Incidence Of Hospital-acquired Infections Research Articles

Evaluation of hospital acquired infections in the tertiary intensive care unit: a three-year analysis

Introduction: Hospital-acquired infections (HAI) occurring in intensive care units (ICUs) are an important risk factor for mortality and morbidity. In some patient groups followed in ICUs, the risk of developing nosocomial infections increases even more. Especially, patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) carry a serious risk for HAI when they are hospitalized in ICUs. Our aim is to determine the rate and incidence of hospital infection, the distribution of infections and the most common microorganisms in our ICU, to initiate appropriate empirical treatment and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.
 Material and Method: A total 158 patients with a diagnosis of hospital-acquired infection hospitalized between January 2017 and December 2019 at general internal medicine intensive care unit, were included in this study. The clinical findings, culture results and laboratory data of the patients were recorded. According to years, the HAI rate, density and infection agents in the ICU were determined.
 Results: 158 episodes of nosocomial infections were detected in 128 of 556 patients who were hospitalized within three years. The hospitalization day was 9048, and the three-year ICU HAI rate was calculated as 29.19%. HAI density was 17.45 in 1000 patient days. Bloodstream infection was the most common (30.38%), followed by ventilator-associated pneumonia (28.48%) and catheter-related urinary tract infection (24.68%). Gram-negative microorganisms were the most common infectious agents. Among the Gram-negative bacteria, the most frequently isolated bacteria were A. baumannii, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa. Among Gram-positive bacteria, Enterococcus spp. was most frequently isolated
 Conclusion: The risk of HAI is high in patients hospitalized in ICUs. In order to control nosocomial infections, HAI incidences and rates should be evaluated, infectious agents, and prospective effective infection control strategies should be developed by taking necessary precautions according to surveillance results. These measures will significantly reduce the incidence of HAI.

Impact of dry hydrogen peroxide on hospital-acquired infection at a pediatric oncology hospital

BackgroundThis study aims to describe the effect of Dry Hydrogen Peroxide (DHP), as an adjunct to environmental cleaning and disinfection, on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) at Unidad Nacional de Oncologia Pediatrica (UNOP) in Guatemala City, Guatemala. MethodsA retrospective study of all HAI data from the hospital's surveillance system, which follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols, was conducted from January 2019 to November 2020. DHP was installed in all Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) rooms in January 2020, but nowhere else in the hospital, including the Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU). ResultsThere were 189 HAI cases during the study period, with 173 occurring in either the PICU or IMCU. A statistically significant decrease in HAI incidence rates occurred in the PICU in 2020 compared to 2019 (P = .028), including Clostridiodes-associated gastroenteritis (P = .048). Logistic multivariate regression yielded a significant association between DHP exposure and reduced odds of developing an HAI during the study (OR = 0.3857, P = .029). ConclusionThe use of DHP as an adjunct technology for environmental cleaning and disinfection contributed to the reduction in HAIs in the PICU. Our study highlights the value of such an approach as an addition to manual cleaning to decrease the risk of infection from environmental contamination.

Surveillance of hospital-acquired infections and monitoring of empiric antibiotic therapy in an internal medicine department

Introduction: Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are the most serious and frequent complication of healthcare systems. In 2019 the Marche Region has introduced a project to check HAIs and also the use of antibiotics in empirical therapy. The aim of this analysis was to conduct a periodic descriptive prevalence study according to the regional plan. Materials and Methods: In the quarter January-March 2020, the Internal Medicine Department of the Mazzoni Hospital of Ascoli Piceno has been considered, enrolling patients with HAIs to whom has been prescribed at least one antibiotic in empirical therapy. To assess the prevalence of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDRO), microbiological isolates were examined and laboratory response times were measured as a quality indicator. Besides, the incidence of HAIs from medical device, the clinical outcomes and the average length of stay have been analyzed. Results: The results show: high incidence of HAIs and high percentage of MDRO. The response time of the laboratory analysis is on average over 48-72 hours after sampling. The data show a widespread use of broad-spectrum antibiotics and low adherence to the new regional empiric therapy guidelines. Conclusions: The high incidence of HAIs implies the urgent need of an active surveillance of an Antimicrobial Stewardship team. This would represent a strategic solution to prevent and limit antimicrobial resistance and reduce morbidity, mortality and costs.

783. Impact of Universal Decolonization on Intensive Care Unit Bloodstream Infections

Abstract Background Interventions used to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) include hand hygiene, isolation, and decolonization. The routine use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) and nasal mupirocin ointment has been shown to be an effective universal decolonization option to reduce bacterial transmission and prevent HAIs. The objective of this study is to compare the pre- and post-intervention of universal decolonization among ICU patients at Desert Regional Medical Center, an acute care Level II trauma center. Methods The first part of this study is a retrospective chart review of all ICU patients from June 2020 to August 2020. The second part of this research is a prospective study from December 2020 to March 2021. The prospective study will include all patients admitted to the ICU who completed the decolonization regimen of mupirocin for 5 days and daily CHG baths. In the intervention phase, all ICUs patients will be decolonized with nasal mupirocin twice daily for 5 days and CHG baths daily for the entire ICU stay. The primary outcome is the number of ICU bloodstream infections (BSIs). Secondary outcomes include the number of ICU-related central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), and ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP). An infection attributed to ICU stay is defined as an infection onset occurring more than 48 hours after ICU admission. Fisher’s exact and chi square test was used for the statistical analysis. Results A total of 130 patients were included in this study. Universal decolonization resulted in a reduction in overall ICU infections in the baseline group vs intervention group using a p-value of 0.05 (ICU-BSI 5 vs 4, p=0.73; CLABSI 2 vs 1, p=0.56; CAUTI 4 vs 2, p=0.41; VAP 23 vs 17, p=0.25). Conclusion Patients in the intervention group had a lower incidence of ICU infections compared to the baseline group. These findings suggest that universal decolonization may be an effective strategy in reducing ICU incidence rates of BSI, CLABSI, CAUTI, and VAP. Further studies need to be conducted to validate this finding with a greater population enrolled to achieve adequate power. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Incidence, Risk Factors, and Mortality From Hospital-Acquired Infections at a Hospital in Mauritius.

IntroductionHospital-acquired infections can be associated with an increase in morbidity, length of stay, and cost. Data on this topic are very limited in Mauritius. This study seeks to identify (a) the most prevalent hospital-acquired infection locally, (b) the risk factors for acquiring nosocomial infections, and (c) the mortality rate linked to such infections.MethodsThis is an observational study that was conducted at a 600-bed hospital in Mauritius by going through the folders of 109 patients who were admitted in different wards. Cox regression was used to carry out the survival analysis.ResultsOver the past 25 years, the incidence of hospital-acquired infections has increased by two to three times in Mauritius to reach a value of 18 per 100 admitted patients. The most commonly identified nosocomial infection was ventilator-associated pneumonia. The presence of foreign devices increased the risk of acquiring nosocomial infections. The mortality rate from such infections was almost four times higher compared to the mortality rate from patients who did not suffer from these infections; however, after adjustment for potential confounders, this was not statistically significant. The incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia and central line-associated bloodstream infections was high at 46 per 1,000 ventilator-days and 25 per 1,000 central line days, respectively.ConclusionInfection prevention and control measures should be implemented to curtail the rise of hospital-acquired infections in Mauritius. Such measures should include the use of bundles of care. In addition, periodic surveillance of nosocomial infections needs to be encouraged.

Association between leukoreduced red blood cell transfusions and hospital‐acquired infections in critically ill children: A secondary analysis of the TRIPICU study

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are an important problem in critically ill children. Studies show associations between the transfusion of non-leukoreduced red blood cell units (RBC) and increased HAI incidence rates (IRs). We hypothesize that transfusing pre-storage leukoreduced RBC is also associated with increased HAI IR. We aim to evaluate the associations between (1) a leukoreduced RBC restrictive transfusion strategy and HAI IR, (2) leukoreduced RBC transfusions and HAI IR, and (3) the number or volume of leukoreduced RBC transfusions and HAI IR in critically ill children. This post hoc secondary analysis of the "Transfusion Requirement in Paediatric Intensive Care Units" (TRIPICU) randomized controlled trial (637 patients) used quasi-Poisson multivariable regression models to estimate HAI incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A restrictive transfusion strategy yielded an IRR of 0.88 (95% CI 0.67, 1.16). The association between transfusing leukoreduced RBCs (IRR 1.25; 95% CI 0.73, 2.13) and HAI IR was not statistically significant. However, we observed significant associations between patients who received >20 cc/kg volume of leukoreduced RBC transfusions (IRR 2.14; 95% CI 1.15, 3.99) and ≥3 leukoreduced RBC transfusions (IRR 2.40; 95% CI 1.15, 4.99) and HAI IR. Exposing critically ill children to >20 cc/kg or ≥3 leukoreduced RBC transfusions were associated with higher HAI IR, suggesting dose-response patterns.

Hand Hygiene and Hospital-Acquired Infections During COVID-19 Increased Vigilance: One Hospital's Experience.

Hospital-acquired infections are associated with increased morbidity, mortality, costs and length of stay. Prior studies have linked increased hand hygiene compliance with reduced hospital-acquired infection rate. With the increased vigilance for personal and institutional hygiene practices during the COVID-19 pandemic, we hypothesized increased hand hygiene compliance and, as a result, decrease in hospital-acquired infections in our hospital. Hand hygiene compliance data was provided by the hospital's Quality Department. We queried and empirically analyzed local hospital-acquired infection data obtained from our Quality Department and the National Healthcare Safety Network. We compared local hand hygiene compliance rates before and after the implementation of increased infection prevention and control measures in March 2020 and correlated various hospital-acquired infection rates with hand hygiene compliance. Our results showed a statistically significant and sustained increase in compliance with hand hygiene at our hospital after implementation of hospital-wide infection control measures. We demonstrated a downward trend in all hospital-acquired infections, which was not statistically significant. A strong statistically significant negative correlation was found between hand hygiene compliance and the rate of Clostridium difficile hospital-acquired infection. Hand hygiene adherence has increased since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic in our hospital, and a noticeable, although not statistically significant, downward trend in most of the analyzed hospital-acquired infections was identified. A significant limitation to our study was small sample size. Future studies are warranted to further analyze the impact of increased hygiene practice on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.

Association between the length of storage of transfused leukoreduced red blood cell units and hospital-acquired infections in critically ill children: A secondary analysis of the TRIPICU study.

Evaluate the association between leukoreduced red blood cell (RBC) storage length and hospital-acquired infection (HAI) incidence rate in critically ill children. RBC transfusions are common in critically ill children. Despite their benefits, observational studies suggest an association between them and HAIs. One possible mechanism for increased HAI is transfusion-related immunomodulation due to bioactive substances' release as transfused blood ages. In this secondary analysis of the 'Transfusion Requirement in Paediatric Intensive Care Units' (TRIPICU) study, we analysed a subset of 257 participants that received only one pre-storage leukoreduced RBC transfusion. RBC storage length was classified as 1) transfusion of 'fresh' RBCs (≤10 days), 2) transfusion of 'stored' RBCs (21-34 days), and 3) transfusion of 'long-stored' RBCs (≥35 days). All were compared to a 'golden' period (11-20 days), representing the time between 'fresh' and 'stored'. We used quasi-Poisson multivariable regression models to estimate the HAI incidence rate ratio (IRR) and corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). We found that the association between the length of storage time of leukoreduced RBCs and HAIs was not significant in the 'fresh' group (IRR 1.23; 95% CI 0.55, 2.78) and the 'stored' group (IRR 1.61; 95% CI 0.63, 4.13) when compared to the 'golden' period. However, we observed a statistically significant association between the 'long-stored' group and an increase in the HAI incidence rate (IRR 3.66; 95% CI 1.22, 10.98). Transfusion of leukoreduced RBC units stored for ≥35 days is associated with increased HAI incidence rate in haemodynamically stable, critically ill children.

Cell Saver Blood Reinfusion Up to 24 Hours Post Collection in Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients Does Not Increase Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Infections or Mortality

Cell saver blood reinfusion, a blood conservation technique recently available for pediatric use, is typically limited to 6 hours post processing to guard against bacterial contamination. We hypothesize that reinfusion of cell saver blood up to 24 hours post collection in children after cardiac surgery will not increase the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAI). The primary aim is to compare incidence of HAI between children receiving cell saver blood ≤6 hours vs. >6 to ≤24 hours from its collection. The secondary aim is to compare mortality and clinical outcomes. Retrospective chart review of children ≤18 years undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) from 2013 to 2018 when cell saver collection and bedside temperature controlled storage became standard of care. Patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) within 48 hours postoperatively and those who did not receive cell saver were excluded. The primary outcome was HAI incidence postoperative days 0–6. Demographic data included diagnosis, surgical severity score, and clinical outcomes. 466 patients, 45% female. No significant between-group differences identified. There was no significant difference in HAI (control 8.5% vs. treatment 8.0%,p= .80) and death (control 7.9% vs. treatment 4.9%,p= .20). Noninferiority testing indicated the treatment group was not statistically inferior to the control group (p= .0028). Kaplan–Meier curve depicted similar status between-group rates of no infection or death; 92% treatment vs. 91% control. Total volume allogeneic red blood cell transfusion (allogeneic blood transfusion [ABT]) up to 24 hours postoperatively was significantly less in the treatment group,p< .0001. Incidence of HAI or mortality was not increased in patients receiving cell saver blood reinfusion >6 to ≤24 hours post collection. Treatment subjects received significantly less volume of ABT. Considering the risks of ABT, these findings support cell saver blood reinfusion up to 24 hours post collection.

Cell Saver Blood Reinfusion Up to 24 Hours Post Collection in Pediatric Cardiac Surgical Patients Does Not Increase Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Infections or Mortality.

Cell saver blood reinfusion, a blood conservation technique recently available for pediatric use, is typically limited to 6 hours post processing to guard against bacterial contamination. We hypothesize that reinfusion of cell saver blood up to 24 hours post collection in children after cardiac surgery will not increase the incidence of hospital-acquired infections (HAI). The primary aim is to compare incidence of HAI between children receiving cell saver blood ≤6 hours vs. >6 to ≤24 hours from its collection. The secondary aim is to compare mortality and clinical outcomes. Retrospective chart review of children ≤18 years undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) from 2013 to 2018 when cell saver collection and bedside temperature controlled storage became standard of care. Patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) within 48 hours postoperatively and those who did not receive cell saver were excluded. The primary outcome was HAI incidence postoperative days 0-6. Demographic data included diagnosis, surgical severity score, and clinical outcomes. 466 patients, 45% female. No significant between-group differences identified. There was no significant difference in HAI (control 8.5% vs. treatment 8.0%, p = .80) and death (control 7.9% vs. treatment 4.9%, p = .20). Noninferiority testing indicated the treatment group was not statistically inferior to the control group (p = .0028). Kaplan-Meier curve depicted similar status between-group rates of no infection or death; 92% treatment vs. 91% control. Total volume allogeneic red blood cell transfusion (allogeneic blood transfusion [ABT]) up to 24 hours postoperatively was significantly less in the treatment group, p < .0001. Incidence of HAI or mortality was not increased in patients receiving cell saver blood reinfusion >6 to ≤24 hours post collection. Treatment subjects received significantly less volume of ABT. Considering the risks of ABT, these findings support cell saver blood reinfusion up to 24 hours post collection.

The Impact of Quality Improvement Interventions in Improving Surgical Infections and Mortality in Low and Middle‐Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis

Morbidity and mortality in surgical systems in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) remain high compared to high-income countries. Quality improvement processes, interventions, and structure are essential in the effort to improve peri-operative outcomes. A systematic review and meta-analysis of interventional studies assessing quality improvement processes, interventions, and structure in developing country surgical systems was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were included if they were conducted in an LMIC, occurred in a surgical setting, and measured the effect of an implementation and its impact. The primary outcome was mortality, and secondary outcomes were rates of rates of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and surgical site infections (SSI). Prospero Registration: CRD42020171542. Of 38,273 search results, 31 studies were included in a qualitative synthesis, and 28 articles were included in a meta-analysis. Implementation of multimodal bundled interventions reduced the incidence of HAI by a relative risk (RR) of 0.39 (95%CI 0.26 to 0.59), the effect of hand hygiene interventions on HAIs showed a non-significant effect of RR of 0.69 (0.46-1.05). The WHO Safe Surgery Checklist reduced mortality by RR 0.68 (0.49 to 0.95) and SSI by RR 0.50 (0.33 to 0.63) and antimicrobial stewardship interventions reduced SSI by RR 0.67 (0.48-0.93). There is evidence that a number of quality improvement processes, interventions and structural changes can improve mortality, HAI and SSI outcomes in the peri-operative setting in LMICs.

Impact of Inflammatory Response Modifiers on the Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Infections in Patients with COVID-19.

IntroductionThe study aim was to assess the influence of inflammatory response modifiers, including anti-interleukin-6 (IL-6) biologics and corticosteroids, on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).MethodsCase–control study performed at a university hospital from February 26 to May 26, 2020. Cases were defined as patients with COVID-19 who developed hospital-acquired infections. For each case, two controls were selected among patients without infections. Cases and controls were matched obeying three criteria in a hierarchical sequence: length of hospital stay up until the first infection; comorbidity; and need for Intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association of exposures with being a case.ResultsA total of 71 cases and 142 controls were included. Independent predictors for acquiring a hospital infection were chronic liver disease [odds ratio (OR) 16.56, 95% CI 1.87–146.5, p = 0.012], morbid obesity (OR 6.11, 95% CI 1.06–35.4, p = 0.043), current or past smoking (OR 4.15, 95% CI 1.45–11.88, p = 0.008), exposure to hydroxychloroquine (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.041–1, p = 0.053), and invasive mechanical ventilation (OR 61.5, 95% CI 11.08–341, p ≤ 0.0001).ConclusionsInflammatory response modifiers had no influence on acquisition of nosocomial infections in admitted patients with COVID-19. Hospital-acquired infections primarily occurred in the critically ill and invasive mechanical ventilation was the main exposure conferring risk.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40121-021-00477-9.

DOES CHLORHEXIDINE WIPE HELP IN REDUCING HOSPITAL ACQUIRED INFECTIONS (HAIS) AMONG CRITICALLY ILL CHILDREN ADMITTED TO A PAEDIATRIC INTENSIVE CARE UNIT?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of chlorhexidine wipes in reducing the incidence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) among critically ill children admitted in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). METHODS: An interventional study, wherein enrolled children were wiped with chlorhexidine after routine bath. The incidence of HAIs were noted and compared with data from historical controls of previous year during the same period (pre-intervention). RESULTS: One hundred and ninety nine children in the intervention period were compared with 271 children from pre-intervention period. The numbers of ventilator-days were 777 and 696 respectively for the intervention period and pre-intervention periods. Incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) reduced from 12.9/1000 ventilator-days in the pre-intervention period to 6.4/1000 ventilator-days in the intervention period (p=0.1). VAP prevalence was 3.3% in the pre-intervention period as compared to 2.5% in the intervention period (p=0.6). The incidence of CLABSI was 3.6/1000 catheter-days (catheter days: 1377) with prevalence of 2.5% in the intervention period, whereas among the historic controls of the previous year it was 4.2/1000 days (catheter days 1432) with a prevalence of 2.2% (p= 0.8). No untoward effect was reported. CONCLUSION: The use of chlorhexidine wipes in ICU was feasible but did not signicantly decrease HAIs.

Spatial Patterns in Hospital-Acquired Infections in Portugal (2014-2017).

Background: Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) represent the most frequent adverse event associated with healthcare delivery and result in prolonged hospital stays and deaths worldwide. Aim: To analyze the spatial patterns of HAI incidence from 2014 to 2017 in Portugal. Methods: Data from the Portuguese Discharge Hospital Register were used. We selected episodes of patients with no infection on admission and with any of the following HAI diagnoses: catheter-related bloodstream infections, intestinal infections by Clostridium difficile, nosocomial pneumonia, surgical site infections, and urinary tract infections. We calculated age-standardized hospitalization rates (ASHR) by place of patient residence. We used empirical Bayes estimators to smooth the ASHR. The Moran Index and Local Index of Spatial Autocorrelation (LISA) were calculated to identify spatial clusters. Results: A total of 318,218 HAIs were registered, with men accounting for 49.8% cases. The median length of stay (LOS) was 9.0 days, and 15.7% of patients died during the hospitalization. The peak of HAIs (n = 81,690) occurred in 2015, representing 9.4% of the total hospital admissions. Substantial spatial inequalities were observed, with the center region presenting three times the ASHR of the north. A slight decrease in ASHR was observed after 2015. Pneumonia was the most frequent HAI in all age groups. Conclusion: The incidence of HAI is not randomly distributed in the space; clusters of high risk in the central region were seen over the entire study period. These findings may be useful to support healthcare policymakers and to promote a revision of infection control policies, providing insights for improved implementation.

Use of single-bed rooms may decrease the incidence of hospital-acquired infections in geriatric patients: A retrospective cohort study in Central Denmark region.

Patients accommodated in single-bed rooms may have a reduced risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) compared to those in multi-bed rooms. This study aimed to examine the effect of single-bed accommodation on HAIs in older patients admitted to a geriatric ward. A retrospective cohort study of patients admitted to geriatric wards in a university hospital in Central Denmark Region linked to a move to a newly built hospital, involving all consecutively admitted patients aged 65 years and over from 15 September to 19 December 2016 and a similar cohort admitted in the same three months in 2017. We compared the incidence of HAIs in patients in single-bed accommodation to those in multi-bed accommodation using retrospective review of electronic patient records, with all infections verified microbiologically or by X-ray with onset between 48 hours after admission to 48 hours after discharge from hospital. In total 446 patients were included. The incidence of HAIs in multi-bed accommodation was 30% compared to 20% in single-bed accommodation. The hazard ratio was 0.62 (95% Confidence Interval 0.43-0.91, p = 0.01) for single-bed accommodation. This finding remained robust after adjustment for age, sex, infection at admission, risk of sepsis, use of catheter, treatment with prednisone or methotrexate, and comorbidity index. Accommodation in single-bed rooms appeared to reduce HAIs compared to multi-bed rooms in two geriatric wards. This finding should be considered as hypothesis-generating and be examined further using an experimental design.

Effect of 2% Chlorhexidine Bathing on the Incidence of Hospital-Acquired Infection and Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Adult Intensive Care Unit Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis analyzed the effects of 2% chlorhexidine bathing on the incidence of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) and multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in adult intensive care units. PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane library, and RISS database were systematically searched, and 12 randomized studies were included in the analysis. Comprehensive Meta-Analysis version 3.0 was used to calculate the effect size using the odds ratio (OR) and a 95% confidence interval (CI). Subgroup analysis was performed according to the specific infection and intervention types. In general, 2% chlorhexidine bathing has a significant effect on the incidence of HAI (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.40~0.86) and MDRO (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.34~0.79). Subgroup analyses show 2% chlorhexidine bathing is effective in bloodstream infections (OR, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.39~0.66) but not for urinary tract infections, ventilator-associated pneumonia infections, and Clostridium difficile infections. Moreover, 2% chlorhexidine bathing alone or its combination with other interventions has a significant effect on the incidence of HAI and MDRO (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.38~0.92). This meta-analysis reveals that 2% chlorhexidine bathing significantly reduces the incidence of HAI and MDRO in intensive care units. The effect of 2% chlorhexidine bathing on pediatric patients or patients at general wards should be further assessed as a cost-effective intervention for infection control.

Educating nursing staff regarding infection control practices and assessing its impact on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.

CONTEXT:Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a global problem. One of the common causes of HAI is through the health-care workers, mainly because of failure to comply with the recommended infection control guidelines.AIMS:The aim of our study was to educate and train the nurses regarding infection control practices and assess the impact of training and assess whether this training actually made any change in the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) and intravenous (IV) line-related infections.MATERIALS AND METHODS:Baseline knowledge, attitude, and practices study of willingly participating 105 nurses regarding infection control was done. The incidence of CAUTI and IV line-related infection was calculated in the areas of their postings. They were trained via an educational module regarding infection control practices. We again assessed the incidence of CAUTI and IV line-related infections in the same areas 2 months after training. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0. Student's t-test was used to analyze the difference in the prevalence of CAUTI and IV line-associated HAIs pre intervention and post intervention.RESULTS:There was reduction in the incidence of IV line-related infection, though it was not significant (P 0.15) and no change in the incidence of CAUTI after intervention.CONCLUSION:Single educational module though improved nurses' knowledge and attitude regarding infection control but failed to result in significant improvement in practices and incidence of HAIs.

The impact of universal face masking and enhanced hand hygiene for COVID-19 disease prevention on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections in a Taiwanese hospital

ObjectivesDuring the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, strict infection control measures have been implemented in healthcare settings and hospitals, including respiratory and hand hygiene. This study investigated the impact of these control measures on the incidence rates of hospital-acquired infections (HAI) and multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in a Taiwan medical center. MethodsThis study compared the consumption of personal prevention resources and the incidence density of HAI and MDRO in a medical center in Taiwan from January to May 2020, encapsulating the COVID-19 outbreak period in the study, to baseline data from the same timeframe in 2018 and 2019. ResultsThere was no significant difference between the number of inpatient days in 2020, 2018 and 2019. The consumption of either alcohol for hand hygiene or surgical masks significantly increased in 2020. However, the overall HAI incidence density did not significantly differ from the rate at the baseline period. It was found that the incidence density of MDRO was significantly lower in 2020, especially in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus. ConclusionsA collateral benefit of the COVID-19 prevention measures on the incidence density of MDRO was observed in a hospital in Taiwan where the incidence of COVID-19 was low.

An effect of single high dose of vitamin D3 on the risk of nosocomial infections, hospitalization time and mortality in hospitalized elderly population. A preliminary report

Introduction: Observational studies indicate a significant impact of serum 25(OH)D concentration on incidence of hospital-acquired infections. However, we did not find any interventional study assessing the effect of vitamin D3 administration at the admission on the course of further hospitalization in internal medicine departments.&#x0D; Objective of the paper: Investigation of the impact of one-time high-dose vitamin D3 administration in elderly patients on the day of urgent admission to the hospital, on hospital-acquired infections.&#x0D; Materials and methods: A randomized, two-arms, open pilot study in 97 adults aged 60-100. A study group was given a single dose of 60,000 IU vitamin D3 and a control group was not subject to any intervention. Serum 25(OH)D and calcium were measured at the baseline and after 7 days.&#x0D; Results: 77.32% of studied patients were vitamin deficient, and among those, in 28.87% severe vitamin D deficiency was found. After single administration of 60,000 IU of vitamin D3, only 4 patients achieved recommended serum 25(OH)D concentration. The highest increase in serum 25(OH)D was observed in patients with severe deficiency. Numbers of observed nosocomial infections such as flu, hospital-acquired pneumonia or Klebsiella pneumoniae MBL+ infection did not differ significantly between study and control group, however there was a trend close to significance for lower incidence of Clostridium difficile infection in the vitamin D3 group.&#x0D; Conclusions: Preliminary results of the presented research indicate possible protective effect of single high dose of vitamin D3 against Clostridium difficile infection during hospitalization. Further research on larger group of patients, using higher dose of vitamin D3 is necessary.

Incidence and risk factors for hospital-acquired infection among paediatric patients in a teaching hospital: a prospective study in southeast Ethiopia

ObjectivesIn order to maximise the prevention of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial resistance, data on the incidence of HAIs are crucial. In Ethiopia, data about the occurrence of HAIs among...