bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
702. Risk Factors for Acute Gastroenteritis Among Patients Hospitalized in 5 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers, 2016–19
Authors: Balachandran Neha , Cates Jordan , Kambhampati Anita , Marconi Vincent , Brown Sheldon T , Rodriguez–Barradas Maria C , Beenhouwer David , Holodniy Mark , Lucero-Obusan Cynthia A , Cardemil Cristina , Parashar Umesh D , Mirza Sara 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
In the United States, an estimated 179 million acute gastroenteritis (AGE) episodes occur each year. Identifying factors contributing to AGE susceptibility and severity is important to address the high disease burden of AGE among adults. The primary objective of this analysis was to identify risk factors for all-cause AGE, norovirus-associated AGE and severe AGE among hospitalized adults.

Methods
We analyzed data from 1029 inpatient AGE cases and 624 non-AGE controls enrolled prospectively from December 1, 2016 – November 30, 2019 from 5 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (Atlanta, Bronx, Houston, Los Angeles, Palo Alto). Standardized patient interviews and medical chart abstractions were conducted to collect demographics, exposure history, and underlying medical conditions. Stool samples from participants were tested for 22 pathogens using the BioFire Gastrointestinal Panel. Severity of AGE was determined using a 20-point modified Vesikari score (MVS) and severe AGE was defined as a MVS score of ≥ 11. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess associations between potential risk factors and outcomes.

Results
Of the total AGE cases, 551 (54%) had severe AGE; 44 (4%) were norovirus positive. Risk factors for all-cause AGE vs. non-AGE controls included household contact with a person with AGE in the past 7 days (aOR=2.9, 95% CI:1.3-6.7), severe renal disease (aOR=3.1, 95% CI:1.8-5.2), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (aOR=3.9, 95% CI:1.8-8.5), and immunosuppressive therapy (aOR=5.6, 95% CI:2.7-11.7). Factors associated with norovirus positivity by univariate analysis were contact with a person with AGE outside (OR=4.4, 95% CI:1.6-12.0) and within (OR=5.0, 95% CI:2.2-11.5) the household in the past 7 days. Detection of any viral pathogen (aOR=4.0, 95% CI:1.7-9.5) was a risk factor for severe AGE.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that inpatients with HIV or severe renal disease, on immunosuppressive therapy, or in contact with a person with AGE within household are at higher risk for all-cause AGE. Patients with these medical conditions should be monitored for AGE related hospitalizations and may benefit from targeted AGE prevention messaging.

Disclosures
Vincent Marconi, MD, Bayer (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)Eli Lilly (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)Gilead Sciences (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)ViiV (Consultant, Scientific Research Study Investigator)
706. Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Rates of Recurrent Clostridiodes difficile Infection in the Veterans Affairs System
Authors: Drekonja Dimitri M , Zhang Jane , Reinink Andrew R , Anway Ruth , Nugent Sean , Shaukat Aasma 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Clostridiodes difficile infection (CDI) is common and classified as an urgent threat by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recurrence (rCDI) occurs in 30% of cases and increases with subsequent episodes. As part of a trial of fecal microbiota transplantation vs. placebo for the prevention of rCDI, rCDI is identified using a case-finding algorithm that screens for potential cases across all Veterans Affairs facilities, a key component of which is a stool test confirming the presence of C. difficile. With the emergence of Covid-19 in the Unites States in early 2020, study personnel observed a decreasing number of rCDI cases. We hypothesized that Covid restrictions and fear of transmission prevented patients from coming to a VA facility to submit a confirmatory stool sample, the standard method of diagnosing rCDI. Accordingly, the algorithm was modified to also identify cases where rCDI was empirically treated, without confirmatory testing. Here we report on the prevalence of empiric treatment of rCDI during the Covid pandemic and changes in lab-conformed cases over time.

Methods
Cases of potentially rCDI are identified by a weekly query of VA data, using an algorithm that includes laboratory testing results, diagnostic codes, and prescriptions. The ource database is updated daily from every VA facility, encompassing over 8 million Veterans. Potential cases are reviewed by research coordinators using the medical record to determine study eligibility. Beginning June 2020, the algorithm was adjusted to also identify patients with lab confirmation of their first CDI episode but none for their recurrence and identified those who were prescribed treatment for rCDI.

Results
We observed a reduction in both the number of weekly cases (22.2 vs. 17.4; P &lt; 0.001) which is a 22% decrease after the Covid-19 emergency declaration (figure). Post-declaration, empiric treatment was prescribed to 159 Veterans (mean, 3.3/week).
Potential cases of rCDI/week pre- and post Covid-19 pandemic declaration

Conclusion
There was a significant drop in laboratory-confirmed rCDI associated with Covid-19. Recurrent CDI was frequently empirically treated during the Covid-19 pandemic, potentially exposing many patients with non-CDI diarrhea to unnecessary antimicrobial use and its attendant risks.

Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures
711. A Unique Breath Secondary Metabolite Volatile Signature for the Diagnosis of Histoplasmosis
Authors: Leon Armando R , Koshy Seena , Perez Pablo , Garcia Sucely , Sandoval Nancy , Marty Francisco M , Samayoa Johanna , Koo Sophia 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Histoplasmosis is a common endemic fungal infection in the Americas, causing significant morbidity and mortality, particularly in immunocompromised patients. Existing diagnostic methods are limited in their sensitivity (especially in pulmonary histoplasmosis) and turnaround time.

Methods
We examined prospectively collected breath samples from 84 patients with suspected histoplasmosis 3/2019 - 2/2020 at Hospital Roosevelt (HR; Guatemala City, Guatemala, n = 56) and suspected invasive fungal disease 1/2018 - 10/2019 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH; Boston, MA, USA, n = 28) using thermal desorption gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (TDU-GC-MS/MS). Patients were evaluated for histoplasmosis and other infections according to the local standard of care – of note, 18/56 patients at HR did not have Histoplasma urine antigen testing.

Results
Median age was 44 years, 60 (71%) were male, 23 (27%) had HIV, 15 (18%) had hematologic malignancy. 7 patients were diagnosed with histoplasmosis over the study period (4 at HR, 5 at BWH), with a clinical syndrome + positive Histoplasma urine or serum antigen test, with some patients also having yeast forms on tissue biopsy. 3 patients had disseminated and 4 pulmonary histoplasmosis. 4 patients with histoplasmosis had co-infections – 2 tuberculosis (TB), 1 influenza, and 1 Pneumocystis jirovecii (PJP) pneumonia. 4 patients were receiving antifungal therapy active against Histoplasma at the time of their first breath sample. We found 3 sesquiterpenes: (A) cyperene, (B) 1R,4aR,8aR)-2,5,5,8a-Tetramethyl-4,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-1H-1,4a-methanonaphthalene, and (C) viridiflorol in patients with histoplasmosis, that distinguished these patients from those with other pneumonia (TB, coccidioidomycosis, invasive aspergillosis, mucormycosis, PJP, bacterial pneumonia) with 100% sensitivity and 70% (95% CI 59, 80) specificity.
Figure 1. TDU GC-MS/MS spectral comparison in histoplasmosis vs. the other invasive mycoses aspergillosis or mucormycosis. A: Cyperene; B: (1R,4aR,8aR)-2,5,5,8a Tetramethyl-4,5,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-1H-1,4a-methanonaphthalene; C: viridiflorol; D: 1H-Indene, 2,3,3a,4-tetrahydro-3,3a,6-trimethyl-1-(1-methylethyl)-; E: β-funebrene; F: trans-α-bergamotene; G: eremophilene; H: spathulenol; I: cedrene; J: cedranoxide, 8,14-

Conclusion
Conclusion: Patients with histoplasmosis have a unique secondary metabolite breath signature that can be used for the noninvasive diagnosis of pulmonary and disseminated histoplasmosis. Many patients in this cohort did not undergo urine antigen testing or other diagnostic workup for histoplasmosis, which may have affected our specificity estimates.

Disclosures
Francisco M. Marty, MD, SCYNEXIS, Inc. (Scientific Research Study Investigator)
727. Predictors of Depressive Symptoms in Pregnant Partners in Seroconcordant Couples Living with HIV in Zambézia Province, Mozambique
Authors: Sack Daniel , Matino Ariano , Erin Graves , Emilio Almiro , Shepherd Bryan , DeSchacht Caroline , Audet Carolyn 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Depression contributes to HIV treatment outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa, where approximately 15% of people living with HIV have comorbid depression. HoPS+, a cluster randomized trial among seroconcordant couples living with HIV, assesses male partner involvement during antenatal HIV care and HIV outcomes. We describe predictors of depressive symptoms among pregnant partners living with HIV in Zambézia Province, Mozambique.

Methods
This baseline cross-sectional analysis includes 1079 female HoPS+ participants. We show demographic (age, enrollment date, relationship status, education, and occupation) and clinical (WHO HIV stage, body mass index [BMI], and antiretroviral therapy [ART] use history) factors. We model females’ depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 [PHQ-9]) using proportional odds models with continuous covariates as restricted cubic splines (enrollment date, age, BMI, partner’s PHQ-9 score), categorical covariates (district, relationship status, education, occupation, WHO stage), and ART use history. Missing covariates were imputed 20 times.

Results
Participants’ median age was 23 (interquartile range [IQR] 20-28). Most women reported no or &lt; 7 years of education (84.1%), were farmers (61.3%), and were WHO stage I (81.9%). They had a median PHQ-9 score of 3 (IQR 0-5) and 47 (43.6%) had moderately severe or severe depressive symptoms, with 19.6% missing PHQ-9 scores. Among 867 pregnant partners with PHQ-9s, demographic and clinical covariates were not meaningful predictors of PHQ-9 score. Male partner’s PHQ-9 score, however, was associated with (covariate-adjusted Spearman’s rho 0.58, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.51-0.65) and strongly predictive of a pregnant partner’s score (Figure). An increase in a male partner’s PHQ-9 score from 9 to 10 was associated with 1.47 times increased odds (95% CI: 1.37-1.58) of a ≥1-point increase in a woman’s PHQ-9 score
Figure: Female Partner's Depressive Symptoms

Conclusion
Depressive symptoms are highly correlated among pregnant people and their partners, which may have implications for pregnancy care. Interventions aimed to reduce depressive symptoms and improve HIV-related outcomes during pregnancy may have greater success when focused on addressing both partners’ depressive symptoms.

Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures
747. Association of Clostridiodes difficile Infection Incidence With Renewed Vigor in Infection Prevention Practices With the Onset of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Khan Ahmed A , Waqar Sana 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of hospital associated infections. In 2017 it lead to an estimated 223,900 cases, 12,800 deaths and &1 billion in attributable healthcare costs.[1] Judicious use of antibiotics and good hand hygiene practices form the cornerstone of prevention. During the COVID-19 pandemic there has been a focus on infection control practices such as hand hygiene, which would also lead to decreased incidence of other contagious infections such as C. difficile diarrhea.

Methods
We looked at the incidence of C. difficile infection in a tertiary care hospital, 1 year before and 1 year after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. We looked at the absolute number of hospital associated C. difficile infections and the rate per 1000 patient days. The testing methodology changed during the time of the study. Initially it included NAAT for C. difficile, however in March of 2020 the testing strategy included testing for GDH antigen and toxin A/B to differentiate between infection and asymptomatic colonization.

Results
From January 1st and December 31st 2019 there were a total of 182 C. difficile infections with a rate of 1.29% per 1000 patient days. Between January 1st and December 31st 2020 there were a total of 51 C. difficile infections with a rate of 0.39% per 1000 patient days. There was an absolute risk reduction of 0.9% and relative risk reduction of 69.7%. Hand hygiene audits did not show a difference in adherence between the two periods, with a compliance rate of 98% for both.

Conclusion
Our data suggests that there was a substantial reduction in C. difficile infection rate after widespread knowledge of COVID-19 and implementation of enhanced infection prevention strategies. These included frequent reminders of hand washing, gowning and social distancing to name some. This information was conveyed in the form of widely disseminated signs in highly visible areas, frequent reminders electronically and in person between staff and providers. There are limitations in our study, which include difficulty in longitudinally assessing the extent to which patient care providers adhered to infection prevention strategies and a change in testing strategy for C. difficile diagnosis during this time.

Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures
753. Impact of COVID-19 on Healthcare Facility-Onset Clostridiodes difficile Infection
Authors: Suleyman Geehan , Khansa Rafa , Mayur Ramesh , Brar Indira , Kenney Rachel 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
It is estimated that the majority of hospitalized COVID-19 patients around the world received antibiotics despite the fact that bacterial co-infections are rare. This can lead to increased antimicrobial resistance and Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI). Gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 may also contribute to increased testing. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on our healthcare facility-onset (HO) CDI rates.

Methods
This was a retrospective cross-sectional study comparing CDI rate per 1,000 patient days, C. diff order rate per 1,000 patient days, Standardized Antimicrobial Administration Ratio (SAAR), and Standardized Infection Ratio (SIR) in the pre-COVID-19 period from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 to the COVID-19 period from April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021 at a 877-bed tertiary care hospital in Detroit, Michigan. CDI and order rates were extracted from the electronic medical record (Epic™ Bugsy). SAAR and SIR data were extracted from National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).

Results
The average CDI rate per 1,000 patient days was 4.29 pre-COVID-19 compared to 1.98 during COVID-19 with a 54% reduction, and the C. diff order rate per 1,000 patient days also decreased from 130.89 to 93.03, resulting in a 29% reduction (Figure 1). The SIR was 0.383 compared to 0.308 during COVID-19 (P-value 0.404). SAAR decreased from 1.095 to 0.945 (P-value &lt; 0.001). However, our institution experienced three COVID-19 waves, with peaks in April 2020, November 2020 and March 2021, that correlated with high risk CDI antibiotic utilization in intensive care unit (ICU) (Figure 2). The average hand hygiene rate increased from 82% to 92%.

Figure 1. Clostridioides difficile order and infection rates pre-and during COVID-19 pandemic.

Figure 2. Standardized Antimicrobial Administration Ratio (SAAR) pre-and during COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the HO-CDI and C. diff order rates and overall SAAR decreased; however, antibiotic utilization increased in the ICU during the COVID-19 waves. The overall decrease may be multifactorial and related to increased hand hygiene compliance, isolation and personal protective equipment use and overall decreased antibiotic use and C. diff orders.

Disclosures
Rachel Kenney, PharmD, Medtronic, Inc. (Other Financial or Material Support, spouse is an employee and shareholder)
758. Increased Prevalence of Clostridioides difficile Infection During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Hospitalized Veterans in South Texas, USA
Authors: Young Eric H , Beck Erica , Ford Delvina , Madrid-Morales Julieta , Hoffman Ann , Cadena-Zuluaga Jose , Frei Alexa , Reveles Kelly R 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) continues to be a major global public health concern, particularly during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Despite new social distancing guidelines and enhanced infection control procedures (e.g., masking, hand hygiene) being implemented since the beginning of COVID-19, little evidence indicates whether these changes have influenced the prevalence of CDI hospitalizations. This study aims to measure CDI prevalence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a local cohort of U.S. Veterans.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study of all Veterans presenting to the South Texas Veterans Health Care System in San Antonio, Texas from Jan 1, 2019 to Apr 30, 2021. Monthly laboratory confirmed CDI events were collected overall and categorized as the following: hospital-onset, healthcare facility-associated (HO-HCFA-CDI), community-onset, healthcare facility-associated CDI (CO-HCFA-CDI), and community-associated CDI (CA-CDI). Monthly confirmed COVID-19 cases were also collected. CDI prevalence was calculated as CDI events per 10,000 bed days of care (BDOC) and was compared between pre-pandemic (Jan 2019-Feb 2020) and pandemic (Mar 2020-Apr 2021) periods.

Results
A total of 285 CDI events, 920 COVID-19 cases, and 104,220 BDOC were included in this study. The overall CDI rate increased from 20.33 per 10,000 BDOC pre-pandemic to 34.51 per 10,000 during the pandemic (p&lt; 0.0001). This was driven primarily by a rise in CO-HCFA-CDI rates (0.95 vs 2.52 per 10,000 BDOC; p&lt; 0.0001) during the pandemic, followed by increases in CA-CDI (15.58 vs. 18.61 per 10,000 BDOC; p&lt; 0.0001) and HO-HCFA-CDI (2.66 vs. 5.43 per 10,000 BDOC; p&lt; 0.0001). Lastly, CDI rates have tripled since the start of the pandemic (March-Apr 2020) compared to the current year (March-Apr 2021) (14.69 vs. 43.76 per 10,000 BDOC).

Conclusion
Overall, CDI prevalence increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, driven mostly by an increase in CO-HCFA-CDI. As COVID-19 rates increased, CDI rates also increased, likely due to greater healthcare exposures and antibiotic use. Continued surveillance of COVID-19 and CDI is warranted to further decrease infection rates

Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures
768. Gaining Compliance-Getting Results
Authors: Staton Sharon , Dejean Janet 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Compliance with the chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) daily application component of the CLABSI prevention bundle potentially could negatively affect infection rates. In an attempt to increase CHG compliance, a 3-month trial for soap based CHG bathing was undertaken on two pediatric oncology units with long term central line patients.

Methods
The current bathing process involved 2 steps, a soap and water bath followed one hour later by a CHG wipe. It was time consuming and received complaints from staff and parents resulting in lower documented compliance rates. A one step process was implemented combining skin cleansing and CHG application with one product.
Staff, parents and patients were educated on proper bathing technique. Instruction brochures printed in multiple languages were employed and discussed for education. An electronic survey was developed to collect parent feedback.

Results
The trial was from October - December 2020 and included 25 select patients in the cancer center. Patients and parents provided positive feedback with the new process.
Audits measured both line maintenance and bathing. If one step was missed-than non- compliance with the bundle was noted . Bundle adherence increased with auditors noting that this was due entirely to an increase in bathing compliance. From April to September 2020 prior to implementation of the soap based CHG bathing, CHG compliance on the Stem Cell Transplant Unit (SCTU) averaged 48%. During the three month period after the trial, CHG compliance has averaged 64%. CHG monthly compliance reached 85% by April 2021. In addition, patients compliant with CHG bathing demonstrated a significant reduction in coagulase negative staphylococcus (CoNS ) blood stream infections due to the reduction of CoNS skin colonization. Cost analysis for the one week in the 15 bed BMT unit and 10 HemONC patients showed that the one step soap based CHG was &161.50 and the CHG wipe cost &960,75; a difference of &799.25per week or &41,561.00 annually.

Conclusion
Any infection prevention strategy needs to involve staff and parents for compliance and outcome success.

Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures
792. Outbreak of Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a Tertiary Healthcare System in Detroit
Authors: Evans Kenisha J , Cruz Angela Beatriz , Meyer Monica , Jabbo Lavina , Cranis Mara , Cullen Lori , Moshos Judy , Chopra Teena , Chopra Teena 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is one of the most common causes of healthcare-associated infections in critically ill patients and those with suboptimal immunity. However, the development of multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR Pa) creates an even great disease burden and threat to both the hospital and local community health. The purpose of this study is to illustrate a descriptive analysis of a cluster of MDR Pseudomonas, during a local surge of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID 19) pandemic. The goal is to shed more light on the troublesome parallel during outbreaks, such as COVID-19 and consequential secondary outcomes.

Methods
From November 2020 through February 2021, 16 patients exposed to the intensive care units of a tertiary healthcare system were infected or colonized with a multidrug-resistant strain of P. aeruginosa (Figure 1). Outbreak investigation was conducted via retrospective chart review of the first eight cases and prospective analysis of the latter eight cases. The isolates collected prospectively were analyzed for taxonomic identification, antimicrobial resistance profile, and phylogenetic analysis. Clinical characteristics of all patients were collected, and epidemiological investigation was carried out. MDR is defined as resistance to at least four classes of antibiotics: third-generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and carbapenems.
Figure 1. Epidemiological Curve of Cases of Multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the Detroit Medical Center from November 2020-February 2021

Results
Of the 16 cases of MDR Pa infections, seven died within five months (Table 1). Antimicrobial resistance gene profiling detected blaOXA and blaPAO betalactamase genes in all the samples. One sample contained an additional blaVIM resistance gene, although this patient was colonized and not actively infected. The analysis suggests existence of two clusters demonstrating relatedness and possible horizontal transmission. Timing of this cluster of cases coincides with surge of COVID-19 cases. This highlights the importance of infection control measures and antimicrobial stewardship.
Table 1. Characteristics of patients infected with multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDR-Pa) at Detroit Medical Center, November 2020 to February 2021

Conclusion
Since early 2017 studies show there is a growing prevalence worldwide in transferable resistance, particularly for β-lactamases and carbapenemases, MDR Pseudomonas. This study emphasizes an irony paralleled during a pandemic, the needed efforts to prevent unintentional lapses in patient safety.

Disclosures
All Authors: No reported disclosures