Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae Outbreaks Research Articles

Epidemiological characteristics of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae outbreaks in the Republic of Korea between 2017 and 2022.

We aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) outbreaks in healthcare settings in the Republic of Korea between 2017 and 2022. Under the national notifiable disease surveillance system, we obtained annual descriptive statistics regarding the isolated species, carbapenemase genotype, healthcare facility type, outbreak location and duration, and number of patients affected and recommended interventions. We used epidemiological investigation reports on CPE outbreaks reported to Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency from June 2017 to September 2022. Among the 168 reports analyzed, Klebsiella pneumoniae (85.1%) was the most frequently reported species, while K. pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC, 82.7%) was the most common carbapenemase genotype. Both categories increased from 2017 to 2022 (p<0.01). General hospitals had the highest proportion (54.8%), while tertiary general hospitals demonstrated a decreasing trend (p<0.01). The largest proportion of outbreaks occurred exclusively in intensive care units (ICUs, 44.0%), and the frequency of concurrent outbreaks in ICUs and general wards increased over time (p<0.01). The median outbreak duration rose from 43.5 days before the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic (2017-2019) to 79.5 days during the pandemic (2020-2022) (p=0.01), and the median number of patients associated with each outbreak increased from 5.0 to 6.0 (p=0.03). Frequently recommended interventions included employee education (38.1%), and 3 or more measures were proposed for 45.2% of outbreaks. In the Republic of Korea, CPE outbreaks have been consistently dominated by K. pneumoniae and KPC. The size of these outbreaks increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our findings highlight the need for continuing efforts to control CPE outbreaks using a multimodal approach, while considering their epidemiology.

1226. Two consecutive outbreaks of carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in a pediatric hospital

Abstract Background Carbapenemase-producing enterobacteriaceae (CPE) can cause hospital outbreaks with considerable health and economic implications. Intensive infection control measures are implemented to identify CPE carriers and contain outbreaks. Methods We describe a CPE-NDM (New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase) hospital wide outbreak, in a tertiary care pediatric hospital, which evolved into a CPE-KPC (Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase) outbreak before subsiding. Results At 10/20/21 rectal screening for CPE was performed in patients in the NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) because of known CPE carriers hospitalized there. Multiple CPE carriers were discovered, and a hospital-wide outbreak of CPE-NDM was identified. All patients who were potential contacts of CPE carriers throughout the hospital were isolated and screened twice a week, as part of intensive infection control measures. Between 10/20/21 and 12/07/21 46 patients carrying CPE-NDM were discovered. Continued screening between 12/15/21 and 04/18/22 identified 81 additional patients carrying CPE, however the carbapenemases identified in 78 of them were KPC. No known CPE-KPC carrier was hospitalized at the beginning of the KPC outbreak. Surprisingly, in 6 of the patients carrying CPE-NDM, repeat screening done months later found the carriage shifted from CPE-NDM to CPE-KPC. The results were validated and analyzed at the National Infection Control Laboratory. No significant morbidity or mortality was observed due to CPE carriage. CPE identification distribution by week and mechanism Conclusion We report an unusual sequence of two CPE outbreaks. We found no previous reports of consecutive outbreaks of CPE. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures.

Role of surfaces and sinks in the control of multiresistant bacteria in Intensive Care Unit

Abstract Background Control of multiresistant bacteria (MRB) outbreaks in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a challenge of Public Health. There is strong evidence that surfaces, and sinks are reservoirs of MRB. In 2020, because of isolation of Klebsiella type IMP, OXA-48 and VIM in moist reservoirs in ICU of Clinico San Cecilio Hospital and another carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) outbreak, it arises our aim, which is to highlight the relevance of periodic control of humid reservoirs and surfaces in ICU to prevent MRB transmission. Methods Retrospective, descriptive study from March to June 2021. Due to a rise of cases of a CPE outbreak in our ICU in Granada, samples of surfaces and taps of different boxes were taken, after discharging patients and their corresponding terminal cleaning, whether they were CPE-colonised patient or not. Results Samples of 20 boxes were taken (N = 325). CPE OXA-48 was isolated in 7,38% of the samples which correspond to 40% of the boxes, most of them Enterobacter cloacae. 25% of the positive samples isolated two types of resistance, OXA-48, and VIM. 79,2% of the positive samples were found in March. The rest of them in April and May, after establishing control measures in surfaces. CPE was isolated in blood pressure monitor, pulse oximeter, electrocardiogram and stethoscope from 6 boxes. 3 CPE humid reservoirs were found in the tap and drain sinks of 2 boxes, one of them with CPE colonised patient. Conclusions We have observed the existence of carbapenem-resistant plasmids in surfaces and the persistence of humid reservoirs in our ICU, despite of establishing control measures of an outbreak. In conjunction with classical monitoring measures such as observation and training of hand hygiene, we recommend the use of disposable materials, systematic disinfection of reservoirs, appropriate use of gloves, chlorination of sinks and the goal of an ICU without water should be fundamental elements in the prevention of MRB transmission. Key messages • Multifactorial approach for the control of multiresistant bacteria outbreaks in the Intensive Care Unit. • Intensive Care Unit without water to avoid humid reservoirs of multiresistant bacterias.

Outbreak of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Regional Burn Center.

Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing problem in hospitals worldwide; however, the prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in our region is low. Burn patients are vulnerable to infection because of the loss of the protective skin barrier, thus burn centers prioritize infection prevention and control (IP&C). This report describes a CPE outbreak in a regional burn center. In a period of 2.5 months, four nosocomial cases of CPE were identified, three containing the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) gene and one Verona integrin-encoded metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) gene. The first two cases were identified while there was no CPE patient source on the unit. CPE KPC gene was then isolated in sink drains of three rooms. In addition to rigorous IP&C practices already in place, we implemented additional outbreak measures including restricting admissions to patients with complex burns or burns ≥10% TBSA, admitting patients to other in-patient units, and not permitting elective admissions. We began cohorting patients using nursing team separation for CPE-positive and -negative patients and geographical separation on the unit. Despite aggressive IP&C measures already in place, hospital-acquired CPE colonization/infection occurred. Given that CPE contaminated sinks of the same enzyme were identified, we believe hospital sink drains may the source. This highlights the importance of sink design and engineering solutions to prevent the formation of biofilm and reduce splashing. CPE infections are associated with poor outcomes in patients and significant health system costs due to a longer length of stay and additional institutional resources.

Improved contact tracing using network analysis and spatial-temporal proximity

PurposeContact tracing is a crucial tool in infection prevention and control (IPC), which aims to identify outbreaks and prevent onward transmission. What constitutes a contact is typically based on strict binary criteria (i.e., being at a location at the same time). Missing data, indirect contacts and background sources can however substantially alter contact-tracing investigations. Here, we present StEP, a Spatial-temporal Epidemiological Proximity model that accounts for imperfect data by introducing a network-based notion of contact based on spatial-temporal proximity derived from background flows of patient movement.Methods & MaterialsWe showcase StEP by analysing outbreaks of multidrug-resistant bacteria and COVID-19 within a large hospital Trust in London (UK).StEP utilises spatial-temporal patient trajectories and the background hospital movement flows to recover enhanced contact networks. Firstly, we study a well-characterised outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) involving 116 hospitalised patients where genetic sequencing is used to learn model parameters. Secondly, our trained model is deployed in an unsupervised manner on three unseen outbreaks involving 867 patients of related CPE-types. Thirdly, we test application to an altogether novel pathogen by analysing a hospital outbreak of COVID-19 among 90 hospital patients, and demonstrate the power of StEP when characterising newly emerging diseases, even when there is a lack of sequencing data.ResultsIn addition to recovering core contact structures, StEP identifies missing contacts that link seemingly unconnected infection clusters, revealing a larger extent of transmission than conventional methods. Via genomic analyses we confirm that the additional contacts detected through StEP lead to improved alignment to the plasmid phylogeny (the major outbreak driving force). Hence the StEP contact network is most aligned to the transmission structure.ConclusionBy considering spatial-temporal information in a continuous manner, StEP tackles several challenges associated with traditional contact-tracing. StEP allows both direct and indirect contacts as possible routes of disease transmission and is tuneable to a pathogen's epidemiological characteristics. Such flexible use of heterogeneous data in uncertain situations can significantly enhance IPC.

Absence of transmission of NDM and OXA-48 carbapenemase genes in a chronic care unit of a long-term care facility.

Infection prevention and control measures are used to contain outbreaks of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. We report the absence of transmission of Klebsiella pneumoniae carrying New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase and oxacillinase-48 genes among 19 screened contacts of an index case after 14 months of routine practices in a long-term care facility.

112 Outbreak of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Regional Burn Centre

Abstract Introduction Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing problem in hospitals worldwide, though the prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in our region is low. Burn patients are among the most vulnerable to infection because of the loss of the protective skin barrier. Because of this, burn centres prioritize infection prevention and control with measures like additional precautions, enhanced environmental cleaning, dedicated facilities, and mandatory use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Methods This report describes a CPE outbreak in a regional burn centre. We hypothesized that contamination of in-room hand hygiene sinks with CPE was a potential source of transmission. In a period of 2.5 months, four nosocomial cases of CPE were identified, three containing the KPC gene and one VIM gene. There was more than one month between the first and second KPC case, with no overlap in patient stay or rooms. Results The first two cases were identified while there was no CPE patient source on the unit. CPE KPC gene was isolated in sink drains of three different rooms. In addition to the rigorous infection control practices already in place due to the unique patient population, additional outbreak control measures were implemented. The burn centre restricted admissions to complex burns or burns &amp;gt;10% total body surface area, in consultation with the attending surgeon. No elective admissions were permitted. To avoid CPE exposure to new patients, initial admissions were rerouted to the emergency department and, if possible, the patient was admitted to another unit. Patient cohorting was implemented through nursing team separation for CPE positive and negative patients and geographical separation of CPE positive cases to one side of the unit. Conclusions Despite aggressive infection control measures already in place at our burn centre, there was hospital acquired CPE colonization/infection. Given there was CPE acquisition when there was no positive patients on the unit and CPE contaminated sinks of the same enzyme were identified, it suggests that hospital sink drains can become a potential source of CPE.

Epidemiology and control measures of an OXA-48-producing Enterobacteriaceae hospital outbreak

SummaryCarbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are a significant challenge to healthcare and infection prevention and control teams. In the UK, OXA-48-like carbapenemases are frequently reported. We describe an outbreak of OXA-48-like producing Enterobacteriaceae and the control measures that proved effective in containing further spread.AimTo describe epidemiologic and laboratory features of outbreak and highlight key control interventions.FindingsFollowing the introduction of an increased sensitivity CPE screening protocol, OXA-48-like CPE were identified in screening and clinical samples from 96 patients across five hospital wards between November 2017 and July 2018. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter cloacae were the most frequently isolated organisms, although a range of OXA-48-like positive organisms were identified. The outbreak was contained utilising certain key interventions, including the modification of laboratory screening processes, engagement of hospital senior management, clear and frequent communication and a strong ‘ward presence’ by the infection prevention and control team (IPCT).ConclusionOur report describes how a change in laboratory CPE screening process unmasked a CPE outbreak. The range of bacterial species harbouring the OXA-48-like mechanism suggested plasmid-mediated transfer of resistance. The timely implementation of interventions using a clinical, ‘ward-based’ approach to infection prevention and control highlights the importance of behavioural change in infection control interventions and enabled the termination of a large outbreak without recourse to environmental sampling, major remedial construction work or extensive molecular strain or plasmid typing.

Whole genome sequencing characterization of Slovenian carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae, including OXA-48 and NDM-1 producing outbreak isolates.

The first hospital outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in Slovenia occurred in 2014-2016. Whole genome sequencing was used to analyse the population of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae collected in Slovenia in 2014-2017, including OXA-48 and/or NDM-1 producing strains from the outbreak. A total of 32 K. pneumoniae isolates were analysed using short-read sequencing. Multi-locus sequence typing and core genome multi-locus sequence typing were used to infer genetic relatedness. Antimicrobial resistance markers, virulence factors, plasmid content and wzi types were determined. Long-read sequencing was used for six isolates for detailed analysis of plasmids and their possible transmission. Overall, we detected 10 different sequence types (STs), the most common being ST437 (40.6%). Isolates from the initial outbreak belonged to ST437 (12/16) and ST147 (4/16). A second outbreak of four ST15 isolates was discovered. A new ST (ST3390) and two new wzi types (wzi-556, wzi-559) were identified. blaOXA-48 was found in 17 (53.1%) isolates, blaNDM-1 in five (15.6%), and a combination of blaOXA-48/NDM-1 in seven (21.9%) isolates. Identical plasmids carrying blaOXA-48 were found in outbreak isolates sequenced with long-read sequencing technology. Whole genome sequencing of Slovenian carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates revealed multiple clusters of STs, two of which were involved in the first hospital outbreak of carbapenem producing K. pneumoniae in Slovenia. Transmission of the plasmid carrying blaOXA-48 between two STs was likely to have occurred. A previously unidentified second outbreak was also discovered, highlighting the importance of whole genome sequencing in detection and/or characterization of hospital outbreaks and surveillance of drug-resistant bacterial clones.

Outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae associated with a contaminated water dispenser and sink drains in the cardiology units of a Korean hospital

Concerns are growing over the importance of the hospital water environment for the transmission of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). To report a large outbreak in the cardiology units involving intensive care units (ICUs) and wards at a tertiary-care hospital. This was a contact tracing, case-control study to find the risk factors for acquisition of CPE and environmental sampling was performed during a CPE outbreak between July and December 2018. A total of 87 patients with CPE infection or colonization were identified in the cardiology units of the Asan Medical Centre. Diverse organisms were identified containing blakpc, blaNDM-1, blaVIM or blaIMP, blaOXA-48, and co-producing organisms. A case-control study indicated that using the sinks in the ward patient room bathroom for teeth brushing was associated with CPE acquisition (83% vs 30%; P=0.03). The environment was cultured and Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Escherichia coli was isolated from a water dispenser and New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) 1-producing Citrobacter freundii and Enterobacter cloacae from sinks in patient rooms. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis of KPC-producing E.coli from patients and the water dispenser in ICU and NDM-1-producing E.cloacae from the patient and sink drain showed the same pulsotypes. The water dispenser and sink drain were suspected as possible reservoirs of CPE in this outbreak. Close contacts with contaminated water such as tooth brushing were identified as risk factors for CPE acquisition. Education for the adequate use of the water environment system as well as the control of the hospital water environment should be implemented to prevent the CPE outbreaks.

2455. Outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in cardiology units associated with contaminated water dispenser and sink drain in Korea

BackgroundThere is a growing concern about the importance of hospital water environment for the transmission of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). Herein, we report a large outbreak in cardiology units involving intensive care units (ICU) and wards at a tertiary care hospital.MethodsDuring a CPE outbreak between July and December 2018, contact tracing and environmental sampling were performed. For outbreak control, we performed education to healthcare workers, hand hygiene enforcement, active surveillance test, preemptive isolation, chlorhexidine bathing for CPE positive patients, and deep terminal cleaning including UV and hydrogen peroxide non-touch disinfection. Patients with CPE were isolated at a single room with dedicated staffs, contact precaution was implemented, and when case patients were located in multi-patient room, we performed surveillance culture for exposed patients in the room.ResultsA total of 87 patients with CPE infection or colonization were identified at two cardiology ICUs and three cardiology wards. CPE from the first two index patients were identified from sputum culture suspecting pneumonia, and the remaining 85 patients were identified to harbor CPE through surveillance culture (exposed patients n = 22, active surveillance test n = 63). Diverse organisms were identified; organisms with blakpc (n = 13), blaNDM-1 (n = 55), blaVIM or blaIMP (n = 12), blaOXA-48 (n = 3), and co-producing organisms (n = 4). We performed environmental culture; KPC-producing Escherichia coli was isolated from water dispenser in ICU and NDM-1 producing Citrobacter freundii and Enterobacter cloacae were isolated from sinks in the patient room. Outbreak ended after the removal of water dispenser and the replacement of sink drain with pouring bleach to the sink drain.ConclusionWater dispenser and sink drain were suspected for the possible reservoirs of CPE in this outbreak. Replacement of plumbing system and use of bleach for pouring to sink as well as the removal of water dispenser was needed to control outbreak. Investigation of water system is warranted for finding the source of CPE. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Implementing a toolkit for the prevention, management and control of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in English acute hospitals trusts: a qualitative evaluation

BackgroundAntimicrobial resistance is an increasing problem in hospitals world-wide. Following other countries, English hospitals experienced outbreaks of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), a bacterial infection commonly resistant to last resort antibiotics. One way to improve CPE prevention, management and control is the production of guidelines, such as the CPE toolkit published by Public Health England in December 2013. The aim of this research was to investigate the implementation of the CPE toolkit and to identify barriers and facilitators to inform future policies.MethodsAcute hospital trusts (N = 12) were purposively sampled based on their self-assessed CPE colonisation rates and time point of introducing local CPE action plans. Following maximum variation sampling, 44 interviews with hospital staff were conducted between April and August 2017 using a semi-structured topic guide based on the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour Model and the Theoretical Domains Framework, covering areas of influences on behaviour. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsThe national CPE toolkit was widely disseminated within infection prevention and control teams (IPCT), but awareness was rare among other hospital staff. Local plans, developed by IPCTs referring to the CPE toolkit while considering local circumstances, were in place in all hospitals. Implementation barriers included: shortage of isolation facilities for CPE patients, time pressures, and competing demands. Facilitators were within hospital and across-hospital collaborations and knowledge sharing, availability of dedicated IPCTs, leadership support and prioritisation of CPE as an important concern. Participants using the CPE toolkit had mixed views, appreciating its readability and clarity about patient management, but voicing concerns about the lack of transparency on the level of evidence and the practicality of implementation. They recommended regular updates, additional clarifications, tailored information and implementation guidance.ConclusionsThere were problems with the awareness and implementation of the CPE toolkit and frontline staff saw room for improvement, identifying implementation barriers and facilitators. An updated CPE toolkit version should provide comprehensive and instructive guidance on evidence-based CPE prevention, management and control procedures and their implementation in a modular format with sections tailored to hospitals’ CPE status and to different staff groups.

Outbreaks of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in acute care: should we screen case-contacts already discharged to the community? – Argument against the motion

Outbreaks of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in acute care: should we screen case-contacts already discharged to the community? – Argument against the motion

Control strategy for carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in nursing homes: perspectives inspired from three outbreaks

Three outbreaks of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in three nursing homes in western France were retrospectively assessed. In all, ten cases of colonization or infection with CPE were detected upon admission in neighbouring hospitals. Antibiotic consumption or high frailty was infrequent among them. Nursing homes should be included in a regional strategy to limit CPE spread.

Duodenoscopy: an amplifier of cross-transmission during a carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae outbreak in a gastroenterology pathway

Carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (OXA-48 CPE) were identified in five patients who underwent an endoscopy with the same duodenoscope in October 2015. The endoscope was the only epidemiological link between these cases. A transient contamination of the duodenoscope following a failure in the disinfection process may have been the cause of transmission.

An evaluation of a toolkit for the early detection, management, and control of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: a survey of acute hospital trusts in England

Following hospital outbreaks of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE), Public Health England published a toolkit in December 2013 to promote the early detection, management, and control of CPE colonization and infection in acute hospital settings. To examine awareness, uptake, implementation and usefulness of the CPE toolkit and identify potential barriers and facilitators to its adoption in order to inform future guidance. A cross-sectional survey of National Health Service (NHS) acute trusts was conducted in May 2016. Descriptive analysis and multivariable regression models were conducted, and narrative responses were analysed thematically and informed using behaviour change theory. Most (92%) acute trusts had a written CPE plan. Fewer (75%) reported consistent compliance with screening and isolation of CPE risk patients. Lower prioritization and weaker senior management support for CPE prevention were associated with poorer compliance. Awareness of the CPE toolkit was high and all trusts with patients infected or colonized with CPE had used the toolkit either as provided (32%), or to inform (65%) their own local CPE plan. Despite this, many respondents (80%) did not believe that the CPE toolkit guidance offered an effective means to prevent CPE or was practical to follow. CPE prevention and control requires robust IPC measures. Successful implementation can be hindered by a complex set of factors related to their practical execution, insufficient resources and a lack of confidence in the effectiveness of the guidance. Future CPE guidance would benefit from substantive user involvement, processes for ongoing feedback, and regular guidance updates.

Is cohorting the only solution to control carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae outbreaks? A single-centre experience

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) are a major health issue. Cohorting may help to control spread of CPEs in hospitals, but is expensive and hard to implement. To identify ward variables associated with CPE in-hospital transmission in a hospital where cohorting has never been implemented. Cohort prospective study, comparing 14-consecutive-day periods regarding in-hospital transmission. Each period met the two following conditions: (i) CPE carriers/infected admitted for ≥48h; (ii) 80% of relative contact patients were screened at least twice. Periods (a) with no acquired CPE case among relative contact patients were compared to periods (b) during which one or more CPE case acquisition was identified. Variables potentially associated with CPE transmission were assessed: colonization pressure, caregiver:patient ratio, hand hygiene compliance, hydro-alcoholic product consumption, antibiotic consumption, and infection control team (ICT) involvement on the ward. Sixty-eight periods of two consecutive weeks were included, 18 (26.5%) included at least one CPE case acquisition. By multivariate analysis, colonization pressure (odds ratio: 1.12; 95% confidence interval: 1.0-1.25; P=0.042) and antibiotic consumption (2.41; 1.02-5.66; P=0.044) were associated with CPE in-hospital transmission. Caregiver:patient ratio potentiated both these variables, suggesting a role for understaffing in CPE transmission. Understanding ward variables associated with CPE spread can help design suitable solutions. Colonization pressure and antibiotic consumption seems to be driving in-hospital transmission, along with caregiver:patient ratio. In presence of high colonization pressure, dedicated healthcare workers for managing CPE patients should be implemented. Co-ordination between ICT and antimicrobial stewardship team is also crucial to prevent CPE spread.

Epidemiological and Molecular Characteristics of Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae in a Tertiary Hospital in Korea: Possible Emergence of KPC-Producing Escherichia coli ST471 strain

BackgroundCarbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) and especially carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) were rare in Korea but have been rapidly increasing since 2015. CPE outbreaks are now common among Korean hospitals. We aimed to investigate the epidemiology and molecular characteristics of CPE clinical isolates at a tertiary hospital in the southeastern part of Korea.MethodsCRE isolates, which had been isolated and stored from diagnostic or surveillance culture specimens between January 2011 and February 2017, were investigated. Multiple isolates from a patient were included in the study when they are of different species or separated by 30 days or more. Antibiogram was generated by the Vitek 2 system. Multiplex PCR was performed to detect 5 types of carbapenemases (KPC, NDM, VIM IMP, OXA). Of the PCR-positive CPE isolates, multi-locus sequence typing was performed for E. coli, K. pneumoniae and E. cloacae. For the patients with CPE, information on admission period, ward, room, bed position and common medical staff was collected to find epidemiologic link.ResultsTotal 197 CRE isolates from 169 patients were investigated, and 65 isolates were CPE. The earliest CPE isolate was in January 2016. Of the CPE isolates, the most common species were E. coli (45%) and K. pneumoniae (43%); the most common carbapenemase types were KPC (80%) and NDM (14%). Two CPE strains with KPC, E. coli ST471 (18%) and K. pneumoniae ST307 (25%), were prevalent. KPC was mostly associated with K. pneumoniae (27/52) and E. coli (19/52), and NDM with E. coli (8/9) and K. pneumoniae (1/9). Between August 2016 and February 2017, there were 32 outbreak-associated CPE isolates from 9 clusters (5 E. coli clusters, 3 K. pneumoniae ones, 1 E. cloacae one). The largest cluster was of 7 patients from whom KPC-2-positive E. coliof ST471 lineage was isolated.ConclusionSpecies of the CPE isolates in our hospital were mostly E. coli and K. pneumoniae, and KPC was the most common type of carbapenemase. KPC-positive E. coli ST471, not well-known in Korea and East-Asia, may be a newly emerging CPE strain. Although E. coli is known to only rarely cause CPE outbreaks, it might commonly cause in CPE outbreaks in the southeastern part of Korea.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Counting the cost of an outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: an economic evaluation from a hospital perspective

ObjectiveTo perform an economic evaluation on the cost associated with an outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE). MethodsWe performed an observational economic evaluation of an outbreak of CPE (NDM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae) affecting 40 patients in a group of five hospitals across three sites in West London. Costs were split into actual expenditure (including anti-infective costs, enhanced CPE screening, contact precautions, temporary ward-based monitors of hand and environmental practice, and environmental decontamination), and ‘opportunity cost’ (staff time, bed closures and elective surgical missed revenue). Costs are estimated from the hospital perspective over the 10-month duration of the outbreak. ResultsThe outbreak cost €1.1m over 10 months (range €0.9–1.4m), comprising €312 000 actual expenditure, and €822 000 (range €631 000–€1.1m) in opportunity cost. An additional €153 000 was spent on Estates renovations prompted by the outbreak. Actual expenditure comprised: €54 000 on anti-infectives for 18 patients treated, €94 000 on laboratory costs for screening, €73 000 on contact precautions for 1831 contact precautions patient-days, €42 000 for hydrogen peroxide vapour decontamination of 24 single rooms, €43 000 on 2592 hours of ward-based monitors, and €6000 of expenditure related to ward and bay closures. Opportunity costs comprised: €244 000 related to 1206 lost bed-days (range 366–2562 bed-days, €77 000–€512 000), €349 000 in missed revenue from 72 elective surgical procedures, and €228 000 in staff time (range €205 000–€251 000). Reduced capacity to perform elective surgical procedures related to bed closures (€349 000) represented the greatest cost. ConclusionsThe cost estimates that we present suggest that CPE outbreaks are highly costly.

An Irish outbreak of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM)-1 carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae: increasing but unrecognized prevalence

Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) may cause healthcare-associated infections with high mortality rates. New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) is among the most recently discovered carbapenemases. To report the first outbreak of NDM-1 CPE in Ireland, including microbiological and epidemiological characteristics, and assessing the impact of infection prevention and control measures. This was a retrospective microbiological and epidemiological review. Cases were defined as patients with a CPE-positive culture. Contacts were designated as roommates or ward mates. This outbreak involved 10 patients with a median age of 71 years (range: 45-90), located in three separate but affiliated healthcare facilities. One patient was infected (the index case); the nine others were colonized. Nine NDM-1-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae, an NDM-1-producing Escherichia coli and a K.pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Enterobacter cloacae were detected between week 24, 2014 and week 37, 2014. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis demonstrated similarity. NDM-1-positive isolates were meropenem resistant with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) ranging from 12 to 32μg/mL. All were tigecycline susceptible (MICs ≤1μg/mL). One isolate was colistin resistant (MIC 4.0μg/mL; mcr-1 gene not detected). In 2015, four further NDM-1 isolates were detected. The successful management of this outbreak was achieved via the prompt implementation of enhanced infection prevention and control practices to prevent transmission. These patients did not have a history of travel outside of Ireland, but several had frequent hospitalizations in Ireland, raising concerns regarding the possibility of increasing but unrecognized prevalence of NDM-1 and potential decline in value of travel history as a marker of colonization risk.