Healthcare-associated invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) outbreaks are common worldwide, but only England has reported outbreaks associated with home healthcare (HHC). In this study, 10 outbreaks during 2018–2019 in England were described. Outbreak identification was difficult, but emm typing and whole-genome sequencing improved detection. Network analyses indicated multiple potential transmission routes. Outbreak control required multiple interventions, including improved infection control, equipment decontamination, and antimicrobial prophylaxis for staff. Transmission routes and effective interventions are not yet clear, and iGAS outbreaks likely are underrecognized. To improve patient safety and reduce deaths, public health agencies should be aware of HHC-associated iGAS.
This podcast hosted by Nicki Shorr and Jessie Swain talk with Dr. Paula Eckardt and infection preventionists Rachel Guran and Kelsi Canavan about containing a carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii complex outbreak in a COVID-19 intensive care unit. This podcast is related to the article previously shared "Containment of a carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii complex outbreak in a COVID-19 intensive care unit" which discusses containment using multidrug resistant organism guidelines and prevention strategies.
In this study, the CDC evaluated whether hospitalized patients without diagnosed Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) increased the risk for CDI among their family members after discharge.. A dose-response relationship between total days of within-household hospitalization and CDI incidence rate ratio was identified. Compared with persons whose family members were hospitalized <1 day, the incidence rate ratio increased from 1.30 (95% CI 1.19–1.41) for 1–3 days of hospitalization to 2.45 (95% CI 1.66–3.60) for >30 days of hospitalization. Asymptomatic C. difficile carriers discharged from hospitals could be a major source of community-associated CDI cases.
This study determined the source of an outbreak of Achromobacter denitrificans infections in patients at a tertiary-care academic hospital was caused by contaminated chlorhexidine-and-water solutions prepared at the hospital pharmacy. Once this item was removed from the hospital, the laboratory did not culture any further A. denitrificans isolates from patient specimens.
Health officials in at least three states are investigating a travel nurse suspected of tampering with and potentially contaminating vials and syringes of opioid painkillers in two hospitals, then returning the vials to medication cabinets where they could be unknowingly given to patients.
This study presented at the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Spring Conference highlights the ability of real-time genomic surveillance to detect nosocomial outbreaks early, which would allow hospitals to intervene quickly.
This study examines a cluster of hospital-acquired Burkholderia cepacia complex infections that were found to be attributed to contaminated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) water heaters. These data indicated that water-based ECMO heaters may be a potential reservoir of dangerous biofilms and infection. In regard to the use of ECMO water heaters, the researchers advised hospitals to review their adherence with manufacturers’ reprocessing requirements, to consider performing routine surveillance cultures of device reservoirs, or to consider waterless strategies to manage vulnerable patients.
A Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak in the COVID intensive care unit of a community hospital was contained using multidrug resistant organism guidelines. The purpose of this study is to report on an outbreak investigation and containment strategy that was used, and to discuss prevention strategy.
This article describes nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections during 2012–2020 associated with health care and aesthetic procedures in France. Epidemiologic data was obtained from the national early warning response system for healthcare-associated infections and data on NTM isolates from the National Reference Center for Mycobacteria. Clinical and environmental isolates were compared by using whole-genome sequencing.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded $85 million to health care–associated infection and antibiotic resistance (HAI/AR) programs in March 2015 as part of Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) activities in the Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity cooperative agreement Domestic Ebola Supplement. One goal of this funding was to assess and improve program capacity to respond to potential health care outbreaks (eg, HAI clusters). All 55 funded programs (in 49 state and 6 local health departments) participated.
