Attributable mortality of infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales: results from a prospective, multinational case-control-control matched cohorts study (EURECA).

OBJECTIVES: To assess the mortality attributable to infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and to investigate the effect of clinical management on differences in observed outcomes in a multinational matched cohort study. METHODS: A prospective matched-cohorts study (NCT02709408) was performed in 50 European hospitals from March 2016 to November 2018. The main outcome was 30-day mortality with an active post-discharge follow-up when applied. The CRE cohort included patients with complicated urinary tract infections, complicated intra-abdominal infections, pneumonia, or bacteraemia from other sources because of CRE. Two control cohorts were selected: patients with infection caused by carbapenem-susceptible Enterobacterales (CSE) and patients without infection. Matching criteria included type of infection for the CSE group, hospital ward of CRE detection, and duration of hospital admission up to CRE detection. Multivariable and stratified Cox regression was applied. RESULTS: The cohorts included 235 patients with CRE infection, 235 patients with CSE infection, and 705 non-infected patients. The 30-day mortality (95% CI) was 23.8% (18.8-29.6), 10.6% (7.2-15.2), and 8.4% (6.5-10.6), respectively. The difference in 30-day mortality rates between patients with CRE infection when compared with patients with CSE infection was 13.2% (95% CI, 6.3-20.0), (HR, 2.57; 95% CI, 1.55-4.26; p < 0.001), and 15.4% (95% CI, 10.5-20.2) when compared with non-infected patients (HR, 3.85; 95% CI, 2.57-5.77; p < 0.001). The population attributable fraction for 30-day mortality for CRE vs. CSE was 19.28%, and for CRE vs. non-infected patients was 9.61%. After adjustment for baseline variables, the HRs for mortality were 1.87 (95% CI, 0.99-3.50; p 0.06) and 3.65 (95% CI, 2.29-5.82; p < 0.001), respectively. However, when treatment-related time-dependent variables were added, the HR of CRE vs. CSE reduced to 1.44 (95% CI, 0.78-2.67; p 0.24). DISCUSSION: CRE infections are associated with significant attributable mortality and increased adjusted hazard of mortality when compared with CSE infections or patients without infection. Underlying patient characteristics and a delay in appropriate treatment play an important role in the CRE mortality.

Recommendations for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections in nursing homes / Recomendaciones para la prevención de infecciones en residencias para mayores

Nursing homes (NH) conceptually should look as much like a home as possible. However NH have unquestionable similar ities with a nosocomium as they are places where many pa tients with underlying diseases and comorbidities accumulate. There is evidence of transmission of microorganisms between residents and between residents and caregivers. We have not found any recommendations specifically aimed at the prevention of nosocomial infections in NH by the major Public Health Agencies and, therefore, the Health Sciences Foundation (Fundación de Ciencias de la Salud) has convened a series of experts and 14 Spanish scientific societies to discuss recommendations that could guide NH personnel in establishing written programs for the control and reduction of these infections. The present document is the result of these deliberations and contains suggestions for establishing such control programs on a voluntary and flexible basis in NH. We also hope that the document can help the health authorities to encourage this control activity in the different territorial areas of Spain. In our opinion, it is necessary to draw up a written plan and establish the figure of a coordinator or person respon sible for implementing these projects. The document includes measures to be implemented and ways of quantifying the real ity of different problems and of monitoring the impact of the measures established (AU)

Las residencias de ancianos (NH) aunque conceptualmente deberían parecerse lo más posible a un hogar, tienen induda bles similitudes con un nosocomio ya que son lugares donde se acumulan muchos pacientes con enfermedades de base y comorbilidades y donde la transmisión de microorganismos en tre residentes y entre residentes y cuidadores es frecuente. No hemos encontrado recomendaciones específicamente dirigidas a la prevención de las infecciones nosocomiales en NH por parte de las principales Agencias de Salud Pública y, por ello, la Fundación de Ciencias de la Salud ha convocado a una serie de expertos y a 14 sociedades científicas españolas para de batir recomendaciones que puedan orientar al personal de las NH en el establecimiento de programas escritos para el control y reducción de estas infecciones. El presente documento es el resultado de estas deliberaciones y contiene sugerencias para establecer dichos programas de control de forma voluntaria y flexible. También esperamos que el documento pueda ayudar a las autoridades sanitarias a fomentar esta actividad de control en los distintos ámbitos territoriales de España. En nuestra opi nión, es necesario elaborar un plan por escrito y establecer la figura de un coordinador o responsable de la ejecución de estos proyectos. El documento incluye las medidas a implantar y las formas de cuantificar la realidad de los diferentes problemas y de monitorizar el impacto de las medidas establecidas (AU)

Air pollution and health prevention: A document of reflection / Calidad del aire ambiente y prevención de la salud: Un documento de reflexión

Ambient air quality, pollution and its implication onhealth is a topic of enormous importance that is normallydealt with by major specialists in their particular areas of interest. In general, it is not discussed from multidisciplinary approaches or with a language that can reach everyone. For thisreason, the Health Sciences Foundation, from its preventionarea, has formulated a series of questions to people with veryvaried competences in the area of ambient air quality in orderto obtain a global panorama of the problem and its elementsof measurement and control. The answers have been produced by specialists in each subject and have been subjected to ageneral discussion that has allowed conclusions to be reached on each point. The subject was divided into three main blocks:external ambient air, internal ambient air, mainly in the workplace, and hospital ambient air and the consequences of itspoor control. Along with the definitions of each area and theindicators of good and bad quality, some necessary solutionshave been pointed out. We have tried to know the current legislation on this problem and the competences of the differentadministrations on it. Despite its enormous importance, ambient air quality and health is not usually a topic of frequentpresence in the general media and we have asked about thecauses of this. Finally, the paper addresses a series of reflections from the perspective of ethics and very particularly in thelight of the events that the present pandemic raises. This workaims to provide objective data and opinions that will enablenon-specialists in the field to gain a better understanding ofthis worrying reality. (AU)

La calidad del aire ambiente y su implicación en la salud esun tema de enorme importancia que normalmente es tratadopor grandes especialistas en sus particulares áreas de interés.En general, no es discutido desde enfoques multidisciplinaresni con un lenguaje que pueda llegar a todos. Por ese motivo, laFundación de Ciencias de la Salud desde su área de prevención,ha formulado una serie de preguntas a personas con competencias muy variadas en el área de la calidad del aire ambientepara obtener un panorama global del problema y de sus elementos de medida y control. Las respuestas han sido producidas por especialistas en cada tema y han sido sometidas a unadiscusión general que ha permitido alcanzar conclusiones encada punto. El tema ha sido dividido en tres grandes bloques:el aire ambiente externo, el aire ambiente interno, principalmente en el medio laboral, y el aire ambiente hospitalario ylas consecuencias de su mal control. Junto con las definicionesde cada área y los indicadores de buena y mala calidad, se haapuntado a algunas necesarias soluciones. Hemos tratado deconocer la legislación vigente sobre este problema y las competencias de las distintas administraciones sobre el mismo.Pese a su enorme importancia, la calidad del aire ambiente yla salud no suele ser un tema de frecuente presencia en losmedios de comunicación generales y hemos preguntado sobrelas causas de ello. Finalmente, el documento aborda una seriede reflexiones desde la perspectiva de la ética y muy particularmente a la luz de los acontecimientos que la presente pandemia plantea. Este trabajo pretende aportar datos objetivos yopinión que permitan a los no especialistas en el tema conocermejor esta preocupante realidad. (AU)

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Clinical Profile of Candidemia and the Incidence of Fungemia Due to Fluconazole-Resistant Candida parapsilosis.

Severely ill COVID-19 patients are at high risk of nosocomial infections. The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of candidemia during the pre-pandemic period (January 2019−February 2020) compared to the pandemic period (March 2020−September 2021). Antifungal susceptibilities were assessed using the EUCAST E.Def 7.3.2 broth dilution method. Fluconazole-resistant C. parapsilosis isolates (FRCP) were studied for sequencing of the ERG11 gene. The incidence of candidemia and C. parapsilosis bloodstream infection increased significantly in the pandemic period (p = 0.021). ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition and corticosteroids administration were more frequent in patients with candidemia who had been admitted due to COVID-19. Fifteen cases of FRCP fungemia were detected. The first case was recorded 10 months before the pandemic in a patient transferred from another hospital. The incidence of FRCP in patients admitted for COVID-19 was 1.34 and 0.16 in all other patients (p < 0.001). ICU admission, previous Candida spp. colonization, arterial catheter use, parenteral nutrition and renal function replacement therapy were more frequent in patients with candidemia due to FRCP. All FRCP isolates showed the Y132F mutation. In conclusion, the incidence of candidemia experienced an increase during the COVID-19 pandemic and FRCP fungemia was more frequent in patients admitted due to COVID-19.

Epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection in hospitalized patients in Spain: An eight-year review (2012-2019).

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a disease that is potentially preventable by vaccination. A good knowledge of its epidemiology, which can change over time, is warranted for prevention purposes and to help decision-making on the use of vaccines in public health programs. The objective of the research was to determine the epidemiology of healthcare-associated CDI (HA-CDI) and community-associated CDI (CA-CDI) in hospitalized patients in Spain using point prevalence data. METHODS: Point prevalence survey data on infections of hospitalized patients for years 2012-2019 were analyzed. HA-CDI and CA-CDI prevalence rates were calculated. Both HA-CDI and CA-CDI, as well as age group prevalence rates, were examined for trends. Patient comorbidities were tested for association to CDI. RESULTS: The prevalence of CDI in Spanish hospitals has grown exponentially from 14.1% in 2012 to 35.9% in 2019 (cases/10.000 hospitalized patients). Almost two thirds of the cases are of nosocomial onset. This increase was observed for HA-CDI and CA-CDI at an annual rate of 1.11% (CI 95% 1.08-1.15) and 1.09% (CI 95% 1.04-1.13), respectively. Patients 50 years old or older represent 87% of the total number of cases. Patients suffering from neoplasm (OR 1.39), immunodeficiency (OR 3.26), neutropenia (OR 3.70), cirrhosis (OR 1.92) and chronic renal failure (OR 1.91) have a significant increased risk of developing CDI, after adjusting for age. CONCLUSION: In Spain, the prevalence rate of both HA-CDI and CA-CDI have been increasing. Burden of CDI as well as clinical and epidemiological characteristics of CDI patients will help to support public health decision-making.

Epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection in hospitalized patients in Spain: An eight-year review (2012–2019) / Epidemiología de la infección por Clostridioides difficile en pacientes hospitalizados en España: análisis de un periodo de ocho años (2012-2019)

BackgroundClostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a disease that is potentially preventable by vaccination. A good knowledge of its epidemiology, which can change over time, is warranted for prevention purposes and to help decision-making on the use of vaccines in public health programs. The objective of the research was to determine the epidemiology of healthcare-associated CDI (HA-CDI) and community-associated CDI (CA-CDI) in hospitalized patients in Spain using point prevalence data.MethodsPoint prevalence survey data on infections of hospitalized patients for years 2012–2019 were analyzed. HA-CDI and CA-CDI prevalence rates were calculated. Both HA-CDI and CA-CDI, as well as age group prevalence rates, were examined for trends. Patient comorbidities were tested for association to CDI.ResultsThe prevalence of CDI in Spanish hospitals has grown exponentially from 14.1% in 2012 to 35.9% in 2019 (cases/10.000 hospitalized patients). Almost two thirds of the cases are of nosocomial onset. This increase was observed for HA-CDI and CA-CDI at an annual rate of 1.11% (CI 95% 1.08–1.15) and 1.09% (CI 95% 1.04–1.13), respectively. Patients 50 years old or older represent 87% of the total number of cases. Patients suffering from neoplasm (OR 1.39), immunodeficiency (OR 3.26), neutropenia (OR 3.70), cirrhosis (OR 1.92) and chronic renal failure (OR 1.91) have a significant increased risk of developing CDI, after adjusting for age.ConclusionIn Spain, the prevalence rate of both HA-CDI and CA-CDI have been increasing. Burden of CDI as well as clinical and epidemiological characteristics of CDI patients will help to support public health decision-making.

AntecedentesLa infección por Clostridioides difficile (ICD) es una enfermedad potencialmente prevenible mediante vacunación. Es necesario conocer adecuadamente su epidemiología para ayudar a la toma de decisiones sobre su prevención y el uso de vacunas en programas de salud pública. El objetivo de esta investigación es determinar la epidemiología de ICD relacionada con la asistencia sanitaria (IRAS-CD) e ICD asociada a la comunidad (IAC-CD) en pacientes hospitalizados en España.MétodosAnalizamos los datos de encuestas de prevalencia puntual en pacientes hospitalizados durante los años 2012-2019. Calculamos las tasas de prevalencia de IRAS-CD e IAC-CD, y por grupos de edad, examinando sus tendencias. Evaluamos la asociación de ciertas comorbilidades con la ICD.ResultadosLa prevalencia de ICD en hospitales españoles ha crecido exponencialmente desde el 14,1% en 2012 al 35,9% en 2019 (casos/10.000 pacientes hospitalizados). Casi 2/3 de los casos son de inicio nosocomial. Este aumento se ha observado en IRAS-CD (1,11%; IC 95%: 1,08-1,15) e IAC-CD (1,09%; IC 95%: 1,04-1,13). Los pacientes de 50 años o más representan el 87% del total de casos. Los pacientes con neoplasia (OR: 1,39), inmunodeficiencia (OR: 3,26), neutropenia (OR: 3,70), cirrosis (OR: 1,92) e insuficiencia renal crónica (OR: 1,91) tienen un riesgo significativamente mayor de desarrollar ICD tras ajustar por edad.ConclusiónEn España la tasa de prevalencia de IRAS-CD e IAC-CD ha ido en aumento. Conocer la carga de la ICD y las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los pacientes con ICD ayudará a la toma de decisiones en salud pública.

SARS-COV-2 seroprevalence among all healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Spain.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers (HCWs) have been a critical and vulnerable population during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The aim of this study was to determine the overall seroprevalence and to evaluate occupational risk factors among HCWs in one of the countries most affected by this pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a seroprevalence study for SARS-CoV-2 in a tertiary hospital in Madrid (Spain) between 24 April and 8 May 2020. A total of 4894 HCWs were invited for serologic testing. Serum samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgM and IgG antibodies using Enzyme Immunoassay (ELISA) and Electro-Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) techniques. We calculated odds ratios to assess association between demographic and occupational characteristics with SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion. RESULTS: We processed 4324 serum samples. Overall, seroprevalence was of 16.6% (95% CI: 15.5-17.7). We found statistically significant differences in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence by type of employee, professional category, department and type of activity performed during the pandemic period, while no differences were identified between the personnel working in the COVID-19 wards compared to those working in non-COVID-19 wards. We confirmed 268 (26.7%) infections among 1005 hospital staff members tested by PCR. 60.5% of HCWs infected by SARS-CoV-2, assessed either by PCR or serology, could be considered asymptomatic or paucisymptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: HCWs have an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection but COVID-19 patient exposure was not a determining factor. Universal mask wearing should be mandatory in healthcare settings given the important number of asymptomatic and paucisymptomatic cases.

Effective definition of low humoral response to Clostridioides difficile infection.

BACKGROUND: Determination of the humoral response to Clostridioides difficile (CD) toxins could be of great value in the management of patients with CD infection (CDI). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on the clinical characteristics and humoral response in patients with CDI. Determination of ELISA IgG CD anti-toxin B (tgcBiomics, Germany) was performed. The following dilutions were planned for each patient, 1:100, 1: 200, 1: 400, 1: 800: 1: 1600. A significant concentration of antibody was considered to be present in each dilution if an optical density 0.2 units higher than the negative control of the technique was evident. RESULTS: Eighty-five patients were included during the study period, November 2018-February 2020. The median age was 73 years (interquartile range: 62.5-85 years), with female predominance (45 patients, 52.9%). Thirty-nine patients (45.9%) had a severe infection. Seven patients (8.2%) had suffered an episode of CDI in the previous three months. Seventeen patients (20%) had one or more recurrent episodes during the three-month follow-up: No patient died during admission or required surgery for severe-complicated infection. The incidence of recurrence in patients with no antibody detected at 1:400 dilution was 25.4% (16 patients) while it was 4.3% (one patient) in patients with antibody present at that dilution (p = 0.03). Liver cirrhosis was associated with higher humoral response against CD. CONCLUSIONS: Antibodies IgG CD anti-toxin B detection at a dilution of 1:400, using a B ELISA technique, effectively identified patients at increased risk of recurrence. This information could help assist in the management of patients.

Epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile infection in hospitalized patients in Spain: An eight-year review (2012-2019).

BACKGROUND: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a disease that is potentially preventable by vaccination. A good knowledge of its epidemiology, which can change over time, is warranted for prevention purposes and to help decision-making on the use of vaccines in public health programs. The objective of the research was to determine the epidemiology of healthcare-associated CDI (HA-CDI) and community-associated CDI (CA-CDI) in hospitalized patients in Spain using point prevalence data. METHODS: Point prevalence survey data on infections of hospitalized patients for years 2012-2019 were analyzed. HA-CDI and CA-CDI prevalence rates were calculated. Both HA-CDI and CA-CDI, as well as age group prevalence rates, were examined for trends. Patient comorbidities were tested for association to CDI. RESULTS: The prevalence of CDI in Spanish hospitals has grown exponentially from 14.1% in 2012 to 35.9% in 2019 (cases/10.000 hospitalized patients). Almost two thirds of the cases are of nosocomial onset. This increase was observed for HA-CDI and CA-CDI at an annual rate of 1.11% (CI 95% 1.08-1.15) and 1.09% (CI 95% 1.04-1.13), respectively. Patients 50 years old or older represent 87% of the total number of cases. Patients suffering from neoplasm (OR 1.39), immunodeficiency (OR 3.26), neutropenia (OR 3.70), cirrhosis (OR 1.92) and chronic renal failure (OR 1.91) have a significant increased risk of developing CDI, after adjusting for age. CONCLUSION: In Spain, the prevalence rate of both HA-CDI and CA-CDI have been increasing. Burden of CDI as well as clinical and epidemiological characteristics of CDI patients will help to support public health decision-making.

Development of a Risk Prediction Model for Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae Infection After Liver Transplantation: A Multinational Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Patients colonized with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are at higher risk of developing CRE infection after liver transplantation (LT), with associated high morbidity and mortality. Prediction model for CRE infection after LT among carriers could be useful to target preventive strategies. METHODS: Multinational multicenter cohort study of consecutive adult patients underwent LT and colonized with CRE before or after LT, from January 2010 to December 2017. Risk factors for CRE infection were analyzed by univariate analysis and by Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model, with death as competing event. A nomogram to predict 30- and 60-day CRE infection risk was created. RESULTS: A total of 840 LT recipients found to be colonized with CRE before (n = 203) or after (n = 637) LT were enrolled. CRE infection was diagnosed in 250 (29.7%) patients within 19 (interquartile range [IQR], 9-42) days after LT. Pre- and post-LT colonization, multisite post-LT colonization, prolonged mechanical ventilation, acute renal injury, and surgical reintervention were retained in the prediction model. Median 30- and 60-day predicted risk was 15% (IQR, 11-24) and 21% (IQR, 15-33), respectively. Discrimination and prediction accuracy for CRE infection was acceptable on derivation (area under the curve [AUC], 74.6; Brier index, 16.3) and bootstrapped validation dataset (AUC, 73.9; Brier index, 16.6). Decision-curve analysis suggested net benefit of model-directed intervention over default strategies (treat all, treat none) when CRE infection probability exceeded 10%. The risk prediction model is freely available as mobile application at https://idbologna.shinyapps.io/CREPostOLTPredictionModel/. CONCLUSIONS: Our clinical prediction tool could enable better targeting interventions for CRE infection after transplant.

Hospital Readmissions of Discharged Patients with COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the rate of occurrence and the clinical variables associated with readmission of patients who had previously been discharged after admission for COVID-19. SETTING: University hospital in Madrid (Spain). PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-one patients (74% male) who presented COVID-19 were readmitted during the 3 weeks after discharge from hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Nested case-control study paired (1:1 ratio) by age, sex and period of admission. OUTCOME MEASURES: Rate of readmission rate of patients discharged after suffering COVID-19 and identification of the clinical variables associated with it. RESULTS: Out of 1368 patients who were discharged during the study period, 61 patients (4.4%) were readmitted. Immunocompromised patients (N=10.2%) were at increased risk for readmission (p=0.04). There was also a trend towards a higher probability of readmission in hypertensive patients (p=0.07). Cases had had a shorter hospital stay and a higher prevalence of fever during the 48 hours prior to discharge. There were no significant differences in oxygen levels measured at admission and discharge by pulse oximetry intra-subject or between the groups. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at hospital admission tended to be higher in cases than in controls (p=0.06). Neither glucocorticoids nor anticoagulants prescribed at hospital discharge were associated with a lower readmission rate. Patients who were readmitted due to a thrombotic event (8 patients, 13.1%) presented a higher level of D-dimer at discharge of initial admission. CONCLUSION: The rate of readmission after discharge from hospital for COVID-19 was low. Immunocompromised patients and those presenting with fever during the 48 hours prior to discharge were at greater risk of readmission to hospital.

Hospital-acquired infective endocarditis during Covid-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND: The COVID pandemic has had a major impact on healthcare in hospitals, including the diagnosis and treatment of infections. Hospital-acquired infective endocarditis (HAIE) is a severe complication of medical procedures that has shown a progressive increase in recent years. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether the incidence of HAIE during the first two months of the epidemic (March-April 2020) was higher than previously observed and to describe the clinical characteristics of these cases. The probability of the studied event (HAIE) during the study period was calculated by Poisson distribution. RESULTS: Four cases of HAIE were diagnosed in our institution during the study period. The incidence of HAIE during the study period was 2/patient-month and 0.3/patient-month during the same calender months in the previous 5 years (p=0.033). Two cases presented during admission for COVID-19 with pulmonary involvement treated with methylprednisolone and tocilizumab. The other two cases were admitted to the hospital during the epidemic. All cases underwent central venous and urinary catheterization during admission. The etiology of HAIE was Enterococcus faecalis (2 cases), Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans (one case each). A source of infection was identified in three cases (central venous catheter, peripheral venous catheter, sternal wound infection, respectively). One patient was operated on. Two patients died during hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of HAIE during COVID-19 pandemic in our institution was higher than usual. In order to reduce the risk of this serious infection, optimal catheter care and early treatment of every local infection should be prioritized during coronavirus outbreaks.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of risk factors associated with acquisition of waterborne healthcare-associated infection or colonization in high-risk units.

In this meta-analysis, central venous catheter exposure (pooled odds ratio, 8.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.19-29.31; P < .01) in neonates and length of stay (standardized mean difference, 0.65; 95% CI, 0.26-1.05; P = .01) in an adult population were associated with acquisition of waterborne healthcare-associated infections or colonization in ICUs. The quality of evidence was low.

[GEMICOMED/GEIRAS-SEIMC recommendations for the management of Candida auris infection and colonization]. / Recomendaciones GEMICOMED/GEIRAS-SEIMC para el manejo de las infecciones y colonizaciones por Candida auris.

Candida auris is a new species of Candida that causes nosocomial outbreaks in several countries around the world, including Spain. C.auris is resistant to fluconazole and multi- and pan-resistant strains have been described. It is highly transmissible and can survive long term in the hospital environment, causing long-lasting outbreaks that are difficult to detect in early stages, and making it difficult to control and eradicate. It is currently an emerging threat to global health. This document provides a set of guidelines, developed by a multidisciplinary team, to limit the impact and facilitate the control of C.auris infection based on the experiences gathered in the Spanish and English outbreaks. The implementation of early and strict surveillance and control measures is essential to prevent the spread of the outbreak, which can spread over time, posing a significant risk to complex, critical and immunocompromised surgical patients. Immediate notification of C.auris isolation to clinical and infection control teams, as well as to health authorities and institutions, is essential to implement infection control measures at all levels in a timely manner, to prevent internal and inter-centre transmission, and to ensure a proper surveillance and prevention to patients who are already colonized and can develop an infection.

Recomendaciones GEMICOMED/GEIRAS-SEIMC para el manejo de las infecciones y colonizaciones por Candida auris / GEMICOMED/GEIRAS-SEIMC recommendations for the management of Candida auris infection and colonization

Candida auris es una nueva especie de Candida responsable de diversos brotes nosocomiales en varios países del mundo, incluida España; es resistente al fluconazol y se han descrito cepas multi y panresistentes. Presenta una elevada transmisibilidad y extensa supervivencia en el entorno hospitalario, lo que es causa de brotes de larga duración difíciles de detectar en fases tempranas y dificulta su control e intento de erradicación. C.auris constituye actualmente una amenaza emergente para la salud global. Para limitar el impacto y facilitar el control de la infección por C.auris, el presente documento ofrece un conjunto de recomendaciones basadas en las experiencias obtenidas en los brotes de España y del Reino Unido, elaboradas por un equipo multidisciplinar. La puesta en marcha de medidas de vigilancia y control es esencial para evitar la propagación del brote, que puede prolongarse en el tiempo y representar así un riesgo importante para los pacientes quirúrgicos complejos, críticos e inmunocomprometidos. La notificación inmediata del aislamiento de C.auris a los equipos clínicos y de control de infecciones, así como a las autoridades e instituciones sanitarias, es esencial para implementar las medidas de control de infecciones a todos los niveles y escalas de manera oportuna, para evitar la transmisión interna e intercentros, y para garantizar la vigilancia y la prevención del desarrollo de infecciones en pacientes que ya se encuentran colonizados

Candida auris is a new species of Candida that causes nosocomial outbreaks in several countries around the world, including Spain. C.auris is resistant to fluconazole and multi- and pan-resistant strains have been described. It is highly transmissible and can survive long term in the hospital environment, causing long-lasting outbreaks that are difficult to detect in early stages, and making it difficult to control and eradicate. It is currently an emerging threat to global health. This document provides a set of guidelines, developed by a multidisciplinary team, to limit the impact and facilitate the control of C.auris infection based on the experiences gathered in the Spanish and English outbreaks. The implementation of early and strict surveillance and control measures is essential to prevent the spread of the outbreak, which can spread over time, posing a significant risk to complex, critical and immunocompromised surgical patients. Immediate notification of C.auris isolation to clinical and infection control teams, as well as to health authorities and institutions, is essential to implement infection control measures at all levels in a timely manner, to prevent internal and inter-centre transmission, and to ensure a proper surveillance and prevention to patients who are already colonized and can develop an infection

Information on nosocomial infections in the mainstream media: an opinion document / Información sobre las infecciones nosocomiales en los principales medios: un documento de opinión

This paper seeks to explore the reasons for the low impact of nosocomial infection in the mainstream media and the responsibilities of physicians and journalists in terms of this situation. To this end, a small group of 13 experts met for round-table discussions, including physicians with expertise in nosocomial infection, medical lawsuits and ethics, as well as journalists from major mainstream Spanish media outlets. The various participants were asked a series of questions prior to the meeting, which were answered in writing by one of the speakers and discussed during the meeting by the whole group, the aim being to obtain consensual conclusions for each of them. The document was subsequently reviewed, edited and forwarded to all co-authors for their agreement. The opinions expressed are the personal opinions of the participants and not necessarily those of the institutions in which they work or with which they collaborate

Este documento busca explorar las razones del bajo impacto de la infección nosocomial en los medios de comunicación tradicionales y las responsabilidades de los médicos y periodistas en esta situación. Con este fin se realizó una mesa redonda con un pequeño grupo de 13 expertos, incluidos médicos con experiencia en infecciones nosocomiales, legislación médica y ética, así como periodistas de los principales medios de comunicación españoles. Antes de la reunión, se les hicieron una serie de preguntas a los participantes, las cuales fueron respondidas por escrito por cada uno y discutidas durante la reunión por todo el grupo, con el objetivo de obtener conclusiones consensuadas para cada una de ellas. El documento fue posteriormente revisado, editado y enviado a todos los coautores para su acuerdo. Las opiniones expresadas por cada participante son propias y no necesariamente de las instituciones en las que trabajan o con las que colaboran

Cellulose-Derived Absorbable Hemostatic Product as a Risk Factor for Mediastinitis after Cardiac Surgery.

Background: We describe the management and control of an outbreak of mediastinitis in a cardiac surgery department. Method: We performed a retrospective cohort study of 87 patients who underwent coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve replacement, or both during a five-month period with a higher than normal number of cases of post-operative mediastinitis. In addition to medical records review, a survey was conducted among surgeons to estimate the frequency of cellulose-derived absorbable hemostatic (CDAH) use. Results: Eleven patients (12.5%) developed mediastinitis during the period. None of them died, and the course of the infections was benign. No differences were found between the infected and non-infected patients regarding clinical or demographic characteristics. The rate of infection by surgeon ranged from 0 to 21.4%. (p = 0.38). We found a significant linear relation between the frequency of CDAH use and the risk of infection, from 3.3% to 22.6% (p = 0.024). Cultures of unused CDAHs were negative. Cessation of product use led to no new cases for the following year and to a mediastinitis rate <1% for the following 24 months. Conclusion: We identified a cluster of undesired clinical outcomes compatible with mediastinitis that added morbidity and associated cost, but not deaths, related to the use of CDAH as a hemostatic. These data suggest keeping the use of CDAH in cardiothoracic surgery to a minimum.

A cluster of Chryseobacterium indologenes cases related to drainage water in intensive care units.

In this outbreak, 12 patients in intensive care units acquired a Chryseobacterium indologenes infection. Cultures from sinkholes and air samples were positive for C. indologenes. After removing wash basins, no new cases appeared. Sinkholes, potentially contaminated, can act as a reservoir for C. indologenes and other microorganisms. Thus, patients and equipment should be protected from sink splashes to avoid contamination.

Risk Factors for Clostridium Difficile Diarrhea in Patients With Solid Organ Transplantation.

BACKGROUND: There is limited knowledge about specific risk factors for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). METHOD: A retrospective study comparing cases of CDI in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients with controls (SOT recipients who did not present CDI). RESULTS: Thirty patients with SOT from 1340 transplantation recipients had at least 1 episode of CDI (2.23%). The accumulated incidence was 3.06% in liver transplantation, 2.78% in lung transplantation, 2.36% in kidney transplantation, and 0.33% in heart transplantation. Seven (23%) cases occurred during the first 2 months. Fifteen (50%) cases were community acquired. Colonoscopy was performed in 6 (20%) cases, but pseudomembranes were observed in only 1 (16%) case. Independent variables found to be related to CDI were previous treatment with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs; odds ratio [OR] 5.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-32.0), immunosuppressive regimen including mycophenolate (OR 5.2; 95%CI 1.1-18), hospitalization during the previous 3 months (OR 5.1; 95%CI 1.1-17), and antibiotic treatment during the previous month (OR 6.7; 95%CI 1.4-23). Five (16.7%) patients did not respond to the initial treatment. Recurrences were noted in 6 (20%) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Liver transplant recipients presented the highest incidence. Risk factors for CDI were previous treatment with PPIs, immunosuppressive regimen containing mycophenolate, prior hospitalization, and prior antibiotic treatment.