Prevention and Control Strategies of Nosocomial Infection and Effectiveness Evaluation in a Tertiary Teaching Hospital during the Epidemic of COVID-19

Objective: To evaluate the role of prevention and control strategies for nosocomial infection in a tertiary teaching hospital during the sudden outbreak of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Methods: The hospital initiated an emergency plan involving multi-departmental defense and control. It adopted a series of nosocomial infection prevention and control measures, including strengthening pre-examination and triage, optimizing the consultation process, improving the hospital’s architectural composition, implementing graded risk management, enhancing personal protection, and implementing staff training and supervision. Descriptive research was used to evaluate the short-term effects of these in-hospital prevention and control strategies. The analysis compared changes in related evaluation indicators between January 24, 2020 and February 12, 2020 (Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve 2020 to lunar January 19) and the corresponding lunar period of the previous year. Results: Compared to the same period last year, the outpatient fever rate increased by 1.85-fold (P P Conclusion: The nosocomial infection prevention and control strategies implemented during this specific period improved the detection and control abilities for the COVID-19 source of infection and enhanced the compliance with measures. This likely contributed significantly to avoiding the occurrence of nosocomial infection.

Radiographic Equipment and Accessories as a Potential Source of Nosocomial Infection

Background: Nosocomial infections have become a major challenge in healthcare facilities as they affect the quality of medical care. Radiological imaging plays a crucial role in medical diagnosis. However, the equipment and accessories used increase the risk of transmission of nosocomial bacteria. Objective: This study aims to reveal the extent and nature of microbiological contamination in four hospital diagnostic imaging departments to determine their potential role in the spread of nosocomial bacteria and to evaluate the effectiveness of routine daily disinfection practices in controlling microorganisms in diagnostic imaging departments. Methods & Results: In each department, swabs were taken from the surfaces of selected parts of the equipment and accessories three times a day (early morning, noon, and evening) for five consecutive days. Bacteria were isolated from 65 swabs (36.1% of all samples). The bacteria were isolated 3 times (4.6%) in the morning, 16 times (24.6%) at midday, and 46 times (70.7%) in the evening. The bacteria isolated were Escherichia coli (isolated 34 times;52.3%), Staphylococcus aureus (20 times;30.8%), Staphylococcus epidermidis (6 times;9.3%), and Klebsiella species (5 times;7.7%). Discussion & Conclusion: Findings demonstrated that radiology equipment and accessories are not free of bacteria and further improvements in the sterilization and disinfection of radiology equipment and accessories are needed to protect staff and patients from nosocomial infections.

Combined prevention and treatment measures are essential to control nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 is a highly contagious positive-sense,single-stranded RNA virus that has rapidly spread worldwide.As of December 17,2023,772838745 confirmed cases including 6988679 deaths have been reported globally.This virus primarily spreads through droplets,airborne transmission,and direct contact.Hospitals harbor a substantial number of confirmed coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)patients and asymptomatic carriers,accompanied by high population density and a larger susceptible population.These factors serve as potential triggers for nosocomial infections,posing a threat during the COVID-19 pandemic.Nosocomial infections occur to varying degrees across different countries worldwide,emphasizing the urgent need for a practical approach to prevent and control the intra-hospital spread of COVID-19.This study primarily concentrated on a novel strategy combining preventive measures with treatment for combating COVID-19 nosocomial infections.It suggests preventive methods,such as vaccination,disinfection,and training of heathcare personnel to curb viral infections.Additionally,it explored therapeutic strategies targeting cellular inflammatory factors and certain new medications for COVID-19 patients.These methods hold promise in rapidly and effectively preventing and controlling nosocomial infections during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a reliable reference for adopting preventive measures in the future pandemic.

Application of PDCA in improving hand hygiene compliance and nosocomial infection quality in orthopedics

Objective:To explore the effect of the Plan-Do-Check-Action(PDCA)cycle on hand hygiene and nosocomial infection quality of or thopedic medical staff.Methods:The whole year of 2021 was selected to monitor the quality of hand hygiene and hospitalization.Follow-up monitoring and real-time recording during the period of morning shift and medical operation concentration time,and compare the compliance of hand hygiene before and after implementation,and evaluate the quality of nosocomial infection.Results:The hand hygiene compliance of doctors and nurses in stage P was 82%.The compliance of medical staff in stage D was 93%.The compliance of stage C was 94%and that of stage A was 95%.The quality score of hospital self-examination nosocomial infection was also significantly increased.Conclusions:The PDCA management cycle can effectively improve the compliance of hand hygiene and the nosocomial infection quality,which is wor thy of circulatory application in or thopedic nosocomial infection quality control,especially improving the quality of hand hygiene.

Nosocomial infections:Epidemiology,prevention,control and surveillance

Nosocomial infections or healthcare associated infections occur in patients under medical care.These infections occur worldwide both in developed and developing countries.Nosocomial infections accounts for 7% in developed and 10% in developing countries.As these infections occur during hospital stay,they cause prolonged stay,disability,and economic burden.Frequently prevalent infections include central line-associated bloodstream infections,catheter-associated urinary tract infections,surgical site infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia.Nosocomial pathogens include bacteria,viruses and fungal parasites.According to WHO estimates,approximately 15% of all hospitalized patients suffer from these infections.During hospitalization,patient is exposed to pathogens through different sources environment,healthcare staff,and other infected patients.Transmission of these infections should be restricted for prevention.Hospital waste serves as potential source of pathogens and about 20%–25% of hospital waste is termed as hazardous.Nosocomial infections can be controlled by practicing infection control programs,keep check on antimicrobial use and its resistance,adopting antibiotic control policy.Efficient surveillance system can play its part at national and international level.Efforts are required by all stakeholders to prevent and control nosocomial infections.

Morbidity and Mortality of Nosocomial Infection after Cardiovascular Surgery： A Report of 1606 Cases

Nosocomial infection （NI） is one of the most significant complications arising after open heart surgery, and leads to increased mortality, hospitalization time and health resource allocation. This study investigated the morbidity, mortality, and independent risk factors associated with NI following open heart surgery. We retrospectively surveyed the records of 1606 consecutive cardiovascular surgical patients to identify those that developed NI. The NI selection criteria were based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention （CDC） guidelines. The term NI encompasses surgical site infection （SSI）, central venous catheter-related infection （CVCRI）, urinary tract infection （UTI）, respiratory tract infection and pneumonia （RTIP）, as well as other types of infections. Of 1606 cardiovascular surgery patients, 125 developed NI （7.8%, 125/1606）. The rates of NI following surgery for congenital malformation, valve replacement, and coronary artery bypass graft were 2.6% （15/587）, 5.5% （26/473） and 13.6% （32/236）, respectively. The NI rate following surgical repair of aortic aneurysm or dissection was 16.8% （52/310）. Increased risk of NI was detected for patients with a prior preoperative stay 〉3 days （OR=2.11, 95% CI=1.39-3.20）, diabetes （OR=2.00, 95%=CI 1.26-3.20）, length of surgery 〉6 h （OR=2.26, 95% CI=1.47-3.47）, or postoperative cerebrovascular accident （OR=4.08, 95% CI=1.79-9.29）. Greater attention should be paid toward compliance with ventilator and catheter regulations in order to decrease NI morbidity and mortality following cardiovascular procedures.

Attributable cost of a nosocomial infection in the intensive care unit: A prospective cohort study

AIM To study the impact of hospital-acquired infections(HAIs) on cost and outcome from intensive care units(ICU) in India. METHODS Adult patients(> 18 years) admitted over 1-year, to a 24-bed medical critical care unit in India, were enrolled prospectively. Treatment cost and outcome data were collected. This cost data was merged with HAI data collected prospectively by the Hospital Infection Control Committee. Only infections occurring during ICU stay were included. The impact of HAI on treatment cost and mortality was assessed. RESULTS The mean(± SD) age of the cohort(n = 499) was42.3 ± 16.5 years. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation-Ⅱ score was 13.9(95%CI: 13.3-14.5); 86% were ventilated. ICU and hospital length of stay were 7.8 ± 5.5 and 13.9 ± 10 d respectively. Hospital mortality was 27.9%. During ICU stay, 76(15.3%) patients developed an infection(ventilator-associated pneumonia 50; bloodstream infection 35; urinary tract infections 3), translating to 19.7 infections/1000 ICU days. When compared with those who did not develop an infection, an infection occurring during ICU stay was associated with significantly higher treatment cost [median(inter-quartile range, IQR) INR 92893(USD 1523)(IQR 57168-140286) vs INR 180469(USD 2958)(IQR 140030-237525); P < 0.001 and longer duration of ICU(6.7 ± 4.5 d vs 13.4 ± 7.0 d; P < 0.01) and hospital stay(12.4 ± 8.2 d vs 21.8 ± 13.9 d; P < 0.001)]. However ICU acquired infections did not impact hospital mortality(31.6% vs 27.2%; P = 0.49).CONCLUSION An infection acquired during ICU stay was associated with doubling of treatment cost and prolonged hospitalization but did not significantly increase mortality.

Phytochemistry of the essential oil of Melissa officinalis L. growing wild in Morocco: preventive approach against nosocomial infections

Objective: To determine the phytochemical characterization and antibacterial activity of Melissa oi cinalis essential oil against bacteria responsible for nosocomial infections.Methods: The phytochemical characterization of essential oil was evaluated using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometer analysis. Antibacterial activity of the oil was tested against four bacterial strains responsible for nosocomial infections: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumonia, Staphylococcus aureus and Citrobacter koseri using disc dif usion method.Results: Thirty three components were identified representing 89.30% of the total oil composition. The yield of essential oil was 0.4% and the predominant components were citronellal(14.40%), isogeraniol(6.40%), geraniol acetate(10.20%), nerol acetate(5.10%), caryophyllene(8.10%) and β-caryophyllene oxide(11.00%). Antibacterial activity of the oil showed the higher activity against all bacterial strains tested.Conclusions: The essential oil extracted from lemon balm can be used to clean the environment of reanimation polyvalent and anesthesia service.

Analysis of Nosocomial Infections in Selected Teaching Hospitals, Qazvin, Iran

Introduction: Hospital infections prolong patient hospitalization, necessitate additional treatment, increase mortality rate, raise hospital expenses, and even reduce the level of health in the society. The purpose of this research was to study hospital infections in selected hospitals of Qazvin. Methods and Materials: This was an analytic-cross-sectional study. The research population consisted of 25,628 hospitalized patients in the first eight months of 2012 in three selected hospitals of the Qazvin Province. The algorithm of reporting hospital infections, the National Program of Controlling Hospital Infections, and 223 patient files hospitalized due to hospital-acquired infections were used to collect information. The collected information was analyzed using the SPSS V. 17 software;the descriptive statistics was used to analyze the qualitative variables;and the descriptive statistics together with chi-square and t-test were employed for the quantitative variables. Results: The ICU units had the most cases of hospital infections. Respiratory pneumonia and urinary infections topped the list of hospital infections. The most invasive treatments carried out on patients with hospital infections were surgery, urinary catheter, and venous catheter, respectively. More than 50 percent of patients with hospital infections were hospitalized for 2 to 21 days. Results and Conclusions: Because of the high rate of hospital infections, especially in the ICU ward, authorities must give top priority in their plans to designing suitable educational programs to inform hospital staff and patients of hospital infections and to provide suitable resources for dealing with this problem.

Antibacterial and antioxidant activities of Musa sp.leaf extracts against multidrug resistant clinical pathogens causing nosocomial infection

Objective:To investigate different Musa sp.leave extracts of hexane,ethyl acetate and methanol were evaluated for antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant pathogens causing nosocomial infection by agar well diffusion method and also antioxidant activities.Methods:The four different Musa species leaves were extracted with hexane,ethyl acetate and methanol.Antibacterial susceptibility test,minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum inhibitory bacterial concentration were determined by agar well diffusion method.Total phenolic content and in vitro antioxidant activity was determined.Results:All the Musa sp.extracts showed moderate antibacterial activities expect Musa paradisiaca with the inhibition zone ranging from 8.0 to 18.6 mm.Among four species ethyl acetate extracts of Musa paradisiaca showed highest activity against tested pathogens particularly E.coli,P.aeruginosa and Citrobacter sp.The minimum inhibitory concentrations were within the value of 15.63-250μg/ml.and minimum bactericidal concentrations were ranging from 31.25-250μg/mL.Antioxidant activity of Musa acuminate exhibited maximum activity among other three Musa species.Conclusions:The present study concluded that among the different Musa species,Musa paradisiaca displayed efficient antibacterial activity followed by Musa acuminata against multidrug resistant nosocomial infection causing pathogens.Further,an extensive study is needed to identify the bioactive compounds,mode of action and toxic effect in.vivo of Musa sp.

Nosocomial Infection Surveillance in a Tuberculosis Specialized Hospital in China

Nosocomial infections（NIs） are a critical issue affecting the quality of healthcare. In this study, we performed a retrospective study to explore the incidence rates, mortality rates, and microbial spectrum of NIs in Beijing Chest Hospital, a tuberculosis（TB） specialized hospital in China. Our data demonstrate that the overall incidence rate of inpatients with NIs slightly decreased from 2012 to 2016, which may be associated with the implementation of hand hygiene measures, while the mortality rates associated with NI did not significantly change. In addition, the species distribution of NIs was quite different from that presented in previous reports, and Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated microorganism.

Hand Hygiene Compliance in the Prevention of Nosocomial Infections in the Neonatal Unit of the National University Teaching Hospital of Cotonou

Objective: Despite the presence of hand washing material and the training given to medical staff regarding hygiene measures and health care procedures in October 2015, the prevalence of nosocomial infections in the neonatal unit of the National University Teaching Hospital of Cotonou (CNHU-Cotonou) was estimated at 8% in January 2016. To determine the factors that contribute to these infections, this study assessed medical staff compliance with hand hygiene measures and procedures. Method: This research was a cross-sectional and observational study conducted from February 15 to March 31, 2016 through direct and cautious observation of 47 members of the medical and paramedical staff. The study variables were hand washing before entering the neonatal unit and before entering each treatment room, hand washing before and after seeing each patient, compliance with hand washing steps, the use of hydroalcoholic solutions and adhering to the ban on mobile phone use inside the treatment room. Results: Only 15% of the medical staff followed all of the rules and measures governing hand hygiene. The result showed that 76.6% of them did not wash their hands before entering the unit;32% washed their hands before each care session;95.7% washed their hands after each care session;and 85% did not comply with the hand washing steps. Only 21.3% of the personnel used hydroalcoholic solution, and only 85% of the personnel adhered to the ban on mobile phone use within the treatment room. Conclusion: Compliance with hand hygiene measures is insufficient. These low compliance rates facilitate the occurrence of nosocomial infections. Nosocomial infections could be prevented by identifying the reasons that medical personnel do not wash their hands and by implementing a program for education/awareness on hygiene measures based on an analysis of errors and care procedures and sustained by regular evaluations.

Analysis of the Influence of Operating Room Nursing Care Management on the Incidence Rate of Nosocomial Infection in Orthopedic Surgery Patients

Objective:To analysis the influence of operating room nursing care management on the incidence rate of nosocomial infection in orthopedic surgery patients.Methodology:Fifty six orthopedic surgery patients who admitted into the hospital between January to December 2018 were enrolled into this study and randomly divided into two groups,which were the control group(under general management)and the observation group(under the operating room nursing care management).Further,the incidence rate of nosocomial infections,the incidence rate of irregular nursing care phenomena,the satisfaction score of nursing care management,and the quality of life score were observed and recorded.Result:The incidence rate of nosocomial infection,the incidence rate of irregular nursing care management,the satisfaction score of nursing care management,and the quality of life score of the observation group were compared to that of the control group,and the result showed P<0.05,indicates the statistical significance between the data indicators.Conclusion:The use of operating room nursing care management in patients with orthopedic surgery has shown a significant effect.

Is every microorganism detected in the intensive care unit a nosocomial infection?Isn’t prevention more important than detection?

The present letter to the editor is related to the study entitled“Multidrug-resistant organisms in intensive care units and logistic analysis of risk factors.”Not every microorganism grown in samples taken from critically ill patients can be considered as an infectious agent.Accurate and adequate information about nosocomial infections is essential in introducing effective prevention programs in hospitals.Therefore,the development and implementation of care bundles for frequently used medical devices and invasive treatment devices(e.g.,intravenous catheters and invasive ventilation),adequate staffing not only for physicians,nurses,and other medical staff but also for housekeeping staff,and infection surveillance and motivational feedback are key points of infection prevention in the intensive care unit.

Analysis on Risk Factors of Nosocomial Infection in Orthopedic Patients and Research on Nursing Strategies

Orthopedic patients mostly comprise traumatic patients and elderly or sick individuals. More patients with emergency surgery suffer from open wounds and serious pollution, and operation time is relatively long. Thus, orthopedic patients with surgical incision infection account for a large proportion of incidence of hospital infection. Orthopedic patients are also bedridden for long periods, and they receive poor bone tissue blood supply. In surgical incision infections, mild cases suffer from delayed wound healing, whereas severe cases can form osteomyelitis. This study reviews progress of research on risk factors of nosocomial infection among orthopedic patients in recent years.

Factors Analysis Related towards Behavior of Nosocomial Infection Control on Family Waiting Patient

World Health Organization(WHO)predicted 1.4 million people infected Health Associated Infection(HAIs).One of the risk factors caused is behavior of nosocomial infection control on patient watcher.The purpose is to know relation behavior of nosocomial infection control on patient watcher patient in Semarang hospital and the number of participants was 61 people.Research method was observation with cross sectional approach.Sampling technique was purposive sampling.Data analysis used univariate and bivariate analysis with Pearson correlation test and chi-square test.Result showed a half of them,mean age of the participants was 45.56.Minimum-maximum values were 20-62 with standard deviation 11.114,gender in the research,most of them was female(83.6%),last education was junior high school(34,4%),most of them worked as maids(45.9%).Category of behavior of nosocomial infection control:less(44.3%),moderate(34.4%),and good(21.3%).There is a meaningful relation between behavior of nosocomial infection control behavior with age(p=0.000),education(p=0.000),and occupation(p=0.000).There is no meaningful relation between behavior of nosocomial infection control with gender(p=0.186).Conclusion:there is a meaningful relation between behavior of nosocomial infection control on patient watcher with age,education,and job,while gender does not have a meaningful relation with behavior of nosocomial infection control.Based on this research,it is recommended to be done as intervention which is able to increase behavior of nosocomial infection control on patient watcher by improving nursing service.

Urgent call for attention to diabetes-associated hospital infections

In this editorial,we discuss the recent article by Zhao et al published in the World Journal of Diabetes,which highlights the importance of recognizing the risk indicators associated with diabetes mellitus(DM).Given the severe implications of healthcare-associated infections(HAIs)in hospitalized individuals-such as heightened mortality rates,prolonged hospitalizations,and increased costs-we focus on elucidating the connection between DM and nosocomial infections.Diabetic patients are susceptible to pathogenic bacterial invasion and subsequent infection,with some already harboring co-infections upon admission.Notably,DM is an important risk factor for nosocomial urinary tract infections and surgical site infections,which may indirectly affect the occurrence of nosocomial bloodstream infections,especially in patients with DM with poor glycemic control.Although evidence regarding the impact of DM on healthcare-associated pneumonias remains inconclusive,attention to this potential association is warranted.Hospitalized patients with DM should prioritize meticulous blood glucose management,adherence to standard operating procedures,hand hygiene practices,environmental disinfection,and rational use of drugs during hospitalization.Further studies are imperative to explore the main risk factors of HAIs in patients with DM,enabling the development of preventative measures and mitigating the occurrence of HAIs in these patients.

Different outcomes of nosocomial infection with hepatitis C virus from the same origin

The outcome of infection with hepatitis C virus （HCV） varies substantially from self-limiting infection to chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma among the individuals. The mechanisms that determine the clearance or the persistence of HCV have not yet been clarified. Here, we experienced two cases of hospital-related infection with HCV from the same origin but with quite different outcomes. One case resolved after an episode of acute hepatitis, while the other case developed a chronic hepatitis although they were infected with HCV of the same origin. Although infected with the virus of the same origin, the clinical and virological courses were completely different. This suggests that host factors play a major role in conditioning the outcome of acute HCV infection.

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.

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.