Healthcare-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections in children in Turkey:A six-year retrospective,single-center study

Objective:To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics,antimicrobial susceptibility and mortality-associated factors of healthcare-associated infections(HCAIs)caused by Staphylococcus(S.)aureus in children.Methods:We conducted a retrospective,single-centre study of pediatric HCAIs caused by S.aureus from a tertiary care hospital in Turkey between February 2014 and December 2019.The clinical and epidemiological characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility of the methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MSSA and MRSA)isolates was evaluated.Results:A total of 310 pediatric patients were examined.Overall,225(72.6%)isolates were MSSA and 85(27.4%)were MRSA.All S.aureus isolates were susceptible to teicoplanin,vancomycin,linezolid,tigecycline,mupirocin,and daptomycin.Penicillin resistance rates were high(89.0%),while fosfomycin,gentamicin,and clindamycin resistance rates were low(1.3%,1.0%,and 2.3%,respectively).Except susceptibility to fosfomycin,which was significantly lower in 2014 compared to 2018 and 2019,no significant difference was found in the antimicrobial susceptibility of S.aureus isolates between the years.Baseline characteristics and mortality rate were similar comparing MRSA and MSSA causing HCAIs.The mortality rate of HCAIs caused by S.aureus was 6.5%(20 patients).Malignancy was an independent risk factor associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis(OR 5.446,95%CI 1.573-18.849).Conclusions:Our findings demonstrate that MSSA remained the most causative agent of HCAIs caused by S.aureus.The mortality rate was 6.5%,the antibiotic resistance rate was quite high for penicillin and diagnosis of malignancy was the main risk factor for increasing mortality in children.These findings could help improve the management of HCAIs caused by S.aureus in children.

Healthcare-Associated Infections: Experiences and Perceptions of Nurses at the Ziniaré District Hospital in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a worldwide concern because of their magnitude and their human and financial cost. While nurses’ non-compliance of hygiene and asepsis measures is questioned, the rationale behind it is not fully understood. We hypothesized that nurses’ experiences and perceptions are one of the reasons for their non-compliance with prevention recommendations. Also, nurses’ caring approach would play an important role in patient safety. The objective of this study was to describe nurses’ experiences and perceptions of HAIs in a district hospital in Burkina Faso with the aim of developing a culture of safety in health care practices. Methods: Qualitative data were collected through unstructured interviews with twenty nurses from the Ziniaré district hospital. Data analysis followed the qualitative phenomenological method according to Giorgi. Results: Phenomenological analysis yielded the following themes: “an ignored reality”;“a denied responsibility”;and “a vulnerable problem”. These results show that nurses’ perception of the extent and seriousness of HAIs is low, and that they deny responsibility for their occurrence. As a result, HAIs are not always perceived as a concern. However, nurses deplore the situation, but remain optimistic about resolving the problem. Conclusion: These nurses’ perceptions of HAIs could explain their non-compliance with prevention recommendations. Corrective action could be redirected by raising awareness, continuing training, improving working conditions and involving all players, including patients and their families, in the fight against HAIs. .

Persistence of Healthcare-Associated (Nosocomial) Infections Due to Inadequate Hand Hygiene: Part 2—Human Factors

A healthcare-associated infection (defined as an infection acquired within a healthcare facility), such as due to transmission via medical equipment or by healthcare providers is the most frequent adverse event in the healthcare delivery system. But why does the problem persist, when infection control measures are known, simple, and low-cost? We reviewed some biological- and treatment-factors in Part 1, and we now review some human-factors. Healthcare-associated infections are a major public health problem even in advanced healthcare systems. They affect hundreds of millions of patients each year, and are responsible for increased morbidity, mortality, and financial burden. This is perplexing, since good-hygiene practices are known and promoted. Disinfection, sterilization, handwashing, and alcohol rubs should be more effective, but human-factors interfere. The persistent high prevalence of nosocomial infections, despite known hygienic practices, is attributable to two categories of factors: biological and inherent shortcomings of some practices (considered in Part 1), and human factors (considered here). A new approach is considered in Part 3.

Persistence of Healthcare-Associated (Nosocomial) Infections Due to Inadequate Hand Hygiene: Part 1—Biological and Treatment Factors

The most frequent adverse event in the healthcare delivery system is acquisition of an infection within a healthcare facility. Since infection control measures are known, simple, and low-cost, we examine why the problem of healthcare-associated infections persists. Hundreds of millions of patients each year are affected by a healthcare-associated infection, with negative medical outcome and financial cost. It is a major public health problem even in countries with advanced healthcare systems. This is a bit perplexing, given that hygienic practices have been known and actively promoted. The objective is to address the question: doesn’t the use of disinfection, sterilization, handwashing, and alcohol rubs prevent the spread of pathogenic organisms? We conclude that the persistent high prevalence of nosocomial infections despite known hygienic practices is attributable to two categories of factors: biological and inherent shortcomings of some practices (considered in Part 1), and human factors (considered in Part 2). A new approach is presented in Part 3.

Persistence of Healthcare-Associated (Nosocomial) Infections Due to Inadequate Hand Hygiene: Part 3—Application of Human Factors Engineering to an Ozone Hand Sanitizer

Compliance to hand-hygiene guidelines in healthcare facilities remains disappointingly low for a variety of human-factors (HF) reasons. A device HF-engineered for convenient and effective use even under high-workload conditions could contribute to better compliance, and consequently to reduction in healthcare-acquired infections. We present an overview of the efficacy of a passive hand-spray device that uses solubilized ozone—a strong, safe, non-irritant biocide having broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties—on glass surface, pigskin, and synthetic human skin matrix.

Healthcare-Associated Bacteremia and Urinary Tract Infections in Wards A and B of Medicine Department, CNHU-HKM of Cotonou: Characteristics and Risk Factors

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections are involved in hospital long-stay and in the increase in inherent costs to patients care. Objectives: Objective was to describe the characteristics of healthcare-associated bacteremia and urinary tract infections in medical wards of CNHU-HKM of Cotonou, describe the distribution of germs identified according to admission wards and identify factors associated with onset of healthcare-associated infections. Materials and Methods: It was a cohort study conducted from 4th April to 16th September 2016. The study population included patients admitted in wards A and B of CNHU-HKM Medicine department for at least the past 48 hours, or readmitted in one of the medical wards less than 14 days after their discharge from hospital. Results: The study included 825 patients in total. Prevalence of healthcare-associated infections was 9.8%. Bacteremia was the most represented group (65.4%). The most often identified germs regardless of the site were respectively: K. pneumonia (38.5%), S. aureus (23.1%) and E. coli (20.0%). HIV+ status, internal medicine department, nephrology and endocrinology, duration of admission and the use of urinary catheter represent factors statistically associated with the onset of healthcare-associated infections. Conclusion: Healthcare-associated infections are a real public health issue in CNHU-HKM Medicine Department. There is pressing need to conduct a study on clinical hygiene so as to assess healthcare staff in practice.

Impact of relocation and environmental cleaning on reducing the incidence of healthcare-associated infection in NICU

Background:Hospital environment remains a risk for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).This was a prospective study to evaluate the comprehensive impact of relocating a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to a new facility and improved environmental cleaning practice on the presence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on inanimate surfaces and the incident rate of HAIs.Methods:New environmental cleaning measures were adopted after the NICU was moved to a new and better-designed location.The effect of moving and the new environmental cleaning practice was investigated by comparing the positive number of MRSA on ward surfaces and the incidence density of HAIs between the baseline and intervention periods.Results:Only 2.5% of environmental surfaces were positive for MRSA in the intervention period compared to 44.0% in the baseline period (P<0.001).Likewise,the total incident rate of HAIs declined from 16.8 per 1000 cot-days to 10.0 per 1000 cot-days (P<0.001).Conclusion:The comprehensive measures of relocating the NICU to a new facility design with improved environmental cleaning practice are effective and significantly reduce the incidence of HAIs.

Antibiotic Resistance Profile of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium Isolates from Urine and Pleural Fluid in Two Hospitals of Cameroon

Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium rank among the leading causes of nosocomial bacteremia and urinary tract infections. They often persist on hospital surfaces due to their ability to withstand adverse environmental conditions (low or high temperatures, high pH, and high salinity). The global Enterococcus faecalis-Enterococcus faecium ratio is currently shifting towards Enterococcus faecium. Enterococci present variable levels of resistance to certain families of antibiotics. This is the case for aminoglycosides, beta-lactams and cephalosporins. In 2017, WHO ranked Enterococci among priority pathogens for research and development of new antibiotics. The objective of our study was to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium isolates from urine and pleural fluid in two hospitals in Cameroon. This cross-sectional and analytic study was carried out between June to August 2023 on hospitalized and day patients in which a cytobacteriological test of urine and pleural fluid was done. The samples were inoculated on CLED Agar for urine and on Chocolate + polyvitex and blood agar (prepared from Columbia agar) for pleural fluid samples and incubated at 37℃ for 18 to 24 hours. Identification of isolates was carried out using the API 20 STREP micro gallery (Biomerieux, France) and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. The data on socio-demographical and potential risk factors were recorded using self-administered questionnaires and data from laboratory analyses of the specimen were collected in a data capture sheet. Potential risk factors associated with the presence of Enterococci, were evaluated using the logistic regression in univariate and multivariate analysis. P value < 0.05 was considered as significant. A total of 511 patients were recruited who were predominantly females. Enterococcus spp were isolated in 27.79% of our samples with Enterococcus faecalis mostly encountered. Enterococcus spp showed a high level of resistance to penicilline (99.3% to Ampicilline), macrolides (66.2% to Erythromycin) and cyclines (85.2% to Doxycycline). Hospitalisation, access to health facilities, contact with urine specimen and hand hygiene practices were risk factors related to infection with Enterococcus spp while hospitalisation, health facility and hand hygiene were related to glycopeptide resistant Enterococcus. Strict compliance with hygiene rules and appropriate antibiotic consumption could help in the fight against these infections.

Risk of transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae and related “superbugs” during gastrointestinal endoscopy

To evaluate the risk of transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae(CRE) and their related superbugs during gastrointestinal(GI) endoscopy. Reports of outbreaks linked to GI endoscopes contami-nated with different types of infectious agents, includ-ing CRE and their related superbugs, were reviewed. Published during the past 30 years, both prior to and since CRE's emergence, these reports were obtained by searching the peer-reviewed medical literature(via the United States National Library of Medicine's "MEDLINE" database); the Food and Drug Administration's Manu-facturer and User Facility Device Experience database, or "MAUDE"; and the Internet(via Google's search engine). This review focused on an outbreak of CRE in 2013 following the GI endoscopic procedure known as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, or ERCP, performed at "Hospital X" located in the sub-urbs of Chicago(IL; United States). Part of the largest outbreak of CRE in United States history, the infection and colonization of 10 and 28 of this hospital's patients, respectively, received considerable media attention and was also investigated by the Centers for Disease Con-trol and Prevention(CDC), which published a report about this outbreak in Morbidity and Mortality WeeklyReport(MMWR), in 2014. This report, along with the results of an independent inspection of Hospital X's in-fection control practices following this CRE outbreak, were also reviewed. While this article focuses primar-ily on the prevention of transmissions of CRE and their related superbugs in the GI endoscopic setting, some of its discussion and recommendations may also apply to other healthcare settings, to other types of flexible endoscopes, and to other types of transmissible infec-tious agents. This review found that GI endoscopy is an important risk factor for the transmission of CRE and their related superbugs, having been recently as-sociated with patient morbidity and mortality following ERCP. The CDC reported in MMWR that the type of GI endoscope, known as an ERCP endoscope, that Hospi-tal X used to perform ERCP in 2013 on the 38 patients who became infected or colonized with CRE might be particularly challenging to clean and disinfect, because of the complexity of its physical design. If performed in strict accordance with the endoscope manufacturer's labeling, supplemented as needed with professional organizations' published guidelines, however, current practices for reprocessing GI endoscopes, which include high-level disinfection, are reportedly adequate for the prevention of transmission of CRE and their related superbugs. Several recommendations are provided to prevent CRE transmissions in the healthcare setting. CRE transmissions are not limited to contaminated GI endoscopes and also have been linked to other reusable flexible endoscopic instrumentation, including broncho-scopes and cystoscopes. In conclusion, contaminated GI endoscopes, particularly those used during ERCP, have been causally linked to outbreaks of CRE and their related superbugs, with associated patient morbidity and mortality. Thorough reprocessing of these complex reusable instruments is necessary to prevent disease transmission and ensure patient safety during GI endos-copy. Enhanced training and monitoring of reprocessing staffers to verify the proper cleaning and brushing of GI endoscopes, especially the area around, behind andnear the forceps elevator located at the distal end othe ERCP endoscope, are recommended. If the ERCPendoscope features a narrow and exposed channel thathouses a wire connecting the GI endoscope's controhead to this forceps elevator, then this channel's com-plete reprocessing, including its flushing with a deter-gent using a procedure validated for effectiveness, is also emphasized.

Other Possible Causes of a Well-Publicized Outbreak of <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>Following Arthroscopy in Texas

Background: Seven patients at a hospital in Houston, TX, were diagnosed during a two-week period in 2009 with joint space infection of pansusceptible P. aeruginosa following arthroscopic procedures of the knee or shoulder. Tosh et al. (2011), who investigated and published the principal report discussing this bacterial outbreak, conclude that its most likely cause was the improper reprocessing of certain reusable, physically-complex, heat-stable arthroscopic instruments used during these arthroscopic procedures. These reusable instruments reportedly remained contaminated with remnant tissue, despite diligent efforts by the hospital to clean their internal structures. This retained bioburden presumably shielded the outbreak’s strain of embedded P. aeruginosa from contact with the pressurized steam, reportedly resulting in ineffective sterilization of these arthroscopic instruments and bacterial transmission. Objectives: First, to clarify which specific sterilization methods, in addition to steam sterilization, Methodist Hospital employed to process its reusable arthroscopic instrumentation at the time of its outbreak, in 2009;second, to evaluate Tosh et al.’s (2011) conclusion that ineffective steam sterilization due to inadequate cleaning was the most likely cause of this hospital’s outbreak;third, to consider whether any other hitherto unrecognized factors could have plausibly contributed to this outbreak;and, fourth, to assess whether any additional recommendations might be warranted to prevent disease transmission following arthroscopic procedures. Methods: The medical literature was reviewed;some of the principles of quality assurance, engineering and a root-cause analysis were employed;and Tosh et al.’s (2011) findings and conclusions were reviewed and compared with those of other published reports that evaluated the risk of disease transmission associated with the steam sterilization of physically-complex, heat-stable, soiled surgical instruments. Results and Conclusion: Reports documenting outbreaks of P. aeruginosa or another vegetative bacterium associated with the steam sterilization of inadequately cleaned surgical or arthroscopic instruments are scant. This finding—coupled with a number of published studies demonstrating the effective steam sterilization of complex instruments contaminated with vegetative bacteria mixed with organic debris, or, in one published series of tests, with resistant bacterial endospores coated with hydraulic fluid—raises for discussion whether Methodist Hospital’s outbreak might have been due to one or more factors other than, or in addition to, that which Tosh et al. (2011) conclude was its most likely cause. An example of such a factor not ruled out by Tosh et al. (2011) findings would be the re-contamination of the implicated arthroscopic instruments after sterilization. The specific methods that Methodist Hospital employed at the time of its outbreak to sterilize some of its arthroscopic instrumentation remain unclear. A number of additional recommendations are provided to prevent disease transmission following arthroscopic procedures.

Healthcare Associated Infection in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of King Abdl Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, KSA

Healthcare-associated infection is a common problem of newborn in neonatal intensive care units. It results in high mortality rate and serious complications. The Aim: to assess the incidence, etiology and the mortality of healthcareassociated infections of patients in neonatal intensive care unit at King Abdl Aziz Specialist Hospital (KAASH), Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective study including 8033 neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit during period between April, 2006 and December, 2012. The health-care associated infection rate, mortality rate, causative organism and risk factors were studied. Results: The prevalence of health-care associated infection was found to be 6.03%;the mortality rate was 27.1%. The highest prevalence was among children with the birth weight below 1000 g. The most frequent causative pathogen was klebseilla spp, followed by other gram negative bacilli. Conclusion: The rate of healthcare-associated infections in neonatal intensive care unit at KAASH was relatively high. In addition, the mortality rate was observed to be high (27.1%) owing to the high virulence of the causative organisms.

Detection of oqxA and oqxB efflux pump genes among nosocomial coliform bacilli:An observational cross-sectional study

Objectives:To identify and test the antibiotic susceptibility of nosocomial coliform bacilli and investigate the presence of oqxA and oqxB genes among the multidrug-resistant(MDR)phenotypes.Methods:One hundred and twenty different healthcare-associated infection samples were collected.Coliform bacilli were isolated,identified by conventional methods,and then antibiotic susceptibility tests were done using the VITEK2 system and disk diffusion methods.OqxAB operon was identified using a conventional PCR-based technique.oqxA and oqxB genes were compared between MDR Klebsiella pneumonia(K.pneumonia)phenotypes and MDR Escherichia coli(E.coli)phenotypes.Besides,oqxAB operons were compared between phenotypes of K.pneumonia and E.coli isolates.Results:Seventy coliform bacilli were isolated with the predominance of K.pneumonia and E.coli.Besides,82.1%of K.pneumonia strains and 53.3%of E.coli isolates were MDR phenotypes.Significant more oqxB genes alone were found in MDR E.coli than that in MDR K.pneumoniae phenotypes(χ^(2)=10.160,P=0.003).OqxAB operon was significantly more in MDR phenotypes of E.coli than that in the susceptible phenotypes(P<0.001).There was significantly less of this operon in susceptible E.coli isolates than that in susceptible K.pneumoniae isolates(P<0.001).OqxAB positive isolates that were also resistant to fluoroquinolones,tetracycline,trimethoprim,and chloramphenicol,most probably suggested functional pumps.Conclusions:MDR coliform bacilli are strongly implicated in healthcare-associated infection.Attention should be paid to the presence of oqxAB pump,as an important mechanism in the development of resistance against many antimicrobials because it contributes to co-resistance with other categories;therefore,this pump could be a good target for efflux pump inhibitors.

Serratia marcescens and other non-AACEK GNB endocarditis: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Non-Aggregatibacter aphrophilus,Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans,Cardiobacterium hominis,Eikenella corrodens,Kingella spp.(non-AACEK)gramnegative bacilli(GNBs)are an infrequent and challenging cause of endocarditis associated previously with mainly intravenous drug use.Currently,this pathology has increasingly become a healthcare-associated issue.Current guidelines do not clearly define the management of non-AACEK GNB endocarditis due to a lack of prospective trials.We review characteristics,outcomes and treatment of non-AACEK GNB endocarditis,in particular Serratia marcescens endocarditis.CASE SUMMARY We describe the case report of a 46-year-old man who presented to the emergency department with high-grade fever and a purulent exudate on an intracardiac device site.Serratia marcescens mitral valve endocarditis as a consequence of complicated generator pocket infection was diagnosed.The patient was treated with complete device removal and a long course of broadspectrum antibiotics for 6 wk after surgery with intravenous piperacillintazobactam and ciprofloxacin,which was later switched to oral ciprofloxacin and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim.The patient had complete resolution of symptoms and inflammatory parameters at the end of the treatment and at follow-up.CONCLUSION Long-term dual-antibiotic therapy containing a beta-lactam is indicated for most non-AACEK GNB endocarditis, whereas valve surgery may not be necessary inall patients.

Neonatal and Young Infant Sepsis in a Regional Hospital in Ghana

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a global health problem that mainly affects low- and middle-income countries. We have previously shown that early neonatal mortality is high at the Ho Teaching Hospital (HTH) of Ghana. We sought to determine the prevalence of neonatal sepsis, sepsis-related mortality, and bacterial species patterns in neonatal and young infant sepsis in this hospital. Methods: A hospital-based study was conducted in the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from March to June 2018. Blood samples from 96 babies clinically diagnosed with or at risk of sepsis were cultured using the BACTEC 9050® machine. Clinical data including gravida, parity and antibiotic medication before delivery of mother and delivery type, gestation, birth weight and antibiotic medication status were collected for analysis. MALDI-TOF MS identified bacterial isolates, and their identities were confirmed via tuf gene sequence typing. The data were analyzed using GraphPad Prism 8.0.2. Results: Blood cultures were positive in 28 of the babies, with 14 and 12 representing early-onset and late-onset neonatal sepsis, respectively, and two cases of unknown sepsis type. Of the bacterial species that caused sepsis in the babies, coagulase-negative staphylococcus (CoNS) was the most prevalent isolate in 22 cases, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae in two and Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus agalactiae, the Acinetobacter species, and Escherichia coli in the rest (one each). Of the CoNS, S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis were the most prevalent species, found in eight and six cases, respectively. Thirteen neonates died, of whom seven had positive blood cultures, and two were referred. A case fatality rate of 7/26 was estimated. Neonatal mortality caused by Gram-negative bacterial infection was higher than that caused by Gram-positive bacteria. Conclusions: These data suggest a significant burden of sepsis among neonates and young infants and are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality at the HTH. There is a need to investigate risk factors associated with the increased sepsis rate in this hospital to inform measures to reduce the neonatal sepsis rate.

Clinical efficacy of Buzhong Yiqi decoction(补中益气汤)in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia with multi-drug resistant bacteria:a prospective,randomized,multicenter controlled trial

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Buzhong Yiqi decoction(补中益气汤,BZYQ)in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia(HAP)with multi-drug-resistant bacteria(MDRB).METHODS:This 28-day study was conducted at 5 clinical centers in Shanghai.The eligible patients were randomly assigned(1∶1)into the intervention group(BZYQ plus conventional Western Medicine therapy)and control group(conventional Western Medicine therapy).The primary outcomes were the clinical response,clinical pulmonary infection score(CPIS),and microbiologic response.The secondary outcomes were the 28-day allcause mortality(ACM),Acute Physiology and Chronic Health EvaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ)score,ventilator weaning rate,length of mechanical ventilation(MV),length of hospital stay,and changes of infection indicators.RESULTS:Altogether 83 subjects in the intervention group and 85 subjects in the control group were analyzed.The clinical success rate(48.2%)and the pathogen eradication rate(59.0%)of the intervention group were all better than those of the control group(32.9%and 38.9%,respectively)with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The CPIS score of the intervention group(8.9±1.7)was lower than that of the control group(9.6±2.5)(P<0.05).The length of MV in the intervention group[(13.7±6.4)d]was significantly shorter than that of the control group[(17.2±7.2)d](P<0.05).The 28-day ACM of the intervention group(13.33%)was lower than that of the control group(21.2%)with no statistically significant difference(P>0.05).The differences between two groups in ventilator weaning rate,length of hospital stay,and APACHEⅡscore were not statistically significant(P>0.05).The intervention group displayed decreases in white blood cell count,C-reactive protein,neutrophil percentage,and procalcitonin at day 28 compared with baseline(P<0.05).No serious adverse events occurred in either group during the 28-day follow-up.CONCLUSION:BZYQ may be an effective therapeutic option for the management of HAP with MDRB.

Occupational risk of exposure to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)and the quality of infection hygiene in nursing homes

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)is an increasing health concern across the globe and is often prevalent at long-term care facilities,such as nursing homes.However,we know little of whether nursing home staff is exposed to MRSA via air and surfaces.We investigated whether staff members at nursing homes are colonised with and exposed to culturable MRSA,and assessed staff members'self-reported knowledge of MRSA and compliance with infection hygiene guidelines.Five nursing homes with MRSA positive residents were visited in Copenhagen,Denmark.Personal bioaerosol exposure samples and environmental samples from surfaces,sedimented dust and bioaerosols were examined for MRSA and methicillin-suscqjtible S.aureus(MSSA)to determine occupational exposure.Swabs were taken from staffs*nose,throat,and hands to determine whether they were colonised with MRSA.An online questionnaire about MRSA and infection control was distributed.No staff members were colonised with MRSA,but MRSA was detected in the rooms of the colonised residents in two out of the five nursing homes.MRSA was observed in air(n=4 out of 42,ranging from 2.9-1.9 CFU/m^(3)),sedimented dust(n=1 out of 58,1.1 ×10^(3) CFU/m^(2)/d),and on surfaces(n=9 out of 113,0.04-70.8 CFU/m^(2)).The questionnaire revealed that half of the staff members worry about spreading MRSA to others.Identified aspects for improvement were improved availability and use of protective equipment,not transferring cleaning supplies(e.g.,vacuum cleaners)between residents'rooms and to reduce worry of MRSA,e.g.,through education.

Evaluation of adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence-based system in rooms occupied by patients with methicillin resistant Staphylococcus

Background:Adenosine triphosphate(ATP)-based monitoring systems can detect the amount of organic matter that remains on hospital surfaces after cleaning.We evaluated an ATP-based monitoring system in assessing con-tamination of high touched objects in rooms occupied by patients on methicillin resistant S.aureus precautions.Methods:We compared the ATP to standard aerobic cultures as well as to gloved hand culture to predict risk of healthcare-worker hand contamination.Results:More than a third of high touch object surfaces were measured unclean with ATP yet only reflects about 5%chance of contaminating healthcare-workers’hands.Conclusions:Our study emphasizes the shortcomings of using the ATP system even in pathogen specific environ-ment such as surfaces in methicillin resistant S.aureus rooms.