Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katrina Browne, Brett G. Mitchell
Summary: Infection transmission in healthcare is a complex issue that involves the interplay between pathogens, hosts, and the environment. Environmental cleaning is one strategy to prevent transmission, and a multimodal intervention is key to reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections through the environment.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jean-Yves Maillard, Isabella Centeleghe
Summary: Biofilms are commonly found in healthcare settings and are resistant to antimicrobials, contributing to healthcare-associated infections (HAI). The resistance is due to the presence of a matrix composed of extracellular polymeric substances and eDNA, and the multispecies composition of environmental biofilms also affects antimicrobial efficacy. There are two main types of biofilms in healthcare settings: hydrated biofilms, such as in drains and medical devices, and environmental dry biofilms (DSB) on surfaces and possibly in medical devices. Controlling biofilms requires reducing microbial bioburden and measuring regrowth time for hydrated biofilms, and reducing bioburden and bacterial transfer for DSB. Lack of standardized biofilm efficacy tests and protocols hinders control efforts, emphasizing the importance of educating stakeholders about biofilms and efficacy tests.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Kashaf Khalid, Umar Saeed, Mohammad Aljuaid, Mohammad Ishtiaq Ali, Awais Anjum, Yasir Waheed
Summary: This study utilized immunoinformatics to design a vaccine construct for Achromobacter xylosoxidans, identifying 20 antigenic epitopes that contribute significantly to immune response. The safety profile and efficacy of the vaccine were tested, and molecular docking and immune simulations were used to evaluate its compatibility and induction of immune response. Further experimental research is needed to demonstrate its safety and efficacy.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Nathaniel C. Warner, Luther A. Bartelt, Anne M. Lachiewicz, Kathleen M. Tompkins, Melissa B. Miller, Kevin Alby, Melissa B. Jones, Amy L. Carr, Jose Alexander, Andrew B. Gainey, Robert Daniels, Anna-Kathryn Burch, David E. Brown, Michael J. Brownstein, Faiqa Cheema, Kristin E. Linder, Ryan K. Shields, Sarah Longworth, David van Duin
Summary: Treatment options for Achromobacter xylosoxidans are limited, but clinical response was observed after cefiderocol treatment. However, microbiologic relapse was common after treatment, notably without emergence of resistance.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
S. M. Hossein Khademi, Migle Gabrielaite, Magnus Paulsson, Mattis Knulst, Eleni Touriki, Rasmus L. Marvig, Lisa Pahlman
Summary: Achromobacter xylosoxidans is an emerging bacterial species causing chronic airway infections in CF patients. The genomic and phenotypic analysis revealed that regulatory proteins and intergenic regions of this pathogen showed convergent evolution, leading to the development of adaptive phenotypes like antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation. The study highlights the importance of understanding bacterial pathogen adaptation for novel therapeutic interventions in chronic infections.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
McKinley Linda, Baubie Kelsey, Bartel Rosie, Flower Mark, Keating A. Julie, Safdar Nasia
Summary: This study examined patient perspectives on the environmental cleaning work systems in healthcare. Patients generally expected a clean hospital room, but some felt in the way during cleaning, possibly resulting in rushed cleaning procedures. Patients expressed confidence in the skilled work of Environmental Management Service staff, and emphasized the importance of soft skills.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Zheyi Han, Ethan Pappas, Adrienne Simmons, Jacqueline Fox, Curtis J. Donskey, Abhishek Deshpande
Summary: The survey revealed differences in environmental surface disinfection practices across US hospitals, with hypochlorite and quaternary ammonium compounds being the most commonly used disinfectants. High-touch surfaces in contact isolation rooms were frequently disinfected using bleach, but floors in patient rooms were not disinfected as often.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Caitlin E. Billiot, Lea Novak, Melissa S. Mcdaniel, Natalie R. Lindgren, W. Edward Swords
Summary: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disease that causes respiratory mucosal infections. It has been found that Achromobacter xylosoxidans (Ax) is a significant opportunistic pathogen in CF, as it can adhere to respiratory epithelial cells, cause cytotoxicity, and persist in mouse lungs, resulting in inflammation and mortality.
INFECTION AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexandra Peters, Marie N. Schmid, Pierre Parneix, Dan Lebowitz, Marlieke de Kraker, Julien Sauser, Walter Zingg, Didier Pittet
Summary: Healthcare-associated infections are a serious threat to patient safety globally, and the importance of hospital environmental hygiene has been revalued in infection prevention and control. Interventions in the healthcare environment have shown a reduction in patient colonization and healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant microorganisms, but more high-quality studies are needed for further verification.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Review
Health Care Sciences & Services
Carole Charavet, Zoe Gourdain, Lea Graveline, Laurence Lupi
Summary: This article conducted a systematic review on the efficacy of different cleaning and disinfection methods for clear orthodontic aligners. The results indicate that a multi-step protocol, including the combination of mechanical and chemical methods, seems to be the most effective approach.
Review
Pediatrics
Carole Charavet, Lea Graveline, Zoe Gourdain, Laurence Lupi
Summary: The study evaluated the efficacy of various cleaning and disinfection methods for acrylic removable orthodontic appliances, with liquid antimicrobial agents, commercial tablet cleansers, natural plant extracts, and quaternary ammonium methacryloxy silicate showing superior efficacy. However, further research is needed to determine the most effective technique.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Alexandra Peters, Pierre Parneix, Martin Kiernan, Juliette A. Severin, Tracey Gauci, Didier Pittet
Summary: Healthcare environmental hygiene (HEH) is increasingly important for patient safety and the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. The 2022 Healthcare Cleaning Forum focused on main areas of interest and highlighted the need for collaboration between academia and the private sector. The conference also emphasized the involvement of governmental bodies and explored new innovations and the need for sustainability in HEH.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Katrina Browne, Nicole White, Peta Tehan, Philip L. Russo, Maham Amin, Andrew J. J. Stewardson, Allen C. Cheng, Kirsty Graham, Gabrielle O'Kane, Jennie King, Martin Kiernan, David Brain, Brett G. Mitchell
Summary: The CLEEN study aims to assess the impact of enhanced cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment on reducing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). It will use a randomized controlled design in one Australian hospital over 36 weeks. The primary outcome is to demonstrate the effectiveness of improving the quality and frequency of cleaning shared medical equipment in reducing HAIs.
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
O. Assadian, S. Harbarth, M. Vos, J. K. Knobloch, A. Asensio, A. F. Widmer
Summary: This article highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to healthcare hygiene, including hand hygiene, environmental cleaning, and disinfection. While universally accepted guidelines are still lacking, the article provides expert guidance for healthcare workers on environmental cleaning and disinfection.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2021)
Review
Microbiology
Nitin Chandra Teja Dadi, Barbora Radochova, Jarmila Vargova, Helena Bujdakova
Summary: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by nosocomial pathogens have a significant impact worldwide, especially as device-associated infections. This review highlights the most relevant microorganisms infecting medical devices and briefly mentions both traditional and novel therapeutic approaches against HAIs.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antje Wulff, Claas Baier, Sarah Ballout, Erik Tute, Kim Katrin Sommer, Martin Kaase, Anneka Sargeant, Cora Drenkhahn, Dirk Schlueter, Michael Marschollek, Simone Scheithauer
Summary: The study introduced a multi-centric standardization approach using openEHR as the modeling standard, successfully developing standardized and interoperable microbiology data models. By transforming microbiology data into standardized representations and developing a prototype application for quality checks, cross-institutional data integration and outbreak detection system development are feasible.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Fabian von Dehn, Nico T. Mutters, Vanessa M. Eichel, Uta Merle, Thorsten Brenner, Michael Nafe, Anja Sander, Martin Wolkewitz, Uwe Frank
Summary: This study investigated the effect of daily whole-body bathing using disposable washcloth wipes/caps impregnated with the antiseptic DDAC. The results showed a reduced incidence of central-venous-line-associated infections caused by Gram-positive bacteria in ICU patients undergoing DDAC bathing. There was also a trend towards reduction in catheter-related bloodstream infections and bloodstream infections. DDAC may be a promising agent for whole-body bathing of ICU patients.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
S. Gemein, R. Andrich, B. Christiansen, M. Decius, M. Exner, B. Hunsinger, E. Imenova, G. Kampf, T. Koburger-Janssen, K. Konrat, H. Martiny, M. Meckel, N. T. Mutters, F-A Pitten, S. Schulz, I Schwebke, J. Gebel
Summary: The study compared the efficacy of five 'sporicidal' surface disinfectants against C. difficile spores, with products A, C, and D showing good sporicidal effects in suspension and on surfaces, while products B and E demonstrated less effectiveness.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
V. M. Eichel, S. Boutin, U. Frank, M. A. Weigand, A. Heininger, N. T. Mutters, M. W. Buechler, K. Heeg, D. Nurjadi
Summary: This study suggests that discontinuing contact precautions while enforcing basic hygiene measures does not increase the transmission of VREfm, indicating that it may be feasible in controlling VREfm infection.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
A. A. Mardiko, S. Heinemann, A. Bludau, H. E. J. Kaba, A. Leha, N. von Maltzahn, N. T. Mutters, R. Leistner, F. Mattner, S. Scheithauer
Summary: The vaccination strategy for healthcare workers in Germany varied across hospitals and deviated from the recommendations of the German standing committee on vaccination (STIKO). Further studies are needed to analyze the reasons for the low vaccination rate among healthcare workers and to adopt effective strategies.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Virology
Manuel Doehla, Bianca Schulte, Gero Wilbring, Beate Mareike Kuemmerer, Christin Doehla, Esther Sib, Enrico Richter, Patrick Frank Ottensmeyer, Alexandra Haag, Steffen Engelhart, Anna Maria Eis-Huebinger, Martin Exner, Nico Tom Mutters, Ricarda Maria Schmithausen, Hendrik Streeck
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role of environmental transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in quarantined households. The results showed that out of the 43 tested adults, 26 tested positive using qRT-PCR. Air samples were negative, while 10 out of 66 wastewater samples and 4 out of 119 surface samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2. However, there was no significant correlation between qRT-PCR-positive environmental samples and the extent of infection spread among household members. No infectious virus could be propagated under cell culture conditions. Therefore, this study demonstrates a low likelihood of transmission via surfaces.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Stefan A. Rudhart, Frank Guenther, Laura Dapper, Boris A. Stuck, Stephan Hoch
Summary: This study analyzed the virucidal efficacy of UV-C light surface disinfection and found that the tested UV system provides significant virucidal effects after a relatively short irradiation time.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Mykhailo Savin, Gabriele Bierbaum, Nico T. Mutters, Ricarda Maria Schmithausen, Judith Kreyenschmidt, Isidro Garcia-Menino, Silvia Schmoger, Annemarie Kaesbohrer, Jens Andre Hammerl
Summary: This study characterizes carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella spp. in wastewater and surface water in Germany. The isolates showed resistance to multiple antibiotics and a high diversity of antibiotic-resistance genes. Virulence factors were also present in most isolates. The findings suggest the possible dissemination of resistant bacteria in the environment and the risk of colonization and infection in humans, livestock, and wildlife.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
A. Bludau, S. Heinemann, A. A. Mardiko, H. E. J. Kaba, A. Leha, N. von Maltzahn, N. T. Mutters, R. Leistner, F. Mattner, S. Scheithauer
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the understanding of infection control practitioners in German hospitals regarding COVID-19 infection control strategies. The results showed that the decision to separate areas and teams seemed to depend on the hospital's structural conditions. Additionally, there were differences in accompanying regulations between hospitals of different sizes, which may be related to patient numbers, case type/severity, and patients' requirements.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Christian M. Sterr, Aline Dick, Lena Schellenberger, Julian Zirbes, Claudia Nonnenmacher-Winter, Frank Guenther
Summary: Face masks and respirators are commonly used to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases. This study compared the protective efficacy of different masks and found that FFP2 respirators and medical masks showed the highest protection against virus-containing aerosols. However, there was no significant difference between respirators and medical masks in terms of protection against infective aerosols. Therefore, it is recommended to use medical face masks, especially in low-risk situations and in the general public.
CANADIAN JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES & MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Laura Dapper, Aline Dick, Claudia Nonnenmacher-Winter, Frank Guenther
Summary: The control measures implemented in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on infectious diseases and pathogen detection at Marburg University Hospital, particularly in relation to community transmission.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Lia Freier, Nicole Zacharias, Stefanie Gemein, Juergen Gebel, Steffen Engelhart, Martin Exner, Nico T. Mutters
Summary: Wastewater pipes serve as microbial ecosystems, which can pose a potential infection risk. This study investigates the impact of C. difficile-infected patients on environmental contamination and identifies potential reservoirs. The findings highlight the importance of addressing the risk of transmission and infection from these reservoirs to ensure patient safety.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amelia A. Mardiko, Anna Bludau, Stephanie Heinemann, Hani E. J. Kaba, Diana Fenz, Andreas Leha, Nicole von Maltzahn, Nico T. Mutters, Rasmus Leistner, Frauke Mattner, Simone Scheithauer
Summary: In order to prevent healthcare workers from getting infected with COVID-19 at work and ensure a safe environment in hospitals, comprehensive infection control strategies, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regulations during breaks for healthcare workers, and the dissemination of pandemic-related information, are necessary.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mykhailo Savin, Jens Andre Hammerl, Julia Hassa, Norman Hembach, Joern Kalinowski, Thomas Schwartz, Felix Droop, Nico T. Mutters
Summary: Wastewater treatment plants are major reservoirs for the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria and antibiotic resistance genes. This study highlights the importance of extracellular DNA in wastewater, which is often overlooked. The results suggest that depending on the origin and treatment methods of wastewater, extracellular DNA can serve as an important reservoir for antibiotic resistance genes.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Timo Falkenberg, Felix Wasser, Nicole Zacharias, Nico Mutters, Thomas Kistemann
Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters on COVID-19 prevalence in kindergartens. The results showed that the use of HEPA filters in kindergartens in Germany did not reduce the prevalence of COVID-19, as contagion mainly occurs through direct face-to-face contact and the contaminated air does not necessarily pass through the filter before being exchanged between children.
