The effects of topical antibiotics on eradication and acquisition of third-generation cephalosporin and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria in ICU patients; a post hoc analysis from a multicentre cluster-randomized trial.

OBJECTIVES: The aim was to quantify the effects of selective digestive tract decontamination (SDD) consisting of a mouth paste and gastro-enteral suspension, selective oropharyngeal decontamination with a mouth paste (SOD) and 1-2% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash on eradication and acquisition of carriage of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales (3GCR-E) and carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB) in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. METHODS: This was a nested cohort study within a cluster-randomized cross-over trial in six European countries and 13 ICUs with 8665 patients. Eradication and acquisition during ICU stay of 3GCR-E and CR-GNB were investigated separately in the rectum and respiratory tract for the three interventions and compared with standard care (SC) using Cox-regression competing events analyses. RESULTS: Adjusted cause specific hazard ratios (CSHR) for eradication of rectal carriage for SDD were 1.76 (95% CI 1.31-2.36) for 3GCR-E and 3.17 (95% CI 1.60-6.29) for CR-GNB compared with SC. For the respiratory tract, adjusted CSHR for eradication of 3GCR-E were 1.47 (0.98-2.20) for SDD and 1.38 (0.92-2.06) for SOD compared with SC, and for eradication of CR-GNB these were 0.77 (0.41- 1.45) for SDD and 0.81 (0.44-1.51) for SOD, compared with SC. Adjusted CSHRs for acquisition of rectal carriage during SDD (compared with SC) were 0.51 (0.40-0.64) for 3GCR-E and of 0.56 (0.40-0.78) for CR-GNB. Adjusted CSHRs for acquiring respiratory tract carriage with 3GCR-E compared with SC were 0.38 (0.28-0.50) for SDD and 0.55 (0.42-0.71) for SOD, and for CR-GNB 0.46 (0.33-0.64) during SDD and 0.60 (0.44-0.81) during SOD, respectively. SOD was not associated with eradication or acquisition of 3GCR-E and CR-GNB in the rectum. CONCLUSIONS: Among mechanically ventilated ICU patients, SDD was associated with more eradication and less acquisition of 3GCR-E and CR-GNB in the rectum than SC. SDD and SOD were associated with less acquisition of both 3GCR-E and CR-GNB than SC in the respiratory tract.

Hospitalisations with infections related to antimicrobial-resistant bacteria from the French nationwide hospital discharge database, 2016.

Massive use of antibiotics has led to increased bacterial resistance to these drugs, making infections more difficult to treat. Few studies have assessed the overall antimicrobial resistance (AMR) burden, and there is a paucity of comprehensive data to inform health policies. This study aims to assess the overall annual incident number of hospitalised patients with AMR infection in France, using the National Hospital Discharge database. All incident hospitalisations with acute infections in 2016 were extracted. Infections which could be linked with an infecting microorganism were first analysed. Then, an extrapolation of bacterial species and resistance status was performed, according to age class, gender and infection site to estimate the total number of AMR cases. Resistant bacteria caused 139 105 (95% CI 127 920-150 289) infections, resulting in a 12.3% (95% CI 11.3-13.2) resistance rate. ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were the most common resistant bacteria (>50%), causing respectively 49 692 (95% CI 47 223-52 142) and 19 493 (95% CI 15 237-23 747) infections. Although assumptions are needed to provide national estimates, information from PMSI is comprehensive, covering all acute bacterial infections and a wide variety of microorganisms.

Healthcare workers' knowledge and perceptions of the risks associated with emerging extensively drug-resistant bacteria.

OBJECTIVE: Guidelines have been issued in 2010 to prevent the spread of emerging extensively resistant bacteria (eXDR), but their implementation is difficult. We aimed to evaluate healthcare workers' (HCW) knowledge and their risk perception to identify barriers to the implementation of guidelines. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted at a University Hospital, where case patients are regularly admitted. The interviews focused on HCW's knowledge, risk perception, and challenges met. The evaluation of HCW's knowledge and contagiousness and perception of severity of eXDR carriage were analyzed statistically. Risk perception and opinion about guidelines were analyzed by qualitative description. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one HCWs were interviewed. The category of HCW, having searched for information on resistant bacteria, and having taken care of case patients were associated with better knowledge. The HCW category, age, type of unit, seniority, and having taken care of case patients were associated with risk perceptions. Qualitative analysis identified 61 themes. HCWs were extremely concerned by the spread of bacteria within the hospital. The main challenges identified were organizational and communication issues. CONCLUSION: HCWs reported a lack of knowledge and a lack of resources to implement guidelines. Strategies to improve guidelines implementation must be based on a better availability of resources, better communication, and new educational methods.

Estimating the morbidity and mortality associated with infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB), France, 2012.

BACKGROUND: A study based on 2007 data estimated that 386,000 infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRB) occurred in Europe that year and 25,000 patients died from these infections. Our objective was to estimate the morbidity and mortality associated with these infections in France. METHODS: The MDRB considered were methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), glycopeptide-resistant enterococci, third-generation cephalosporin-resistant (3GC-R) Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter spp. and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CR P. aeruginosa). The number of invasive infections (infections with bacteria isolated from blood or cerebrospinal fluid) due to MDRB, as reported by France to EARS-Net in 2012, was corrected for the coverage of our surveillance network and extrapolated to other body sites using ratios from the French healthcare-associated infections point prevalence survey and the literature. Mortality associated with MDRB infection was estimated using proportions from the literature. Methods and parameters were reviewed by a panel of experts. RESULTS: We estimate that 158,000 (127,000 to 245,000) infections due to MDRB occurred in 2012 in France (incidence: 1.48 to 2.85 per 1000 hospital days), including 16,000 invasive infections. MRSA, 3GC-R E. coli and K. pneumoniae were responsible for 120,000 (90,000 to 172,000) infections, i.e., 75% of the total. An estimated 12,500 (11,500 to 17,500) deaths were associated with these infections, including 2,700 associated with invasive infections. MRSA, 3GC-R E. coli and CR P. aeruginosa accounted for 88% of these deaths. CONCLUSION: These first estimates confirm that MRSA, 3GC-R Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae account for the largest portion of the morbidity and mortality of infections due to MDRB in France. These results are not directly comparable with the European study because the methodology used differs in many respects. The differences identified between our study and previous studies underline the need to define a standardised protocol for international assessments of the morbidity and mortality of antibiotic resistance. Estimating morbidity and mortality will facilitate communication and awareness in order to reinforce adherence and support of healthcare professionals and policy-makers to MDRB prevention programs.

First nosocomial outbreak of vanA-type vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus raffinosus in France.

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus raffinosus has rarely been associated with nosocomial infection and outbreaks. AIM: To report the successful control of a nosocomial outbreak of vanA-type vancomycin-resistant E. raffinosus in a surgical intensive care unit. METHODS: The investigation of the outbreak is reported with control measures taken. Molecular typing of vancomycin-resistant E. raffinosus isolates was performed by repetitive sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (PCR). FINDINGS: Between September and October 2014, vancomycin-resistant E. raffinosus isolates were isolated from four patients. The index patient had been hospitalized previously in Portugal, and was not found to be colonized by vancomycin-resistant enterococci on screening cultures obtained at admission. However, vancomycin-resistant E. raffinosus was isolated from a bile sample 19 days after hospital admission. All four isolates were resistant to both vancomycin and teicoplanin due to the presence of the vanA gene, while remaining susceptible to daptomycin and linezolid. Repetitive sequence-based PCR confirmed the spread of a single vanA-positive E. raffinosus clone. Infection control measures including direct PCR screening on rectal specimens, contact precautions, and cohorting of patients and personnel led to successful control of the outbreak. CONCLUSION: This is the first reported outbreak of vanA-type vancomycin-resistant E. raffinosus in France in both clinical and screening specimens among hospitalized patients. The inability of routine selective screening media to detect the vancomycin-resistant E. raffinosus in the index case likely contributed to the outbreak.

KPC-Like Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Colonizing Patients in Europe and Israel.

In a 2008-2011 survey, 17,945 patients in 18 hospital units in Europe and Israel were screened for carriage of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, resulting in identification of 124 positive patients. The isolates were dominated by Klebsiella pneumoniae sequence type 258 (ST258) KPC-2 and ST512 KPC-3, mainly from Greece and Italy, respectively, whereas Israeli isolates were of diverse species, clones, and KPC variants. Various blaKPC platforms were observed, among which IncFIIK-FIBK plasmids with blaKPC-2/-3 genes in the Tn4401a transposon prevailed.

Inhaled nitric oxide for acute chest syndrome in adult sickle cell patients: a randomized controlled study.

PURPOSE: Previous clinical trials suggested that inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) could have beneficial effects in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients with acute chest syndrome (ACS). METHODS: To determine whether iNO reduces treatment failure rate in adult patients with ACS, we conducted a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. iNO (80 ppm, N = 50) gas or inhaled nitrogen placebo (N = 50) was delivered for 3 days. The primary end point was the number of patients with treatment failure at day 3, defined as any one of the following: (1) death from any cause, (2) need for endotracheal intubation, (3) decrease of PaO2/FiO2 ≥ 15 mmHg between days 1 and 3, (4) augmented therapy defined as new transfusion or phlebotomy. RESULTS: The two groups did not differ in age, gender, genotype, or baseline characteristics and biological parameters. iNO was well tolerated, although a transient decrease in nitric oxide concentration was mandated in one patient. There was no significant difference in the primary end point between the iNO and placebo groups [23 (46 %) and 29 (58 %); odds ratio (OR), 0.8; 95 % CI, 0.54-1.16; p = 0.23]. A post hoc analysis of the 45 patients with hypoxemia showed that those in the iNO group were less likely to experience treatment failure at day 3 [7 (33.3 %) vs 18 (72 %); OR = 0.19; 95 % CI, 0.06-0.68; p = 0.009]. CONCLUSIONS: iNO did not reduce the rate of treatment failure in adult SCD patients with mild to moderate ACS. Future trials should target more severely ill ACS patients with hypoxemia. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00748423.

COPD patients with ventilator-associated pneumonia: implications for management.

Data on the occurrence and outcome of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) are quite limited. The aim of this study was to determine if COPD intensive care unit (ICU) patients have a higher rate of VAP development, different microbiological aetiology or have worse outcomes than other patients without VAP. A secondary analysis of a large prospective, observational study conducted in 27 European ICUs was carried out. Trauma patients were excluded. Of 2082 intubated patients included in the study, 397 (19.1%) had COPD; 79 (19.9%) patients with COPD and 332 (19.7%) patients without COPD developed VAP. ICU mortality increased by 17% (p < 0.05) when COPD patients developed VAP, remaining an independent predictor of mortality [odds ratio (OR) 2.28; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.35-3.87]. The development of VAP in COPD patients was associated with a median increase of 12 days in the duration of mechanical ventilation and >13 days in ICU stay (p < 0.05). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was more common in VAP when COPD was present (29.1% vs. 18.7%, p = 0.04) and was the most frequent isolate in COPD patients with early-onset VAP, with a frequency 2.5 times higher than in patients without early-onset VAP (33.3% vs. 13.3%, p = 0.03). COPD patients are not more predisposed to VAP than other ICU patients, but if COPD patients develop VAP, they have a worse outcome. Antibiotic coverage for non-fermenters needs to be included in the empiric therapy of all COPD patients, even in early-onset VAP.

Phylogenetic lineages, clones and ß-lactamases in an international collection of Klebsiella oxytoca isolates non-susceptible to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to examine Klebsiella oxytoca clonal and phylogenetic diversity, based on an international collection of carriage isolates non-susceptible to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs). METHODS: The study material comprised 68 rectal carriage K. oxytoca isolates non-susceptible to ESCs recovered in 2008-11 from patients in 14 hospitals across Europe and Israel. ESC resistance was tested phenotypically; genes encoding ESBLs, AmpC cephalosporinases and carbapenemases were amplified and sequenced. The isolates were typed by PFGE and MLST, followed by sequencing of blaOXY genes. RESULTS: MLST and PFGE distinguished 34 STs and 47 pulsotypes among the isolates, respectively. Six STs were split into several pulsotypes each. Five STs were more prevalent (n = 2-9) and occurred in several countries each, including ST2, ST9 and ST141, which belong to a growing international clonal complex (CC), CC2. Four phylogenetic lineages were distinguished, each with another type of chromosomal OXY-type ß-lactamase. Three of these, with OXY-1/-5, OXY-2 types and OXY-4, corresponded to previously described phylogroups KoI, KoII and KoIV, respectively. A single isolate from Israel represented a distinct lineage with a newly defined OXY-7 type. The phylogroups showed interesting differences in mechanisms of ESC resistance; KoI strains rarely overexpressed the OXY enzymes but commonly produced ESBLs, whereas KoII strains often were OXY hyperproducers and carried ESBLs much less frequently. AmpCs (DHA-1) and carbapenemases (VIM-1) occurred sporadically. CONCLUSIONS: The study confirmed the high genetic diversity of the collection of K. oxytoca ESC-non-susceptible isolates, composed of phylogroups with distinct types of OXY-type ß-lactamases, and revealed some STs of broad geographical distribution.

Elaboration of a consensual definition of de-escalation allowing a ranking of ß-lactams.

Empirical broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy prescribed in life-threatening situations should be de-escalated to mitigate the risk of resistance emergence. Definitions of de-escalation (DE) vary among studies, thereby biasing their results. The aim of this study was to provide a consensus definition of DE and to establish a ranking of ß-lactam according to both their spectra and their ecological consequences. Twenty-eight experts from intensive care, infectious disease and clinical microbiology were consulted using the Delphi method (four successive questionnaires) from July to November 2013. More than 70% of similar answers to a question were necessary to reach a consensus. According to our consensus definition, DE purpose was to reduce both the spectrum of antimicrobial therapy and the selective pressure on microbiota. DE included switching from combination to monotherapy. A six-rank consensual classification of ß-lactams allowing gradation of DE was established. The group was unable to differentiate ecological consequences of molecules included in group 4, i.e. piperacillin/tazobactam, ticarcillin/clavulanic acid, fourth-generation cephalosporin and antipseudomonal third-generation cephalosporin. Furthermore, no consensus was reached on the delay within which DE should be performed and on whether or not the shortening of antibiotic therapy duration should be included in DE definition. This study provides a consensual ranking of ß-lactams according to their global ecological consequences that may be helpful in future studies on DE. However, this work also underlines the difficulties of reaching a consensus on the relative ecological impact of each individual drug and on the timing of DE.

Survey of metallo-ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae colonizing patients in European ICUs and rehabilitation units, 2008-11.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to perform a multinational survey of patients' colonization by metallo-ß-lactamase (MBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, including their molecular characterization. METHODS: Patients in 18 hospital units across Europe and Israel (n = 17 945) were screened between mid-2008 and mid-2011. MBL-producing isolates were typed by PFGE and MLST. MBL genes were amplified and sequenced within their integrons. Plasmids with MBL genes were analysed by nuclease S1 plus hybridization profiling, mating and transformation assays, and by PCR-based replicon typing. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients in nine centres (six countries), including 62 patients in two Greek ICUs, carried 94 non-duplicate MBL-producing organisms. Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates from Greece dominated (n = 57) and belonged mainly to ST147, ST36 and ST383. All but one of the isolates expressed VIM-1-type MBLs. Isolates of Greek origins produced five enzymes, including new VIM-39, encoded by class 1 integrons of four types. In-e541-like elements prevailed, comprising six variants located on IncR, IncFIIK, IncR + FIIK, IncR + A/C or non-typeable plasmids. The other group were new In4873 and In4863, being the first In416-like elements identified in Greece, which were present on IncA/C or non-typeable plasmids. Isolates from other countries produced only VIM-1 and the major integron was In916, identified in 16 organisms from France, Italy and Spain. In916 was carried by four plasmid types, including IncA/C, IncFIIK and IncHI2. Other integrons included a new element, In3103, in Spain and In110 identified only in Latvia. CONCLUSIONS: This study provided fully comparable data on the occurrence and molecular characteristics of VIM-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a group of hospital units across Europe, documenting recent changes in their epidemiology.

MLST reveals potentially high-risk international clones of Enterobacter cloacae.

OBJECTIVES: To perform the first multinational Enterobacter cloacae clonality study, using the MLST scheme newly developed in Japan. METHODS: The analysis included 195 rectal carriage E. cloacae isolates resistant to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins (ESCs), collected from patients in 12 hospital units across Europe and Israel. All of the isolates were typed by PFGE and 173 isolates were subjected to MLST. ESC resistance was analysed phenotypically; genes encoding ESBLs and carbapenemases were identified by PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: MLST distinguished 88 STs, which correlated with the PFGE data. PFGE was more discriminatory, producing 129 pulsotypes (169 patterns). Numerous STs were observed in several countries each. The most widespread were ST66, ST78, ST108 and ST114, each having at least 10 isolates from three to five countries, diversified into multiple pulsotypes, with clusters of related isolates in one or more centres. Analysis of the STs against the MLST database revealed several epidemic clonal complexes, such as those with central genotypes ST74 (including ST78) or ST114 (including ST66). ESC resistance was equally related to overexpression of the AmpC cephalosporinase and to ESBL production. Among ESBL producers some spreading subclones were identified, including specific ST66, ST78 and ST114 pulsotypes, associated with CTX-M-15 production. Several isolates produced carbapenemase VIM-1 or KPC-2. CONCLUSIONS: Together with the information available in the MLST database, our results suggest that, like Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. cloacae harbours clonal lineages of increased epidemic potential that may be associated with resistance spread.

[Necrotizing fasciitis: results of a survey on management practices in French-speaking intensive care units]. / Prise en charge des dermohypodermites bactériennes nécrosantes et fasciites nécrosantes en réanimation : résultats d'une enquête de pratique francophone.

OBJECTIVES: Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) are rare and severe soft tissue infections associated with a high mortality rate. In order to assess the management of NF in French-speaking intensive care units (ICUs), we conducted a survey endorsed by the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (SFAR). STUDY DESIGN: Online self-administered survey. METHODS: A link to an online survey was sent by email to 4620 anesthesiologists and/or intensivists and was available online from January to February 2014. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-five physicians (3.8%) who worked in 135 ICUs filled out the online survey. Among respondents, 42% reported having managed up to two patients with NF during the previous year; 59% and 72% of respondents reported not having a surgical and a medical specialist consultant, respectively. A delayed access to the operating room (OR) of more than 6hours was reported in 31% of cases and access to the OR was reported not to be routinely considered as a priority in 13% of cases. Only 17% of respondents reported that time to transfer to the OR was never a cause for delayed surgery. The main causes for delayed surgery were: delayed diagnosis (45%), delayed validation of surgical intervention (37%), and difficulty of access to the OR (8%). Finally, 83% of respondents estimated that creating dedicated multidisciplinary teams for managing NFs could lead to improving outcomes. CONCLUSION: This survey illustrates the heterogeneous management of NF in French-speaking ICUs and points out several logistical aspects that should be improved to reduce the time to the first surgical debridement.

Long-term control of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae at the scale of a large French multihospital institution: a nine-year experience, France, 2004 to 2012.

In 2009, following the occurrence of several outbreaks of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), a programme for controlling the spread of CPE was implemented in the 38 hospitals of the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, a 21,000-bed institution. This programme included recommendations to isolate, and screen for CPE, patients previously hospitalised abroad, and bundled measures to control cross transmission (barrier precautions, dedicated staff and screening of contact patients). From 2004 to 2012, 140 CPE index cases were identified, 17 leading to outbreaks. After application of the programme, in spite of an increase in the number of CPE index cases epidemiologically linked with a recent stay or hospitalisation abroad, the proportion of cases followed by outbreaks, which was 40% (4/10) before 2009, decreased to 10% (13/130) (p=0.02), and the proportion of secondary cases among all CPE cases decreased from 69% (22/32) to 23% (38/168), (p<0.001). The number of secondary cases varied significantly depending on the speed and strength of the measures implemented around the CPE index case: quick (within two days of patient admission at the hospital) setting of nursing staff dedicated to the patient, quick setting of simple barrier precautions, or delayed measures of control (p=0.001). A sustained and coordinated strategy can lead to control CPE at the level of a large regional multi-hospital institution in a country where CPE are at an emerging stage.

A multinational study of colonization with extended spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in healthcare personnel and family members of carrier patients hospitalized in rehabilitation centres.

The study aims were: (i) to define the prevalence of and risk factors for colonization by extended spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL) -producing Enterobacteriaceae (EPE) among healthcare workers (HCWs) and family members (FMs) of EPE-colonized patients in rehabilitation units and (ii) to compare EPE isolates from these three groups. The study included 286 FMs of 194 EPE-carrying patients identified in five rehabilitation units located in Israel, Italy, France and Spain. The EPE were detected in rectal swabs from 26 (9%) of 286 FMs screened. In multivariate analyses, older age of FM, greater mean number of hours spent with the patient, being a daughter or a female spouse of a patient, and chronic lung disease of the patient were significantly associated with carriage in the FM. Escherichia coli was the most common organism (76%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (19%). Isolates were typed by pulsed field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing, and ESBLs were identified by PCR sequencing. A comparison of paired species isolates from FMs and their respective patient showed that 17 of 23 strains were indistinguishable. EPE were detected in 35 (3.5%, E. coli = 34) of the 1001 HCWs screened. Feeding patients was associated with EPE carriage by HCWs. Only 7 of 23 E. coli subclones cultured from HCWs were also represented among 376 patient-derived ESBL-producing E. coli isolates from the same rehabilitation units. In Spain, a higher proportion of HCWs and FMs were ESBL carriers than elsewhere (p <0.05). In conclusion, the molecular and epidemiological data suggest that FMs are at higher risk of EPE acquisition from their relative patients than HCWs.

Contamination of healthcare workers' hands with Clostridium difficile spores after caring for patients with C. difficile infection.

OBJECTIVE: We determined the percentage of healthcare workers' (HCWs') hands contaminated with Clostridium difficile spores after caring for patients with C. difficile infection (CDI) and risk factors associated with contamination. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: A French university hospital. METHODS: We compared the hand contamination rate among HCWs caring for patients with CDI (exposed group; n = 66) with that among an unexposed group (n = 44). Spores of C. difficile were recovered from the hands of HCWs after rubbing their fingers and palms in alcohol shortly after patient care. Associations between hand contamination and HCW category, type (patient or environment), and risk level (high or low risk) of HCW contacts and their respective duration as well as use of gloves were analyzed by bivariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: C. difficile spores were detected on 24% of HCWs' hands in the exposed group and on 0% in the unexposed group (P < .001). In the exposed group, logistic regression, which adjusted for high-risk contact (ie, exposure to fecal soiling), contact with the environment, and contact with or without use of gloves, revealed that high-risk contact (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] per 1 contact increment, 2.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42-5.45; P = .003) and at least 1 contact without use of gloves (aOR, 6.26; 95% CI, 1.27-30.78; P = .02) were independently associated with HCW hand contamination by C. difficile spores. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one-quarter of HCWs have hands contaminated with C. difficile spores after routine care of patients with CDI. Hand contamination is positively associated with exposure to fecal soiling and lack of glove use.

Impact of a program combining pre-authorization requirement and post-prescription review of carbapenems: an interrupted time-series analysis.

The objective of this study was to assess the impact on carbapenems use of a program combining pre-authorization requirement and systematic post-prescription review of carbapenems prescriptions. The program was implemented in a 1,230-bed teaching tertiary hospital. Monthly carbapenems consumption was analyzed using a controlled interrupted time-series method and compared to that of vancomycin before and after implementation of the intervention. Compared to the pre-intervention period (14 monthly points), a significant and sustained decrease of carbapenems consumption [1.66 defined daily doses (DDD)/1,000 patient-days; p = 0.048] was observed during the intervention period (12 monthly points), despite an increasing trend in incidence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) isolates (0.02/1,000 patient-days per month; p = 0.093). As expected, vancomycin consumption was unaffected by the intervention. A total of 337 prescriptions were reviewed in the intervention period; most were microbiologically documented (81.3%; ESBL-PE: 39.2%). Three of four (76.6%) carbapenems prescriptions were modified within a median [interquartile range] of 2 [1; 4] days, either after infectious disease physician (IDP) advice (48.4%) or by ward physicians (28.2%). Most changes included de-escalating (52.2%) or reducing the planned duration (22.2%), which resulted in a median duration of treatment of only 3 [2; 7] days. The median length of stay and mortality rate were not influenced by the intervention. This reasonably practicable antimicrobial stewardship program including controlled delivery and systematic reevaluation of carbapenems prescriptions was able to reduce their use in our hospital, despite a rising ESBL-PE incidence.