: Of 2,205 patients with COVID-19, 141 (6.4%) had a coinfection: 3.0% community onset and 3.4% hospital acquired. Of patients without coinfection, 64.9% received antibiotics. Community-onset coinfection predictors included admission from an LTCF (OR, 3.98; 95% CI, 2.34-6.76; P < .001) and admission to intensive care (OR, 4.34; 95% CI, 2.87-6.55; P < .001). Hospital-acquired coinfection predictors included fever (OR, 2.46; 95% CI, 1.15-5.27; P = .02) and advanced respiratory support (OR, 40.72; 95% CI, 13.49-122.93; P < .001). Patients with (vs without) community-onset coinfection had longer mechanical ventilation (OR, 3.31; 95% CI, 1.67-6.56; P = .001) and higher in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.06-3.40; P = .03) and 60-day mortality (OR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.05-3.29; P = .03). Patients with (vs without) hospital-acquired coinfection had higher discharge to LTCF (OR, 8.48; 95% CI, 3.30-21.76; P < .001), in-hospital mortality (OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 2.37-7.33; P ≤ .001), and 60-day mortality (OR, 3.66; 95% CI, 2.11-6.33; P ≤ .001). CONCLUSION: Despite community-onset and hospital-acquired coinfection being uncommon, most patients hospitalized with COVID-19 received antibiotics. Admission from LTCF and to ICU were associated with increased risk of community-onset coinfection. Future studies should prospectively validate predictors of COVID-19 coinfection to facilitate the reduction of antibiotic use.

The Clinical Impact of Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Endocarditis Team.

BACKGROUND: Infectious endocarditis is associated with substantial in-hospital mortality of 15%-20%. Effective management requires coordination between multiple medical and surgical subspecialties, which can often lead to disjointed care. Previous European studies have identified multidisciplinary endocarditis teams as a tool for reducing endocarditis mortality. METHODS: The multidisciplinary endocarditis team was formed in May 2018. The group developed an evidence-based algorithm for management of endocarditis that was used to provide recommendations for hospitalized patients over a 1-year period. Mortality outcomes were then retroactively assessed and compared to a historical control utilizing propensity matching. RESULTS: Between June 2018 and June 2019 the team provided guideline-based recommendations on 56 patients with Duke Criteria-definite endocarditis and at least 1 American Heart Association indication for surgery. The historical control included 68 patients with definite endocarditis and surgical indications admitted between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015. In-hospital mortality decreased significantly from 29.4% in 2014-2015 to 7.1% in 2018-2019 (P < .0001). There was a non-significant increase in the rate of surgical intervention after implementation of the team (41.2% vs 55.4%; P = 0.12). Propensity score matching demonstrated similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a multidisciplinary endocarditis team was associated with a significant 1-year decrease in all-cause in-hospital mortality for patients with definite endocarditis and surgical indications, in the presence of notable differences between the 2 studied cohorts. In conjunction with previous studies demonstrating their effectiveness, these data support the idea that widespread adoption of endocarditis teams in North America could improve outcomes for this patient population.

Tracheostomy for COVID-19 respiratory failure: timing, ventilatory characteristics, and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Whereas data from the pre-pandemic era have demonstrated that tracheostomy can accelerate liberation from the ventilator, reduce need for sedation, and facilitate rehabilitation, concerns for healthcare worker safety have led to disagreement on tracheostomy placement in COVID-19 patients. Data on COVID-19 patients undergoing tracheostomy may inform best practices. Thus, we report a retrospective institutional cohort experience with tracheostomy in ventilated patients with COVID-19, examining associations between time to tracheostomy and duration of mechanical ventilation in relation to patient characteristics, clinical course, and survival. METHODS: Clinical data were extracted for all COVID-19 tracheostomies performed at a quaternary referral center from April-July 2020. Outcomes studied included mortality, adverse events, duration of mechanical ventilation, and time to decannulation. RESULTS: Among 64 COVID-19 tracheostomies (13% of COVID-19 hospitalizations), patients were 64% male and 42% African American, with a median age of 54 (range, 20-89). Median time to tracheostomy was 22 (range, 7-60) days and median duration of mechanical ventilation was 39.4 (range, 20-113) days. Earlier tracheostomy was associated with shortened mechanical ventilation (R2=0.4, P<0.01). Median decannulation time was 35.3 (range, 7-79) days. There was 19% mortality and adverse events in 45%, mostly from bleeding in therapeutically anticoagulated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Tracheostomy was associated with swifter liberation from the ventilator and acceptable safety for physicians in this series of critically ill COVID-19 patients. Patient mortality was not increased relative to historical data on acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Future studies are required to establish conclusions of causality regarding tracheostomy timing with mechanical ventilation, complications, or mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Strategies for Effective Infection Prevention Programs: Structures, Processes, and Funding.

Successful Infection Prevention Programs (IPPs) consist of a multidisciplinary team led by a hospital epidemiologist and managed by infection preventionists. Knowledge of the economics of health care-associated infections (HAIs) and the ability to make a business plan is now essential to the success of programs. Prevention of HAIs is the core function of IPPs with impact on patient outcomes, quality of care, and cost savings for hospitals. This article discusses the structure and responsibilities of an IPP, the regulatory pressures and opportunities that these programs face, and how to build and manage a successful program.

When planning meets reality: COVID-19 interpandemic survey of Michigan Nursing Homes.

BACKGROUND: Nursing home (NH) populations have borne the brunt of morbidity and mortality of COVID-19. We surveyed Michigan NHs to evaluate preparedness, staffing, testing, and adaptations to these challenges. METHODS: Interpandemic survey responses were collected May 1-12, 2020. We used Pearson's Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test, and logistic regression to evaluate relationships. RESULTS: Of 452 Michigan NHs contacted via e-mail, 145 (32.1%) opened the survey and of these, 143 (98.6%) responded. Sixty-eight percent of respondents indicated their response plan addressed most issues. NHs reported receiving rapidly changing guidance from many sources. Two-thirds reported shortages of personal protective equipment and other supplies. Half (50%) lacked sufficient testing resources with only 36% able to test residents and staff with suspected COVID-19. A majority (55%) experienced staffing shortages. Sixty-three percent experienced resignations, with front-line clinical staff more likely to resign, particularly in facilities caring for COVID-19 patients (P < .001). Facilities adapted quickly, creating COVID-19 units (78%) to care for patients on site. To reduce isolation, NHs facilitated communication via phone calls (98%), videoconferencing (96%), and window visits (81%). A majority continued to provide requisite therapies (90%). CONCLUSIONS: NHs experienced shortages of resources, testing supplies, and staffing challenges. COVID-19 in the facility was a key predictor of staff resignations. Facilities relied on rapidly changing, often conflicting advice from multiple sources, suggesting high-yield areas of improvement.

Impact of the influenza vaccine on COVID-19 infection rates and severity.

BACKGROUND: With a unique influenza season occurring in the midst of a pandemic, there is interest in assessing the role of the influenza vaccine in COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, patients receiving a laboratory test for COVID-19 were identified. The primary outcome was comparison of positive COVID-19 testing in those who received the influenza vaccine versus those who did not. Secondary end points in patients testing positive for COVID-19 included mortality, need for hospitalization, length of stay, need for intensive care, and mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: A total of 27,201 patients received laboratory testing for COVID-19. The odds of testing positive for COVID-19 was reduced in patients who received an influenza vaccine compared to those who did not (odds ratio 0.76, 95% CI 0.68-0.86; P < .001). Vaccinated patients testing positive for COVID-19 were less likely to require hospitalization (odds ratio, 0.58, 95% CI 0.46-0.73; P < .001), or mechanical ventilation (odds ratio, 0.45, 95% CI 0.27-0.78; P = .004) and had a shorter hospital length of stay (risk ratio, 0.76, 95% CI 0.65-0.89; P < .001). CONCLUSION: Influenza vaccination is associated with decreased positive COVID-19 testing and improved clinical outcomes and should be promoted to reduce the burden of COVID-19.

Vulvar pseudotumoral acyclovir-resistant herpes in an HIV-negative, non-immunosuppressed patient: A therapeutic challenge.

BACKGROUND: Vulvar pseudotumoral herpes infections have been reported in HIV-positive patients. A 32-year-old HIV-negative woman presented with a 6-month history of a vulvar pseudotumor that had been unresponsive to oral acyclovir and valacyclovir, as well as topical imiquimod. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of a multidrug regimen for vulvar pseudotumor herpes infection in an HIV-negative patient. METHODS: Histology revealed multinucleated giant cells, consistent with a herpes infection. The patient's herpes simplex virus type 2 was resistant to acyclovir. Immunomodulatory agents (thalidomide and topical imiquimod) were started. RESULTS: The lesion enlarged after 6 weeks of treatment. Topical cidofovir 1% gel was added. There was gradual decrease in the pseudotumor size. After 7 months, the Pseudotumor had resolved. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported case of vulvar pseudotumoral herpes in an immunocompetent, HIV-negative patient. Oral thalidomide, in association with topical imiquimod and topical cidofovir, was effective in treating acyclovir-resistant pseudotumoral herpes of the vulva.

Prolonged Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Replication in an Immunocompromised Patient.

We describe a case of chronic coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a patient with lymphoma and associated B-cell immunodeficiency. Viral cultures and sequence analysis demonstrate ongoing replication of infectious severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for at least 119 days. The patient had 3 admissions related to COVID-19 over a 4-month period and was treated twice with remdesivir and convalescent plasma with resolution of symptoms. The patient's lack of seroconversion and prolonged course illustrate the importance of humoral immunity in resolving SARS-CoV-2 infection. This case highlights challenges in managing immunocompromised hosts, who may act as persistent shedders and sources of transmission.

Evaluating the role of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-specific antibiotic prophylaxis for neurosurgical patients.

OBJECTIVE: Surgical site infection (SSI) in neurosurgical patients increases morbidity. Despite the rise of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization, there is little consensus regarding antibiotic prophylaxis for SSI in MRSA-colonized neurosurgical patients. Our objective was to examine the incidence of SSI in MRSA-colonized neurosurgical patients and interrogate whether MRSA-specific antibiotic prophylaxis reduces SSIs. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of adult patients undergoing neurosurgical procedures between 2013 and 2018. The primary outcome was SSI in patients with MRSA colonization receiving MRSA-specific antibiotics. Secondary outcomes included predictors of SSI, including whether broad use of MRSA-specific antibiotics affects SSI rate. RESULTS: Of 9739 procedures, 376 had SSI (3.9 %). Seven hundred forty-four procedures (7.6 %) were performed on patients screened preoperatively for MRSA, including 54 procedures on MRSA-colonized patients. MRSA-colonized patients were more likely than MRSA-non-colonized patients to receive MRSA-specific antibiotics (35.2 % vs. 17.8 %, p = 0.002) for prophylaxis. Nevertheless, MRSA-colonized patients had higher SSI rates compared to MRSA-non-colonized patients (22.2 % vs. 6.4 %, p = 0.00002). MRSA-colonization led to 3.49 greater odds (95 % CI 1.52-7.65, p = 0.002) of SSI relative to MRSA-non-colonization. MRSA-colonized patients receiving MRSA-specific antibiotics, compared to those receiving non-MRSA-specific antibiotics, had lower SSI rates, but this difference was not statistically significant (15.8 % vs. 25.7 %, p = 0.40). In the non-screened population, those receiving MRSA-specific antibiotics, compared to those receiving non-MRSA-specific antibiotics, had significantly higher SSI rates (6.9 % vs. 3.0 %, p = 0.00001). The use of MRSA-specific antibiotic prophylaxis in the non-screened population increased the odds of SSI (OR 1.90, 95 % CI 1.45-2.46, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: MRSA-colonized neurosurgical patients had a higher SSI rate compared to MRSA-non-colonized patients. While MRSA-specific antibiotics may benefit those with MRSA colonization, the difference in SSI rate between MRSA-colonized patients receiving MRSA-specific antibiotics vs. non-specific antibiotics requires further investigation. The broader use of MRSA-specific antibiotics may paradoxically confer an increased risk of SSI in a non-screened neurosurgical population.

Incorporating preauthorization into antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist workflow reduces Clostridioides difficile and gastrointestinal panel testing.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether incorporating mandatory prior authorization for Clostridioides difficile testing into antimicrobial stewardship pharmacist workflow could reduce testing in patients with alternative etiologies for diarrhea. DESIGN: Single center, quasi-experimental before-and-after study. SETTING: Tertiary-care, academic medical center in Ann Arbor, Michigan. PATIENTS: Adult and pediatric patients admitted between September 11, 2019 and December 10, 2019 were included if they had an order placed for 1 of the following: (1) C. difficile enzyme immunoassay (EIA) in patients hospitalized >72 hours and received laxatives, oral contrast, or initiated tube feeds within the prior 48 hours, (2) repeat molecular multiplex gastrointestinal pathogen panel (GIPAN) testing, or (3) GIPAN testing in patients hospitalized >72 hours. INTERVENTION: A best-practice alert prompting prior authorization by the antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) for EIA or GIPAN testing was implemented. Approval required the provider to page the ASP pharmacist and discuss rationale for testing. The provider could not proceed with the order if ASP approval was not obtained. RESULTS: An average of 2.5 requests per day were received over the 3-month intervention period. The weekly rate of EIA and GIPAN orders per 1,000 patient days decreased significantly from 6.05 ± 0.94 to 4.87 ± 0.78 (IRR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.56-0.93; P = .010) and from 1.72 ± 0.37 to 0.89 ± 0.29 (IRR, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.37-0.77; P = .001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We identified an efficient, effective C. difficile and GIPAN diagnostic stewardship approval model.

Clinical Practice Update on Infectious Endocarditis.

Infectious endocarditis is a highly morbid disease with approximately 43,000 cases per year in the United States. The modified Duke Criteria have poor sensitivity; however, advances in diagnostic imaging provide new tools for clinicians to make what can be an elusive diagnosis. There are a number of risk stratification calculators that can help guide providers in medical and surgical management. Patients who inject drugs pose unique challenges for the health care system as their addiction, which is often untreated, can lead to recurrent infections after valve replacement. There is a need to increase access to medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorders in this population. Recent studies suggest that oral and depo antibiotics may be viable alternatives to conventional intravenous therapy. Additionally, shorter courses of antibiotic therapy are potentially equally efficacious in patients who are surgically managed. Given the complexities involved with their care, patients with endocarditis are best managed by multidisciplinary teams.

Physician perceptions of a multidisciplinary endocarditis team.

Infectious endocarditis is a highly morbid infection that requires coordination of care across medical and surgical specialties, often through the use of a multidisciplinary team model. Multiple studies have demonstrated that such conferences can improve clinical outcomes. However, little is known about physicians' impressions of these groups. We surveyed 126 (response rate of 30%) internal medicine, infectious diseases, cardiology, and cardiac surgery providers 1 year after the implementation of an endocarditis team at the University of Michigan. Ninety-eight percent of physicians felt that the endocarditis team improved communication between specialties. Additionally, over 85% of respondents agreed that the group influenced diagnostic evaluation, reduced management errors, increased access to surgery, and decreased in-hospital mortality for endocarditis patients. These results suggest that multidisciplinary endocarditis teams are valued by physicians as a tool to improve patient care and serve an important role in increasing communication between providers.

Identification of four patients with colistin-resistant Escherichia coli containing the mobile colistin resistance mcr-1 gene from a single health system in Michigan.

Clinical Enterobacteriacae isolates with a colistin minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥4 mg/L from a United States hospital were screened for the mcr-1 gene using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and confirmed by whole-genome sequencing. Four colistin-resistant Escherichia coli isolates contained mcr-1. Two isolates belonged to the same sequence type (ST-632). All subjects had prior international travel and antimicrobial exposure.

Multidrug-resistant Organisms in Hospitals: What Is on Patient Hands and in Their Rooms?

BACKGROUND: The impact of healthcare personnel hand contamination in multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO) transmission is important and well studied; however, the role of patient hand contamination needs to be characterized further. METHODS: Patients from 2 hospitals in southeast Michigan were recruited within 24 hours of arrival to their room and followed prospectively using microbial surveillance of nares, dominant hand, and 6 high-touch environmental surfaces. Sampling was performed on admission, days 3 and 7, and weekly until discharge. Paired samples of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from the patients' hand and room surfaces were evaluated for relatedness using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec, and Panton-Valentine leukocidin typing. RESULTS: A total of 399 patients (mean age, 60.8 years; 49% male) were enrolled and followed for 710 visits. Fourteen percent (n = 56/399) of patients were colonized with an MDRO at baseline; 10% (40/399) had an MDRO on their hands. Twenty-nine percent of rooms harbored an MDRO. Six percent (14/225 patients with at least 2 visits) newly acquired an MDRO on their hands during their stay. New MDRO acquisition in patients occurred at a rate of 24.6/1000 patient-days, and in rooms at a rate of 58.6/1000 patient-days. Typing demonstrated a high correlation between MRSA on patient hands and room surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that patient hand contamination with MDROs is common and correlates with contamination on high-touch room surfaces. Patient hand hygiene protocols should be considered to reduce transmission of pathogens and healthcare-associated infections.