bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Protection Against Measles Infection in a Vaccinated Healthcare Worker
Authors: St-Pierre Annie , Charron Anne-Marie , Doyon-Plourde Pamela , Quach Caroline 
Published: November 2020

Background: In 2019, a measles community outbreak resulted in a secondary case in a health care worker (HCW) working in a pediatric hospital in Montral, Canada. Following the event, HCWs were screened to identify individuals susceptible to measles infection based on serology results. Objective: Our aim was to assess measles seroprotection rates and to evaluate vaccine responses of susceptible HCWs using commercial enzyme immunoassay (EIA) or enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Methods: Emergency department (ED) employees, including doctors, were screened for measles susceptibility as part of a postoutbreak measure by the hospital occupational health service. Demographic information was collected. Measles history and vaccination information were collected using a personal vaccination booklet, employee vaccination profile, or the Qubec vaccination registry. According to the Quebec Immunization Protocol (PIQ), individuals born before 1970, or who have received 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccines are considered protected. Individuals with undetectable or equivocal antibody levels were considered at risk of measles infection. These individuals were offered vaccination and were tested for vaccine response 4 weeks after vaccination. Results: Anti-IgG measles antibody results, demographic information, and vaccination information were obtained for 257 employees. The results are currently available for 233 HCWs: 224 HCWs (96%) were seropositive, 7 (3%) were seronegative, and 2 were equivocal. Among seronegative individuals, 6 (85.7%) were born after 1980 and 3 (42.9%) had received 2 doses of a measles-containing vaccine. Of those with an equivocal result, 1 (50%) had received 2 doses and 1 (50%), born after 1970, did not confirm vaccination status. Finally, 9 (4%) of seropositive individuals were not vaccinated; of whom 8 (88.9%) were born before 1970. Conclusions: Our preliminary results suggest that the 95% immunity threshold that is usually required to prevent secondary transmission of measles has been reached in our ED HCW cohort. Even years after the second MMR dose, HCWs remain well protected. Relying on documented vaccination status is thus acceptable.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Diagnostic Stewardship Effectively Reduces Healthcare-Onset Clostridioides difficile Infections and Concurrent Laxative Use
Authors: Solanky Dipesh , Drobish Ian , Juang Derek , Johns Scott , Mehta Sanjay , Kumaraswamy Monika 
Published: November 2020

Background:Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) accounts for >500,000 community-, nursing-, and hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), as well as 15,000–30,000 deaths, and =$4.8 billion in the United States annually. C. difficile toxin B gene nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) cannot distinguish between active CDI and colonization, particularly in the setting of laxative use or enteral feeding. Lack of judicious testing can result in the incorrect diagnosis of CDI, unnecessary CDI treatment, increased costs, and falsely augmented HAI rates. Like many healthcare facilities, the VA San Diego Healthcare System (VASDHS) solely utilizes C. difficile NAAT for CDI diagnosis. The aim of this study was to implement and evaluate a facility-wide initiative at the VASDHS to reduce healthcare onset, healthcare facility associated CDI (HO-HCFA CDI), including the use of a test ordering algorithm. Methods: From fiscal year (FY) 2015–2018, various measures were implemented including a hand hygiene initiative, reduction in fluoroquinolone usage, prompt isolation of patients with CDI, thorough terminal cleaning of rooms, and, lastly, a test-ordering algorithm starting FY2018. A retrospective study was performed to assess VASDHS HO-HCFA CDI case incidence, risk factors for infection, laxative or enteral feeding use at the time of testing, and CDI treatment. Results: Patient demographic data, medical history, CDI history, laxative use, treatment, and cost of CDI treatment were reviewed. From 2015 to 2018, 127 cases of HO-HCFA CDI were identified. The total number of HO-HCFA CDI cases and medication cost for CDI treatment were dramatically reduced from 2017 to 2018 following implementation of the test-ordering algorithm (Table 1, Fig. 1). This trend corresponded to a significant reduction in median HO-HCFA CDI cases per month (P = .02), medication cost of CDI treatment (P = .02), and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use at the time of testing (P = .01). The number of positive HO-HCFA CDI cases associated with laxative use or escalation at the time of CDI testing (accounting for those on chronic laxatives) also decreased across the study period—most dramatically from 2015 vs 2016 (20 vs 14) and 2017 vs 2018 (11 vs 4) (Table 1). Conclusions: At the VASDHS, diagnostic stewardship of C. difficile NAAT with the use of a test-ordering algorithm significantly reduced HO-HCFA CDI incidence and treatment cost. This trend also corresponded with significantly less PPI use at the time of testing and reduced detection of colonization among patients with laxative-induced diarrhea. Diagnostic stewardship may serve as an effective tool to correctly diagnose and treat HO-HCFA CDI, while significantly reducing treatment costs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Dissemination of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Viral Surrogate Markers Outside Patient Rooms
Authors: Li Daniel , Herrera Natalia Pinto , Alhmidi Heba , Cadnum Jennifer , Donskey Curtis 
Published: November 2020

Background: Patients with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization often shed MRSA, resulting in contamination of surfaces in their room. It is not known whether MRSA-colonized patients also frequently contaminate surfaces during medical appointments and other activities outside their room. Methods: We conducted an observational cohort study of MRSA-colonized long-term care facility (LTCF) residents to determine the frequency and mechanisms of contamination of surfaces outside patient rooms. Nares, skin, and clothing of patients in contact precautions for MRSA were cultured for MRSA, and high-touch surfaces in the residents’ room were contaminated with the live virus bacteriophage MS2 and cauliflower mosaic virus DNA. The participants were observed during activities and medical appointments outside their rooms for 3 days, and sites that were contacted were sampled for recovery of MRSA, bacteriophage MS2, and cauliflower mosaic virus DNA. Results: As shown in Fig. 1, bacteriophage MS2 and cauliflower mosaic virus DNA was transferred to 1 or more surfaces outside the resident’s room by 5 of the 7 participants, and MRSA was recovered from surfaces touched by 6 (86%) participants. MRSA was recovered during 16 of 35 episodes (46%) where sampling was performed, and recovery was similar for medical appointments (eg, hemodialysis, physical therapy) and nonmedical activities (eg, using the dining room or activity center). Moreover, MRSA, MS2, and the viral DNA marker were recovered both from sites contacted only by participants’ hands and from sites contacted only by clothing. Bacteriophage MS2 and the viral DNA marker were also recovered from portable equipment and from the nursing station. Conclusions: MRSA-colonized LTCF residents frequently disseminated MRSA and viral surrogate markers to surfaces outside their rooms through contact with contaminated hands and clothing. Efforts to reduce contamination of hands and clothing might reduce the risk for pathogen transmission.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Does Nursing Shift Influence Adherence to Central-Line Maintenance Bundles?
Authors: Fox Josephine , Russell Robert , Grimes Lydia , Gasama Heather , Sona Carrie , Wood Helen , Warren David 
Published: November 2020

Background: Proper care and maintenance of central lines is essential to prevent central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Our facility implemented a hospital-wide central-line maintenance bundle based on CLABSI prevention guidelines. The objective of this study was to determine whether maintenance bundle adherence was influenced by nursing shift or the day of week. Methods: A central-line maintenance bundle was implemented in April 2018 at a 1,266-bed academic medical center. The maintenance bundle components included alcohol-impregnated disinfection caps on all ports and infusion tubing, infusion tubing dated, dressings, not damp or soiled, no oozing at insertion site greater than the size of a quarter, dressings occlusive with all edges intact, transparent dressing change recorded within 7 days, and no gauze dressings in place for >48 hours. To monitor bundle compliance, 4 non–unit-based nurse observers were trained to audit central lines. Observations were collected between August 2018 and October 2019. Observations were performed during all shifts and 7 days per week. Just-in-time feedback was provided for noncompliant central lines. Nursing shifts were defined as day (7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.), evening (3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.), and night (11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). Central-line bundle compliance between shifts were compared using multinomial logistic regression. Bundle compliance between week day and weekend were compared using Mantel-Haenszel 2 analysis. Results: Of the 25,902 observations collected, 11,135 (42.9%) were day-shift observations, 11,559 (44.6%) occurred on evening shift, and 3,208 (12.4%) occurred on the night shift. Overall, 22,114 (85.9%) observations occurred on a week day versus 3,788 (14.6%) on a Saturday or Sunday (median observations per day of the week, 2,570; range, 1,680–6,800). In total, 4,599 CLs (17.8%) were noncompliant with >1 bundle component. The most common reasons for noncompliance were dressing not dated (n = 1,577; 44.0%) and dressings not occlusive with all edges intact (n = 1340; 37.4%). The noncompliant rates for central-line observations by shift were 12.8% (1,430 of 1,1,135) on day shift, 20.4% (2,361 of 11,559) on evening shift, and 25.2% (808 of 3,208) on night shift. Compared to day shift, evening shift (OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 1.62–1.87; P < .001) and night shift (OR, 2.29; 95% CI, 2.07–2.52; P < .001) were more likely to have a noncompliant central lines. Compared to a weekday, observations on weekend days were more likely to find a noncompliant central line: 914 of 3,788 (24.4%) weekend days versus 3,685 of 22,114 (16.7%) week days (P < .001). Conclusions: Noncompliance with central-line maintenance bundle was more likely on evening and night shifts and during the weekends.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Duodenoscope-Associated Outbreak of a Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae
Authors: Kim Sung Ran , Song Joon Young , Cho Min Hee , Song Ji Yeon 
Published: November 2020

Background: We describe and evaluate our outbreak of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae transmitted by contaminated duodenoscopes during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures. Methods: An outbreak investigation was performed when Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (KPC-KP) were identified from bile specimens of 4 patients. The investigation included medical record review, practice audits, and surveillance cultures of duodenoscopes and environmental sites. If available, clinical specimens were obtained from patients who had undergone ERCP in the previous 3 months. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) screening cultures were performed to identify additional patients until no CRE cases were detected during 2 consecutive weeks. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) of KPC-KP isolates was implemented. Results: In total, 12 cases were identified with exposure to duodenoscope from February 2019 through April 2019, including 6 cases with infections and 6 asymptomatic carriers. Case-control analysis showed that 2 specific duodenoscopes would be associated with the KPC-KP outbreak. Duodenoscope reprocessing procedures did not deviate from manufacturer recommendations for reprocessing. After ethylene oxide (EO) gas sterilization, the outbreak was terminated. Conclusions: Meticulous cleaning protocol and enhanced surveillance are necessary to prevent outbreaks of CRE. Notably, enhanced cleaning measures, such as sterilization for duodenoscopes, would be required after procedures with KPC-KP carriers.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Duration of Outpatient Antibiotic Therapy in Common Outpatient Infections, 2017
Authors: King Laura , Hersh Adam , Hicks Lauri , Fleming-Dutra Katherine 
Published: November 2020

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), urinary tract infection (UTI), pharyngitis, acute otitis media (AOM), and skin and soft-tissue infection (SSTI) are among the most common outpatient conditions for which antibiotics are prescribed. The objective of this study was to describe the observed duration of outpatient antibiotic therapy compared with guideline recommendations for these common conditions in 2017 in the United States to identify antibiotic stewardship targets. Methods: We estimated therapy duration for oral and parenteral antibiotic prescriptions associated with CAP, AOM, pharyngitis, acute cystitis, pyelonephritis, SSTI, and sinusitis diagnoses from the IQVIA National Disease and Therapeutic Index 2017 dataset, a two-stage stratified cluster sample of office-based physician visits. We excluded azithromycin due to its unique pharmacokinetics, and we limited our study to prescriptions from emergency medicine, family practice, general practice, geriatrics, internal medicine, osteopathic medicine, and pediatrics physicians. We excluded observations with antibiotic prescriptions for multiple conditions. We used NDTI projection weights and complex sample methods to estimate antibiotic prescription numbers and durations by condition and age group. Results: Table 1 shows antibiotic prescriptions by condition and population. The median antibiotic therapy duration for all conditions except acute cystitis was 10 days. The median duration for acute cystitis was 7 days. Conclusions:Clinicians prescribed 10-day antibiotic courses for the most common outpatient conditions, regardless of guideline-recommended duration. Antibiotic stewardship efforts targeting excessive durations of antibiotic therapy for common outpatient conditions, particularly sinusitis in adults, CAP, SSTI, and acute cystitis, are needed.Funding: This work was supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official position of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Disclosures: Laura M. King is a contractor employed by Northrop Grumman Corporation to fulfill research needs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of a contract covering many positions and tasks. All other authors declare no conflicts.
Effect of an External Urinary Collection Device on Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infections in Hospitalized Women
Authors: Rearigh Lindsey , Rupp Mark , Schooneveld Trevor Craig Van , Gillett Gayle , Sy Adrienne , Evans Luana , Goetschkes Kelly , Micheels Terry , Lyden Elizabeth 
Published: November 2020

Background: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a common hospital-acquired infection (HAI) resulting in excess morbidity, mortality, and cost. Urine management can be a challenging issue, particularly in women, due to limited options for control of urinary incontinence. Issues with urinary leakage and worry for subsequent skin break down often leads to indwelling catheter insertion. In the spring of 2018, our facility implemented a female external urine collection device (EUCD) in efforts to decrease catheter days and to limit CAUTIs. Methods: Retrospective, 32-month (January 2017–August 2019), quasi-experimental, before-and-after study. Catheter use and CAUTI were defined according to CDC NHSN criteria. Poisson regression was used to model the rate of CAUTI (per 1,000 patient days [PD] and per 1,000 catheter days [CD]) comparing the 14 months prior to EUCD introduction with the 14 months after introduction and allowing a 3-month introduction period. Results: The CAUTI rate did not change significantly. The overall CAUTI rate per 1,000 PD decreased slightly from 0.24 to 0.20 (P = 0.44; model risk, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.58–1.26) whereas the rate per 1,000 CD increased slightly 1.5 to 1.6 (P = 0.76; model risk, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.73-–1.56). The CAUTI rate for men increased from 0.09 to 0.11 per 1,000 PD (P = 0.42; model risk, 1.29) and from 0.99 to 1.55 per 1,000 CD (P = 0.17; model risk, 1.56). For women, the rate of CAUTI decreased from 0.15 to 0.09 per 1,000 PD (P = 0.10; model risk, 0.61) and from 2.12 to 1.65 per 1,000 CD (P = 0.38; model risk, 0.38). A significant decrease in catheter days (CD per 1,000 PD; P < .0001) was observed for all hospitalized patients (from 158.56 to 128.3; model risk, 0.81), for men (from 87.06 to 72.15; model risk, 0.83), and for women (from 71.49 to 56.15; model risk, 0.79). Of 2,347 adverse events, 5 (0.2%) involved perineal skin breakdown and redness. Three events were related to malposition of the ECUD or inappropriate level of suction and 1 event was related to latex allergy and EUCD use. Conclusions: The introduction of a EUCD for women was associated with a significant decrease in indwelling catheter usage. A trend toward a decrease in CAUTI per 1,000 PD for women was observed (P = .10). Additional studies on whether the EUCD is associated with changes in UTI rates (both CAUTIs and noncatheter UTIs) as well as cost implications of EUCD are warranted.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Enhancing Employee Influenza Immunization in a Tertiary-Care Healthcare Setting in the Middle East Using Epic Express Lane Workflow
Authors: Cardona Lyssette , Mohammed Shafii , Federico Aileen 
Published: November 2020

Background: Influenza virus illness affects millions. The virus’s ability to change yearly and its dependence on private manufacturing leads to major challenges immunizing populations. Currently the United States expects to distribute close to 162–168 million doses of influenza vaccine to the market (CDC, October 25, 2019) to immunize the population for the 2019–2020 season. In line with international best practice, our healthcare facility mandated the seasonal influenza vaccine for all employees. We set out to introduce a novel nursing workflow to enhance our Flu Campaign utilizing our Epic Systems healthcare software. Methods: The Epic Flu Express Lane function boosts provider satisfaction and efficiency by minimizing documentation time. Nurses can document the entire flu visit on a single screen with a few clicks. Workflow: An employee presents at the flu station registration desk and a scheduler creates an appointment as a Flu Visit type. After a nurse opens the chart, the system determines whether a Flu Express Lane order is a fit for the visit, launching the Express Lane activity. The nurse updates all relevant information and finally drops in the administration charge associated with the appropriate diagnosis code for the vaccine, to sign into the Express Lane. Establishment of dedicated and mobile employee flu stations: Immunizations are provided at several stations located inside the hospital and alternate sites, including the our cafeteria. Additionally, the flu team extended immunizations off site at our administrative building and an unoccupied inpatient floor, giving hospital employees easier access. Integration of Epic and human capital resource planning systems: By integrating the Epic and Mawared Human Capital systems, the flu team developed an automated workflow to capture employee compliance. A daily extract from Epic is imported to Mawared updating employee compliance status to completed. For those with incomplete status, Mawared sends an automated notification via e-mail reminding employees to complete the flu vaccination process for the season. Results: The Epic Nursing Express Lane workflow was well received, it facilitated compliance and practice efficiency for all mobile services provided. We achieved our target to provide influenza vaccination to >95% of employees in 2019 (Fig. 2). Conclusions: The electronic health record Epic Flu Express Lane workflow is an effective tool to complement practice efficiency and to facilitate a successful mobile Flu Campaign compliance in healthcare facilities.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None
Evaluating the Cost-Effectiveness of Proposed Algorithms for C. difficile Infection in Different Pretest Probability Settings
Authors: Ben Mirian Dal , Oliveira Maura , Cappellano Paola , Sampaio Jorge , Dias Maria Beatriz 
Published: November 2020

Background: The use of real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as a first-line test for the diagnosis of Clostridioides difficile may result in overdiagnosis and overtreatment because the test is not capable of distinguishing infection from carriage. Toxin EIA assays have impeditive low sensitivity. Some algorithms using enzyme immunoassay for glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) antigen and toxins A and B as the first step have been proposed to increase diagnostic performance. However, cost-effectiveness of different diagnostic algorithms would depend on the cost of each test and on the pretest probability in different settings. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 2 algorithms proposed by current guidelines to diagnose C. difficile infection by developing a mathematical model that would take into account the epidemiology and costs in our hospital. Methods: The study was conducted in a 480-bed tertiary-care teaching hospital in So Paulo, Brazil. All suspected C. difficile infection cases from January to December of 2017 were evaluated for pretest probability analysis. All stools collected from patients with a requested PCR test for suspected C. difficile infection were selected for additional testing to measure the specificity and sensitivity of each different test: C. diff GDH/Toxin A/B combined test, Toxin A/B Microplate Assay, GDH, and PCR. Toxigenic stool culture for C. difficile was considered the gold standard. A mathematical model was developed and simulations were done. The outcomes evaluated were: final annual costs with diagnostic tests in US dollars and number of patients receiving a false-positive or a false-negative diagnosis in a year simulation. Results: In total, 1,441 stool samples were tested by PCR for C. difficile in our institution from January 2017 to December 2017. Overall, 206 had a positive result, with a pretest probability of 14.3%. In our simulations, the PCR-based algorithm had an annual cost of US$279,914.25, with 4 false-negative results and 8 false-positive results. The implementation of a GDH/Toxin/PCR stepwise algorithm would have reduced the annual cost to US$160,488.75, with 6 false-negative results and 1 false-positive result. Simulations of annual cost and performance of the 2 algorithms have shown that the stepwise algorithm would still be advantageous in settings with higher pretest probabilities (Fig. 1). Conclusions: A stepwise algorithm based on GDH/Toxin before PCR seems to be more cost-effective, even in settings with higher pretest probabilities.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None