Article
Immunology
Malin Inghammar, Henrik Svanstrom, Marianne Voldstedlund, Mads Melbye, Anders Hviid, Kare Molbak, Bjorn Pasternak
Summary: In a nationwide study among adults in Denmark, it was found that the use of PPIs is associated with a moderately increased risk of community-associated Clostridium difficile infection. The elevated risk remained up to 1 year after the end of PPI treatment.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Karla Cautivo-Reyes, Daniel R. Knight, Deborah Bowie, Benjamin Moreira-Grez, Andrew S. Whiteley, Thomas V. Riley
Summary: The high prevalence and diversity of Clostridium difficile in Australian soils suggest that soils play a role in the survival and dissemination of this organism, potentially contributing to its transmission among native wildlife, production animals, and in community and hospital settings.
APPLIED AND ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Jessica M. Chisholm, Papanin Putsathit, Thomas V. Riley, Su-Chen Lim
Summary: This study reveals the common presence of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Western Australia, which are being released into the environment and becoming a potential source/reservoir for community-associated C. difficile infection (CA-CDI).
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Review
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Peng An Khun, Thomas V. Riley
Summary: This review provides an overview of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in southeast Asia, including its prevalence, detection methods, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and the potential significance of a One Health approach. CDI is a common cause of hospital-acquired gastroenteritis worldwide, with higher rates observed in high-income countries. Lack of knowledge and awareness about CDI, along with antimicrobial abuse and inadequate education on appropriate usage, contribute to its evolution. Underreporting of CDI rates and misuse of antimicrobial agents pose a significant threat in regions like Indochina, while C. difficile RT 017 strain is endemic in southeast Asia.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF TROPICAL MEDICINE AND HYGIENE
(2022)
Article
Surgery
Young Il Kim, Chang Sik Yu, Yang Soo Kim, Chan Wook Kim, Jong Lyul Lee, Yong Sik Yoon, In Ja Park, Seok-Byung Lim, Jin Cheon Kim
Summary: Adjuvant chemotherapy and colorectal anastomosis leakage increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infection, and patients with Clostridium difficile infection also have a higher risk of anastomosis leakage after rectal surgery.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Asim Kichloo, Zain El-Amir, Dushyant Singh Dahiya, Mohammad Al-Haddad, Jagmeet Singh, Gurdeep Singh, Carlos Corpuz, Hafeez Shaka
Summary: The 30-day all-cause readmission rate for Clostridiodes difficile Enterocolitis was 25.7% in 2018. Independent predictors of 30-day all-cause readmissions for Clostridiodes difficile Enterocolitis include diabetes mellitus, discharged against medical advice and chronic kidney disease. Readmissions of Clostridiodes difficile Enterocolitis had higher mortality rates, healthcare cost and length of hospital stay compared to index admissions.
ANNALS OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Su-Chen Lim, Natasza M. R. Hain-Saunders, Korakrit Imwattana, Papanin Putsathit, Deirdre A. Collins, Thomas Riley
Summary: This study found a close relationship between environmental Clostridium difficile isolates and those from humans, possibly indicating an environmental transmission route. Toxigenic strains isolated from water sources were mainly of the 014/020 ribotype, with susceptibility to most antibiotics. High-resolution core-genome analysis revealed recent genetic relationships between human and water isolates.
ENVIRONMENTAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Jianfeng Wang, Chu Yang, Chao Zhang, Xiaoyan Mao, An Lizhe
Summary: In this study, the genome of Clostridium difficile was studied using metagenomic technology, revealing its gene sequence information and potential toxicological genes. Through gene function analysis and pathogenicity analysis, the metabolism activity, catalytic activity, carbohydrate-active enzyme genes and other aspects of the bacterium were understood, and an assessment was made on its virulence genes.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Su-Chen Lim, Deirdre A. Collins, Korakrit Imwattana, Daniel R. Knight, Sicilia Perumalsamy, Natasza M. R. Hain-Saunders, Papanin Putsathit, David Speers, Thomas Riley
Summary: The study found that Clostridium difficile infection is mainly imported from the community into hospitals rather than spreading within the healthcare system. These findings suggest that developing community-based infection prevention and control strategies could significantly lower rates of CDI in the hospital setting.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Marta Mattana, Riccardo Tomasello, Claudia Cammarata, Paola Di Carlo, Teresa Fasciana, Giulio Giordano, Alessandro Lucchesi, Sergio Siragusa, Mariasanta Napolitano
Summary: This review analyzed the correlation between coagulation complications related to C. difficile infection and inflammasome activation, particularly the pyrin-dependent one. The evidence suggests that inflammasome activation increases the risk of venous thromboembolism, and inhibition of molecules involved in coagulation activation could block this process. It may be possible to reduce complications and mortality associated with C. difficile infection by reducing inflammatory activity and preventing thromboembolic complications.
Review
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tebelay Dilnessa, Alem Getaneh, Workagegnehu Hailu, Feleke Moges, Baye Gelaw
Summary: A high prevalence of C. difficile was observed among hospitalized patients, emphasizing the need for attention and prevention. The resistance of C. difficile to metronidazole and vancomycin was lower compared to other antibiotics.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Ibrahim A. Al-Zahrani
Summary: Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) infection is a global threat to many healthcare settings. Excessive use of antimicrobials, lack of optimal antibiotic policies, and suboptimal infection control practices have fueled the development of this health issue. Prudent use of antimicrobials and simple infection control measures can significantly reduce infection rates.
SAUDI MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Srijita Basak, Debashrito Deb, Utkarsh Narsaria, Tamalika Kar, Filippo Castiglione, Indraneel Sanyal, Pratap D. Bade, Anurag P. Srivastava
Summary: Clostridium difficile infection is a major health-associated infection with high incidence and mortality rates. A chimeric vaccine candidate was designed using immunoinformatics, which showed stability and reliability in silico and molecular dynamics simulations. Docking studies demonstrated stable interactions with immune receptors, and in silico modeling indicated competent expression in E. coli system for potential immune response.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Peng An Khun, Long Duc Phi, Huong Thi Thu Bui, Nguyen Thi Bui, Quyen Thi Huyen Vu, Luong Duy Trinh, Deirdre A. Collins, Thomas Riley
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence, molecular type, and antimicrobial susceptibility of Clostridioides difficile in the environment in Vietnam. It found that the overall contamination rate of C. difficile was 24.5%, with the highest prevalence in pig farm and hospital soils. C. difficile was also found in pig feces and potato surfaces. These findings highlight the importance of environmental sources in the epidemiology of C. difficile infection in Vietnam.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
John M. Sahrmann, Margaret A. Olsen, Dustin Stwalley, Holly Yu, Erik R. Dubberke
Summary: Although the economic burden of hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is high among elderly patients, the economic costs of CDI in other healthcare facilities or the community are also significant. Additional strategies are needed to prevent CDI in the elderly and reduce morbidity and healthcare expenditures.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Colin C. Hubbard, Charlesnika T. Evans, Gregory S. Calip, Jifang Zhou, Susan A. Rowan, Katie J. Suda
Summary: This study analyzed the appropriateness of antibiotic prophylaxis in dental visits and found that unnecessary antibiotic prophylaxis was highly prevalent but decreased over time. Factors associated with unnecessary prophylaxis included age, sex, geographic region, rurality, type of antibiotic, and dental procedure. Antimicrobial stewardship strategies targeting dentists are needed.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Charlesnika T. Evans, Benjamin J. DeYoung, Elizabeth L. Gray, Amisha Wallia, Joyce Ho, Mercedes Carnethon, Teresa R. Zembower, Lisa R. Hirschhorn, John T. Wilkins
Summary: Most healthcare workers (HCWs) expressed intentions to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but some remained unsure or unwilling. Factors such as exposure to clinical procedures and negative serology tests for COVID-19 were predictive of vaccine intention and behavior. Targeted messaging and vaccine mandates can help increase vaccine uptake.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katie J. Suda, Margaret A. Fitzpatrick, Gretchen Gibson, M. Marianne Jurasic, Linda Poggensee, Kelly Echevarria, Colin C. Hubbard, Jessina C. McGregor, Charlesnika T. Evans
Summary: The study aimed to assess the appropriateness of antibiotic prophylaxis by VA dentists. The results showed that the majority of antibiotic prophylaxis prescriptions were inconsistent with guidelines, highlighting the importance of improving appropriateness and duration of prophylaxis.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katie J. Suda, Alfredo Traversa, Ursula Patel, Linda Poggensee, Margaret A. Fitzpatrick, Geneva M. Wilson, Charlesnika T. Evans
Summary: This study assessed the treatment trends for patients with CRE from 2012 to 2018. The findings revealed a decrease in the utilization of aminoglycosides and colistin, while there was an increase in the use of extended-spectrum cephalosporins and ceftazidime-avibactam. Moreover, significant uptake of ceftazidime-avibactam, a newly approved antibiotic, was observed for treating CRE infections.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Geneva M. Wilson, Charlesnika T. Evans, Margaret A. Fitzpatrick, Linda Poggensee, Gretchen Gibson, M. Marianne Jurasic, Kelly Echevarria, Katie J. Suda
Summary: A study found that a small proportion of US veterans developed CDI after receiving dental antibiotic prescription, and 80% of them did not receive guideline-recommended antibiotics. Half of these patients had underlying chronic gastrointestinal illnesses, which exacerbated their risk of CDI. More efforts are needed to improve antibiotic stewardship.
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Tumader Khouja, Jifang Zhou, Walid F. Gellad, Kannop Mitsantisuk, Colin C. Hubbard, Connie H. Yan, Lisa K. Sharp, Gregory S. Calip, Charlesnika T. Evans, Katie J. Suda
Summary: This study evaluates the adverse outcomes and persistent opioid use (POU) after opioid prescriptions by dentists, based on whether opioids were overprescribed or within recommendations. The findings demonstrate that dental prescribing of opioids was associated with adverse outcomes and POU, even when prescriptions were concordant with guidelines. Additional efforts are required to improve analgesic prescribing in dentistry, especially in groups at high risk of opioid-related adverse outcomes.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Connie H. Yan, Todd A. Lee, Lisa K. Sharp, Colin C. Hubbard, Charlesnika T. Evans, Gregory S. Calip, Susan A. Rowan, Jessina C. McGregor, Walid F. Gellad, Katie J. Suda
Summary: The study found that the prescribing rates of opioid medications by dentists in the United States have declined over the past few years, following national trends and the implementation of strategies to regulate opioid prescribing.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Amanda Vivo, Margaret A. Fitzpatrick, Katie J. Suda, Makoto M. Jones, Eli N. Perencevich, Michael A. Rubin, Swetha Ramanathan, Geneva M. Wilson, Martin E. Evans, Charlesnika T. Evans
Summary: This study investigated the epidemiology of CRAB and CRPA in veterans and found that positive blood cultures and more comorbidities were associated with higher odds of mortality. These findings can guide clinicians to treat patients with these infections in a timely manner to improve outcomes.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ashley M. Hughes, Erica Lin, Raza A. Hussain, Gretchen Gibson, Marianne Jurasic, Lisa K. Sharp, Colin C. Hubbard, Linda E. Poggensee, Charlesnika T. Evans, Jessina C. McGregor, Walid F. Gellad, Katie J. Suda
Summary: Opioids are frequently prescribed in outpatient dental settings, leading to opportunities for opioid stewardship. This pilot study tested the feasibility of an academic detailing intervention to promote appropriate prescribing of opioids. The results showed high feasibility, indications of adoption of intervention techniques, and a decrease in opioid prescribing rates. It is recommended to collaborate closely with frontline providers to gather feedback and support before scaling and implementing the intervention.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN PHARMACISTS ASSOCIATION
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
C. H. Yan, C. C. Hubbard, T. A. Lee, L. K. Sharp, C. T. Evans, G. S. Calip, S. A. Rowan, J. C. McGregor, W. F. Gellad, K. J. Suda
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of hydrocodone rescheduling on dental prescribing of opioids in the United States. The findings showed a decrease in hydrocodone prescribing and an increase in non-hydrocodone opioid prescribing by dentists.
JDR CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Katherine Callaway Kim, Tumader Khouja, Jacqueline M. M. Burgette, Charlesnika T. T. Evans, Gregory S. S. Calip, Walid F. F. Gellad, Katie J. J. Suda
Summary: Using join-point regression analysis, we found a decrease in fills for high-alert medicines to children by general dentists from 2012 to 2019. However, older teenagers and children in some areas continue to receive dental opioids at high rates. Future efforts should address non-evidence-based pain management in these groups.
PHARMACOEPIDEMIOLOGY AND DRUG SAFETY
(2023)
Letter
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Tyler D. D. Stone, Cerina Lee, Jacqueline Bannon, Thanh-Huyen T. Vu, Lisa R. R. Hirschhorn, John T. T. Wilkins, Charlesnika T. T. Evans
INFECTION CONTROL AND HOSPITAL EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Pooja A. Solanki, Colin C. Hubbard, Linda Poggensee, Charlesnika T. Evans, Katie J. Suda
Summary: This study analyzed the downstream outcomes of opioids prescribed by dentists to Veterans within the Veterans Health Administration. It found that opioid-related adverse events were rare in Veterans and lower than other reports. Thus, prescribing opioid alternatives may be an effective strategy to decrease opioid-related poisoning and mortality.
JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH DENTISTRY
(2023)
Review
Nursing
Tina Stone, Alison Short
Summary: Music therapy has shown some efficacy as a cognitive remediation method for adults with schizophrenia, improving attention, executive function, language, memory, and processing speed. However, further research is needed to better understand and develop cognitively beneficial music therapy programs for this population.
ISSUES IN MENTAL HEALTH NURSING
(2023)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Sarah May, Annette Walder, Casey Hines-Munson, Ivy Poon, S. Ann Holmes, Charlesnika T. Evans, Barbara W. Trautner, Felicia Skelton
Summary: The annual evaluation of SCI/D patients in the Veterans Health Administration often involves urine testing and subsequent antibiotic use, which may be an important focus for antibiotic stewardship programs.
