Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ayorinde B. Akinbobola, Ayodeji C. Osunla, Oluyemi M. Bello, Olajide A. Ajayi
Summary: This study evaluates the persistence of three common healthcare-associated infection (HAI) pathogens on commonly used fabric materials in healthcare settings. The results demonstrate that these pathogens can persist on fabrics for more than a month, and their persistence can be enhanced by moisture.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Evan Call, Kasey J. Call, Craig Oberg, Cassidee Capunay, Daniel N. Clark
Summary: This study evaluated five hospital bedframes in terms of soil retention and ease of cleaning, and examined the correlation between bedframe design and user cleaning experience in reducing healthcare-associated infections. The results emphasize the importance of bedframe design and user cleaning experience in minimizing the risk of infections.
ADVANCES IN SKIN & WOUND CARE
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Juan Luis Castano-Fernandez, Merce Grau-Perez
Summary: Microblading, a popular technique for semipermanent tattooing of eyebrows using needles, was associated with a facial skin eruption in a 47-year-old woman during the 2022 mpox outbreak in Spain.
BRITISH JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Shuk-Ching Wong, Pui-Hing Chau, Simon Yung-Chun So, Germaine Kit-Ming Lam, Veronica Wing-Man Chan, Lithia Lai-Ha Yuen, Christine Ho-Yan Au Yeung, Jonathan Hon-Kwan Chen, Pak-Leung Ho, Kwok-Yung Yuen, Vincent Chi-Chung Cheng
Summary: This study analyzed the changes in the incidence rate of hospital-onset carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infection after the implementation of enhanced infection control measures in Queen Mary Hospital. The results showed that the infection control measures were able to decrease the incidence rate of hospital-onset CRAB infection. Additionally, the study found that the consumption of antimicrobial drugs continued to increase during the study period.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Isaac Agyekum Adomako, Dalene Venter, Eric Sampane Donkor, Penelope Engel-Hills
Summary: This study observed the cleaning procedures and practices of radiographers and found that they only partially followed infection control measures. The selected equipment and accessories were contaminated with microorganisms pre-and post-cleaning.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Ali Alamer, Fawaz Alharbi, Asim Aldhilan, Ziyad Almushayti, Khalefa Alghofaily, Ayman Elbehiry, Adil Abalkhail
Summary: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are common and serious health problems in hospitals and ambulatory settings. Radiology departments globally have seen an increasing risk of HAIs due to their central role in guiding clinical decisions and the growing use of imaging techniques. Radiology departments are particularly vulnerable to HAIs due to their role as a transit hub for infected and non-infected patients and healthcare workers. The invasive nature of interventional radiology procedures also presents a greater risk of HAIs.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sarah N. Redmond, Basya S. Pearlmutter, Yilen K. Ng-Wong, Heba Alhmidi, Jennifer L. Cadnum, Sandra Y. Silva, Brigid M. Wilson, Curtis J. Donskey
Summary: The study found that floors may be an underappreciated source of pathogen dissemination in healthcare facilities, and simple interventions such as having patients wear slippers could potentially reduce the risk for transfer of pathogens from floors to hands and high-touch surfaces.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Anna Stachel, Lindsay T. Keegan, Seth Blumberg
Summary: Mathematical, statistical, and computational models offer insights into healthcare-associated infections transmission and control. Recent studies have focused on modeling the transmission of pathogens in healthcare settings, especially with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and the need for effective interventions. Efforts are being made to address inequities in COVID-19 outcomes and incorporate genomic data into modeling, while gaps still exist in producing generalizable models across different time periods, geographic locations, and populations.
CURRENT OPINION IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Emmanouil Bolikas, Eirini Astrinaki, Evangelia Panagiotaki, Efsevia Vitsaxaki, Stamatina Saplamidou, Ioannis Drositis, Dimitra Stafylaki, Georgios Chamilos, Achilleas Gikas, Diamantis P. Kofteridis, Evangelos I. Kritsotakis
Summary: The COVID-19 pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on healthcare systems globally, with a detrimental effect on increasing antimicrobial resistance. A study conducted in two tertiary-care hospitals investigated the impact of SARS-CoV-2 preventive measures on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The results revealed a 44% reduction in the infection rate of ESKAPEE bacteria during the intervention period compared to the pre-intervention period.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Cinzia Ullrich, Anne M. Luescher, Julian Koch, Robert N. Grass, Hugo Sax
Summary: The study used silica nanoparticles with encapsulated DNA (SPED) for the first time in a real hospital setting to investigate potential transmission routes of vancomycin-resistant enterococci. Results showed that without targeted cleaning, toilet seats and mobile devices may result in widespread transmission of pathogens starting from one contaminated patient skin region.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Moe Moe Thandar, Sadatoshi Matsuoka, Obaidur Rahman, Erika Ota, Toshiaki Baba
Summary: This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness of ICTs in reducing HCAIs in hospitals and other healthcare settings, by conducting a comprehensive literature search and meta-analysis to determine their impact on patients and healthcare professionals, while also considering cost factors.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
A. Salmanov, D. Shchehlov, O. Svyrydiuk, I. Bortnik, M. Mamonova, S. Korniyenko, V. Rud, V. Artyomenko, M. Gudym, R. Maliarchuk, T. Bondar
Summary: This study estimated the prevalence and incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in Ukraine and described the phenotypic and genotypic features of antimicrobial resistance in responsible pathogens. The results showed a high prevalence of HAIs, with 16.4% of patients experiencing HAIs. Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, and bloodstream infections were the most frequently reported types of HAIs. MDROs were found to be one of the main causes of HAI-associated deaths.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Virology
Manar E. Abdel-Rahman, Shilu Mathew, Asmaa A. Al Thani, Khalid Al Ansari, Hadi M. Yassine
Summary: This study highlights the association of disease severity among AGE-infected pediatrics in Qatar, with RV and NoV infections causing more severe symptoms. In multivariable analysis, the likelihood of detecting RV was significantly higher in children with severe symptoms compared to those with moderate symptoms.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ronza Najjar-Debbiny, Bibiana Chazan, Rona Lobl, M. Todd Greene, David Ratz, Sanjay Saint, Yehuda Carmeli, Mitchell J. Schwaber
Summary: This study surveyed the IPC characteristics and practices used by Israeli hospitals during the COVID-19 era, finding that while many globally accepted IPC practices are widely implemented, opportunities exist to increase the use of certain IPC practices in Israeli hospitals.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
M. J. Lydeamore, B. G. Mitchell, T. Bucknall, A. C. Cheng, P. L. Russo, A. J. Stewardson
Summary: This study estimates the burden of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in Australian public hospitals using a standard international framework. The results show that there are approximately 170,574 HAIs occurring in adults admitted to public hospitals in Australia annually, resulting in 7583 deaths. Hospital acquired pneumonia is the most frequent HAI, followed by surgical site infections and urinary tract infections. The study highlights the high burden of HAIs in Australia and the need for continued investment in prevention efforts.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Eduardo A. Yepez Guevara, Samuel L. Aitken, Adilene Olvera, Lily Carlin, Kerri E. Fernandes, Micah M. Bhatti, Kevin W. Garey, Javier Adachi, Pablo C. Okhuysen
Summary: This study investigated Clostridioides difficile infection in cancer patients, finding that patients with EIA+ were older, more likely to fail therapy and experience recurrence, with the presence of ribotypes associated with poor outcomes increasing the risk of treatment failure.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Eugenie Basseres, Bradley T. Endres, Nicolas Montes-Bravo, Nicolas Perez-Soto, Tasnuva Rashid, Christopher Lancaster, Khurshida Begum, M. Jahangir Alam, Daniel Paredes-Sabja, Kevin W. Garey
Summary: This study visualized the direct attachment of fidaxomicin to C. difficile spores and found that this attachment was diminished with mutants of specific exosporium and spore coat proteins. These findings provide advanced insights into the anti-spore properties of fidaxomicin.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Bernadette D. Asias-Dinh, Kevin W. Garey
Summary: The study aimed to evaluate whether the ADA risk tool correctly identified high-risk patients in a pharmacist-led health fair, with no additional clinical variables independently associated with abnormal glucose results after controlling for ADA risk score. The use of an ADA risk cut point of greater than or equal to 3 is recommended to identify patients likely to have abnormal glucose results in the health fair setting.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Travis J. Carlson, Anne J. Gonzales-Luna, Melissa F. Wilcox, Sarah G. Theriault, Faris S. Alnezary, Pankaj Patel, Bumhee K. Ahn, Evan J. Zasowski, Kevin W. Garey
Summary: The study demonstrated a 46% relative reduction in the odds of developing CDI in patients who received corticosteroids within the past 90 days. The results provide the best clinical evidence to further support mechanistic studies underlying this phenomenon.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
K. Rainha, Debora Lins, R. F. Ferreira, C. L. Costa, B. Penna, B. T. Endres, K. W. Garey, R. M. C. P. Domingues, E. O. Ferreira
Summary: Clostridioides difficile has been identified as one of the primary causes of nosocomial diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis in humans and other mammals after the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. A case of C. difficile infection (CDI) in a 13-year-old male dog is described in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Article
Immunology
Kevin W. Garey, Jacob McPherson, An Q. Dinh, Chenlin Hu, Jinhee Jo, Weiqun Wang, Chris K. Lancaster, Anne J. Gonzales-Luna, Caroline Loveall, Khurshida Begum, M. Jahangir Alam, Michael H. Silverman, Blake Hanson
Summary: This study validates the effectiveness of ibezapolstat in treating adult patients with Clostridioides difficileinfection. The results show sustained clinical cure and beneficial effects on the microbiome and bile acids.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Taryn A. Eubank, Anne J. Gonzales-Luna, Julian G. Hurdle, Kevin W. Garey
Summary: Antimicrobial resistance in Clostridioides difficile infection poses a major threat to global health. While oral vancomycin is commonly used to treat CDI, there is a lack of susceptibility testing in clinical labs, making it challenging to detect and monitor resistance. This systematic review explores the gene determinants and mechanisms of vancomycin resistance in C. difficile and highlights the need for further research to understand their clinical impact.
Article
Microbiology
Chenlin Hu, Nicholas D. Beyda, Kevin W. Garey
Summary: The human microbiome project has revolutionized our understanding of the interaction between commensal microbes and human health. In this study, a simple and fast HPLC method was validated for quantitative fecal vancomycin analysis and the reproducibility of results were tested, establishing sample condition standards for quantitative HPLC studies on vancomycin pharmacokinetics with the human microbiome.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Jacob McPherson, Chenlin Hu, Khurshida Begum, Weiqun Wang, Chris Lancaster, Anne J. Gonzales-Luna, Caroline Loveall, Michael H. Silverman, M. Jahangir Alam, Kevin W. Garey
Summary: This study used a functional and metagenomic approach to predict the potential anti-CDI recurrence effect of ibezapolstat. The results from the clinical study showed that ibezapolstat demonstrated beneficial changes in microbiome and bile acid concentrations, suggesting a lower risk of CDI recurrence compared to vancomycin.
ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS AND CHEMOTHERAPY
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jinhee Jo, Truc T. Tran, Nicholas D. Beyda, Debora Simmons, Joshua A. Hendrickson, Masaad Saeed Almutairi, Faris S. Alnezary, Anne J. Gonzales-Luna, Edward J. Septimus, Kevin W. Garey
Summary: This study aimed to assess the use of echinocandin at hospital discharge and develop a transition of care model for patients with invasive candidiasis (IC). The study found a significant use of echinocandin at discharge, with almost half of the discharged patients receiving outpatient echinocandin therapy. Osteomyelitis, other deep-seated infection, and non-home discharge location were independent predictors for outpatient echinocandin use. The developed discharge model may assist in facilitating smoother and earlier hospital discharges.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Chenlin Hu, Kevin W. Garey
Summary: Clostridioide difficile is the leading cause of diarrhea disease worldwide and is considered an urgent threat pathogen by CDC. Mammalian models are commonly used to study C. difficile infection, but alternative nonmammalian models, such as great wax worm, nematode, fruit fly, and zebrafish, have been explored due to cost, throughput capacity, and ethical concerns. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the use of nonmammalian models in studying CDI, including its infection mechanism, pathogenicity, colonization, host immunity, and therapy. The translational outcomes and strengths and weaknesses of each nonmammalian model are discussed.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ahmed Zaki, Anne J. Gonzales-Luna, Nicholas D. Beyda, Todd Lasco, Kevin W. Garey
Summary: This study evaluated the clinical outcomes of micafungin based on population-predicted pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic factors and susceptibility. MIC and AUC/MIC breakpoints derived from CART analysis predicted patient mortality and treatment failure for certain Candida species. These results support further PK/PD studies to optimize echinocandin dosing and improve patient outcomes.
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Anne J. Gonzales-Luna, Travis J. Carlson, Kevin W. Garey
Summary: Human gut microbiota play a critical role in the development and recovery of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Antibiotics, although necessary for CDI treatment, can further disrupt the gut microbiota, leading to dysbiosis and complicating recovery. Various microbiota-based treatment approaches, such as fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and newly approved live biotherapeutic products, have been developed to address disease- and treatment-associated dysbiosis and improve cure rates. This review aims to discuss the changes in the gut microbiome associated with CDI and the effectiveness of different microbiota-based treatments.
Article
Immunology
Kevin W. Garey, Erik R. Dubberke, Amy Guo, Adam Harvey, Min Yang, Viviana Garcia-Horton, Mirko Fillbrunn, Hongjue Wang, Glenn S. Tillotson, Lindy L. Bancke, Paul Feuerstadt
Summary: In this study, the disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) in patients with rCDI treated with fecal microbiota was evaluated. The results demonstrated that patients treated with RBL had more improvements in the mental domain compared to those receiving placebo.
OPEN FORUM INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Anne J. Gonzales-Luna, Travis J. Carlson, Kevin W. Garey
Summary: While rates of CDI infection are rising among children in the US, studies on treatment are lacking. Guidelines have historically relied on limited data and adult trials. Recent RCT suggests fidaxomicin is as effective as vancomycin for pediatric CDI treatment, making it a more appropriate option.
JOURNAL OF THE PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS DISEASES SOCIETY
(2021)
