Device-associated Healthcare-associated Infections Research Articles

Risk factors for multidrug-resistant bacteria in critically ill children and MDR score development.

Antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are major health concerns in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Device-associated HAIs (DA-HAIs) produced by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria are especially worrying, as they can lead to an inappropriate empirical antibiotic therapy, worsened outcomes and increased mortality. The MDR score was designed to enable the prompt identification of patients at high risk of developing an MDR infection. This was a single-center, prospective, observational study, conducted between January 2015 and December 2022, including PICU patients with a microbiologically confirmed DA-HAI. Demographic, clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between patients with a DA-HAI caused by MDR and non-MDR-associated DA-HAI, and a risk score for multi-resistance was designed. In total, 257 DA-HAI cases were included, 86 (33.46%) caused by an MDR microbe. In the univariate analysis, comorbidity (p = 0.002), previous MDR colonization (p < 0.001), previous surgery (p = 0.018), and previous antibiotic therapy (p = 0.009) were more frequent among MDR-associated DA-HAI (MDR DA-HAI). In addition, days from device insertion to infection and from PICU admission (p < 0.005) to infection were longer in patients with MDR. In the multivariate analysis, previous comorbidity (OR 2.201), previous MDR colonization (OR 5.149), and PICU length of stay longer than 9days (OR 1.782) were independently associated with MDR-DA-HAI. Using these three independent risk factors for MDR, a risk score was created: the MDR score. Three risk groups were obtained: low risk (0-2 points), intermediate risk (3-7 points), and high risk (8-12 points). Seventy-one patients with MDR-DA-HAI (82.6%) were classified in the intermediate or high-risk group, with a global sensitivity of 82.6%. The specificity in the high-risk group was 91.8%, and 81.0% of patients who were stratified into the low-risk group had non-MDR-associated infections, so they were correctly classified. Conclusions: The MDR score can be a useful tool to stratify patients in risk groups for MDR-DA-HAI. It may help to guide the choice of empirical therapy, leading to early optimization and avoiding delays in establishing appropriate treatment. This study reinforces the importance of stratifying patients based on their individual risk profile for MDR infection.

Device associated healthcare associated infection (DA-HAI): a detailed analysis of risk factors and outcomes in a university hospital in Rome, Italy

This study investigates the impact of invasive procedures on healthcare-associated infections (HAI) at Policlinico Universitario Tor Vergata in Rome, Italy, aiming to understand their role in device-associated HAI and to inform prevention strategies. A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted, examining mandatory discharge records and microbiology data from 2018 across all departments. The study focused on adult patients, analysing the correlation between invasive procedures and HAI through univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Of the 12,066 patients reviewed, 1,214 (10.1%) experienced HAI. Univariate analysis indicated an association between invasive procedures and HAI (OR= 1.81, P < 0.001), which was not observed in multivariable analysis. Specific procedures significantly raised HAI risks: temporary tracheostomy (AOR= 22.69, P <0.001), central venous pressure monitoring (AOR= 6.74, P <0.001) prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation (AOR= 4.44, P <0.001), and venous catheterisation (AOR= 1.58, P <0.05). Aggregated high-risk procedures had an increased likelihood of HAI in multivariable analysis (OR= 2.51, P < 0.001). High-risk departments were also notably associated with HAI (OR= 6.13, P < 0.001). This study suggests that specific invasive procedures, such as temporary tracheostomy, significantly increase HAI risks. The results highlighting the need for targeted infection prevention and control procedures and supports the need for innovative methods such as record-linkage in policymaking to address HAI. These findings inform clinical practice and healthcare policy to improve patient safety and care quality.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report of health care associated infections, data summary of 45 countries for 2015 to 2020, adult and pediatric units, device-associated module

Reporting on the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium study results from 2015 to 2020, conducted in 630 intensive care units across 123 cities in 45 countries spanning Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East. Prospective intensive care unit patient data collected via International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium Surveillance Online System. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Health Care Safety Network definitions applied for device-associated health care-associated infections (DA-HAI). We gathered data from 204,770 patients, 1,480,620 patient days, 936,976 central line (CL)-days, 637,850 mechanical ventilators (MV)-days, and 1,005,589 urinary catheter (UC)-days. Our results showed 4,270 CL-associated bloodstream infections, 7,635 ventilator-associated pneumonia, and 3,005 UC-associated urinary tract infections. The combined rates of DA-HAIs were 7.28%, and 10.07 DA-HAIs per 1,000 patient days. CL-associated bloodstream infections occurred at 4.55 per 1,000 CL-days, ventilator-associated pneumonias at 11.96 per 1,000 MV-days, and UC-associated urinary tract infections at 2.91 per 1,000 UC days. In terms of resistance, Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed 50.73% resistance to imipenem, 44.99% to ceftazidime, 37.95% to ciprofloxacin, and 34.05% to amikacin. Meanwhile, Klebsiella spp had resistance rates of 48.29% to imipenem, 72.03% to ceftazidime, 61.78% to ciprofloxacin, and 40.32% to amikacin. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus displayed oxacillin resistance in 81.33% and 53.83% of cases, respectively. The high rates of DA-HAI and bacterial resistance emphasize the ongoing need for continued efforts to control them.

Device-associated healthcare-associated infections surveillance in an intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in COVID-19 patients

Background: Surveillance for healthcare-associated infections has a major role in hospital infection prevention and control programmes. In the present study, we estimated the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on device-associated healthcare-associated infections (DA-HAI) ventilator-associated events (VAE), central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Methods: This was a prospective surveillance study from January 2021 to June 2021 conducted in a 30-bed intensive care unit (ICU) of tertiary care, and academic healthcare organisations. Targeted surveillance was carried out by the National Healthcare Safety Network surveillance requirements of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results: A total of 249 patients admitted to the ICU with 2920 patient days of surveillance data were included during the study. A DA-HAIs attack rate of 17.67/100 admissions was seen during the study. The device utilisation ratios of central line, ventilator and urinary catheters were 0.49, 0.60 and 0.83, respectively. VAE, CLABSI and CAUTI rates were 12.44, 6.91 and 9.01/1000 device days, respectively. Among 54 DA-HAIs reported, pathogens could be identified for 41 DA-HAI cases. The most common organisms causing VAE, CAUTI and CLABSI were Acinetobacter baumannii (42.1%), Escherichia coli (30%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (41.7%), respectively. Of the Gram-negative organisms 61.7% were carbapenem resistant and 50% of Staphylococcus aureuswere methicillin resistant. Conclusions: The present study shows high rates of ICU-acquired DA-HAIs and moderately high resistance patterns of the organisms causing HAIs, which poses a great risk to patient safety.

No increase of device associated infections in German intensive care units during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic may have had a substantial impact on the incidence of device-associated healthcare-associated infections (HAI), in particular in intensive care units (ICU). A significant increase of HAI was reported by US hospitals when comparing incidence rates from 2019 and 2020. The objective of this study was to investigate the development of the most relevant device-associated HAI in German ICUs during the year 2020 as compared to 2019.MethodsWe utilized the data of the ICU component of the German National Reference Center for Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections (KISS = Krankenhaus-Infektions-Surveillance-System) for the period 2019–2020. We focused on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), ventilator-associated lower respiratory infections (VALRTI) and bloodstream infections associated with the use of Extracorporeal-Life-Support-Systems (ECLSABSI). Device use was defined as the number device days per 100 patient days; device-associated infection rates as the number of device-associated infections per 1000 device days. To compare the pooled means between the years and quarters we calculated rate ratios of device-associated infection rates with 95% confidence intervals by Poisson regression models.ResultsThe number of participating ICUs in the surveillance system decreased from 982 in 2019 to 921 in 2020 (6.2%). Device utilization rates increased significantly for central lines and ventilator use. VALRTI rates and CAUTI rates decreased in 2020 compared with 2019, however, no increase was shown for CLABSI or ECLSABSI. This result was also confirmed when the corresponding quarters per year were analyzed.ConclusionsThe lack of an increase in device-associated healthcare associated infections (HAI) in German ICUs may be due to the lower overall incidence of COVID-19 cases in Germany in 2020 compared with US, to a very high availability of ICU beds per 100,000 inhabitants compared with many other countries, and a change in the ICU patient mix due to numerous elective procedures that were postponed during the first two waves. The primary reason seems to be that only 7% of all ICU patients in Germany in 2020 were COVID-19 patients.

The Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic on Device-Associated Healthcare-Associated Infection

Background: The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on healthcare-associated infection (HAI) is not yet known. Diversion of resources from traditional HAI surveillance and prevention efforts toward institutional COVID-19 response, along with decrease in patient contact due to fear or required quarantine or isolation, may have increased HAI rates. In contrast, increased compliance with hand hygiene and personal protective equipment may have decreased HAI rates. Methods: We sought to determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare-associated central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI). CLABSI and CAUTI rates and standardized infection ratios (SIRs) reported to the NHSN from the first quarter of 2015 to the fourth quarter of 2020 were obtained for the entire facility and for the medical intensive care unit (MICU), which was converted during the pandemic to an intensive care unit solely for critically ill patients with COVID-19. Changes in CLABSI and CAUTI rates and SIRs before the pandemic (Q1 2015 to Q4 2019) and during the pandemic (Q1 2020 to Q4 2020) were assessed using an independent-sample t test. Results: The CLABSI rate was unchanged, with a mean (SD) of 0.64 (±0.34) CLABSIs per 1,000 central-line days before the pandemic and 0.72 (±0.22) during the pandemic (P = .62) (Figure 1). The SIR remained stable at 0.54 (±0.29) before and 0.96 (±0.59) during the COVID-19 pandemic (P = .25). However, CLABSI rate in MICU increased significantly from 0.92 (±1.00) to 2.75 (±1.00) (p &lt; 0.01), along with SIR from 0.81 ± 0.89 to 2.53 ± 1.07 (p &lt; 0.01) (Figure 1). CAUTI rate was unchanged with 1.17 ± 0.38 CAUTI per 1000 catheter days per quarter before, and 1.04 ± 0.87 during COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.64). CAUTI SIR remained stable at 0.82 ± 0.31 before and 0.83 ± 0.86 during COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.96). CAUTI rate in MICU was 0.78 ± 1.20 before and 2.17 ± 3.24 after COVID-19 pandemic (p = 0.45) (Figure 2). Conclusions: Although our institutional CLABSI and CAUTI rates and SIRs remained unchanged, our medical intensive care unit, which housed our critically ill patients with COVID-19, experienced significant increases in CLABSI rate and SIR. This finding is likely multifactorial in the setting of overextended nursing staff, use of prone position, and challenges of infection prevention efforts under isolation precautions.Funding: NoDisclosures: None

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 45 countries for 2013-2018, Adult and Pediatric Units, Device-associated Module

We report the results of INICC surveillance study from 2013 to 2018, in 664 intensive care units (ICUs) in 133 cities, of 45 countries, from Latin-America, Europe, Africa, Eastern-Mediterranean, Southeast-Asia, and Western-Pacific. Prospective data from patients hospitalized in ICUs were collected through INICC Surveillance Online System. CDC-NHSN definitions for device-associated healthcare-associated infection (DA-HAI) were applied. We collected data from 428,847 patients, for an aggregate of 2,815,402 bed-days, 1,468,216 central line (CL)-days, 1,053,330 mechanical ventilator (MV)-days, 1,740,776 urinary catheter (UC)-days. We found 7,785 CL-associated bloodstream infections (CLAB), 12,085 ventilator-associated events (VAE), and 5,509 UC-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI). Pooled DA-HAI rates were 5.91% and 9.01 DA-HAIs/1,000 bed-days. Pooled CLAB rate was 5.30/1,000 CL-days; VAE rate was 11.47/1,000 MV-days, and CAUTI rate was 3.16/1,000 UC-days. P aeruginosa was non-susceptible (NS) to imipenem in 52.72% of cases; to colistin in 10.38%; to ceftazidime in 50%; to ciprofloxacin in 40.28%; and to amikacin in 34.05%. Klebsiella spp was NS to imipenem in 49.16%; to ceftazidime in 78.01%; to ciprofloxacin in 66.26%; and to amikacin in 42.45%. coagulase-negative Staphylococci and S aureus were NS to oxacillin in 91.44% and 56.03%, respectively. Enterococcus spp was NS to vancomycin in 42.31% of the cases. DA-HAI rates and bacterial resistance are high and continuous efforts are needed to reduce them.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa device associated \u2013 healthcare associated infections and its multidrug resistance at intensive care unit of University Hospital: polish, 8.5-year, prospective, single-centre study

BackgroundPseudomonas aeruginosa has recently shown to be one of the most important strains of bacteria and alert pathogens in Europe among Intensive Care Unit patients that provide serious therapeutic problems because of its multidrug resistance.MethodsThe purpose of this microbiological study was data analysis of device associated- healthcare associated infections (DA-HAIs) in an ICU in terms of the incidents of P.aeruginosa strain infections and its susceptibility within an 8.5-year observation.ResultsAmong 919 isolated strains responsible for 799 DA-HAIs (17,62 ± 1,98/1000 patient-days) in 4010 ICU patients P.aeruginosa was the pathogen in 108/799 (13.52%) cases. Incidence rate (density) of: VAP/1000 MV- days, UTI /1000 UC- days and CLA-BSI/1000 CL- days were 11,15 ± 2.5, 6.82 ± 0.81, 2.35 ± 1.54.respectivelly. P.aeruginosa was the pathogen most frequently responsible for VAP 69/108 (63.88%). Mean frequency of VAP, UTI and CLA-BSI with P.aeruginosa etiology was 69/493 (14.28%), 32/299 (11.1%) and 7/127 (5.77%) respectively. The mean density of P.aeruginosa infection amounted to 2.43/1000 patient-days. The decrease was observed in the total number of DA-HAIs caused by the P.aeruginosa from 15.75% and 3.23/1000 patient-days in 2011 to 5.0% and 1.17/1000 in 2016 (p = 0.0104, p = 0.0348). Starting from 2016 to 2019 incidence and density of P.aeruginosa DA-HAIs increased to 12.33% and 2.63/1000 (p = 0.1388, p = 0.0818). P.aeruginosa was susceptible to ceftazidime, cefepime, amikacin, meropenem, ciprofloxacin, colistin, in 55.55, 58.33, 70.37, 53.73, 50, and 100% respectively. MDR characterised it in 40% in 2011 and 66.7% in 2019, (p = 0.177).ConclusionsThe study revealed a changeable prevalence of P. aeruginosa strain infections; however their frequency was never highest in our ICU patients as it presented in the last years in Europe. The study showed a significant decrease in 2016 and increase in 2019, a nearly 3-fold increase of P.aeruginosa infections among Gram-negative strain infections, and a 2-fold increase of the P.aeruginosa DA-HAIs frequency between 2016 and 2019 as well as an increased resistance. Microbiological analysis of DA-HAIs in each hospital should be a standard method used in hospital infection control and antibiotic policy. In the case of P.aeruginosa, in order to minimize transmission, preventive infection methods should be assessed mainly in case of VAP.

Active Surveillance of Healthcare-associated Infections in Pediatric Intensive Care Units: Multicenter ECDC HAI-net ICU Protocol (v2.2) Implementation, Antimicrobial Resistance and Challenges.

Surveillance is essential to all aspects of management of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in critically ill children, where data are limited. We conducted an active surveillance study to elucidate epidemiology, resistance, antimicrobial treatment practices and outcomes of pediatric intensive care unit-acquired HAIs in a southern European country. Four Greek pediatric intensive care unit encounters (153 patients, 2183 patient-days) during a 6-month period participated using the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control HAI-net ICU (v2.2) protocol. Bloodstream infections and device-associated HAIs were recorded. Clinical severity, isolated pathogens, antimicrobial resistance and antibiotic prescriptions were collected on a daily basis. Mortality and excess length of stay due to HAI were also assessed. Overall rate of HAIs was 18.3 per 1000 patient-days. Aggregate rates for device-associated HAI were: catheter-related bloodstream infection 2.32, intubation-associated pneumonia 10.5, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection 4.6 per 1000 device-days. Children with HAI (n = 28, 18.3%) had higher severity of illness (Pediatric Risk Mortality Score 7.5 vs. 4, P < 0.001), longer hospitalization (23 vs. 6 days, P < 0.001), but not higher mortality, compared with those without. Most frequent recovered pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (40%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.5%), Acinetobacter baumannii (12.5%), with respective carbapenem resistance 50%, 44% and 80%, and Staphylococcus aureus (12.5%). Total antibiotic use was 2142 days of treatment per 1000 patient-days. Our study, based on the updated ECDC HAI-net ICU (v2.2) protocol, effectively addresses the significant burden of HAIs in critically ill children in Greece. Using a well-standardized system facilitates inter- and intra-countries reliable recordings and comparative assessments of infection control programs.

An antibiotic potentiator retains its activity after being immobilized on silicone and prevents growth of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms

Device-Associated Healthcare-Associated Infections (DA-HAI) are a major threat to public health worldwide since they are associated with increased hospital stays, morbidity, mortality, financial burden, and hospital overload. A strategy to combat DA-HAI involves the use of medical devices endowed with surfaces that can kill or repel pathogens and prevent biofilm formation. We aimed to develop low-toxic protease-resistant anti-biofilm surfaces that can sensitize drug-resistant bacteria to sub-inhibitory concentrations of antibiotics. To this end, we hypothesized that polymyxin B nonapeptide (PMBN) could retain its antibiotic-enhancing potential upon immobilization on a biocompatible polymer, such as silicone. The ability of PMBN-coated silicone to sensitize a multidrug-resistant clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (strain Ps4) to antibiotics and block biofilm formation was assessed by viable counting, confocal microscopy and safranin uptake. These assays demonstrated that covalently immobilized PMBN enhances not only antibiotics added exogenously but also those incorporated into the functionalized coating. As a result, the functionalized surface exerted a potent bactericidal activity that precluded biofilm formation. PMBN-coated silicone displayed a high level of stability and very low cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity in the presence of antibiotics. We demonstrated for the first time that an antibiotic enhancer can retain its activity when covalently attached to a solid surface. These findings may be applied to the development of medical devices resistant to biofilm formation.

Device-associated health care-associated infections: The effectiveness of a 3-year prevention and control program in the Republic of Cyprus.

Device-associated health care-associated infections (DA-HAIs) are a major threat to patient safety, particularly in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a bundle of infection control measures to reduce DA-HAIs in the ICU of a General Hospital in the Republic of Cyprus, over a 3-year period. We studied 599 ICU patients with a length of stay (LOS) for at least 48 hours. Our prospective cohort study was divided into three surveillance phases. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), central line-associated blood-stream infections (CLABSI), and catheter-associated blood-stream infections (CAUTI) incidence rates, LOS, and mortality were calculated before, during, and after the infection prevention and control programme. There was a statistically significant reduction in the number of DA-HAI events during the surveillance periods, associated with DA-HAIs prevention efforts. In 2015 (prior to programme implementation), the baseline DA-HAIs instances were 43: 16 VAP (10.1/1000 Device Days), 21 (15.9/1000DD) CLABSIs, and 6 (2.66/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=198). During the second phase (2016), CLABSIs prevention measures were implemented and the number of infections were 24: 14 VAP (12.21/1000DD), 4 (4.2/1000DD) CLABSIs, and 6 (3.22/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=184). During the third phase (2017), VAP and CAUTI prevention measures were again implemented and the rates were 6: (3 VAP: 12.21/1000DD), 2 (1.95/1000DD) CLABSIs, and 1 (0.41/1000DD) CAUTIs, (n=217). There was an overall reduction of 87% in the total number of DA-HAIs instances for the period 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017. The significant overall reduction in DA-HAI rates indicates that a comprehensive infection control programme can affect DA-HAI rates.

High Burden of Resistant Gram-Negative Pathogens Causing Device-Associated Healthcare Infections in Saudi Arabia, 2008–2016

Objectives: There is local and regional deficiency in the data examining the contribution of resistant pathogens to device-associated healthcare-associated infections (DA-HAIs). We examined such data in a multihospital system in Saudi Arabia in comparison with the US NHSN reports. Methods: Surveillance of DA-HAIs was prospectively conducted between 2008 and 2016 in 4 hospitals of Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. Consecutive NHSN reports were used for comparison. Definitions and methodology of DA-HAIs and bacterial resistance were based on the NHSN reports. Results: In total, 1,260 pathogens causing 1,141 DA-HAI events were included. Gram-negative pathogens (GNPs) were responsible for 62.5% of DA-HAIs, with significantly higher Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Enterobacter than NHSN hospitals. Approximately 28.3% of GNPs and 23.5% of gram-positive pathogens (GPPs) exhibited some type of resistance. Nearly 34.3% of Klebsiella were cephalosporin-resistant; 4.8% of Enterobacteriaceae were carbapenem-resistant (CRE); 24.4% of Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin-resistant (MRSA; and 21.9% of Enterococci were Vancomycin-resistant (VRE). The multidrug resistance (MDR) rates were 65.0% for Acinetobacter, 26.4% for Escherichia coli, 23.0% for Klebsiella, and 14.9% for Pseudomonas. Resistant GNPs including cephalosporin-resistant Klebsiella, MDR Klebsiella, and MDR Escherichia coli were significantly more frequent than in NHSN hospitals, whereas resistant GPPs including MRSA and VRE were significantly less frequent than in NHSN hospitals. Conclusion: Compared with American hospitals, GNPs that contribute to DA-HAIs in Saudi hospitals show more resistance. The higher resistance rates in Klebsiella and Escherichia coli are alarming and call for effective antimicrobial stewardship programs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Effect of Removing Contact Precautions for Multidrug-Resistant Organisms on Hospital Infections in a Pediatric Health System

Background: Discontinuation of contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) have failed to show an increase in associated transmission or infections in adult healthcare settings. Pediatric experience is limited. Objective: We evaluated the impact of discontinuing contact precautions for MRSA, VRE, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing gram-negative bacilli (ESBLs) on device-associated healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). Methods: In October 2018, contact precautions were discontinued for children with MRSA, VRE, and ESBLs in a large, tertiary-care pediatric healthcare system comprising 2 hospitals and 620 beds. Coincident interventions that potentially reduced HAIs included blood culture diagnostic stewardship (June 2018), a hand hygiene education initiative (July 2018), a handshake antibiotic stewardship program (December 2018) and multidisciplinary infection prevention rounding in the intensive care units (November 2018). Compliance with hand hygiene and HAI prevention bundles were monitored. Device-associated HAIs were identified using standard definitions. Annotated run charts were used to track the impact of interventions on changes in device-associated HAIs over time. Results: Average hand hygiene compliance was 91%. Compliance with HAI prevention bundles was 81% for ventilator-associated pneumonias, 90% for catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and 97% for central-line–associated bloodstream infections. Overall, device-associated HAIs decreased from 6.04 per 10,000 patient days to 3.25 per 10,000 patient days after October 2018 (Fig. 1). Prior to October 2018, MRSA, VRE and ESBLs accounted for 10% of device-associated HAIs. This rate decreased to 5% after October 2018. The decrease in HAIs was likely related to interventions such as infection prevention rounds and handshake stewardship. Conclusions: Discontinuation of contact precautions for children with MRSA, VRE, and ESBLs were not associated with increased device-associated HAIs, and such discontinuation is likely safe in the setting of robust infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship programs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Pilot Survey for National Point Prevalence Study of Healthcare-Associated Infections in Acute-Care Hospitals in South Korea

Background: The Korean National Healthcare-Associated Infections Surveillance System (KONIS) was established to conduct nationwide surveillance of device-associated healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and surgical site infections annually in 2006. However, no surveillance on overall HAIs has been conducted. Objective: We conducted a point-prevalence survey of total HAIs to estimate the incidence rate of HAIs in acute-care hospitals in South Korea. Methods: We defined HAIs according to KONIS and NHSN criteria. In total, 29 acute-care hospitals including 9 tertiary-care hospitals (TCHs) and 20 secondary-care hospitals (SCHs) were recruited as representing the population of every metropolitan city and province in South Korea. Patients who stayed at the hospitals on August 1, 2018, were randomly selected: 100 for SCHs and 200 for TCHs. Their medical records were retrospectively reviewed for HAIs according to the NHSN criteria by the infection control nurses (ICNs) from each hospital. A web-based data collection and analysis program was developed, and participating ICNs were educated in a 1-day training course with pre- and postevaluations. They received continuous feedback of input data and questions through the web-based system during the study. To generate estimates of the incidence rate of HAIs, we converted prevalence to incidence using the formula of Rhame and Sudderth. Results: Of 4,296 patients, 133 had ≥1 HAI (3.1%). In total, 141 HAIs were identified: gastrointestinal infections (n = 30, 21.3%), bloodstream infections (n = 30, 21.3%), pneumonia (n = 29, 20.6%), urinary tract infection (n =26, 18.4%). Among the gastrointestinal infections, C. difficile infections were the most common (17.7%). Device-associated infections accounted for 34.8% of all HAIs. The overall incidence of HAIs in TCHs was 4.39%, which was a higher incidence than SCHs (3.76%). Intensive care units had 12.6% of HAIs, whereas general wards had 3.4%. HAI incidences were 5.7%, 2.8%, and 2.3%, respectively, for each of the medical wards, surgical wards, and pediatric wards. The 3 most common pathogens were Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Enterococcus faecium. Conclusions: The prevalence of HAI in Korea is lower than in most Western countries. The HAI burden of Clostridium difficile infection is surprisingly high, which calls for prompt control at the national level. To obtain national-level data on HAI burdens, ongoing surveillance is needed.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Evaluation of 3 year surveillance of device associated infections in a neonatal intensive care unit

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the rates of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) and device associated healthcare associated infections (DA-HAIs) as well as the rates of invasive device utilization in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU); and to compare findings with national and international reports.&#x0D; Materials and methods: A total of 1984 patients who admitted to NICU between January 2016 and December 2018 were enrolled. We retrospectively analysed patient’s characteristics, etiologic pathogens and antibiotic susceptibility, mortality from medical charts and infection control committee surveillance reports. Infections were defined using the standart Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria.&#x0D; Results: During the 3-year period, total 98 HAI cases 69 of which were DA-HAI were detected. The overall incidence of HAIs was 4.9% and rate was 3.7 per 1000 patient days. The most common HAI was blood stream infection (BSI) (n=64, 65.3%) of those 52 were central line-associated (CLA). The CLA-BSI rate was 8.6 per 1000 central line days with central line utilization ratio of 0.22. Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) rate was 5.1 per 1000 ventilator days with ventilator utilization ratio of 0.12. The most common pathogens were Klebsiella pneumonia. (38.9%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (22.1%) and Candida spp. (11.6%). The overall mortality rate was 3%. The HAI-related mortality rate was 9.2%.&#x0D; Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of an surveillance approach in the NICU setting. HAI rates were lower than the rates reported from developing countries. However, with device utilization rates similar to those in developed countries our HAI rates were higher than that of the developed countries. Continous monitoring and implementation of necessary precautions are essential to decrease the rates of HAIs.

High Burden of Resistant Gram Negative Pathogens Causing Device-associated Healthcare Infections in a Tertiary Care Setting in Saudi Arabia, 2008-2016

ObjectivesThere is local and regional deficiency in the data examining the contribution of resistant pathogens to device-associated healthcare-associated infections (DA-HAIs). The objective was to examine such data in a multi-hospital system in Saudi Arabia in comparison with the US National Health Surveillance Network (NHSN). MethodsSurveillance of DA-HAIs was prospectively conducted between 2008 and 2016 in four hospitals of Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs. Consecutive NHSN reports were used for comparisons. Definitions and methodology of DA-HAIs and bacterial resistance were based on NHSN. ResultsA total 1260 pathogens causing 1141 DA-HAI events were included. Gram negative pathogens (GNPs) were responsible for 62.5% of DA-HAIs, with a significantly higher Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, and Enterobacter than NHSN hospitals. Approximately 28.3% of GNPs and 23.5% of gram positive pathogens (GPPs) had some type of resistance. Nearly 34.3% of Klebsiella were resistant to third/fourth generation cephalosporins, 4.8% of Enterobacteriaceae were carbapenem-resistant (CRE), 24.4% of Staphylococcus aureus were methicillin-resistant (MRSA), and 21.9% of Enterococci were vancomycin-resistant (VRE). Multidrug resistance (MDR) was 65.0% in Acinetobacter, 26.4% in Escherichia coli, 23.0% in Klebsiella, and 14.9% in Pseudomonas. Resistant GNPs including cephalosporin-resistant Klebsiella, MDR Klebsiella, and MDR Escherichia coli were significantly more frequent while resistant GPPs including MRSA and VRE were significantly less frequent than NHSN hospitals. ConclusionThe current findings showed heavier and more resistant contribution of GNPs to DA-HAIs in Saudi hospitals compared with American hospitals. The higher resistance rates in Klebsiella and Escherichia coli are alarming and call for effective antimicrobial stewardship programs.

Impact of a hospital-wide huddle on device utilisation and infection rates: a community hospital's journey to zero.

Device utilisation ratios (DUR) correlate with device-associated complications and rates of infection. We implemented a hospital-wide Daily Interdisciplinary Safety Huddle (DISH) with infection control and device components. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of DISH on DURs and rates of infection for indwelling urinary catheters (IUC) and central venous catheters (CVC). A quasi-experimental study assessing DURs and rates of infection before and after implementation of DISH. At DISH, usage of IUC and CVC is reported by managers and the infection preventionist reviews indications and plans for removal. Data before and after implementation were compared. Paired T-test was used to assess for differences between both groups. DISH was successfully implemented at a community hospital. The average DUR for IUC in intensive care unit (ICU) and non-ICU settings was reduced from 0.56 to 0.35 and 0.27 to 0.12, respectively. CVC DUR decreased from 0.29 to 0.26 in the ICU and 0.14 to 0.12 in non-ICU settings. Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) decreased by 87% and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) by 96%. DISH was associated with hospital-wide reductions in DUR and device-associated healthcare-associated infections. Reduction of CLABSIs and CAUTIs had estimated cost savings of $688,050. The impact was more profound in non-ICU settings. To our knowledge, an infection prevention hospital-wide safety huddle has not been reported in the literature. DISH increased device removal, accountability and promoted a culture of safety.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of healthcare-associated infection in elderly patients in a large Chinese tertiary hospital: a 3-year surveillance study

BackgroundWe analyzed the results of a 3-year surveillance study on the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of healthcare associated-infections (HAIs) in elderly inpatients in a large tertiary hospital in China.MethodsReal-time surveillance was performed from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017. All HAIs were identified by infection control practitioners and doctors. Inpatient data were collected with an automatic surveillance system.ResultsA total of 134,637 inpatients including 60,332 (44.8%) elderly ≥60 years were included. The overall incidence of HAI was 2.0%. The incidence of HAI in elderly patients was significantly higher than that in non-elderly patients (2.6% vs. 1.5%, χ2 = 202.421, P < 0.01) and increased with age. The top five sites of HAIs in the elderly were the lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, blood stream, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and surgical site. The five most common pathogens detected in elderly HAI patients were Candida albicans, Klebsiella pneumonia, Acinetobacter baumannii, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in the elderly was lower than in the non-elderly, catheter-associated urinary tract infections were more common in elderly patients, and the rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection was similar between groups. The numbers of male patients and patients with comorbidities and special medical procedures (e.g., intensive care unit admission, cerebrovascular disease, brain neoplasms, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, malignant tumor, malignant hematonosis, and osteoarthropathy) were significantly higher in the elderly group, but the number of patients who underwent surgery was lower.ConclusionWe observed a significantly higher overall incidence of HAI in elderly inpatients ≥60 compared to non-elderly inpatients < 60 years, but the trend was different for device-associated HAIs, which was attributed to the higher rates of comorbidities and special medical procedures in the elderly group. The main HAI sites in elderly inpatients were the lower respiratory tract, urinary tract, and bloodstream, and the main pathogens were gram-negative bacilli and Candida albicans.

International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) report, data summary of 45 countries for 2012-2017: Device-associated module

We report the results of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) surveillance study from January 2012 to December 2017 in 523 intensive care units (ICUs) in 45 countries from Latin America, Europe, Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia, and Western Pacific. During the 6-year study period, prospective data from 532,483 ICU patients hospitalized in 242 hospitals, for an aggregate of 2,197,304 patient days, were collected through the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-National Healthcare Safety Network (CDC-NHSN) definitions for device-associated health care-associated infection (DA-HAI) were applied. Although device use in INICC ICUs was similar to that reported from CDC-NHSN ICUs, DA-HAI rates were higher in the INICC ICUs: in the medical-surgical ICUs, the pooled central line-associated bloodstream infection rate was higher (5.05 vs 0.8 per 1,000 central line-days); the ventilator-associated pneumonia rate was also higher (14.1 vs 0.9 per 1,000 ventilator-days,), as well as the rate of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (5.1 vs 1.7 per 1,000 catheter-days). From blood cultures samples, frequencies of resistance, such as of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to piperacillin-tazobactam (33.0% vs 18.3%), were also higher. Despite a significant trend toward the reduction in INICC ICUs, DA-HAI rates are still much higher compared with CDC-NHSN's ICUs representing the developed world. It is INICC's main goal to provide basic and cost-effective resources, through the INICC Surveillance Online System to tackle the burden of DA-HAIs effectively.

1179. Rates and Causative Pathogens of Device-Associated Bloodstream and Urinary Tract Infections Attributed to Solid-Organ Transplant Units, 2015–2017

BackgroundDue to complex invasive medical procedures and compromised immunity, solid-organ transplant (SOT) patients are at high risk for infections. However, whether SOT patients are at higher risk than other hospitalized patients for selected healthcare-associated infections (HAI), such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) or catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), or for infections with antimicrobial-resistant (AR) pathogens, is not well described. We analyzed data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) from inpatient SOT units and compared CLABSI and CAUTI rates and AR in hospitals with both SOT and non-SOT units.MethodsWe analyzed 2015–2017 CLABSI and CAUTI data reported to NHSN from hospitals with adult or pediatric inpatient SOT units. We calculated CLABSI and CAUTI incidence rates per 1,000 central-line days (CLD) and urinary catheter days (UCD), respectively, and compared rates, pathogen distributions, and AR among events attributed to three unit types: (1) SOT units; (2) adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care units; and (3) adult and pediatric medical, surgical, and combined medical-surgical wards. We compared proportions using χ 2 tests and determined statistical significance at P ≤ 0.05.ResultsCLABSI and CAUTI rates in SOT units were lower than rates in critical care units, but higher than rates in wards (table). Although the most common CLABSI and CAUTI pathogens were similar in all three unit types, the prevalence of individual pathogens differed (figure). Among CLABSI pathogens, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae or oxytoca were significantly more prevalent in SOT compared with critical care units. Vancomycin resistance among CLABSI E. faecium was significantly lower (71.4% vs. 87.5%) and fluoroquinolone resistance among CAUTI E. coli was significantly higher (49.3% vs. 32.5%) in SOT compared with critical care units.ConclusionSOT units have lower CLABSI and CAUTI rates compared with critical care units. Differences in pathogens and AR among device-associated HAIs in SOT units should be considered when implementing infection prevention and treatment policies. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.