bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) in nursing home residents: A case–control study
Authors: Clark Sophie , Bautista Liza Marie , Neeb Karen , Montoya Ana , Gibson Kristen , Mantey Julia , Min Lillian , Mody Lona
Published: May 2022

Background: Postacute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) include fatigue, dyspnea, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Few studies have explored the prevalence or presentation of PASC among nursing home (NH) residents. Method: A case–control study was conducted at 1 NH in Michigan in December 2021. Cases were defined as residents with SARS-CoV-2 infection between November 2, 2020, and October 8, 2021. Controls lived at the same NH during this interval and never tested positive for SARS CoV-2. Patient characteristics were compared between cases and controls using the Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Primary outcomes were functional decline, cognition, and adverse health outcomes. Outcomes were assessed by comparing measures on last observation to observations before COVID-19 diagnosis (cases) or to earliest observation (controls). Multivariable logistic regression assessed correlation between COVID-19 diagnosis and outcomes. Results: In total, 152 residents were identified for inclusion (147 included in final analyses, 76 cases, 71 controls); 5 were excluded due to insufficient data. We collected the following resident characteristics: 66% were aged ≥80 years; 73% were female; 95% were non-Hispanic white; 82% were long-stay residents; median of 3 comorbidities (IQR, 2–4). The mean number of follow-up observations was 2.60 (SD, 1.25). No significant differences in population characteristics were detected between cases and controls. Moreover, 106 patients (46 cases and 60 controls) had at least 1 follow-up visit and were thus included in the analyses to evaluate long-term outcomes. Among them, cases experienced significant declines in completing transfers (OR 5.65, p Conclusions: Nursing home residents with COVID-19 are more likely to enter hospice and have a higher mortality rate in the year following infection. Survivors experience significant functional decline in basic activities of daily living, specifically in the ability to transfer and dress. Larger studies are needed to further characterize our findings and to design interventions that can help overcome these long-term sequelae from COVID-19.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Indwelling medical devices and skin microorganisms on ICU patients bathed with chlorhexidine gluconate
Authors: Rhee Yoona , Hayden Mary , Schoeny Michael , Fukuda Christine , Bell Pamela B. , Simms Andrew , Sha Beverly , Santos Carlos , Lin Michael
Published: May 2022

Background: Bathing ICU patients with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) decreases bloodstream infections and multidrug-resistant organism transmission. The efficacy of CHG bathing on skin microorganism reduction may be influenced by patient-level clinical factors. We assessed the impact of clinical factors on the recovery of microorganisms from the skin of patients admitted to an ICU who were receiving routine CHG bathing. Methods: We analyzed data obtained from 6 single-day point-prevalence surveys of adult ICU patients between January and October 2018 at 1 medical ICU, in the context of a CHG bathing quality initiative. Demographics and covariates were collected at the bedside and by chart review. Skin swabs were collected from neck, axilla, and inguinal regions and were plated to selective and nonselective media. Standard microbiologic methods were used for species identification and susceptibilities. Multivariable models included patients who received a CHG bath and accounted for clustering of body sites within patients. Results: Across all time points, 144 patients participated, yielding 429 skin swab samples. Mean age was 57 years (SD, 17); 49% were male; 44% had a central venous catheter; and 15% had a tracheostomy Also, 140 patients (97%) had >1 CHG bath prior to skin swab collection, with a median of 9 hours since their last CHG bath (IQR, 6–13 hours). Gram-positive bacteria were more commonly recovered than gram-negative or Candida spp across all skin sites (Table 1). Variation by body site was detected only for gram-positive bacteria, with recovery more common from the neck compared to axilla or groin sites. On multivariate logistic regression (Table 2), presence of central venous catheter was associated with lower odds of gram-positive bacteria recovery among those who received a CHG bath. Presence of tracheostomy was associated with a significantly higher odds of gram-negative bacteria detection on skin. No clinical factors were independently associated with recovery of Candida spp. Conclusions: Central venous catheter presence was associated with lower odds of gram-positive bacteria detection on skin, suggesting the possibility of higher quality CHG bathing among such patients. Tracheostomy presence was associated with greater odds of gram-negative bacteria detection, suggesting that it may be a potential reservoir for skin contamination or colonization. Indwelling medical devices may influence CHG bathing effectiveness in reducing microorganism burden on skin.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Measuring the impact of an enhanced strategy for daily disinfection in acute-care hospital rooms
Authors: Warren Bobby , Barrett Aaron , Graves Amanda , King Carly , Turner Nicholas , Anderson Deverick
Published: May 2022

Background: Enhanced strategies for daily disinfection in acute-care hospital rooms are needed but are poorly understood. Methods: We conducted a randomized control trial pilot study in acute-care hospital rooms at Duke University Health System in Durham, North Carolina, comparing the efficacy of a novel EPA-registered quaternary ammonium disinfectant with 24-hour activity, Sani24, to routine daily disinfection. Rooms housing patients on contact precautions were enrolled. In each study room, the bedrails, overbed table, and sink were divided into 2 equal halves, or sides, labeled left and right, with sample areas of 2,000 cm2, 1,750 cm2, and 400 cm2, respectively. Each sample area side was then randomized 1:1 to intervention or control by a coin toss. Sani24 was applied to the surface of each intervention sample side and allowed to air dry. Control sides were left alone. Environmental services (EVS) staff were not involved in the study and were blinded to randomization status. Glogerm dots were applied to all 6 sample-area sides after application of the intervention to measure compliance of daily disinfection by EVS and the removal of the intervention agent. Microbiological samples were taken with sponges premoistened with neutralizing buffer from each sample area side for 6 total samples (3 intervention and 3 control) immediately before and 24 hours following application of the intervention agent. Clinically important pathogens (CIP) were defined as MRSA, VRE, and CRE. The primary outcome was room CFU on study day 1, which was compared using a Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Results: In total, 20 patient rooms were enrolled in the study, and 240 samples were obtained from 120 sites (60 intervention and 60 control) from November 2021 to January 2022. Enrolled patients were all on contact isolation and had an active infection; 15 (75%) were bedridden and 8 (40%) were female. On day 0, baseline contamination was similar between study arms: 7,460 (IQR,4,204–16,482) room CFU and 18 samples (30%) harboring CIP in the intervention arm versus 7,273 (IQR, 3,142–21,117) and 15 samples (25%) in the control arm (P = .49 and .47, respectively). On day 1, intervention areas had significantly lower CFU at 4,016 (IQR, 2,339–7,358) compared to controls at 6,112 CFU (IQR, 3,484–11,356; P = .01). No significant differences were detected between study arms regarding CIP recovery. Glogerm was minimally removed from sample areas (n = 7, 3%), and the result was similar between study arms. Conclusions: The use of the quaternary ammonium disinfectant with 24-hour activity on high-touch healthcare surfaces led to reduced contamination over a 24-hour period. Routine daily disinfection compliance by EVS was low since minimal sample areas had Glogerm removed

Funding: PDI

Disclosures: None
Assessment of cleaning stethoscopes using UV-C sanitation
Authors: Carmack Austin , Sundaram Niteesh , Cagir Burt , Lanning Cathy , Robinson Kayla , Rizzo Anne
Published: May 2022

Background: It is well established that stethoscopes harbor pathogenic bacteria species. Within hospital settings, these pathogens can be rapidly transmitted from room to room and can cause harm in vulnerable populations. The current literature demonstrates that disinfecting stethoscopes with isopropanol kills 99% of all bacteria. However, in practice this rarely occurs and disinfection is subject to user error. We assessed the efficacy of ultraviolet germicidal irradiation (UV-C) at decontaminating stethoscopes used at our rural healthcare system along with the cleaning habits of their users. Methods: Stethoscopes were randomly selected from the clinical staff of our hospital’s largest nursing unit. The stethoscopes were each swabbed for culture then exposed to UV-C for 20 seconds and sampled again. Users were asked to complete a survey during this process. Samples were then cultivated on tryptone soya broth (TSB) agar, and all growth was sent for identification via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI-TOF). Later, the protocol was repeated to assess cleaning efficacy of the isopropanol wipes commonly used in our hospital. We collected pre- and postintervention samples after cleaning vigorously for 3 minutes according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. The samples were classified as follows: “cleaner” if the number of colonies decreased after sanitation, “sterilized” if the number of colonies decreased to zero, “no change” if the number of colonies stayed the same, and “no assessment” if there was no preintervention growth. Several samples “increased” in CFU count after the intervention, likely due to incomplete sampling, contamination, or incomplete penetration of UV-C. The Fisher exact test was used to analyze the effectiveness of the stethoscope sanitation techniques. Results: In total, 60 samples (33 used for analysis) were obtained from stethoscopes cleaned with UV-C (Fig. 1). Moreover, 34 samples (28 used for analysis) were obtained from stethoscopes cleaned with isopropanol (Fig. 2). Both UV-C (93.9% vs 6.1%; P < .01) and isopropanol (100% vs 0%; P < .01) resulted in a significant decrease in bacterial colonization on stethoscopes. UV-C was not more effective at sanitizing stethoscopes than isopropanol (93.9% vs 100%; P = .50). Conclusions: Both UV-C and isopropanol were effective at cleaning hospital stethoscopes. Given that UV-C is not subject to user error and that it takes less time to clean a stethoscope than isopropanol, it may be the superior option in a clinical setting.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Local production of alcohol-based hand rub to optimize hand hygiene facility in healthcare settings during COVID-19
Authors: Fofanah Bobson , Tengbe Sia , Kamara Ibrahim , Korjie Musa M.
Published: May 2022

Background: Hand hygiene (HH) remains arguably the most effective way to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and ultimately improve the prospect of patient safety. Studies have shown that as many as 50%–70% of infections are transmitted through hands due to poor HH practices. HH with use of alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) is preferred over handwashing with soap and water because of its wide microbial efficacy, time efficiency, and improved skin tolerance. It is also well known that ABHR can be used as an effective prevention measure during disease outbreaks. Before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, health facilities in Sierra Leone have been challenged with HH infrastructural problems such as lack of sinks with constant running water. Before Sierra Leone recorded its first case of COVID-19 in March 2020, the consumption of ABHR in the health facilities was estimated to be 24,000 L per year, which doubled during the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for commercially available ABHR increased, leading to acute shortages. The estimated cost of the locally produced ABHR ~$2–3 per 500 mL, although it may cost up to $10 for 500 mL when buying imported ABHR products from the local market. Methods: All ingredients were procured locally, and ABHR production was based on WHO formula 1. The production was set for 12 months to cover the estimated annual consumption of ABHR, with periodic monitoring to ensure effective distribution and availability at the point of care. Analysis of assessment results in 12 hospitals from the pre-COVID-19 era (2019) to the COVID-19 era (2021) was performed based on the WHO IPC Assessment Framework (IPCAF) indicator. Results: With an average monthly production of 3,482 L, a total of 41,780 L ABHR was produced and packaged in branded 500-mL containers for distribution to healthcare facilities. This quantity exceeded the estimated demand for ABHR during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data show a considerable increase (from 25% to 44%) in the number of available and functioning HH stations with mainly locally produced ABHR. Results from the monitoring of 575 peripheral health units (PHUs) in 2021 also showed that >67% of PHUs had HH facilities in all clinical areas and that the locally produced ABHR was used in 79% of these HH stations. Conclusions: Locally produced ABHR has shown to be a cost-effective and evidence-based intervention to optimize HH at the point of care. Therefore, localities are encouraged to undertake this realistic and sustainable approach to address issues of acute shortage of ABHR, especially during a global pandemic.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Prescribing of common outpatient antibiotics for respiratory infections in adults amid the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil
Authors: Solanky Dipesh , McGovern Olivia , Lessa Fernanda , Hicks Lauri , Tsay Sharon , Patel Payal
Published: May 2022

Background: Inappropriate antibiotic use for SARS-CoV-2 infection has the potential to increase the burden of antibiotic resistance. Brazil experienced spread of a new SARS-CoV-2 variant in the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2020, resulting in the highest case counts in Latin America, raising concerns of antibiotic overuse. To better understand antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated prescribing changes in antibiotics commonly used for outpatient respiratory infections (amoxicillin-clavulanate, azithromycin, and levofloxacin or moxifloxacin [AALM]) among adults aged ≥20 years in Brazil in 2020 versus 2019. Methods: We analyzed the IQVIA MIDAS medical data set for AALM prescribing by age group (20–39, 40–59, 60–64, 65–74, ≥75 years), comparing Q4 2020 rates to those in Q4 2019. We estimated crude rate ratios and 95% CIs using prescription number as the numerator (assuming Poisson counts) and age-adjusted population as the denominator. We also determined the most common prescribing specialties for each antibiotic across both time points. Results: Compared to Q4 2019, Q4 2020 azithromycin prescribing increased among all ages, ranging from 90.7% (95% CI, 90.0%–91.4%) in those aged 20–39 years to 927.2% (95% CI, 912.9%–941.7%) in those aged 65–74 years (Fig. 1). Amoxicillin-clavulanate prescribing decreased for most ages, ranging from −78.4% (95% CI, −78.7% to −78.1%) in those aged 60–64 years to −25.8% (95% CI, −26.6% to −25.0%) in those aged 65–74 years. Prescribing of levofloxacin or moxifloxacin decreased for most ages, ranging from −39.1% (95% CI, −39.4% to −38.8%) in those aged 20–39 years to −16.9% (95% CI, −18.1% to −15.7%) in those aged 60–64 years. For those aged ≥75 years, prescribing of amoxicillin-clavulanate and levofloxacin or moxifloxacin increased by 13.2% (95% CI, 11.9%–14.5%) and 43.1% (95% CI, 41.7%–44.5%), respectively. In Q4 2019 and Q4 2020, the 2 most common prescribing specialties for azithromycin were general practice (48%–50% of prescriptions) and gynecology (19%–25%). Compared to Q4 2019, infectious disease specialists in Q4 2020 saw the largest decline in percentage of azithromycin prescriptions (10% to 1%) and surgeons saw the largest increase (0% to 7%). General practitioners were also the most common prescribers of the remaining antibiotics (43%–54%), followed by gynecology for levofloxacin or moxifloxacin (25%–29%) and otolaryngology for amoxicillin-clavulanate (14%–20%). Conclusions: Despite decreases in prescribing of amoxicillin-clavulanate and respiratory fluoroquinolones for most adults, azithromycin prescribing increased dramatically across all adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeting inappropriate outpatient antibiotic use in Brazil, particularly azithromycin prescribing among general practitioners, gynecologists, and surgeons, may be high-yield targets for antibiotic stewardship.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Long-term care facility employee infection prevention adherence and prevention of COVID-19 outbreaks in a high-incidence area
Authors: Cihlar Jennifer , Volpe Karen , Johnson Morgan , Mosse Claudio , Roumie Christianne , Hulgan Todd , Staub Milner
Published: May 2022

Background: Long-term care facility (LTCF) employees pose potential risk for COVID-19 outbreaks. Association between employee infection prevention (IP) adherence with facility COVID-19 outbreaks remains a knowledge gap. Methods: From April through December 2020, prior to COVID-19 vaccination, we tested asymptomatic Veterans’ Affairs (VA) community living center (CLC) residents twice weekly and employees monthly, which increased to weekly with known exposure, for SARS-CoV-2 via nasopharyngeal PCR. Employees voluntarily completed multiple choice questionnaires assessing self-reported IP adherence at and outside work. Surveys were longitudinally administered in April, June, July, and October 2020. Changes in paired employee responses for each period were analyzed using the McNemar test. We obtained COVID-19 community rates from surrounding Davidson and Rutherford counties from the Tennessee Department of Health public data set. CLC resident COVID-19 cases were obtained from VA IP data. Incidence rate and number of positive tests were calculated. Results: Between April and December 2020, 444 employees completed at least 1 survey; 177 completed surveys in both April and June, 179 completed surveys in both June and July, and 140 completed surveys in both July and October (Fig. 1). Across periods, employee surveys demonstrated an increase in masking at work and outside work between April and June (63% to 95% [P < .01] and 36% to 63% [P < .01], respectively), and June to July (95% to 99% [P < .05] and 71% to 84% [P < .01], respectively) that were both maintained between July and October (Fig. 2). Distancing at work and limiting social contacts outside work significantly decreased from April to June but increased in subsequent periods, although not significantly. COVID-19 community incidence peaked in July and again in December, but CLC resident COVID-19 cases peaked in August, declined, and remained low through December (Fig. 3). Discussion: Wearing a mask at work, which was mandatory, increased, and voluntary employee masking outside work also increased. CLC COVID-19 cases mirrored community increases in July and August; however, community cases increased again later in 2020 while CLC cases remained low. Employees reporting distancing at work and limiting social contacts outside work decreased preceding the initial rise in CLC cases but increased and remained high after July. Conclusions: These data from the pre–COVID-19 vaccination era suggest that widespread, increased support for and emphasis on LTCF IP adherence, especially masking, may have effectively prevented COVID-19 outbreaks in the vulnerable LTCF population.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia mortality and resistance trends in the Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA) system
Authors: Hojat Leila , Wilson Brigid , Perez Federico , Bonomo Robert
Published: May 2022

Background:Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an important pathogen in the hospital setting; it has the ability to cause severe disease and a high mortality rate. Its increasing ability to elude even novel antimicrobial mechanisms of action is a significant cause for concern. More effective treatment options and increasing understanding of this pathogen likely effect P. aeruginosa incidence and severity; however, longer-term studies are lacking. The Veterans’ Health Administration (VHA) population is a socially, demographically, and medically distinct entity, representing a rich source of data for studying contributing factors to P. aeruginosa infection and mortality. We sought to identify the system-wide case count and mortality rate of P. aeruginosa bacteremia and the rate of resistance to antipseudomonal agents over the course of several years. We described trends observed over the study period. Methods: We utilized the nationwide VHA database to identify all inpatients with a positive blood culture for P. aeruginosa treated between January 1, 2009, and December 31, 2020. We identified the annual count of bacteremia cases and associated 30-day mortality rate. Additionally, we determined rates of resistance to antipseudomonal agents. Results: In total, 7,480 cases of P. aeruginosa bacteremia were identified. The total case count of P. aeruginosa bacteremia decreased from 774 in 2009 to 519 in 2014, then remained relatively stable. The 30-day mortality rate decreased from 26.5 in 2009 to 19.3 in 2019, but this rate increased to 23.6 in 2020 (Fig. 1). The fluoroquinolone class had the highest resistance rate at 23%, followed by ceftazidime, cefepime, and the carbapenem class with rates of ~15%–16%. All classes were noted to have decreased resistance over time (Fig. 2). Conclusions: Occurrences, mortality rate, and associated resistance of P. aeruginosa bacteremia across the VHA system generally decreased during the study period. Potential explanations for these observations include improved infection control measures, more effective therapeutic agents, and enhanced antimicrobial stewardship efforts. The increased mortality in 2020 could be related to concomitant COVID-19 or the result of delayed medical care in the pandemic setting. Limitations of this study include inability to identify causative factors for observed trends and potential variability between labs affecting the rates of observed resistance. Additionally, VHA data may not be representative of entire adult population. Future studies could explore the relationship between P. aeruginosa bacteremia and infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship efforts and could describe associations between P. aeruginosa and COVID-19 and identify risk factors associated with P. aeruginosa bacteremia and mortality.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
A retrospective longitudinal observational study of natural history of ESBL/MDR gram negative organisms in patients hospitalized in a tertiary hospital
Authors: Vasudeva Shikha , Baffoe-Bonnie Anthony
Published: May 2022

Background: The IDSA recommends that when determining empiric treatment for a given patient, clinicians should consider previous organisms and associated antibiotic susceptibility data in the prior 6 months when multidrug-resistant/extended-spectrum β-lactamase gram-negative rods (MDR /ESBL GNR) is suspected. The presence of MDR GN in cultures on previous hospitalization or in surveillance cultures leads to use of broader-spectrum empiric antibiotic in subsequent admissions. We sought to determine whether the presence of an MDRO in 1 hospital admission dictates the need for broader-spectrum antibiotic use in subsequent hospitalizations when a different site is considered the source of infection. Methods: The study was conducted at a 700-bed tertiary-care level I trauma center. Infection control records were reviewed for patients aged 21–99 years admitted between July 1, 2013, through January 31, 2014, who had any ESBL or MDR GNR at any site including surveillance culture. The charts were surveyed until January 31, 2016, for ESBL or MDR gram-negative organisms at any site during subsequent hospitalizations. The CDC definition of MDR/ESBL was applied. Results: Of the 50 people followed, 34 patients (68%) had ESBL/MDR recovered at a single sentinel site, 6 patients (12%) had ESBL/MDR in multiple sites, and in 10 patients (20%) had ESBL/MDR only in surveillance cultures during their primary hospitalization. In 34 patients with a single sentinel site MDRO/ESBL in their primary hospitalization, 16 (47%) were identified in urine, 13 (38%) were identified by bronchoalveolar lavage (lung), 4 (12%) were identified on skin or MS, and 1 (3%) was identified at another site. When lung and urine were the sole sites of recovery of MDRO/ESBL in primary hospitalization, respectively, 3 patients (23%) and 2 patients (12.5%) subsequently developed MDROs in a secondary site on subsequent admissions. Overall, 10 bacteremia episodes occurred in 8 patients among 189 total admissions. MDRO/ESBL Klebsiella spp were identified in the cultures of 5 patients (50%), MDRO Acinetobacter spp were identified in the cultures of 3 patients (30%), and ESBL E. coli was identified in the cultures of 2 patients (20%). The organism causing bacteremia was present at a different sites during the same admission in only 3 (30%) of these cases: 2 were cultured from urine and 1 was cultured from a pulmonary source. Conclusions: The presence of MDRO at 1 site in a previous hospitalization may not be sufficient evidence to justify very broad antibiotics for patients during subsequent admissions, especially when another site is considered the source of infection. More studies are needed on natural history of MDRO in different patient populations with different risk factors.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Changing the use of isolated urine-culture testing with diagnostic testing stewardship
Authors: Penney Jessica , Rodday Angie , Sebastiani Paola , Snydman David , Doron Shira
Published: May 2022

Background: Urine testing is one of the more frequently ordered diagnostic tests among hospitalized patients. Many hospitals have implemented urinalysis with reflex culture (UARC) as a method of diagnostic testing stewardship to guide appropriate use of urine testing. Isolated urine culture, or urine culture without preceding urinalysis, is the most appropriate diagnostic test for patients who are neutropenic, pregnant, or those about to undergo an invasive urologic procedures. This testing is often used beyond these indications in hospitals though, potentially leading to overdiagnosis of UTI and overtreatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Methods: We compared outcomes in the preimplementation period (December 2018–November 2019) to those in the postintervention period (December 2019–October 2020) at an academic medical center. The intervention was the addition of an indication selection (ie pregnancy, neutropenia, etc) to the isolated urine-culture order in the electronic medical record (EMR). The primary outcomes were isolated urine culture rate per 1,000 patient days and urine-culture positivity. Our exploratory analysis included a review of selected indications after the intervention was implemented and a chart review of a subset of these tests for appropriateness. The primary analysis was performed using interrupted time-series negative binomial regression. Results: There was no significant change in isolated urine-culture rates after the intervention (11.18 cultures per 1,000 patient days before the intervention versus to 7.75 cultures per 1,000 patient days after the intervention; P > .90), and there were as no significant pre- or postintervention trends. We detected no significant change in isolated urine-culture positivity: 26.9% before the intervention versus 26.7% after the intervention (P > .90). These results are shown graphically in Fig. 1. In the exploratory analysis, of 661 isolated urine-culture tests ordered in the postintervention period, the indication for testing was left blank in 71.9% of tests. The other most common reasons for testing included other (16%), pregnancy (5.7%), and neutropenia (4.4%). In the 100 tests reviewed for appropriateness, only 8% had a documented diagnosis corresponding with the selected indication for testing. Discussion: The addition of an indication selection for isolated urine culture testing did not change the rates of culture ordering or the culture’s subsequent likelihood of positivity. In the exploratory analysis, most providers were incorrectly selecting this testing rather than UARC as prompted. Next steps could potentially be removing the “other” category and requiring a selected answer or requiring approval from stewardship team prior to ordering. Continued education of providers is paramount to the appropriate use of diagnostic testing.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Investigating a cluster of pediatric oncology invasive fungal infections–Lessons learned
Authors: Terk Angelette , Ormsby Jennifer , Conrad Paula , Svensson Catherine , Barry David , Davis David , Malloy Ana Vaughan , Sandora Tom
Published: May 2022

Background: In spring 2021, the infection prevention and control department at a pediatric academic medical center identified 3 oncology patients with concern for invasive Rhizopus spp infections. An in-depth investigation was conducted, but a common source of the fungus was not identified. In August 2021, an additional oncology patient with concern for invasive Rhizopus spp was identified, resulting in an extended investigation for possible sources of fungus. Methods: A multidisciplinary work group was assembled. The CDC Targeted Environmental Investigation Checklist for Outbreaks of Invasive Infections Caused by Environmental Fungi was used as a framework for conducting the investigation. Stakeholders were engaged throughout the process, including the hematology–oncology service, hospital leadership, environmental services, patient safety and quality, and facilities and engineering. The investigation included hospital incident command system (HICS) activation; visual inspection of patient rooms and common spaces; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) review; environmental sampling (surfaces, linen, and air); chart review; and process mapping. Results: By early October 2021, 2 environmental samples grew isolates (each at 1 CFU/m3) of the same species of Rhizopus as one of the affected patients. One sample was from a patient room, and the other from an outdoor garden space. No source of indoor amplification of Rhizopus was identified. The investigation revealed several opportunities for improvement: annual room maintenance schedules, use of gardens and outdoor spaces by at-risk patients, linen storage, construction and/or infection control risk assessment (ICRA) processes, and appliances used by families (eg, washing machines and refrigerators). Work streams were established to address each of these areas. Conclusions: No definite source was identified for the 4 invasive Rhizopus spp infections. This extensive investigation highlighted multiple opportunities for improvement; the changes implemented may prevent future invasive fungal infections in high-risk pediatric patients.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
My patient needs home IV antibiotics–Now what? Assessing OPAT involvement at a Veterans’ Affairs hospital
Authors: Breeden Maddy , Scruggs Elizabeth , Patel Payal , Krein Sarah , Kendall Ronald , Starnes Andrea , Lopus Tracy
Published: May 2022

Background: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) involves the administration of intravenous antimicrobial therapy outside the hospital. The literature suggests that inpatient providers are often unaware of OPAT programs and may not engage this multidisciplinary group in a timely fashion, leading to potentially inappropriate OPAT use. However, few studies have directly addressed this issue. We characterized current practices for coordinating OPAT and assessed provider understanding of OPAT services. We also conducted an exploratory analysis of placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) consultation prior to an infectious disease (ID) consultation as a proxy for potentially avoidable OPAT use. Methods: This study was conducted between September and December 2021 at the Ann Arbor VA Healthcare System. All charts (n = 212) in which a consultation for a PICC was placed between January and September 2021 were reviewed, including free-text data entered by patient teams and inpatient progress notes in the days leading up to and following PICC consultation. Additionally, inpatient providers were surveyed using an online format regarding knowledge, utilization, and perceptions of OPAT. Results: Of the 212 charts reviewed, 108 patient encounters resulted in PICC placement; 80 (74.1%) were placed for the indication of home IV antibiotics. Of these, 3 (4.0%) had the PICC consult placed prior to the ID consultation. Of the 104 PICC consultations that were cancelled, 9 (8.7%) were cancelled because the ID staff did not recommend home IV antibiotics. Other reasons for cancellation included alternative device placement, duplicate order, referral to interventional radiology, failure to meet criteria, or unsuccessful placement. Of the 285 inpatient providers sent the electronic survey, 121 (46.9%) completed at least some portion. Overall, 17 respondents (14.0%) were familiar with the acronym OPAT; however, only 10 were able to expand the acronym correctly. Of the 118 respondents asked about their familiarity with the OPAT program at the local institution, 98 (83.1%) were not familiar at all or were only slightly familiar with the program. In contrast, 7 respondents (6.0%) were very or extremely familiar with the OPAT program. Conclusions: Further education and structural interventions are necessary to improve inpatient providers’ awareness and early engagement of local OPAT programs to ensure appropriate OPAT use. An educational intervention with an informative flowchart diagramming the steps for engaging the OPAT team could raise awareness and improve engagement when potential OPAT needs are identified (Fig. 1).

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Retrospective cohort analysis of the safety of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in an academic hospital
Authors: Billmeyer Kaylyn , Galdys Alison , Kline Susan , Hirsch Elizabeth , Ross Jennifer , Evans Michael
Published: May 2022

Background: Although many infectious conditions can be safely treated with oral antimicrobials, select circumstances require parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Benefits of OPAT include prevention of hospital-associated conditions and significant cost savings. However, risks of OPAT include adverse drug events (ADEs) and vascular access device (VAD) complications. We analyzed the safety of OPAT regimens as part of implementing a collaborative OPAT program. Methods: We reviewed adult patients discharged home from an academic hospital between January 2019 and June 2021. Patients with cystic fibrosis were excluded. Data on OPAT agents, ADEs, and VAD complications were collected from electronic medical records by 2 reviewers using a standardized REDCap instrument. The institutional review board approved this study. Results: The cohort comprised 265 unique patients; 212 (80%) received single-drug therapy and 53 (20%) received multidrug therapy. In total, 81 patients (31%), who received a total of 110 antimicrobials, experienced an ADE. In total, 55 patients (21%), who received a total of 72 antimicrobials, experienced a VAD complication. Patients who received >1 antimicrobial were more likely to experience an ADE (53% vs 25%; P = .0002) or a VAD complication (32% vs 18%; P = .04). Cephalosporins were the most frequently prescribed antimicrobial class (Table 1). Conclusions: ADEs and VAD complications were frequent in patients on OPAT. Local data should inform (1) the selection of OPAT therapy and (2) the standardized monitoring of patients who receive OPAT going forward in the implementation of this collaborative OPAT program.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Zoster on the brain: Clinical characteristics of patients PCR positive for varicella-zoster virus in cerebrospinal fluid and implications for transmission base
Authors: Al-Saadi Mahmoud , Haden Michael , Colburn Nora , Day Shandra , Liscynesky Christina
Published: May 2022

Background: Transmission-based precautions against varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in healthcare settings are determined by the extent of rash (localized vs disseminated) and the immune status of the host. At our facility, immunocompetent patients with localized disease are placed in standard precautions whereas patients with disseminated disease and/or immunocompromised status are placed in airborne and contact isolation. The use of molecular diagnostics has increased recently, and patients can have a PCR positive for VZV in cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) without evidence of pneumonia or disseminated rash. These patients are classified as disseminated disease, but it is unlikely that they are spreading VZV via respiratory aerosols in the absence of other symptoms. Infection prevention guidance is limited in this situation, and these patients may be in unneeded isolation, with the potential for adverse patient effects and overutilizing PPE resources. We have described the clinical characteristics of patients with a PCR positive for VZV in CSF, and we evaluated the risk for transmitting VZV via airborne aerosols. Methods: A retrospective, single-center chart review was performed on all patients admitted with a PCR positive for VZV in CSF between July 2017 and November 2021. Chart review was performed to gather data regarding clinical presentation, patient characteristics, and risk factors. Results: In total, 38 patients were identified who had a PCR positive for VZV in CSF; 22 (57.9%) were male and 16 (42.1%) were female. The median age was 47 years (IQR, 38–69). Also, 15 patients (39.5%) were immunocompromised. Moreover, 26 patients (68.4%) had a rash; 19 (50%) had localized rash; and 7 (18.4%) had disseminated rash involving ≥3 dermatomes. However, 12 patients (31.5%) had neither rash nor pneumonia. Furthermore, 5 patients (13.1%) had PCR positive for VZV in CSF and developed rash within the following 2–7 days (2 with disseminated rash). In addition, 6 patients (15.8%) had pneumonia. Of the 6 patients with pneumonia, 4 (10.5%) were immunocompromised and 3 (7.9%) were above 65-year-old. 32 patients (84.2%) were kept in airborne and contact precautions. 1 (2.6%) patient had a documented record of at least 1 dose of Shingrix vaccine. Conclusions: Most patients with a PCR test positive for VZV in the CSF were not immunocompromised and did not have evidence of disseminated rash or pneumonia. The risk of airborne transmission of VZV via small aerosols appears to be low in patients with a PCR test positive for VZV in the CSF without evidence of disseminated rash or pneumonia. Airborne isolation may not be required for many of these patients.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Development of a human factors-based tool for evaluating and improving infection prevention and control protocols
Authors: MacIntyre Emma , Perry Shawna , Osei Patience , Terhorst Raymond , Gurses Ayse
Published: May 2022

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols and guidelines are important quality management tools for educating care professionals and standardizing care processes. However, most of the actual care (ie, work as done) differ from protocol recommendations (ie, work as imagined). No tool or set of criteria has been established for how to develop human-centered IPC protocols. The goal of this research was to develop a standardized human-factors analysis method to provide healthcare organizations with a tangible framework to improve protocol usefulness and usability. Methods: The proposed analysis method combines principles from human-factors engineering (ie, usability heuristics, systems ambiguity framework) and instructional design. Relevant literature was analyzed by experts in human factors and clinical experts to develop a tool with criteria such as visualization and method ambiguity. Overall, 5 IPC-related protocols from a large academic hospital were selected from an electronic database and were evaluated using the proposed criteria. Results: During application of the analysis method, 70 human-factors–related problems were identified across 5 IPC protocols (eg, heater cooler cleaning), including violation of design heuristics and the presence of ambiguity. Frequently violated human-factors design principles included appearance and/or visibility (ie, visual display of content), visualization (ie, providing illustrative examples), and method ambiguity (ie, lack of clarity on how to complete a task). Figure 1 provides a sample of the human-factors problems identified and suggested solutions. Only minor modifications (ie, clarification of criteria definitions) were needed on the final tool. Conclusions: The human-factors–based tool developed in this study can be used both to develop new IPC protocols and to evaluate and improve existing protocols.

Funding: The CDC funded this work. This material is based upon work supported by the Naval Sea Systems Command under Contract No. N00024-13-D-6400, Task Order NH076. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) or the US CDC.

Disclosures: None
Mortality rates among non-Hispanic Black and White persons in carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales, Tennessee, 2015–2019
Authors: Kirtz Erika , Octaria Rany , Stover Carolyn , Wilson Christopher , Chan Allison
Published: May 2022

Background: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are an urgent public health threat, particularly those that produce carbapenemase (CP-CRE). Certain risk factors associated with CRE acquisition have been well described, such as older age, indwelling devices, prior hospitalizations, and underlying conditions. However, data are limited regarding the association of CRE and health disparities, such as race and ethnicity. Published literature has consistently shown that minority groups, including but not limited to Non-Hispanic Black persons, have higher risks of developing adverse health outcomes. To better understand the impact of race and ethnicity in CP-CRE cases, we compared 1-year mortality rates among Non-Hispanic Blacks and Non-Hispanic Whites. Methods: CRE are reportable in Tennessee; isolates must be sent to the State Public Health Laboratory for carbapenemase detection and resistance mechanism testing. We linked 2015–2019 CP-CRE surveillance cases and laboratory data from our statewide surveillance system, the National Disease Surveillance System (NEDDS)-Base System, with the Tennessee Hospital Discharge Data System (HDDS) and vital records databases. Database linkage and data analyses were performed using SAS version 9.4 software. Results: Among 615 CP-CRE cases, the mean age was lower among non-Hispanic Blacks (59 years; SD, 16.6) compared to non-Hispanic Whites (mean, 65 years; SD, 15.7). Among 156 non-Hispanic Blacks with CP-CRE, 101 (64.7%) were nursing home residents, whereas 281 (71.1%) among the 395 non-Hispanic Whites were nursing home residents. Also, 64 Non-Hispanic Blacks (41%) died within 1 year of their first specimen collection date compared to 92 Non-Hispanic Whites (23.3%). Non-Hispanic Blacks with CP-CRE who died within 1 year had a mortality rate of 5.6 per 100,000 (95% CI, 4.21–6.94) Black population, which was 1.6 times higher than Non-Hispanic White persons at 3.5 per 100,000 (95% CI, 2.94–3.95; χ2P < .001) White population. Conclusions: Despite a lower mean age, non-Hispanic Black CP-CRE cases had a higher 1-year mortality rate than non-Hispanic Whites. Racial and ethnicity data often are missing or incomplete from surveillance data. Data linkages can be a valuable tool to gather additional clinical and demographic data that may be missing from public health surveillance data to improve our understanding of health disparities. Recognition of these health disparities among CRE can provide an opportunity for public health to create more targeted interventions and educational outreach.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None
Lessons learned: Characteristics of first-year COVID-19 hospital outbreaks
Authors: Solar Sophie , Blake Emily , Chithenga Sithembile , Haque Mefruz , Denson Anitra , Zell Renee , Steppe Jennifer , Mangla Anil , Iyengar Preetha
Published: May 2022

Background: At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the DC Department of Health (DC Health) mandated new case reporting for early outbreak detection: (1) weekly healthcare personnel (HCP) absenteeism line lists indicating staff absent for confirmed or suspected SARS-CoV-2, (2) daily line lists of all SARS-CoV-2–positive inpatients, and (3) hospital contact tracing. Between March 27, 2020, and December 31, 2020, DC Health detected 36 confirmed and 14 suspected hospital outbreaks, of which only 18% (8 confirmed and 1 suspect) were known to the affected hospital. DC Health learned which outbreaks warranted early or aggressive intervention by tracking outbreak characteristics across its jurisdiction. This allowed prioritization of during surges when it was difficult for DC Health and hospital staff to investigate every outbreak. Methods: Potential outbreaks in short-stay and inpatient rehabilitation hospitals were flagged after identifying SARS-CoV-2 hospital-onset (HO) inpatients or staff clusters on line lists. Variables of interest in line lists included specimen collection and hospital admission dates, units or departments, and patient contact. Facility contact tracing by infection preventionists further verified epidemiological links among cases. Outbreak details were systematically tracked in a locally developed REDCap database and were analyzed if they had an initial case, outbreak start date, or an investigation start date in 2020. Frequency procedures, SQL statements, and date calculations were computed using SAS Enterprise Guide version 8.3 software. Results: Confirmed outbreaks had an average of 6.92 (range, 0–32) HCP and 2.58 (range, 0–22) patient cases, with 69% being confirmed-HO cases and 31% probable HO. Moreover, 53% of confirmed outbreaks occurred in the following departments: cardiac, behavioral health, intensive care, and environmental services (EVS)/facilities. All of these departments had recurrent outbreaks. Behavioral health, medical and cardiac units had the highest number of patient cases. On average, confirmed outbreak investigations lasted 24.6 days, with outbreaks prolonged in the ICU (40.25 days) and the medical unit (37.67 days). Top triggers for investigations ultimately classified as confirmed outbreaks were (1) positive symptomatic HCP, (2) confirmed-HO cases, and (3) exposures from positive HCP. Conclusions: The dynamic nature of COVID-19 created challenges in detecting and responding to hospital outbreaks. Developing a low-resource outbreak tracking system helped identify outbreak types and triggers that warranted early or aggressive interventions. Understanding the characteristics of hospital outbreaks was critical for maximizing infection control resources during surges of infectious disease outbreaks, such as COVID-19. Hospitals or local health departments could adapt this system to meet their needs.

Funding: None

Disclosures: None