Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Deaths Attributable to Antimicrobial Resistance, Latin America.

Antimicrobial resistance is a pressing global health concern, leading to 4.95 million deaths in 2019. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the lethality attributed to infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) in Latin America and the Caribbean. A comprehensive search of major databases retrieved relevant studies from 2000-2022. We included 54 observational studies, primarily from Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia. The most commonly studied organism was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The overall unadjusted case fatality rate related to MDROs was 45.0%; higher adjusted lethality was observed in persons infected with MDROs than in those infected with other pathogens (adjusted odds ratio 1.93, 95% CI 1.58-2.37). A higher lethality rate was seen in patients who did not receive appropriate empirical treatment (odds ratio 2.27, 95% CI 1.44-3.56). These findings underscore the increased lethality associated with antimicrobial resistance in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Primate richness and abundance is driven by both forest structure and conservation scenario in Costa Rica.

Variation in tropical forest management directly affects biodiversity and provisioning of ecosystem services on a global scale, thus it is necessary to compare forests under different conservation approaches such as protected areas, payments for ecosystem services programs (PES), and ecotourism, as well as forests lacking any formal conservation plan. To examine the effectiveness of specific conservation approaches, we examined differences in forest structure and tree recruitment, including canopy cover; canopy height; seedling, sapling, and adult tree density; and average and total diameter at breast height (DBH) across 78 plots in 18 forests across Costa Rica representing protected areas, private forests utilizing PES and/or ecotourism, and private forests not utilizing these economic incentives. The effectiveness of conservation approaches in providing suitable primate habitat was assessed by conducting broad primate census surveys across a subset of eight forests to determine species richness and group encounter rate of three primate species: mantled howler monkey (Alouatta palliata), Central American spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi), and the white-faced capuchin monkey (Cebus imitator). Only canopy height was significantly different across the three approaches, with protected areas conserving the tallest and likely oldest forests. Canopy height was also significantly associated with the group encounter rate for both mantled howler and spider monkeys, but not for capuchins. Total group encounter rate for all three monkey species combined was higher in incentivized forests than in protected areas, with capuchin and howler monkey group encounter rates driving the trend. Group encounter rate for spider monkeys was higher in protected areas than in incentivized forests. Incentivized conservation (PES and ecotourism) and protected areas are paragons of land management practices that can lead to variation in forest structure across a landscape, which not only protect primate communities, but support the dietary ecologies of sympatric primate species.

Ambulatory Antibiotic Use Patterns in Bolivia: Identifying Targets for Future Antibiotic Stewardship Efforts in Latin America.

We evaluated antibiotic use in a private health insurance network in Bolivia with two different healthcare plans. The Health Maintenance Organization plan had 29% lower antibiotic consumption and fewer broad-spectrum antibiotics prescribed than the Preferred Provider Organization. Furthermore, we identified potential targets for future antibiotic stewardship efforts.

Deep Dive Into Gaps and Barriers to Implementation of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Hospitals in Latin America.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance has worsened in Latin America. There is an urgent need to understand the development of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and the barriers to implementing effective ASPs in light of limited national action plans or policies to promote ASPs in the region. METHODS: We performed a descriptive mixed-methods study of ASPs in 5 Latin American countries in March-July 2022. An electronic questionnaire with an associated scoring system (hospital ASP self-assessment) was used, and ASP development was classified based on the scores (inadequate, 0-25; basic, 26-50; intermediate, 51-75; or advanced, 76-100). Interviews among healthcare workers (HCWs) involved in antimicrobial stewardship (AS) inquired about behavioral and organizational factors that influence AS activities. Interview data were coded into themes. Results from the ASP self-assessment and interviews were integrated to create an explanatory framework. RESULTS: Twenty hospitals completed the self-assessment, and 46 AS stakeholders from these hospitals were interviewed. ASP development was inadequate/basic in 35% of hospitals, intermediate in 50%, and advanced in 15%. For-profit hospitals had higher scores than not-for-profit hospitals. Interview data validated the self-assessment findings and provided further insight into ASP implementation challenges, which included limited formal hospital leadership support, inadequate staffing and tools to perform AS work more efficiently, limited awareness of AS principles by HCWs, and limited training opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: We identified several barriers to ASP development in Latin America, suggesting the need to create accurate business cases for ASPs to obtain the necessary funding for their effective implementation and sustainability.

Antimicrobial stewardship in Latin America: Past, present, and future.

Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in well-resourced countries has been associated with reductions in antibiotic-resistant infections and improved patient outcomes. Several guidance documents providing recommendations on how to structure antimicrobial stewardship activities at the national and hospital level in resource-limited settings have been published. However, few hospitals in Latin America report having a structure or resources needed for a successful ASP. Given the alarming increases in antimicrobial resistance in Latin America, better understanding of barriers to promote implementation of effective ASPs is urgently needed. We have summarized past and present antimicrobial stewardship activities in Latin American hospitals, and we describe key elements needed in future efforts to strengthen antimicrobial stewardship in the region.

Reporting on antibiotic use patterns using the WHO Access, Watch, Reserve classification in the Caribbean.

Objective: To assess antibiotic use in three hospitals in three Caribbean countries based on data from 2013 and 2018 using the World Health Organization Essential Medicines List "Access, Watch, Reserve" (AWaRe) classification. Methods: A retrospective observational study, which analyzed the World Health Organization Point Prevalence Survey data from three hospitals in three Caribbean countries, to examine proportional AWaRe group antibiotic use for the top ten inpatient indications. The Access-to-Watch ratio was calculated, and the top three antibiotics prescribed in each hospital were determined. Results: The final data set included 376 prescriptions for the top ten indications in 766 inpatients. The hospital antibiotic use point prevalence for Hospital 1 was 35.6%, Hospital 2 was 48.6%, and Hospital 3 was 47.1%. The Access-to-Watch ratio for the top ten indications was 2.45, 1.36, and 1.72 in the three hospitals. Access group prevalence was 71.0% in Hospital 1, 57.6% in Hospital 2, and 63.2% in Hospital 3. There were no Reserve antibiotics prescribed in any of the institutions. The most common indication for Watch prescription was skin and soft tissue infections in Hospital 1 and pneumonia in Hospital 2 and 3. Conclusions: This study draws urgent attention to evidence of a high proportion of Watch antibiotic prescribing and lack of Reserve group antibiotics in three Caribbean countries. This research provides data that may inform national formulary and antimicrobial stewardship policy-making across the settings analyzed and the wider region.

Reporting on antibiotic use patterns using the WHO Access, Watch, Reserve classification in the Caribbean

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To assess antibiotic use in three hospitals in three Caribbean countries based on data from 2013 and 2018 using the World Health Organization Essential Medicines List “Access, Watch, Reserve” (AWaRe) classification. Methods. A retrospective observational study, which analyzed the World Health Organization Point Prevalence Survey data from three hospitals in three Caribbean countries, to examine proportional AWaRe group antibiotic use for the top ten inpatient indications. The Access-to-Watch ratio was calculated, and the top three antibiot- ics prescribed in each hospital were determined. Results. The final data set included 376 prescriptions for the top ten indications in 766 inpatients. The hospital antibiotic use point prevalence for Hospital 1 was 35.6%, Hospital 2 was 48.6%, and Hospital 3 was 47.1%. The Access-to-Watch ratio for the top ten indications was 2.45, 1.36, and 1.72 in the three hospitals. Access group prevalence was 71.0% in Hospital 1, 57.6% in Hospital 2, and 63.2% in Hospital 3. There were no Reserve antibiotics prescribed in any of the institutions. The most common indication for Watch prescription was skin and soft tissue infections in Hospital 1 and pneumonia in Hospital 2 and 3. Conclusions. This study draws urgent attention to evidence of a high proportion of Watch antibiotic prescrib- ing and lack of Reserve group antibiotics in three Caribbean countries. This research provides data that may inform national formulary and antimicrobial stewardship policy-making across the settings analyzed and the wider region.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Evaluar el consumo de antibióticos en tres hospitales de tres países del Caribe según datos del período 2013-2018 mediante la clasificación de acceso, control y reserva (AWaRe, por su sigla en inglés) de la lista de medicamentos esenciales de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo, que analizó los datos de la encuesta de prevalencia puntual de la Organización Mundial de la Salud de tres hospitales en tres países del Caribe, a fin de evaluar el consumo proporcional de antibióticos por grupo de la clasificación AWaRe para las diez principales indicaciones en pacientes hospitalizados. Se calculó la relación entre los grupos de acceso y de control y se determinó cuáles eran los tres principales antibióticos prescritos en cada hospital. Resultados. El conjunto final de datos incluyó 376 recetas para las diez indicaciones principales en 766 pacientes hospitalizados. La prevalencia puntual del consumo de antibióticos en el hospital 1 fue 35,6%, en el hospital 2 fue 48,6% y en el hospital 3 fue 47,1%. La relación entre los grupos de acceso y de control correspondientes a las diez principales indicaciones fue 2,45, 1,36 y 1,72 en los tres hospitales. La prevalencia del grupo de acceso fue 71,0% en el hospital 1, 57,6% en el hospital 2 y 63,2% en el hospital 3. No se prescribieron antibióticos del grupo de reserva en ninguna de las instituciones. La indicación más común para la prescripción de antibióticos en el grupo de control fue infecciones en la piel y los tejidos blandos en el hospital 1 y neumonía en los hospitales 2 y 3. Conclusiones. Este estudio busca llamar la atención urgentemente sobre la evidencia de una alta proporción de prescripción de antibióticos del grupo de control y la carencia de antibióticos del grupo de reserva en tres países del Caribe. Esta investigación proporciona datos que pueden fundamentar el formulario nacional y la elaboración de políticas para la optimización del uso de antimicrobianos en los entornos analizados y en la región en general.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Avaliar o uso de antibióticos em três hospitais de três países do Caribe, com base em dados de 2013 e 2018, usando a classificação "Acesso, Vigilância e Reserva" (AWaRe) da Lista de Medicamentos Essenciais da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Métodos. Estudo observacional retrospectivo com análise de dados do Estudo de Prevalência Pontual da Organização Mundial da Saúde, coletados em três hospitais de três países do Caribe para examinar o uso proporcional de antibióticos dos grupos AWaRe para as dez indicações mais frequentes em pacientes internados. A razão entre os grupos Acesso e Vigilância foi calculada e determinou-se quais eram os três antibióticos mais prescritos em cada hospital. Resultados. O conjunto final de dados incluiu 376 medicamentos prescritos para as dez indicações mais frequentes em 766 pacientes internados. A prevalência pontual de uso de antibióticos foi de 35,6% no hospital 1, 48,6% no hospital 2 e 47,1% no hospital 3. A razão entre Acesso e Vigilância nas dez indicações mais frequentes foi 2,45, 1,36, e 1,72 nos três hospitais. A prevalência do grupo Acesso foi de 71,0% no hospital 1, 57,6% no hospital 2 e 63,2% no hospital 3. Nenhum antibiótico da categoria Reserva foi prescrito em nenhuma das instituições. A indicação mais comum dos medicamentos prescritos no grupo Vigilância foram infecções de pele e tecidos moles no hospital 1 e pneumonia nos hospitais 2 e 3. Conclusões. Este estudo chama urgentemente a atenção para evidências de uma grande proporção de antibióticos prescritos no grupo Vigilância e a carência de antibióticos do grupo Reserva em três países do Caribe. Esta pesquisa fornece dados que podem guiar a criação de políticas para o formulário terapêutico nacional e o uso racional de antimicrobianos nos cenários analisados e na região como um todo.

[Factors associated with the risk of COVID-19 in health-care workers]. / Factores asociados al riesgo de COVID-19 en el personal de salud.

BACKGROUND: Although healthcare personnel are considered a high-risk group for SARS-CoV-2 infection due to their exposure, research on the factors associated with their infection is limited. The objective was to identify factors associated with the acquisition of COVID-19 in healthcare personnel. METHODS: a multicenter, cross-sectional study with nested cases and controls was carried out in 23 hospitals in Argentina. A structured survey was used to collect demographic, institutional and behavioral variables from healthcare personnel with positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV2 (cases) and healthcare personnel with negative test results (controls). Those variables significantly associated with the condition of having had COVID-19 in the bivariate analysis were included in a multivariate analysis. RESULTS: A total of 2088 workers participated in the study, with an incidence of 1.41 cases per 10 000 worker-hours (95%CI 1.35-1.48). Being male, (OR 1.60; 95%CI 1.32-1.95), working in social security, (OR 1.53; 95%CI 1.13-2.07), being nursing staff, (OR 1.46; 95%CI 1.22-1.74), having personal protective equipment, (OR 0.33; 95%CI 0.18-0.62), sharing unprotected common spaces with other workers, (OR 1.98; 95%CI 1. 60-2.44), living with people confirmed or suspected of COVID-19 (OR 1.69; 95%CI 1.37-2.09), sharing infusions or other drinks and/or food with people in the community (OR 1.31; 95%CI 1.02-1.70), feeling distressed (OR 1.85; 95%CI 1.55-2.21) and were independently associated with the risk of acquiring COVID-19. DISCUSSION: This study allowed us to identify different potentially modifiable factors on which action should be taken to reduce the risk of acquiring COVID-19 by the healthcare personnel.

Introducción: Aunque, el personal sanitario es considerado por su exposición un grupo de alto riesgo de infección por SARS-CoV-2, la investigación sobre los factores asociados a infección resulta limitada. El objetivo fue identificar los factores asociados a la adquisición de COVID-19 en el personal sanitario. Materiales y métodos: Estudio multicéntrico, de corte transversal con casos y controles anidados, en 23 hospitales de Argentina. A través de una encuesta estructurada se recolectaron variables demográficas, institucionales y conductuales del personal sanitario con RT-PCR positiva para SARS-CoV-2 (casos) y del personal sanitario con resultados negativos en el test (controles). Aquellas variables asociadas significativamente con la condición de haber padecido COVID-19 en el análisis bivariado fueron incluidas en un análisis multivariado. Resultados: Participaron del estudio 2088 trabajadores, con una incidencia de 1.41 casos c/10 000 horas-trabajador (IC95% 1.35-1.48). Pertenecer al sexo masculino (OR 1.60; IC95% 1.32-1.95), trabajar en la seguridad social (OR 1.53; IC95% 1.13-2.07), ser personal de enfermería (OR 1.46; IC95% 1.22-1.74), contar con elementos de protección personal (OR 0.33; IC95% 0.18-0.62), compartir con otros trabajadores espacios comunes sin protección (OR 1.98; IC95% 1.60-2.44), convivir con personas confirmadas o sospechadas de COVID-19 (OR 1.69; IC95% 1.37-2.09), compartir infusiones u otras bebidas y/o alimentos con personas de la comunidad (OR 1.31; IC95% 1.02-1.70), sentirse angustiado (OR 1.85; IC95% 1.55-2.21) se asociaron independientemente con el riesgo de adquirir COVID-19. Discusión: Este estudio permitió identificar distintos factores potencialmente modificables, sobre los cuales se debería actuar para reducir el riesgo de COVID-19 en el personal sanitario.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs in adult intensive care units in Latin America: Implementation, assessments, and impact on outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) in adult medical-surgical intensive care units (MS-ICUs) in Latin America. DESIGN: Quasi-experimental prospective with continuous time series. SETTING: The study included 77 MS-ICUs in 9 Latin American countries. PATIENTS: Adult patients admitted to an MS-ICU for at least 24 hours were included in the study. METHODS: This multicenter study was conducted over 12 months. To evaluate the ASPs, representatives from all MS-ICUs performed a self-assessment survey (0-100 scale) at the beginning and end of the study. The impact of each ASP was evaluated monthly using the following measures: antimicrobial consumption, appropriateness of antimicrobial treatments, crude mortality, and multidrug-resistant microorganisms in healthcare-associated infections (MDRO-HAIs). Using final stewardship program quality self-assessment scores, MS-ICUs were stratified and compared among 3 groups: ≤25th percentile, >25th to <75th percentile, and ≥75th percentile. RESULTS: In total, 77 MS-ICU from 9 Latin American countries completed the study. Twenty MS-ICUs reached at least the 75th percentile at the end of the study in comparison with the same number who remain within the 25th percentile (score, 76.1 ± 7.5 vs 28.0 ± 7.3; P < .0001). Several indicators performed better in the MS-ICUs in the 75th versus 25th percentiles: antimicrobial consumption (143.4 vs 159.4 DDD per 100 patient days; P < .0001), adherence to clinical guidelines (92.5% vs 59.3%; P < .0001), validation of prescription by pharmacist (72.0% vs 58.0%; P < .0001), crude mortality (15.9% vs 17.7%; P < .0001), and MDRO-HAIs (9.45 vs 10.96 cases per 1,000 patient days; P = .004). CONCLUSION: MS-ICUs with more comprehensive ASPs showed significant improvement in antimicrobial utilization.

Reporting on antibiotic use patterns using the WHO Access, Watch, Reserve classification in the Caribbean / Presentación de informes sobre los patrones de consumo de antibióticos mediante la clasificación de acceso, control y reserva (AWaRe) de la OMS en el Caribe / Relatório sobre padrões de uso de antibióticos no Caribe usando a classificação Acesso, Vigilância e Reserva da OMS

ABSTRACT Objective. To assess antibiotic use in three hospitals in three Caribbean countries based on data from 2013 and 2018 using the World Health Organization Essential Medicines List "Access, Watch, Reserve" (AWaRe) classification. Methods. A retrospective observational study, which analyzed the World Health Organization Point Prevalence Survey data from three hospitals in three Caribbean countries, to examine proportional AWaRe group antibiotic use for the top ten inpatient indications. The Access-to-Watch ratio was calculated, and the top three antibiotics prescribed in each hospital were determined. Results. The final data set included 376 prescriptions for the top ten indications in 766 inpatients. The hospital antibiotic use point prevalence for Hospital 1 was 35.6%, Hospital 2 was 48.6%, and Hospital 3 was 47.1%. The Access-to-Watch ratio for the top ten indications was 2.45, 1.36, and 1.72 in the three hospitals. Access group prevalence was 71.0% in Hospital 1, 57.6% in Hospital 2, and 63.2% in Hospital 3. There were no Reserve antibiotics prescribed in any of the institutions. The most common indication for Watch prescription was skin and soft tissue infections in Hospital 1 and pneumonia in Hospital 2 and 3. Conclusions. This study draws urgent attention to evidence of a high proportion of Watch antibiotic prescribing and lack of Reserve group antibiotics in three Caribbean countries. This research provides data that may inform national formulary and antimicrobial stewardship policy-making across the settings analyzed and the wider region.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar el consumo de antibióticos en tres hospitales de tres países del Caribe según datos del período 2013-2018 mediante la clasificación de acceso, control y reserva (AWaRe, por su sigla en inglés) de la lista de medicamentos esenciales de la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional retrospectivo, que analizó los datos de la encuesta de prevalencia puntual de la Organización Mundial de la Salud de tres hospitales en tres países del Caribe, a fin de evaluar el consumo proporcional de antibióticos por grupo de la clasificación AWaRe para las diez principales indicaciones en pacientes hospitalizados. Se calculó la relación entre los grupos de acceso y de control y se determinó cuáles eran los tres principales antibióticos prescritos en cada hospital. Resultados. El conjunto final de datos incluyó 376 recetas para las diez indicaciones principales en 766 pacientes hospitalizados. La prevalencia puntual del consumo de antibióticos en el hospital 1 fue 35,6%, en el hospital 2 fue 48,6% y en el hospital 3 fue 47,1%. La relación entre los grupos de acceso y de control correspondientes a las diez principales indicaciones fue 2,45, 1,36 y 1,72 en los tres hospitales. La prevalencia del grupo de acceso fue 71,0% en el hospital 1, 57,6% en el hospital 2 y 63,2% en el hospital 3. No se prescribieron antibióticos del grupo de reserva en ninguna de las instituciones. La indicación más común para la prescripción de antibióticos en el grupo de control fue infecciones en la piel y los tejidos blandos en el hospital 1 y neumonía en los hospitales 2 y 3. Conclusiones. Este estudio busca llamar la atención urgentemente sobre la evidencia de una alta proporción de prescripción de antibióticos del grupo de control y la carencia de antibióticos del grupo de reserva en tres países del Caribe. Esta investigación proporciona datos que pueden fundamentar el formulario nacional y la elaboración de políticas para la optimización del uso de antimicrobianos en los entornos analizados y en la región en general.

RESUMO Objetivo. Avaliar o uso de antibióticos em três hospitais de três países do Caribe, com base em dados de 2013 e 2018, usando a classificação "Acesso, Vigilância e Reserva" (AWaRe) da Lista de Medicamentos Essenciais da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Métodos. Estudo observacional retrospectivo com análise de dados do Estudo de Prevalência Pontual da Organização Mundial da Saúde, coletados em três hospitais de três países do Caribe para examinar o uso proporcional de antibióticos dos grupos AWaRe para as dez indicações mais frequentes em pacientes internados. A razão entre os grupos Acesso e Vigilância foi calculada e determinou-se quais eram os três antibióticos mais prescritos em cada hospital. Resultados. O conjunto final de dados incluiu 376 medicamentos prescritos para as dez indicações mais frequentes em 766 pacientes internados. A prevalência pontual de uso de antibióticos foi de 35,6% no hospital 1, 48,6% no hospital 2 e 47,1% no hospital 3. A razão entre Acesso e Vigilância nas dez indicações mais frequentes foi 2,45, 1,36, e 1,72 nos três hospitais. A prevalência do grupo Acesso foi de 71,0% no hospital 1, 57,6% no hospital 2 e 63,2% no hospital 3. Nenhum antibiótico da categoria Reserva foi prescrito em nenhuma das instituições. A indicação mais comum dos medicamentos prescritos no grupo Vigilância foram infecções de pele e tecidos moles no hospital 1 e pneumonia nos hospitais 2 e 3. Conclusões. Este estudo chama urgentemente a atenção para evidências de uma grande proporção de antibióticos prescritos no grupo Vigilância e a carência de antibióticos do grupo Reserva em três países do Caribe. Esta pesquisa fornece dados que podem guiar a criação de políticas para o formulário terapêutico nacional e o uso racional de antimicrobianos nos cenários analisados e na região como um todo.

Feces are Effective Biological Samples for Measuring Pesticides and Flame Retardants in Primates.

The habitats of wild primates are increasingly threatened by surrounding anthropogenic pressures, but little is known about primate exposure to frequently used chemicals. We applied a novel method to simultaneously measure 21 legacy pesticides (OCPs), 29 current use pesticides (CUPs), 47 halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), and 19 organophosphate flame retardants in feces from baboons in the U.S.A., howler monkeys in Costa Rica, and baboons, chimpanzees, red-tailed monkeys, and red colobus in Uganda. The most abundant chemicals were α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH), ß-hexachlorocyclohexane (ß-HCH), and hexachlorobenzene among OCPs across all sites, chlorpyrifos among CUPs in Costa Rica and Indiana, decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) in Costa Rica and Indiana and 2, 2', 4, 4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) in Uganda as HFRs, and tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) as OPFRs across all sites. The detected chemical concentrations were generally higher in red-tailed monkeys and red colobus than in chimpanzees and baboons. Our methods can be used to examine the threat of chemical pollutants to wildlife, which is critical for endangered species where only noninvasive methods can be used.

Appropriate use of antibiotics: an unmet need.

Increasing bacterial resistance combined with a steady decline in the discovery of new antibiotics has resulted in a global healthcare crisis. Overuse of antibiotics, for example, in the poultry and cattle industry, and misuse and improper prescription of antibiotics are leading causes of multidrug resistance (MDR). The increasing use of antibiotics, particularly in developing countries, is a big concern for antibiotic resistance and can cause other health threats such as increased risk of recurrent infections and increased risk of cardiovascular death with chronic use of macrolides. Carbapenems are the last line of defense in many cases of resistant infection, but trends show that resistance against these agents is also increasing. This narrative review is based on relevant literature according to the experience and expertise of the authors and presents an overview of the current knowledge on antibiotic resistance, the key driving factors, and possible strategies to tackle antibiotic resistance. Collectively, studies show that hospital-wide antibiotic stewardship programs are effective in decreasing the spread of antibacterial resistance. As resistance varies according to local patterns of use, it is essential to observe the epidemiology at both a regional and an institutional level. Furthermore, adaptation of clinical guidelines is necessary, particularly for inpatient care. Future guidelines should include a justification step for continued treatment of antibiotic treatments and criteria for selection of antibiotics at the start of treatment. Nonantibiotic prevention strategies can limit infections and should also be considered in treatment plans. Vaccines against MDR organisms have shown some efficacy in phase II trials in critical care patients. Nonimmunogenic and microbiologic treatment options such as fecal transplants may be particularly important for elderly and immune-compromised patients.

Atmospheric Occurrence of Legacy Pesticides, Current Use Pesticides, and Flame Retardants in and around Protected Areas in Costa Rica and Uganda.

Protected areas have developed alongside intensive changes in land use and human settlements in the neighboring landscape. Here, we investigated the occurrence of 21 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 14 current use pesticides (CUPs), 47 halogenated flame retardants (HFRs), and 19 organophosphate esters (OPEs) in air around Las Cruces (LC) and La Selva (LS) Biological Stations, Costa Rica, and Kibale National Park (KNP), Uganda using passive air samplers (PAS) with polyurethane foam (PUF) discs (PAS-PUF). Significantly higher concentrations of CUPs were observed around LS, while LC had a higher concentration of OCPs. Land use analysis indicated that LS had a higher fraction of agriculture than LC (33% vs 14%), suggesting the higher CUPs concentration at LS was related to pesticide intensive crops, while higher OCPs concentration at LC may be attributed to the area's long agricultural history characterized by small-scale subsistence farming or long-range transport. In Uganda, CUPs and OCPs were generally lower than in Costa Rica, but high concentrations of HFRs were observed inside KNP, possibly due to human activity at research camps near the protected forest. This is the first study that documented the occurrence of anthropogenic chemicals in the air at protected areas with tropical forests.

Detection and molecular characterization of Clostridium difficile ST 1 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Thirty one C. difficile isolates recovered in 2015 were characterized. Nineteen/31 were positive for tcdA/B, among them, 4 isolates were also positive for CDT coding genes. Two/4 cdtA/B positives isolates corresponded to ST 1 resembling BI/NAP1/027/ST 1 strain, while the others corresponded to ST 226 and ST 377.

Relación entre desarrollo de los programas para la gestión del uso de antimicrobianos, apropiabilidad y consumo de antibióticos en hospitales de Argentina / Relationship between the antimicrobial stewardship program development, appropriateness and antimicrobial consumption in Argentinean hospitals

Introducción: La implementación de Programas para la Optimización de Uso de Antimicrobianos (PROAs) ha resultado una estrategia útil para mejorar los resultados asistenciales, de manera segura y costo-efectiva, reduciendo el desarrollo de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos.Objetivo: Estimar la relación entre nivel de desarrollo de los PROAs, apropia-bilidad y consumo de antimicrobianos en hospitales ArgentinosMaterial y métodos: Entre Jul-2016 y Ene-2017, 111 hospitales condujeron una autoevaluación del nivel de desarrollo de sus PROAs usando un instrumen-to basado en los lineamientos del CDC (0 a 100 puntos), además de un cor-te de prevalencia para evaluar la apropiabilidad de las prescripciones de an-timicrobianos y su consumo mensual [Dosis Diarias Definidas (DDD) c/100 días-paciente]. Para la comparación de estos indicadores, los centros fueron dicotomizados tomando como punto de corte el percentilo 75 (p75) de la au-toevaluación.Resultados: La comparación entre hospitales con puntaje ≥p75 vs.

Objective: To assess the association between the level of AMS programs development, appropriateness and antimicrobial consumption in Argentinean hospitalsMaterial and methods: Between Jul-2016 and Jan-2017, 111 hospitals performed a self-assessment survey of their AMS programs using a standardized tool based on CDC recommendations (0­100 scale). In addition, the appropriateness of antimicrobial prescription was measured through one-day prevalence study using specific criteria. The monthly consumption of a group of antimicrobials was calculated using Defined Daily Doses (DDD) per 100 patient-days. To assess the relationship between the level of AMS programs development and the appropriateness and antimicrobial consumption indicators, participating centers were grouped into two categories by using the 75th percentile (75thp) of the self-assessment scoreResults: Comparison between hospitals with score ≥75thp vs <75thp showed significant differences in all indicators analyzed (self-assessment score: 51.6 vs 25.4; diff. 26.2; 95%CI 30.3 to 22.0, p<0.000; surgical prophylaxis: ≤ 24 hs 64.8% vs 52.3%; diff. 12.5%; 95%CI 5.1% to 20.0%, p<0.002; compliance with guidelines: 77.6% vs 47.0%; diff. 30.6%; 95%CI 28.1% to 33.0%, p<0.000; prospective audit with feedback: 69.4% vs 46.8%; diff. 22.6%; 95%CI 20.0% to 25.2%, p<0.000; antimicrobial consumption: 114.8 DDDs vs 259.2 DDDs; diff.­144.4; 95%CI ­140.6 to ­148.2, p<0.000)Conclusions: Hospitals with higher self-assessment score showed better appropriateness and consumption antimicrobial indicators, reinforcing the relevance of an effective implementation of AMS programs

[Recommendations for prevention of surgical site infection in adult elective arthroplasty]. / Recomendaciones para la prevención de infecciones asociadas a artoplastia electiva en adultos.

Surgical site infections complicating orthopedic implant surgeries prolong hospital stay and increase risk of readmission, hospitalization costs and mortality. These recommendations are aimed at: (i) optimizing compliance and incorporating habits in all surgery phases by detecting risk factors for surgical site infections which are potentially correctable or modifiable; and (ii) optimizing preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis as well as intraoperative and postoperative care.

Recomendaciones para la prevención de infecciones asociadas a artoplastia electiva en adultos / Recommendations for prevention of surgical site infection in adult elective arthroplasty

Las infecciones del sitio quirúrgico que complican las cirugías ortopédicas con implante prolongan la estadía hospitalaria y aumentan tanto el riesgo de readmisión como el costo de la internación y la mortalidad. Las presentes recomendaciones están dirigidas a: (i) optimizar el cumplimiento de normas y la incorporación de hábitos en cada una de las fases de la cirugía, detectando factores de riesgo para infecciones del sitio quirúrgico potencialmente corregibles o modificables; y (ii) adecuar la profilaxis antibiótica preoperatoria y el cuidado intra y postoperatorio.

Surgical site infections complicating orthopedic implant surgeries prolong hospital stay and increase risk of readmission, hospitalization costs and mortality. These recommendations are aimed at: (i) optimizing compliance and incorporating habits in all surgery phases by detecting risk factors for surgical site infections which are potentially correctable or modifiable; and (ii) optimizing preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis as well as intraoperative and postoperative care.

Predicting early discharge from hospital after liver transplantation (ERDALT) at a single center: a new model.

BACKGROUND & RATIONALE: Limited information related to Liver Transplantation (LT) costs in South America exists. Additionally, costs analysis from developed countries may not provide comparable models for those in emerging economies. We sought to evaluate a predictive model of Early Discharge from Hospital after LT (ERDALT = length of hospital stay ≤ 8 days). A predictive model was assessed based on the odds ratios (OR) from a multivariate regression analysis in a cohort of consecutively transplanted adult patients in a single center from Argentina and internally validated with bootstrapping technique. RESULTS: ERDALT was applicable in 34 of 289 patients (11.8%). Variables independently associated with ERDALT were MELD exception points OR 1.9 (P = 0.04), surgery time < 4 h OR 3.8 (P = 0.013), < 5 units of blood products consumption (BPC) OR 3.5 (P = 0.001) and early weaning from mechanical intubation OR 6.3 (P = 0.006). Points in the predictive scoring model were allocated as follows: MELD exception points (absence = 0 points, presence = 1 point), surgery time < 4 h (0-2 points), < 5 units of BPC (0-2 points), and early weaning (0-3 points). Final scores ranged from 0 to 8 points with a c-statistic of 0.83 (95% CI 0.77-0.90; P < 0.0001). Transplant costs were significantly lower in patients with ERDALT (median $23,078 vs. $28,986; P < 0.0001). Neither lower patient and graft survival, nor higher rates of short-term re-hospitalization and acute rejection events after discharge were observed in patients with ERDALT. In conclusion, the ERDALT score identifies patients suitable for early discharge with excellent outcomes after transplantation. This score may provide applicable models particularly for emerging economies.

Infección asociada a reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior. Intervención multimodal para reducir la tasa de infección / Infection associated with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Introducción: Mientras la tasa internacional de infección de sitio quirúrgico (ISQ) asociada a plástica de ligamento cruzado anterior (PLCA) oscila entre 0,14 % y 5,7 %, la tasa nacional reportada por VIHDA es de 1,06 %. Aunque estas tasas resulten bajas, cuando las ISQ ocurren causan gran morbilidad. Debido a un aumento en la incidencia, tipo brote de ISQ asociada a PLCA observada en nuestro hospital se decidió implementar una intervención multimodal para reducir esta tasa. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de una intervención multimodal para prevenir las ISQ asociadas a PLCA en un hospital universitario. Material y métodos: A través de un estudio cuasi experimental (antes/después) se incluyeron prospectivamente los pacientes sometidos a PLCA, entre May-2012 y Ene-2014 (período intervención) luego de la implementación de las siguientes medidas preventivas: pesquisa de colonización por SAMR, baño pre-quirúrgico con clorhexidina al 2 %; ajuste del rasurado pre-quirúrgico; higiene de manos quirúrgica con productos de base alcohólica; antisepsia de piel con clorhexidina alcohólica al 2 %; ajuste de la profilaxis quirúrgica; reducción del tiempo de exposición ambiental del tendón(injerto). Como control se utilizó una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes sometidos a PLCA entre Ene-2011 y Abr-2012 (período pre-intervención).). Durante el período intervención se realizó cultivo de los tendones antes de su implante. Resultados: En el periodo pre-intervención se registró una tasa de ISQ de 5,50 % (11/200), en el período intervención la tasa se redujo a 2,01 % (6/298) (diferencia 3,49 %; IC95 % 0,23 % a 6,74 %; p<0,05). Esta diferencia se debió sólo en ST-RI ya que en el grupo de HTH no hubo diferencia significativa. El 42,2% (122/289) de los tendones tuvieron cultivos + antes del implante...

Introduction: As the international rate of surgical site infection (SSI) associated with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) ranges between 0.14% and 5.7%, the national rate reported by VIHDA is 1.06%. Although these rates are very low, when SSIs occur cause significant morbidity. Due to an increase in the incidence of SSI in ACLR observed in our hospital, we decided to implement a multimodal intervention to reduce this rate. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a multimodal intervention to prevent SSIs associated with ACLR in a University Hospital. Methods: Through a quasi-experimental study (before / after) were prospectively included all patients undergoing ACLR , between May 2012 and Jan-2014 (intervention period) after the implementation of the following preventive measures : screening for MRSA colonization, pre-operative bathing with chlorhexidine 2%; setting of pre-operative shaving; surgical hand hygiene with alcohol-based products; skin antisepsis with 2% chlorhexidine alcoholic; setting surgical prophylaxis and reducing the time of environmental exposure of the tendon. As a control, a retrospective cohort of patients undergoing ACLR between Jan-2011 and Feb-2012 (pre-intervention period) was used. During the intervention in the operating room and before implantation the tendons were culture. Results: The pre-intervention period rate of SSI was 5.50% (11/200). In the intervention period the rate was reduced to 2.01% (6/298) (difference 3.49% ; 95% CI 0.23% to 6.74%; p <0.05). This difference was due only to surgeries with hamstrings 42.2% (122/289) of the grafts had positive cultures before implantation...

Infección asociada a reconstrucción del ligamento cruzado anterior. Intervención multimodal para reducir la tasa de infección / Infection associated with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Introducción: Mientras la tasa internacional de infección de sitio quirúrgico (ISQ) asociada a plástica de ligamento cruzado anterior (PLCA) oscila entre 0,14 % y 5,7 %, la tasa nacional reportada por VIHDA es de 1,06 %. Aunque estas tasas resulten bajas, cuando las ISQ ocurren causan gran morbilidad. Debido a un aumento en la incidencia, tipo brote de ISQ asociada a PLCA observada en nuestro hospital se decidió implementar una intervención multimodal para reducir esta tasa. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de una intervención multimodal para prevenir las ISQ asociadas a PLCA en un hospital universitario. Material y métodos: A través de un estudio cuasi experimental (antes/después) se incluyeron prospectivamente los pacientes sometidos a PLCA, entre May-2012 y Ene-2014 (período intervención) luego de la implementación de las siguientes medidas preventivas: pesquisa de colonización por SAMR, baño pre-quirúrgico con clorhexidina al 2 %; ajuste del rasurado pre-quirúrgico; higiene de manos quirúrgica con productos de base alcohólica; antisepsia de piel con clorhexidina alcohólica al 2 %; ajuste de la profilaxis quirúrgica; reducción del tiempo de exposición ambiental del tendón(injerto). Como control se utilizó una cohorte retrospectiva de pacientes sometidos a PLCA entre Ene-2011 y Abr-2012 (período pre-intervención).). Durante el período intervención se realizó cultivo de los tendones antes de su implante. Resultados: En el periodo pre-intervención se registró una tasa de ISQ de 5,50 % (11/200), en el período intervención la tasa se redujo a 2,01 % (6/298) (diferencia 3,49 %; IC95 % 0,23 % a 6,74 %; p<0,05). Esta diferencia se debió sólo en ST-RI ya que en el grupo de HTH no hubo diferencia significativa. El 42,2% (122/289) de los tendones tuvieron cultivos + antes del implante...(AU)

Introduction: As the international rate of surgical site infection (SSI) associated with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) ranges between 0.14% and 5.7%, the national rate reported by VIHDA is 1.06%. Although these rates are very low, when SSIs occur cause significant morbidity. Due to an increase in the incidence of SSI in ACLR observed in our hospital, we decided to implement a multimodal intervention to reduce this rate. Objective: To evaluate the impact of a multimodal intervention to prevent SSIs associated with ACLR in a University Hospital. Methods: Through a quasi-experimental study (before / after) were prospectively included all patients undergoing ACLR , between May 2012 and Jan-2014 (intervention period) after the implementation of the following preventive measures : screening for MRSA colonization, pre-operative bathing with chlorhexidine 2%; setting of pre-operative shaving; surgical hand hygiene with alcohol-based products; skin antisepsis with 2% chlorhexidine alcoholic; setting surgical prophylaxis and reducing the time of environmental exposure of the tendon. As a control, a retrospective cohort of patients undergoing ACLR between Jan-2011 and Feb-2012 (pre-intervention period) was used. During the intervention in the operating room and before implantation the tendons were culture. Results: The pre-intervention period rate of SSI was 5.50% (11/200). In the intervention period the rate was reduced to 2.01% (6/298) (difference 3.49% ; 95% CI 0.23% to 6.74%; p <0.05). This difference was due only to surgeries with hamstrings 42.2% (122/289) of the grafts had positive cultures before implantation...(AU)