Control Measures Research Articles

Feeding sources of mosquitoes in Galapagos Islands: A potential threat to wildlife conservation.

Vector-borne diseases pose significant threats to both human and animal health, including wildlife, particularly in vulnerable island ecosystems like the Galapagos Islands. This study examines the mosquito community composition around domestic dogs and Galapagos sea lion rookeries across four islands: San Cristobal, Isabela, Santa Cruz, and Floreana. Using BG-Sentinel traps, a total of 292 mosquitoes were collected, identifying three species: Culex quinquefasciatus, Aedes aegypti, and A. taeniorhynchus. Culex quinquefasciatus was the most abundant, with diverse feeding patterns identified through blood meal analysis, revealing host ranges that included domestic chicken, domestic dogs, and sea lions. The presence of Dirofilaria immitis was confirmed in C. quinquefasciatus individuals, indicating a potential risk for heartworm transmission to dogs and to the endangered Galapagos sea lions. Continued surveillance and targeted control measures are crucial for reducing zoonotic disease risks in this fragile ecosystem, emphasizing the need for further research to inform human and animal health prevention strategies.

Willingness to take Mpox vaccine and associated factors among health professionals in Ethiopia: A cross-sectional study.

Monkeypox (Mpox) is vaccine preventable a viral infection declared as a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization in 2022. As a response to the epidemic, vaccines against the virus are being implemented in different countries, complementing other public health interventions. However, little is known about the willingness to accept the Mpox vaccine among health professionals in Africa, notably in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify willingness to take the Mpox vaccine and associated factors among health professionals in Ethiopia. A national online cross-sectional study design was employed between August 31, 2024, and September 6, 2024, among health professionals in Ethiopia. The data were collected from purposively selected healthcare professionals utilizing snowball sampling to achieve a high response rate using a semi-structured online survey tool. The tool was pretested, every survey item was drafted as a must-fill, and only data with correct characters were included after removing responses with miss response for the intended questionnaire. Variables with a p-value<0.25 in the bivariable logistic regression analysis were taken as candidates for multivariable analysis. An adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed and p-value <0.05 were used to set statistically significant variables within final model. Finally, text, tables, and figures were used to present the data. The study involved 749 health professionals. Of the participants, 637 (85%) were males, 674 (90%) were currently employed in urban areas, and 543 (72.5%) had received the COVID-19 vaccine. Among all participants, 423 (56.5%) demonstrated a good knowledge of Mpox, whereas 211 (28.2%) expressed a willingness to get vaccinated against Mpox. Besides, recent travel to countries experiencing the Mpox outbreak (AOR=3.21, 95%CI:1.65-6.29), positive attitude towards the Mpox vaccine uptake (AOR=3.08, 95%CI:2.11-4.49), lack of access to Mpox infection information (AOR=1.93, 95%CI:1.05-3.55), the belief that avoiding treatment of Mpox cases would prevent self-contamination (AOR=4.05, 95%CI: 2.83-5.80), and prior contact with individuals diagnosed with COVID-19 (AOR=1.57 95%CI (1.07-2.32)were factors significantly associated with willingness to get vaccinated against Mpox. Despite the ongoing outbreak within the continent, only a low proportion of surveyed health professionals expressed willingness to receive the Mpox vaccine. In addressing the outbreak, it is crucial to consider various factors such as recent travel to Mpox-affected countries, attitude towards Mpox, knowledge about the disease, and prior exposure to confirmed COVID-19 cases when developing and distributing information about Mpox vaccine. Consequently, substantial efforts must be directed towards educating and empowering health professionals in Ethiopia to effectively contribute to prevention and control measures.

Pentastiridius leporinus as a plant disease vector: The practical state of knowlege and derived research objectives

Pentastiridius leporinus, a polyphagous planthopper, has emerged as a significant vector of the phloem-limited pathogens ARSEPH and PHYPSO, posing a severe threat to agricultural production across Europe. This study explores the complex interactions between P. leporinus, its pathogens, and host plants, focusing on its impact on sugar beet, potato, and recently identified vegetable crops such as carrots and beetroots. The transmission of these pathogens leads to reduced yield and quality, causing substantial economic losses and threatening food security and supply chains. P. leporinus exhibits remarkable adaptability, spreading efficiently over long distances and colonizing diverse crops. Its life cycle, involving nymph development in soil and adult migration to host plants, underpins its reproductive success and rapid geographic expansion. While ARSEPH and PHYPSO reduce crop viability and processing quality, their combined infections exacerbate the damage, introducing secondary pathogens and compounding challenges for farmers. Control measures for P. leporinus remain limited due to the lack of resistant crop varieties, long-term insecticide efficacy, and precise infestation thresholds. Current efforts emphasize a holistic, integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, combining agronomic practices such as early harvesting, crop rotation, and soil cultivation with emerging tools like biocontrol agents, forecasting models, and experimental genetic techniques. Trials with cover nets and tolerant crop varieties show promise in mitigating the pest’s impact, but further research is essential. This work highlights critical knowledge gaps, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration and increased funding to develop sustainable, environment-friendly solutions. Practical research and immediate action is necessary to mitigate the devastating effects of P. leporinus on agriculture. The authors therefore propose the establishment of an EU task force on plant health emergencies, as foreseen in the amendment of EU plant health legislation. A national initiative is not sufficient to manage the existential threat situation.

Time to change guidelines? Suboptimal glycemic control measures by CGM associated with cystic fibrosis exacerbations despite adequate HbA1c.

Time to change guidelines? Suboptimal glycemic control measures by CGM associated with cystic fibrosis exacerbations despite adequate HbA1c.

ANALYSIS AND DYNAMICS OF CHOLERA EPIDEMIC SYSTEM IN SOCIETY VIA FRACTAL-FRACTIONAL OPERATOR

To comprehend the dynamics of disease propagation within a society, mathematical formulation is a crucial tool to understand the complex dynamics. In order to transform the mathematical model with the objective of bolstering the immune system into a fractional-order model, we use the definition of Fractal-Fractional with Mittag-Leffler kernel. For an assessment of the stable position of a recently modified system, qualitative as well as quantitative assessments are carried out. We validate the property positivity and reliability of the developed system by evaluating its boundedness and uniqueness, which are important features of an epidemic model. The positive solutions with linear growth have been verified by the global derivative, and the level of effects of different parameters in each sub-section is determined through employing Lipschitz criteria. By employing Lyapunov’s first and second derivatives of the function, the framework is examined on a global scale to evaluate the overall effect with symptomatic and asymptomatic measures. Bifurcation analysis was performed to check the behavior of each sub-compartment under different parameters effects. The Mittag-Leffler kernel is used to obtain a robust solution via Fractal-Fractional operator for continuous monitoring of spread and control of cholera disease under different dimensions. Simulations are carried out to observe both the symptomatic and asymptomatic consequences of cholera globally, also to observe the actual behavior of cholera disease for control measures, and it has been confirmed that those with strong immune systems individuals recover early due to early detection measures. The actual state of cholera disease can be controlled by taking the following measures: early detection of disease for both individuals receiving medication and those who do not require medication because of their robust immune systems. This kind of research will be beneficial in determining how diseases spread and in developing effective control plans based on our validated findings.

Antibiotic resistance in Indonesia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria (2008-2024).

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria pose a significant threat to public health due to their resistance to commonly used antibiotics. This meta-analysis aims to determine the prevalence and distribution of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria in Indonesia. This systematic review and meta-analysis adhere to PRISMA guidelines to estimate the prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria in Indonesia from 2008 to 2024. Systematic searches were conducted by PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, and Index Medicus, and data were analyzed using a random-effects model to address heterogeneity. A systematic search yielded 1160 records. After duplicate removal and eligibility screening, 64 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 48 were suitable for quantitative analysis. The pooled prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing-producing bacteria in Indonesia was 46.38% (95% CI: 39.55%-53.21%) with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.05%), reflecting substantial variability in methodologies, populations, and regional contexts. While Sumatra shows the highest prevalence at 63.99% (95% CI: 62.09%-65.89%) and Kalimantan the lowest at 15.24% (95% CI: 9.45%-21.02%), these findings must be interpreted with caution due to the significant heterogeneity. In hospitals, the prevalence was 47.13% (95% CI: 39.71%-54.54%), and in community was 47.26% (95% CI: 26.47%-59.95%). Adults had a higher prevalence (44.56%, 95% CI: 35.48%-53.64%) than children (32.38%, 95% CI: 20.85%-43.91%). The prevalence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli was 57.84% (95% CI: 45.97%-69.72%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae was 51.03% (95% CI: 41.19%-60.86%). These findings highlight the urgent need for stringent infection control measures, tailored surveillance programmes, and effective antibiotic stewardship in Indonesia to mitigate the impact of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing bacteria on public health. The substantial heterogeneity underscores the complexity of antimicrobial resistance epidemiology in Indonesia, necessitating cautious interpretation of pooled prevalence and standardised methodologies for future research to ensure accurate prevalence estimates.

Advances in Scaffolds and Additives for Infection Control in Autologous Chondrocyte Transplantation.

Cartilage tissue engineering (CTE) has revolutionized the field of regenerative medicine, offering significant advancements in surgeries such as autologous chondrocyte transplantation. However, despite these advancements, infections associated with cartilage implants remain a persistent challenge, compromising the success of surgeries and patient recovery. To address these challenges, this review provides a comprehensive foundation for researchers interested in addressing infections in CTE. It begins by briefly outlining the major scaffolds currently used in CTE and distinguishing those with antimicrobial properties. Among the antimicrobial scaffolds identified, chitosan and chondroitin sulfate stand out for their promising compatibility and antibacterial properties. The review then explores additives that meet three essential criteria: compatibility with chondrocytes, suitability for use in CTE scaffolds, and antibacterial efficacy. Chitosan, zinc oxide, silver, and copper emerge as leading candidates due to their compatibility with chondrocytes and proven antibacterial capabilities. Importantly, the criteria used in this review were chosen to provide researchers with a practical and reliable starting point for immediate application. However, it is acknowledged that other promising antibacterial modifications such as fabrication processes and additives such as bioactive glass and graphene oxide, which may not fit these criteria, also hold potential for future research and innovation. This review underscores the need for further research and development to enhance infection control measures and improve patient outcomes.

Significance of supervision sampling in control of communicable respiratory disease simulated by a new model during different stages of the disease

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) interventions in interrupting transmission have paid heavy losses politically and economically. The Chinese government has replaced scaling up testing with monitoring focus groups and randomly supervising sampling, encouraging scientific research on the COVID-19 transmission curve to be confirmed by constructing epidemiological models, which include statistical models, computer simulations, mathematical illustrations of the pathogen and its effects, and several other methodologies. Although predicting and forecasting the propagation of COVID-19 are valuable, they nevertheless present an enormous challenge. This paper emphasis on pandemic simulation models by introduced respiratory-specific transmission to extend and complement the classical Susceptible-Exposed-(Asymptomatic)-Infected-Recovered SE(A)IR model to assess the significance of the COVID-19 transmission control features to provide an explanation of the rationale for the government policy. A novel epidemiological model is developed using mean-field theory. Utilizing the SE(A)IR extended framework, which is a suitable method for describing the progression of epidemics over actual or genuine landscapes, we have developed a novel model named SEIAPUFR. This model effectively detects the connections between various stages of infection. Subsequently, we formulated eight ordinary differential equations that precisely depict the population’s temporal development inside each segment. Furthermore, we calibrated the transmission and clearance rates by considering the impact of various control strategies on the epidemiological dynamics, which we used to project the future course of COVID-19. Based on these parameter values, our emphasis was on determining the criteria for stabilizing the disease-free equilibrium (DEF). We also developed model parameters that are appropriate for COVID-19 outbreaks, taking into account varied population sizes. Ultimately, we conducted simulations and predictions for other prominent cities in China, such as Wuhan, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, that have recently been affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. By integrating different control measures, respiratory-specific modeling, and disease supervision sampling into an expanded SEI (A) R epidemic model, we found that supervision sampling can improve early warning of viral activity levels and superspreading events, and explained the significance of containments in controlling COVID-19 transmission and the rationality of policy by the influence of different containment measures on the transmission rate. These results indicate that the control measures during the pandemic interrupted the transmission chain mainly by inhibiting respiratory transmission, and the proportion of supervision sampling should be proportional to the transmission rate, especially only aimed at preventing a resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in low-prevalence areas. Furthermore, The incidence hazard of Males and Females was 1.39(1.23–1.58), and 1.43(1.26–1.63), respectively. Our investigation found that the ratio of peak sampling is directly related to the transmission rate, and both decrease when control measures are implemented. Consequently, the control measures during the pandemic interrupted the transmission chain mainly by inhibiting respiratory transmission. Reasonable and effective interventions during the early stage can flatten the transmission curve, which will slow the momentum of the outbreak to reduce medical pressure.

The most important diseases caused by fungi in tomato seeds: A review

Worldwide agriculture productivity and the economy are negatively impacted by plant diseases carried on by several microorganisms that are either present in the soil, seeds, or propagative planting materials, or that are conveyed by the air or water. This review provides a wealth of information about the importance and frequency of different types of seed-borne mycoflora such as Fusarium spp., Alternaria spp., Rhizopus spp., Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp., Colletotrichum spp. which is specifically linked to tomato seeds. These mycoflora cause devastating tomato diseases such as grey mold, fruit and root rots, Fusarium wilt, early blight, and foot rots, and evaluate a variety of contemporary and traditional methods that are used to identify seed-borne fungi and to implement various control measures, such as chemical and biological approaches that scientists have chosen. Many variables, such as the presence of vulnerable plants, ideal environmental circumstances, and overhead watering, pose significant barriers to the spread of plant diseases. In these circumstances, an efficient disease management strategy consists of monitoring plant health and detecting diseases, especially by screening infested seed lots before planting with the use of seed detection assays.

Assessment of noise pollution and specific mitigation measures to reduce it in educational settings and its impact on students' academic performance: A review

Noise pollution causes many problems in the educational process and adversely affects the performance of educators and students. This study reviewed the research, studies, surveys, and questionnaires on the subject and examined the effects of noise pollution on the academic performance of students and certain mitigating measures to control it. This document provided a comprehensive overview of noise measurements, comparison with guidelines/standards, factors affecting noise in college and university campuses, external and internal noise sources in the educational environment, effects of noise on health and student performance, sound quality of classrooms, and noise reduction. The results of the review revealed that most academic students are exposed to noisy environments, which have significant physiological and psychological effects on health. The review recommended certain noise control and management measures that include the use of noise barriers, construction of green spaces, design of noise reduction infrastructure, implementation of awareness programs, strict enforcement of laws and noise regulations, the development of advanced noise control technologies, integrated strategies, and sustainable environmental planning to reduce the menace of noise pollution.

AutoPVPrimer: A comprehensive AI-Enhanced pipeline for efficient plant virus primer design and assessment.

Plant viruses pose a significant threat to global agriculture and require efficient tools for their timely detection. We present AutoPVPrimer, an innovative pipeline that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to accelerate the development of plant virus primers. The pipeline uses Biopython to automatically retrieve different genomic sequences from the NCBI database to increase the robustness of the subsequent primer design. The design_primers_with_tuning module uses a random forest classifier that optimizes parameters and provides flexibility for different experimental conditions. Quality control measures, including the evaluation of poly-X content and melting temperature, increase primer reliability. Unique to AutoPVPrimer is the visualize_primer_dimer module, which supports the visual evaluation of primer dimers-a feature missing in other tools. Primer specificity is validated via primer BLAST, which contributes to the overall efficiency of the pipeline. AutoPVPrimer has been successfully applied to the tomato mosaic virus, proving its adaptability and efficiency. The modular design allows customization by the user and extends the applicability to different plant viruses and experimental scenarios. The pipeline represents a significant advance in primer design and provides researchers with an effective tool to accelerate molecular biology experiments. Future developments aim to extend compatibility and incorporate user feedback to consolidate AutoPVPrimer as an innovative contribution to the bioinformatics toolbox and a promising resource for the advancement of plant virology research.

Historical analysis of the first smallpox vaccination campaigns in early 19-century northern Italy: organisation and communication insights for contemporary epidemics' prevention and control.

In the annals of public health, smallpox is a watershed, being the first disease eradicated by vaccination. Drawing parallels to contemporary pandemic control measures, we examined the first smallpox vaccination campaigns in early 19th-century northern Italy and the seminal work of Luigi Sacco. Our study delves into this under-explored historical landscape to elucidate lessons that resonate with modern public health dilemmas. We scrutinised primary sources from the Historical Civic Archive of Pavia, the State Archive of Pavia, and the State Archive of Milan. These archives provided exhaustive data on administrative decrees, local epidemiology, and university-health authority collaborations. Using period-specific keyword searches and expert consultations, we extensively reviewed correspondence, vaccination lists, and academic writings, including Luigi Sacco's seminal Trattato di vaccinazione. The epidemiological investigation focused on the pivotal period of 1816-1828 in Lombardy's 19th-century public health landscape. Organisational reforms enacted in 1821 succeeded in doubling the number of vaccinations administered in Pavia, stabilising at elevated rates in subsequent years. Despite improvements, incongruities in epidemiological data and vaccinator remuneration persisted. Communication strategies pioneered by Sacco, encompassing academic and religious collaborations, demonstrated their efficacy. Epidemiological data revealed an initial surge in vaccination uptake in 1822, with a declining trend in the following years, notably impacted by logistical and data recording limitations. Our research underscores three salient dimensions pertinent to contemporary public health paradigms: first, the vital function of local administrative bodies as efficacious service providers, immunisation register keepers, and social safety nets; second, the equilibrium between mandatory vaccination policies and discretionary enforcement as a pragmatic framework for public compliance; lastly, the irrefutable importance of credible communication strategies in fighting vaccine hesitancy. These insights are not merely historical curiosities but cardinal principles for effectively managing modern epidemics and infectious disease threats.

Global epidemiology of Mycobacterium tuberculosis lineage 4 insights from Ecuadorian genomic data

Tuberculosis is a global public health concern, and understanding Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission routes and genetic diversity of M. tuberculosis is crucial for outbreak control. This study aimed to explore the genomic epidemiology and genetic diversity of M. tuberculosis in Ecuador by analyzing 88 local isolates and 415 public genomes from 19 countries within the Euro-American lineage (L4). Our results revealed significant genomic diversity among the isolates, particularly in the genes related to protein processing, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and xenobiotic biodegradation and metabolism. The population structure analysis showed that sub-lineages 4.3.2/3 (35.4%), 4.1.2.1 (22.7%), 4.4.1 (12.7%), and 4.1.1. (10.7%) were the most prevalent. Phylogenetic and transmission network analyses suggest that these isolates circulating within Ecuador share genetic ties with isolates from other continents, implying historical and ongoing intercontinental transmission events. Our findings underscore the importance of integrating genomic data into public health strategies for tuberculosis control and suggest that enhanced genomic surveillance is essential for understanding and mitigating the global spread of M. tuberculosis. This study provides a comprehensive genomic framework for future epidemiological investigations and control measures targeting M. tuberculosis L4 in Ecuador.

Comprehensive Evaluation of Nurses' Competencies and Performance in Hospital Infection Control Practices: A Case Study of Ali Abad Teaching Hospital, Afghanistan

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) remain a significant public health concern, posing challenges to healthcare systems worldwide. Nurses, as frontline healthcare workers, play a critical role in preventing and controlling these infections. However, their knowledge and practices regarding infection prevention and control are often inconsistent, which can lead to varying levels of infection prevention. The primary aim of this study was to assess the awareness, attitudes, and practices of nurses at Aliabad Teaching Hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, concerning hospital-acquired infections. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted over a three-month period, involving 150 nurses working in different departments of the hospital. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire that assessed demographic information, awareness, attitudes, and practices related to infection prevention. The study found that a significant majority of nurses (81.36%) were aware of HAIs, but only 42.5% reported possessing the necessary skills to manage these infections effectively. Nurses who received regular training and used personal protective equipment (PPE) exhibited higher levels of competency in infection control practices. However, there were areas where improvement was needed, particularly in hand hygiene practices and consistent use of PPE. The study concluded that while there is a general awareness of HAIs among nurses, there is a need for continuous training and strengthening infection control measures to enhance patient safety and improve healthcare outcomes.

The impact of COVID-19 pandemic on sleep duration and mental health among middle school students: a 3-year cross-sectional survey

BackgroundSince the outbreak of COVID-19 in late 2019, and until the Chinese government downgraded the pandemic control measures to Category B management in January 2023, various epidemic prevention measures were implemented across regions based on the local spread of the virus. Correspondingly, educational formats shifted between online and offline teaching according to the pandemic situation. Changes in daily life and teaching methods, along with the high initial mortality rate of COVID-19, have had varying degrees of negative impact on the mental health (MH) of adolescents.PurposesThis study aimed to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic status on the sleep duration (SD) and MH of adolescents, investigate the relationship between SD and MH in middle school students, and evaluate the protective effect of SD on MH.MethodsUsing a convenient sampling method, 6 junior high schools and 3 senior high schools in Guiyang City, China, were selected. Random samples from two classes per grade in each school were chosen for the survey. The study was conducted annually for three consecutive years using the Mental Health Inventory of Middle-school students (MMHI-60) scale and a self-designed questionnaire. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 26.0 software, employing ANOVA, cross-tabulation, and generalized linear models to examine the relationship between SD and MH scores.ResultsThe SD and MH scores of middle school students in 2021, 2022, and 2023 were 436.41 ± 71.21 min/day, 423.69 ± 61.71 min/day, and 445.26 ± 65.04 min/day (F = 41.44, p &amp;lt; 0.001), 1.72 ± 0.63, 1.87 ± 0.73, and 1.79 ± 0.67 (F = 18.31, p &amp;lt; 0.001). The SD compliance rates were 34.1%, 23.9%, and 33.2%, and the MH problem detection rates were 27.9%, 36.4%, and 33.4%, respectively; there is a significant correlation between SD and MH scores among middle school students (P &amp;lt; 0.001); the protective effects of SD compliance on MH were 1.859 times, 2.156 times, and 1.516 times higher than those of SD non-compliance (all p &amp;lt; 0.001).ConclusionMeeting the SD standard is a protective factor for adolescent MH. The COVID-19 pandemic and its control measures have had a severe and long-term negative impact on both SD and MH in middle school students, with differences observed between genders and academic levels. The greater the severity of the pandemic and the stricter the control measures, the more significant the negative impact on SD and MH etc.

P-367. Containment of an Outbreak of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumanii in a Burn Intensive Care Unit

Abstract Background Acinetobacter baumanii is a cause of serious infections in hospital settings. Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumanii (CRAB) is especially difficult to treat. Patients in a burn unit are particularly vulnerable to colonization and infection with few reports describing CRAB outbreaks in a burn intensive care unit and measures required for containment. This study highlights the infection control measures successful in controlling an outbreak. Methods After detection of a patient with CRAB in an urban burn unit in January 2023, all patients in the burn unit were screened for carbapenem resistant organisms. Six patients with CRAB were identified between January 2023 and May 2023. Whole genomic sequencing was used for confirmation of clonal relatedness. All patients with a positive CRAB culture of sterile or non-sterile sites are included in this retrospective study. Results Six patients ages 29-53 tested positive for CRAB between January 2023 and May 2023. Case 1 was admitted from a long term acute care facility, with sputum culture positive for CRAB. One had CRAB from a blood culture, and four in wound cultures. Longer length of stay, 80 days vs 13 days was seen with CRAB positive patients because of partial skin graft failure, slower to heal wounds, and barriers to placement. After judicious use of antibiotics, following infection control practices were implemented: 1. Screening for carbapenem resistant organisms (CPOs) on admission, weekly, and on discharge. 2. Fluorescent markers added to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) testing of environmental surfaces and equipment. 3. Double terminal cleaning of rooms with CRAB. 4. A cleaning process for every piece of equipment. 5. Hand hygiene education and proper use of personal protective equipment. With the above measures, no cases of CRAB were seen after May 2023. Conclusion The CRAB outbreak was associated with patients with burn wounds, antibiotic use, similarities in age and demographics, slower wound healing, partial skin graft loss, and longer length of stay. The control measures listed were successful in controlling the outbreak. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales infection and colonization in patients with severe burns: a retrospective cohort study in a single burn center

BackgroundClinical characteristics and outcomes of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infection and colonization have rarely been reported in patients with severe burns, who are prone to severe bacterial infections. This study aimed to evaluate clinical characteristics and outcomes of CRE infection and colonization in patients with severe burns.MethodsThe characteristics of 106 episodes of CRE acquisition (infection or colonization) in 98 patients with severe burns were evaluated by a retrospective medical record review. The duration of rectal CRE colonization and its associated factors were determined in the survived patients.ResultsFive (4.7%) of the CRE acquisitions were identified on admission, and the remaining 101 (95.3%) were identified at a median of 11 days (range 2–75 days) after admission. Klebsiella pneumoniae represented 73.6% of the isolated CRE strains, and carbapenemase-producing CRE (CP-CRE) were identified in 70.8% of the isolates. Mortality was associated with an abbreviated burn severity index (ABSI) score ≥ 10 (p < 0.001) and previous carbapenem-resistant bacterial acquisition (protective, p = 0.010). For the 58 episodes of CRE acquisition in the survived patients, eradication of rectal CRE colonization was identified in 39 (67.2%) at a median of 64 days (range 10–434 days) after acquisition. CP-CRE strains were associated with prolonged rectal CRE colonization (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe characteristics of CRE infection and colonization in patients with severe burns were similar to those in general critical patients. Enhanced infection prevention and control measures should be considered for patients with severe burns of an ABSI score ≥ 10 and those with CP-CRE.

A hybrid deep learning air pollution prediction approach based on neighborhood selection and spatio-temporal attention

Air pollution is a critical global environmental issue, further exacerbated by rapid industrialization and urbanization. Accurate prediction of air pollutant concentrations is essential for effective pollution prevention and control measures. The complex nature of pollutant data is influenced by fluctuating meteorological conditions, diverse pollution sources, and propagation processes, underscores the crucial importance of the spatial and temporal feature extraction for accurately predicting air pollutant concentrations. To address the challenges of data redundancy and diminished long-term prediction accuracy observed in previous studies, this paper presents an innovative approach to predict air pollutant concentrations leveraging advanced data analysis and deep learning methods. The proposed approach, termed KSC-ConvLSTM, integrates the k-nearest neighbors (KNN) algorithm, spatio-temporal attention (STA) mechanism, the residual block, and convolutional long short-term memory (ConvLSTM) neural network. The KNN algorithm adaptively selects highly correlated neighboring domains, while the residual block, enhanced with the STA mechanism, extracts spatial features from the input data. ConvLSTM further processes the output from STA-ConvNet to capture high-dimensional temporal and spatial features. The effectiveness of the KSC-ConvLSTM approach was validated through predictions of PM2.5 concentrations in Beijing and its surrounding urban agglomeration. The experimental results indicate that the KSC-ConvLSTM approach outperforms benchmark approaches in single-step, multi-step, and trend prediction. It demonstrates superior fitting accuracy and predictive performance. Quantitatively, the proposed KSC-ConvLSTM approach reduces the root mean square error (RMSE) by 4.216–8.458 for prediction averages of 1–12 h of PM2.5 in Beijing, compared with the benchmark approach. The findings show that the KSC-ConvLSTM approach shows considerable potential for predicting, preventing, and controlling air pollution.

Emergence of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic fever in India.

CCHF is a tick-borne viral disease with high outbreak potential and no specific treatment or vaccine. It is transmitted via ticks or contact with infected fluids and poses significant risks to healthcare workers and livestock handlers. Prevention relies on strict infection control, public education, and protective measures to reduce transmission.

P-363. Containing an Outbreak of Carbapenemase-producing Organisms in a Singapore Hospital

Abstract Background Tan Tock Seng Hospital is a 1700-bed academic teaching hospital in Singapore. Active surveillance using rapid PCR for the detection of asymptomatic carriage of carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) is routinely performed (Fig. 1). Where available, identified carriers are cohorted or isolated under contact precautions. We describe a hospital-wide multispecies OXA-48-like and NDM outbreak, findings from epidemiological investigations and the subsequent infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. Existing and intensified CPO screening strategies Methods Initial response included additional intensified contact tracing (Fig. 1), expansion of isolation bed capacity and audits of IPC practices. Case-control analysis involved 280 cases and 995 controls. Universal admission screening was conducted to validate the accuracy of existing high risk screening (HRS) criteria. Wards with high transmission underwent environmental sampling. Results The CPO screening positivity rate was observed to be on a steady increase during 2022/23, from a baseline of 1.3-1.7% in 2020/21, peaking at 6.5% in June 2023 (Fig. 2). Spot audits demonstrated a decrease in hand hygiene compliance, improper cleaning of shared equipment, and poor IPC practices especially during diaper changes. Isolates were predominantly Klebsiella pneumoniae and sequence type 307. OXA was the commonest carbapenemase, followed by NDM. Risk factors for acquisition were presence of an indwelling urinary catheter for OXA (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.62, 95% CI 1.02-2.48, p = 0.028), exposure to third-generation cephalosporins for NDM (AOR 3.83, 95% CI, 1.86-7.92, p &amp;lt; 0.001) and length of stay of 15-21 days for both (AOR 3.19, 95% CI, 2.05-4.96, p &amp;lt; 0.001). 4.8% of OXA carriers developed clinical infection within a median of 17 days (Fig. 3). Sensitivity of HRS criteria was 70%, though compliance to screening was only 60-80%. Periods of higher transmission were associated with lower rates of CPO cohorting (Fig. 4). CPO was found in 6.9% (9/130) of environmental samples. Rate and time to onset of clinical infection for asymptomatic carriers according to CPO genotype Conclusion Drivers of the outbreak were lower rates of CPO cohorting/isolation, a decrease in IPC standards, the inadequate compliance to HRS and the introduction of a highly transmissible bacterial clone. Early detection coupled with isolation remains a key strategy to control the spread of CPO. Epidemiologic curve of the CPO outbreak in relation to cohorting efforts (%) Disclosures Darius Beh, MBBS (S'pore) MMed (Int Med) MRCP (UK), AstraZeneca: Conference Sponsorship|Gilead: Conference Sponsorship