Search

To determine risk factors for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) among US healthcare personnel (HCP), we conducted a case–control analysis. We collected data about activities outside the workplace and COVID-19 patient care activities from HCP with positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) test results (cases) and from HCP with negative test results (controls) in healthcare facilities in 5 US states. We used conditional logistic regression to calculate adjusted matched odds ratios and 95% CIs for exposures. Among 345 cases and 622 controls, factors associated with risk were having close contact with persons with COVID-19 outside the workplace, having close contact with COVID-19 patients in the workplace, and assisting COVID-19 patients with activities of daily living. Protecting HCP from COVID-19 may require interventions that reduce their exposures outside the workplace and improve their ability to more safely assist COVID-19 patients with activities of daily living.

Healthcare personnel with severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection were interviewed to describe activities and practices in and outside the workplace. Among 2,625 healthcare personnel, workplace-related factors that may increase infection risk were more common among nursing-home personnel than hospital personnel, whereas selected factors outside the workplace were more common among hospital personnel.

Background In the 2011 US hospital prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial use 50% of patients received antimicrobial medications on the survey date or day before. More hospitals have since established antimicrobial stewardship programs. We repeated the survey in 2015 to determine antimicrobial use prevalence and describe changes since 2011. Methods The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infections Program sites in 10 states each recruited ≤25 general and women’s and children’s hospitals. Hospitals selected a survey date from May–September 2015. Medical records for a random patient sample on the survey date were reviewed to collect data on antimicrobial medications administered on the survey date or day before. Percentages of patients on antimicrobial medications were compared; multivariable log-binomial regression modeling was used to evaluate factors associated with antimicrobial use. Results Of 12 299 patients in 199 hospitals, 6084 (49.5%; 95% CI, 48.6–50.4%) received antimicrobials. Among 148 hospitals in both surveys, overall antimicrobial use prevalence was similar in 2011 and 2015, although the percentage of neonatal critical care patients on antimicrobials was lower in 2015 (22.8% vs 32.0% [2011]; P = .006). Fluoroquinolone use was lower in 2015 (10.1% of patients vs 11.9% [2011]; P < .001). Third- or fourth-generation cephalosporin use was higher (12.2% vs 10.7% [2011]; P = .002), as was carbapenem use (3.7% vs 2.7% [2011]; P < .001). Conclusions Overall hospital antimicrobial use prevalence was not different in 2011 and 2015; however, differences observed in selected patient or antimicrobial groups may provide evidence of stewardship impact.

On February 26, 2020, the first U.S. case of community-acquired coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was confirmed in a patient hospitalized in Solano County, California (1). The patient was initially evaluated at hospital A on February 15; at that time, COVID-19 was not suspected, as the patient denied travel or contact with symptomatic persons. During a 4-day hospitalization, the patient was managed with standard precautions and underwent multiple aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs), including nebulizer treatments, bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) ventilation, endotracheal intubation, and bronchoscopy. Several days after the patient's transfer to hospital B, a real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 returned positive. Among 121 hospital A health care personnel (HCP) who were exposed to the patient, 43 (35.5%) developed symptoms during the 14 days after exposure and were tested for SARS-CoV-2; three had positive test results and were among the first known cases of probable occupational transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to HCP in the United States. Little is known about specific risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in health care settings. To better characterize and compare exposures among HCP who did and did not develop COVID-19, standardized interviews were conducted with 37 hospital A HCP who were tested for SARS-CoV-2, including the three who had positive test results. Performing physical examinations and exposure to the patient during nebulizer treatments were more common among HCP with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 than among those without COVID-19; HCP with COVID-19 also had exposures of longer duration to the patient. Because transmission-based precautions were not in use, no HCP wore personal protective equipment (PPE) recommended for COVID-19 patient care during contact with the index patient. Health care facilities should emphasize early recognition and isolation of patients with possible COVID-19 and use of recommended PPE to minimize unprotected, high-risk HCP exposures and protect the health care workforce.

Background The prioritization of U.S. health care personnel for early receipt of messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), allowed for the evaluation of the effectiveness of these new vaccines in a real-world setting. Methods We conducted a test-negative case–control study involving health care personnel across 25 U.S. states. Cases were defined on the basis of a positive polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) or antigen-based test for SARS-CoV-2 and at least one Covid-19–like symptom. Controls were defined on the basis of a negative PCR test for SARS-CoV-2, regardless of symptoms, and were matched to cases according to the week of the test date and site. Using conditional logistic regression with adjustment for age, race and ethnic group, underlying conditions, and exposures to persons with Covid-19, we estimated vaccine effectiveness for partial vaccination (assessed 14 days after receipt of the first dose through 6 days after receipt of the second dose) and complete vaccination (assessed ≥7 days after receipt of the second dose). Results The study included 1482 case participants and 3449 control participants. Vaccine effectiveness for partial vaccination was 77.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 70.9 to 82.7) with the BNT162b2 vaccine (Pfizer–BioNTech) and 88.9% (95% CI, 78.7 to 94.2) with the mRNA-1273 vaccine (Moderna); for complete vaccination, vaccine effectiveness was 88.8% (95% CI, 84.6 to 91.8) and 96.3% (95% CI, 91.3 to 98.4), respectively. Vaccine effectiveness was similar in subgroups defined according to age (

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, health care personnel (HCP) have been at high risk for exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, through patient interactions and community exposure (1). The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommended prioritization of HCP for COVID-19 vaccination to maintain provision of critical services and reduce spread of infection in health care settings (2). Early distribution of two mRNA COVID-19 vaccines (Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna) to HCP allowed assessment of the effectiveness of these vaccines in a real-world setting. A test-negative case-control study is underway to evaluate mRNA COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness (VE) against symptomatic illness among HCP at 33 U.S. sites across 25 U.S. states. Interim analyses indicated that the VE of a single dose (measured 14 days after the first dose through 6 days after the second dose) was 82% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 74%-87%), adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, and underlying medical conditions. The adjusted VE of 2 doses (measured ≥7 days after the second dose) was 94% (95% CI = 87%-97%). VE of partial (1-dose) and complete (2-dose) vaccination in this population is comparable to that reported from clinical trials and recent observational studies, supporting the effectiveness of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines against symptomatic disease in adults, with strong 2-dose protection.

Background: With the emergence of antibiotic resistant threats and the need for appropriate antibiotic use, laboratory microbiology information is important to guide clinical decision making in nursing homes, where access to such data can be limited. Susceptibility data are necessary to inform antibiotic selection and to monitor changes in resistance patterns over time. To contribute to existing data that describe antibiotic resistance among nursing home residents, we summarized antibiotic susceptibility data from organisms commonly isolated from urine cultures collected as part of the CDC multistate, Emerging Infections Program (EIP) nursing home prevalence survey. Methods: In 2017, urine culture and antibiotic susceptibility data for selected organisms were retrospectively collected from nursing home residents’ medical records by trained EIP staff. Urine culture results reported as negative (no growth) or contaminated were excluded. Susceptibility results were recorded as susceptible, non-susceptible (resistant or intermediate), or not tested. The pooled mean percentage tested and percentage non-susceptible were calculated for selected antibiotic agents and classes using available data. Susceptibility data were analyzed for organisms with ≥20 isolates. The definition for multidrug-resistance (MDR) was based on the CDC and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s interim standard definitions. Data were analyzed using SAS v 9.4 software. Results: Among 161 participating nursing homes and 15,276 residents, 300 residents (2.0%) had documentation of a urine culture at the time of the survey, and 229 (76.3%) were positive. Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis, Klebsiella spp, and Enterococcus spp represented 73.0% of all urine isolates (N = 278). There were 215 (77.3%) isolates with reported susceptibility data (Fig. 1). Of these, data were analyzed for 187 (87.0%) (Fig. 2). All isolates tested for carbapenems were susceptible. Fluoroquinolone non-susceptibility was most prevalent among E. coli (42.9%) and P. mirabilis (55.9%). Among Klebsiella spp, the highest percentages of non-susceptibility were observed for extended-spectrum cephalosporins and folate pathway inhibitors (25.0% each). Glycopeptide non-susceptibility was 10.0% for Enterococcus spp. The percentage of isolates classified as MDR ranged from 10.1% for E. coli to 14.7% for P. mirabilis. Conclusions: Substantial levels of non-susceptibility were observed for nursing home residents’ urine isolates, with 10% to 56% reported as non-susceptible to the antibiotics assessed. Non-susceptibility was highest for fluoroquinolones, an antibiotic class commonly used in nursing homes, and ≥ 10% of selected isolates were MDR. Our findings reinforce the importance of nursing homes using susceptibility data from laboratory service providers to guide antibiotic prescribing and to monitor levels of resistance.Disclosures: NoneFunding: None

Background: Automated testing instruments (ATIs) are commonly used by clinical microbiology laboratories to perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), whereas public health laboratories may use established reference methods such as broth microdilution (BMD). We investigated discrepancies in carbapenem minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) among Enterobacteriaceae tested by clinical laboratory ATIs and by reference BMD at the CDC. Methods: During 2016–2018, we conducted laboratory- and population-based surveillance for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) through the CDC Emerging Infections Program (EIP) sites (10 sites by 2018). We defined an incident case as the first isolation of Enterobacter spp (E. cloacae complex or E. aerogenes), Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, K. oxytoca, or K. variicola resistant to doripenem, ertapenem, imipenem, or meropenem from normally sterile sites or urine identified from a resident of the EIP catchment area in a 30-day period. Cases had isolates that were determined to be carbapenem-resistant by clinical laboratory ATI MICs (MicroScan, BD Phoenix, or VITEK 2) or by other methods, using current Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) criteria. A convenience sample of these isolates was tested by reference BMD at the CDC according to CLSI guidelines. Results: Overall, 1,787 isolates from 112 clinical laboratories were tested by BMD at the CDC. Of these, clinical laboratory ATI MIC results were available for 1,638 (91.7%); 855 (52.2%) from 71 clinical laboratories did not confirm as CRE at the CDC. Nonconfirming isolates were tested on either a MicroScan (235 of 462; 50.9%), BD Phoenix (249 of 411; 60.6%), or VITEK 2 (371 of 765; 48.5%). Lack of confirmation was most common among E. coli (62.2% of E. coli isolates tested) and Enterobacter spp (61.4% of Enterobacter isolates tested) (Fig. 1A), and among isolates testing resistant to ertapenem by the clinical laboratory ATI (52.1%, Fig. 1B). Of the 1,388 isolates resistant to ertapenem in the clinical laboratory, 1,006 (72.5%) were resistant only to ertapenem. Of the 855 nonconfirming isolates, 638 (74.6%) were resistant only to ertapenem based on clinical laboratory ATI MICs. Conclusions: Nonconfirming isolates were widespread across laboratories and ATIs. Lack of confirmation was most common among E. coli and Enterobacter spp. Among nonconfirming isolates, most were resistant only to ertapenem. These findings may suggest that ATIs overcall resistance to ertapenem or that isolate transport and storage conditions affect ertapenem resistance. Further investigation into this lack of confirmation is needed, and CRE case identification in public health surveillance may need to account for this phenomenon.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Importance Controlling antimicrobial resistance in health care is a public health priority, although data describing antimicrobial use in US nursing homes are limited. Objective To measure the prevalence of antimicrobial use and describe antimicrobial classes and common indications among nursing home residents. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional, 1-day point-prevalence surveys of antimicrobial use performed between April 2017 and October 2017, last survey date October 31, 2017, and including 15 276 residents present on the survey date in 161 randomly selected nursing homes from selected counties of 10 Emerging Infections Program (EIP) states. EIP staff reviewed nursing home records to collect data on characteristics of residents and antimicrobials administered at the time of the survey. Nursing home characteristics were obtained from nursing home staff and the Nursing Home Compare website. Exposures Residence in one of the participating nursing homes at the time of the survey. Main Outcomes and Measures Prevalence of antimicrobial use per 100 residents, defined as the number of residents receiving antimicrobial drugs at the time of the survey divided by the total number of surveyed residents. Multivariable logistic regression modeling of antimicrobial use and percentages of drugs within various classifications. Results Among 15 276 nursing home residents included in the study (mean [SD] age, 77.6 [13.7] years; 9475 [62%] women), complete prevalence data were available for 96.8%. The overall antimicrobial use prevalence was 8.2 per 100 residents (95% CI, 7.8-8.8). Antimicrobial use was more prevalent in residents admitted to the nursing home within 30 days before the survey date (18.8 per 100 residents; 95% CI, 17.4-20.3), with central venous catheters (62.8 per 100 residents; 95% CI, 56.9-68.3) or with indwelling urinary catheters (19.1 per 100 residents; 95% CI, 16.4-22.0). Antimicrobials were most often used to treat active infections (77% [95% CI, 74.8%-79.2%]) and primarily for urinary tract infections (28.1% [95% CI, 15.5%-30.7%]). While 18.2% (95% CI, 16.1%-20.1%) were for medical prophylaxis, most often use was for the urinary tract (40.8% [95% CI, 34.8%-47.1%]). Fluoroquinolones were the most common antimicrobial class (12.9% [95% CI, 11.3%-14.8%]), and 33.1% (95% CI, 30.7%-35.6%) of antimicrobials used were broad-spectrum antibiotics. Conclusions and Relevance In this cross-sectional survey of a cohort of US nursing homes in 2017, prevalence of antimicrobial use was 8.2 per 100 residents. This study provides information on the patterns of antimicrobial use among these nursing home residents.

Among 353 healthcare personnel in a longitudinal cohort in 4 hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia (May–June 2020), 23 (6.5%) had severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibodies. Spending >50% of a typical shift at the bedside (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.2–10.5) and black race (OR, 8.4; 95% CI, 2.7–27.4) were associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity.

Liver transplant recipients are at high risk for surgical site infections (SSIs). Limited data are available on SSI epidemiology following liver transplant procedures (LTPs). We analyzed data on SSIs from 2015 to 2018 reported to CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network to determine rates, pathogen distribution, and antimicrobial resistance after LTPs and other hepatic, biliary, or pancreatic procedures (BILIs). LTP and BILI SSI rates were 5.7% and 5.9%, respectively. The odds of SSI after LTP were lower than after BILI (adjusted odds ratio = 0.70, 95% confidence interval 0.57‐0.85). Among LTP SSIs, 43.1% were caused by Enterococcus spp., 17.2% by Candida spp., and 15.0% by coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus spp. (CNS). Percentages of SSIs caused by Enterococcus faecium or CNS were higher after LTPs than BILIs, whereas percentages of SSIs caused by Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcus faecalis, or viridans streptococci were higher after BILIs. Antimicrobial resistance was common in LTP SSI pathogens, including E. faecium (69.4% vancomycin resistant); Escherichia coli (68.8% fluoroquinolone non‐susceptible and 44.7% extended spectrum cephalosporin [ESC] non‐susceptible); and Klebsiella pneumoniae and K. oxytoca (39.4% fluoroquinolone non‐susceptible and 54.5% ESC non‐susceptible). National LTP SSI pathogen and resistance data can help prioritize studies to determine effective interventions to prevent SSIs and reduce antimicrobial resistance in liver transplant recipients.

Acute change in mental status (ACMS), defined by the Confusion Assessment Method, is used to identify infections in nursing home residents. A medical record review revealed that none of 15,276 residents had an ACMS documented. Using the revised McGeer criteria with a possible ACMS definition, we identified 296 residents and 21 additional infections. The use of a possible ACMS definition should be considered for retrospective nursing home infection surveillance.

BackgroundCandidemia is a common healthcare-associated bloodstream infection with high morbidity and mortality. There are no current estimates of candidemia burden in the United States (US).MethodsIn 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conducted active population-based surveillance for candidemia through the Emerging Infections Program in 45 counties in 9 states encompassing approximately 17 million persons (5% of the national population). Laboratories serving the catchment area population reported all blood cultures with Candida, and a standard case definition was applied to identify cases that occurred in surveillance area residents. Burden of cases and mortality were estimated by extrapolating surveillance area cases to national numbers using 2017 national census data.ResultsWe identified 1226 candidemia cases across 9 surveillance sites in 2017. Based on this, we estimated that 22 660 (95% confidence interval [CI], 20 210–25 110) cases of candidemia occurred in the US in 2017. Overall estimated incidence was 7.0 cases per 100 000 persons, with highest rates in adults aged ≥ 65 years (20.1/100 000), males (7.9/100 000), and those of black race (12.3/100 000). An estimated 3380 (95% CI, 1318–5442) deaths occurred within 7 days of a positive Candida blood culture, and 5628 (95% CI, 2465–8791) deaths occurred during the hospitalization with candidemia.ConclusionsOur analysis highlights the substantial burden of candidemia in the US. Because candidemia is only one form of invasive candidiasis, the true burden of invasive infections due to Candida is higher. Ongoing surveillance can support future burden estimates and help assess the impact of prevention interventions.

Objective:Describe common pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) that occurred during 2015–2017 and were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN).Methods:Data from central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), ventilator-associated events (VAEs), and surgical site infections (SSIs) were reported from acute-care hospitals, long-term acute-care hospitals, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities. This analysis included device-associated HAIs reported from adult location types, and SSIs among patients ≥18 years old. Percentages of pathogens with nonsusceptibility (%NS) to selected antimicrobials were calculated for each HAI type, location type, surgical category, and surgical wound closure technique.Results:Overall, 5,626 facilities performed adult HAI surveillance during this period, most of which were general acute-care hospitals with Escherichia coli (18%), Staphylococcus aureus (12%), and Klebsiella spp (9%) were the 3 most frequently reported pathogens. Pathogens varied by HAI and location type, with oncology units having a distinct pathogen distribution compared to other settings. The %NS for most pathogens was significantly higher among device-associated HAIs than SSIs. In addition, pathogens from long-term acute-care hospitals had a significantly higher %NS than those from general hospital wards.Conclusions:This report provides an updated national summary of pathogen distributions and antimicrobial resistance among select HAIs and pathogens, stratified by several factors. These data underscore the importance of tracking antimicrobial resistance, particularly in vulnerable populations such as long-term acute-care hospitals and intensive care units.

OBJECTIVETo describe pathogen distribution and antimicrobial resistance patterns for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) from pediatric locations during 2011–2014.METHODSDevice-associated infection data were analyzed for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and surgical site infection (SSI). Pooled mean percentage resistance was calculated for a variety of pathogen-antimicrobial resistance pattern combinations and was stratified by location for device-associated infections (neonatal intensive care units [NICUs], pediatric intensive care units [PICUs], pediatric oncology and pediatric wards) and by surgery type for SSIs.RESULTSFrom 2011 to 2014, 1,003 hospitals reported 20,390 pediatric HAIs and 22,323 associated pathogens to the NHSN. Among all HAIs, the following pathogens accounted for more than 60% of those reported:Staphylococcus aureus(17%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (17%),Escherichia coli(11%),Klebsiella pneumoniaeand/oroxytoca(9%), andEnterococcus faecalis(8%). Among device-associated infections, resistance was generally lower in NICUs than in other locations. For several pathogens, resistance was greater in pediatric wards than in PICUs. The proportion of organisms resistant to carbapenems was low overall but reached approximately 20% forPseudomonas aeruginosafrom CLABSIs and CAUTIs in some locations. Among SSIs, antimicrobial resistance patterns were similar across surgical procedure types for most pathogens.CONCLUSIONThis report is the first pediatric-specific description of antimicrobial resistance data reported to the NHSN. Reporting of pediatric-specific HAIs and antimicrobial resistance data will help identify priority targets for infection control and antimicrobial stewardship activities in facilities that provide care for children.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2018;39:1–11

Background: With an aging population, increasingly complex care, and frequent re-admissions, prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in nursing homes (NHs) is a federal priority. However, few contemporary sources of HAI data exist to inform surveillance, prevention, and policy. Prevalence surveys (PSs) are an efficient approach to generating data to measure the burden and describe the types of HAI. In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) performed its first large-scale HAI PS through the Emerging Infections Program (EIP) to measure the prevalence and describe the epidemiology of HAI in NH residents. Methods: NHs from several states (CA, CO, CT, GA, MD, MN, NM, NY, OR, & TN) were randomly selected and asked to participate in a 1-day HAI PS between April and October 2017; participation was voluntary. EIP staff reviewed available medical records for NH residents present on the survey date to collect demographic and basic clinical information and infection signs and symptoms. HAIs with onset on or after NH day 3 were identified using revised McGeer infection definitions applied to data collected by EIP staff and were reported to the CDC through a web-based system. Data were reviewed by CDC staff for potential errors and to validate HAI classifications prior to analysis. HAI prevalence, number of residents with >1 HAI per number of surveyed residents ×100, and 95% CIs were calculated overall (pooled mean) and for selected resident characteristics. Data were analyzed using SAS v9.4 software. Results: Among 15,296 residents in 161 NHs, 358 residents with 375 HAIs were identified. The most common HAI sites were skin (32%), respiratory tract (29%), and urinary tract (20%). Cellulitis, soft-tissue or wound infection, symptomatic UTI, and cold or pharyngitis were the most common individual HAIs (Fig. 1). Overall HAI prevalence was 2.3 per 100 residents (95% CI, 2.1–2.6); at the NH level, the median HAI prevalence was 1.8 and ranged from 0 to 14.3 (interquartile range, 0–3.1). At the resident level (Fig. 2), HAI prevalence was significantly higher in persons admitted for postacute care with diabetes, with a pressure ulcer, receiving wound care, or with a device. Conclusions: In this large-scale survey, 1 in 43 NH residents had an HAI on a given day. Three HAI types comprised >80% of infections. In addition to identifying characteristics that place residents at higher risk for HAIs, these findings provide important data on HAI epidemiology in NHs that can be used to expand HAI surveillance and inform prevention policies and practices.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Background: Antibiotics are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in nursing homes; urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frequent indication. Although there is no gold standard for the diagnosis of UTIs, various criteria have been developed to inform and standardize nursing home prescribing decisions, with the goal of reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescribing. Using different published criteria designed to guide decisions on initiating treatment of UTIs (ie, symptomatic, catheter-associated, and uncomplicated cystitis), our objective was to assess the appropriateness of antibiotic prescribing among NH residents. Methods: In 2017, the CDC Emerging Infections Program (EIP) performed a prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic use in 161 nursing homes from 10 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Tennessee. EIP staff reviewed resident medical records to collect demographic and clinical information, infection signs, symptoms, and diagnostic testing documented on the day an antibiotic was initiated and 6 days prior. We applied 4 criteria to determine whether initiation of treatment for UTI was supported: (1) the Loeb minimum clinical criteria (Loeb); (2) the Suspected UTI Situation, Background, Assessment, and Recommendation tool (UTI SBAR tool); (3) adaptation of Infectious Diseases Society of America UTI treatment guidelines for nursing home residents (Crnich & Drinka); and (4) diagnostic criteria for uncomplicated cystitis (cystitis consensus) (Fig. 1). We calculated the percentage of residents for whom initiating UTI treatment was appropriate by these criteria. Results: Of 248 residents for whom UTI treatment was initiated in the nursing home, the median age was 79 years [IQR, 19], 63% were female, and 35% were admitted for postacute care. There was substantial variability in the percentage of residents with antibiotic initiation classified as appropriate by each of the criteria, ranging from 8% for the cystitis consensus, to 27% for Loeb, to 33% for the UTI SBAR tool, to 51% for Crnich and Drinka (Fig. 2). Conclusions: Appropriate initiation of UTI treatment among nursing home residents remained low regardless of criteria used. At best only half of antibiotic treatment met published prescribing criteria. Although insufficient documentation of infection signs, symptoms and testing may have contributed to the low percentages observed, adequate documentation in the medical record to support prescribing should be standard practice, as outlined in the CDC Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship for nursing homes. Standardized UTI prescribing criteria should be incorporated into nursing home stewardship activities to improve the assessment and documentation of symptomatic UTI and to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Background: The NHSN collects data on mucosal barrier injury, laboratory-confirmed, bloodstream infections (MBI-LCBIs) as part of bloodstream infection (BSI) surveillance. Specialty care areas (SCAs), which include oncology patient care locations, tend to report the most MBI-LCBI events compared to other location types. During the update of the NSHN aggregate data and risk models in 2015, MBI-LCBI events were excluded from central-line–associated BSI (CLABSI) model calculations; separate models were generated for MBI-LCBIs, resulting in MBI-specific standardized infection ratios (SIRs). This is the first analysis to describe risk-adjusted incidence of MBI-LCBIs at the national level. Methods: Data were analyzed for MBI-LCBIs attributed to oncology locations conducting BSI surveillance from January 2015 through December 2018. We generated annual national MBI-LCBI SIRs using risk models developed from 2015 data and compared the annual SIRs to the baseline (2015) using a mid-P exact test. To account for the impact of an expansion in the MBI-LCBI organism list in 2017 from 489 organisms (32 genera) to 1,003 organisms (89 genera), we removed the MBI-LCBI events that met the newly added MBI organisms and generated additional MBI SIRs for 2017 and 2018. Results: The annual SIRs remained above 1 since 2015, indicating a greater number of MBI-LCBIs identified than were predicted based on the 2015 national data (Fig. 1). Each year’s SIR was significantly different than the national baseline, and the highest SIR was observed in 2017 (SIR, 1.377). In 2017, 12% of MBI events were attributed to an organism that was added to the MBI organism list, and in 2018 it was 10%. After removal of MBIs attributed to the expanded organisms, the 2017 and 2018 SIRs remained higher than those of previous years (1.241 and 1.232, respectively). Conclusions: The distinction of MBI-LCBIs from all other CLABSIs provides an opportunity to assess the burden of this infection type within specific patient populations. Since 2015, the increase of these events in the oncology population highlights the need for greater attention on prevention strategies pertinent to MBI-LCBI in this vulnerable population.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Background NHSN Mucosal Barrier Injury-Laboratory Confirmed Bloodstream Infection (MBI-LCBI) includes pathogens likely to cause bloodstream infections (BSI) in some oncology patients. MBI-LCBIs are excluded from central line-associated BSI (CLABSI) reporting to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. NHSN users have requested other pathogens be added to MBI-LCBI. To make decision, we compared CLABSI pathogen distributions in three NHSN patient location groups. Methods We analyzed CLABSI data from hospitals conducting surveillance for ≥ 1 month from January 2014–December 2018 in ≥ 1 MBI high-risk location (leukemia, lymphoma, and adult and pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant wards). We compared CLABSI pathogen distributions and rates in MBI high-risk locations to medium-risk (solid tumor, adult and pediatric general hematology-oncology wards) and low-risk locations (adult and pediatric medical, surgical, and medical-surgical wards), and used χ2 tests to compare percentages with statistical significance at P ≤ 0.05. Results Overall, 122 hospitals reported 23,578 CLABSIs and 12,961,921 central line (CL)-days (1.81 CLABSIs per 1,000 CL-days) (Table). Percentages of CLABSIs due to three MBI-LCBI pathogens (E. coli, E. faecium, Viridans streptococci) were significantly higher in high- versus low-risk locations, while for other MBI-LCBI pathogens (K. pneumoniae/oxytoca, E. faecalis, Candida spp., Enterobacter spp.) percentages were significantly lower in high-risk locations (Figure). For pathogens not currently in MBI-LCBI, coagulase-negative staphylococci caused similar percentages of CLABSIs across locations, S. aureus caused a significantly higher percentage of CLABSIs in low-risk locations, while PA caused a significantly higher percentage of CLABSIs in high-risk locations. Table CLABSIs attributed to MBI high-risk, medium-risk, and low-risk locations, NHSN, 2014–2018 Figure Percentages of top 10 pathogen-specific CLABSIs in MBI high-risk, medium-risk, and low-risk locations, NHSN, 2014–2018 Conclusion Differences in percentages of CLABSIs due to selected pathogens between MBI high-risk and low-risk locations are evident in NHSN data. Lower percentages of Klebsiella and Candida spp. in high-risk locations might be partially due to antimicrobial prophylaxis in oncology patients. Although PA caused a significantly higher percentage of CLABSIs in high-risk locations, the absolute difference was modest. Additional analyses are needed. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Ventilator-associated event surveillance was introduced in the National Healthcare Safety Network in 2013, replacing surveillance for ventilator-associated pneumonia in adult inpatient locations. We determined incidence rates and characteristics of ventilator-associated events reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network.We analyzed data reported from U.S. healthcare facilities for ventilator-associated events that occurred in 2014, the first year during which ventilator-associated event surveillance definitions were stable. We used negative binomial regression modeling to identify healthcare facility and inpatient location characteristics associated with ventilator-associated events. We calculated ventilator-associated event incidence rates, rate distributions, and ventilator utilization ratios in critical care and noncritical care locations and described event characteristics.A total of 1,824 healthcare facilities reported 32,772 location months of ventilator-associated event surveillance data to the National Healthcare Safety Network in 2014. Critical care unit pooled mean ventilator-associated event incidence rates ranged from 2.00 to 11.79 per 1,000 ventilator days, whereas noncritical care unit rates ranged from 0 to 14.86 per 1,000 ventilator days. The pooled mean proportion of ventilator-associated events defined as infection-related varied from 15.38% to 47.62% in critical care units. Pooled mean ventilator utilization ratios in critical care units ranged from 0.24 to 0.47.We found substantial variability in ventilator-associated event incidence, proportions of ventilator-associated events characterized as infection-related, and ventilator utilization within and among location types. More work is needed to understand the preventable fraction of ventilator-associated events and identify patient care strategies that reduce ventilator-associated events.

Objectives Describe antibiotic use for urinary tract infection (UTI) among a large cohort of US nursing home residents. Design Analysis of data from a multistate, 1-day point prevalence survey of antimicrobial use performed between April and October 2017. Setting and participants Residents of 161 nursing homes in 10 US states of the Emerging Infections Program (EIP). Methods EIP staff reviewed nursing home medical records to collect data on systemic antimicrobial drugs received by residents, including therapeutic site, rationale for use, and planned duration. For drugs with the therapeutic site documented as urinary tract, pooled mean and nursing home–specific prevalence rates were calculated per 100 nursing home residents, and proportion of drugs by selected characteristics were reported. Data were analyzed in SAS, version 9.4. Results Among 15,276 residents, 407 received 424 antibiotics for UTI. The pooled mean prevalence rate of antibiotic use for UTI was 2.66 per 100 residents; nursing home–specific rates ranged from 0 to 13.6. One-quarter of antibiotics were prescribed for UTI prophylaxis, with a median planned duration of 111 days compared with 7 days when prescribed for UTI treatment (P Conclusions and Implications One in 38 residents was receiving an antibiotic for UTI on a given day, and nursing home–specific prevalence rates varied by more than 10-fold. UTI prophylaxis was common with a long planned duration, despite limited evidence to support this practice among older persons in nursing homes. The planned duration was ≥7 days for half of antibiotics prescribed for treatment of a UTI. Fluoroquinolones were the most commonly used antibiotics, despite their association with significant adverse events, particularly in a frail and older adult population. These findings help to identify priority practices for nursing home antibiotic stewardship.

During 2014-2017, CDC Emerging Infections Program surveillance data reported that the occurrence of invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections associated with injection drug use doubled among persons aged 18-49 years residing in Monroe County in western New York.* Unpublished surveillance data also indicate that an increasing proportion of all Candida spp. bloodstream infections in Monroe County and invasive group A Streptococcus (GAS) infections in 15 New York counties are also occurring among persons who inject drugs. In addition, across six surveillance sites nationwide, the proportion of invasive MRSA infections that occurred in persons who inject drugs increased from 4.1% of invasive MRSA cases in 2011 to 9.2% in 2016 (1). To better understand the types and frequency of these infections and identify prevention opportunities, CDC and public health partners conducted a rapid assessment of bacterial and fungal infections among persons who inject drugs in western New York. The goals were to assess which bacterial and fungal pathogens most often cause infections in persons who inject drugs, what proportion of persons who inject use opioids, and of these, how many were offered medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder. Medication-assisted treatment, which includes use of medications such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone, reduces cravings and has been reported to lower the risk for overdose death and all-cause mortality in persons who use opioids (2,3). In this assessment, nearly all persons with infections who injected drugs used opioids (97%), but half of inpatients (22 of 44) and 12 of 13 patients seen only in the emergency department (ED) were not offered medication-assisted treatment. The most commonly identified pathogen was S. aureus (80%), which is frequently found on skin. Health care visits for bacterial and fungal infections associated with injection opioid use are an opportunity to treat the underlying opioid use disorder with medication-assisted treatment. Routine care for patients who continue to inject should include advice on hand hygiene and not injecting into skin that has not been cleaned or to use any equipment contaminated by reuse, saliva, soil, or water (4,5).

Background Public health and infection control prevention and surveillance efforts in the United States have primarily focused on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We describe the public health importance of methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) in selected communities. Methods We analyzed Emerging Infections Program surveillance data for invasive S. aureus (SA) infections (isolated from a normally sterile body site) in 8 counties in 5 states during 2016. Cases were considered healthcare-associated if culture was obtained >3 days after hospital admission; if associated with dialysis, hospitalization, surgery, or long-term care facility (LTCF) residence within 1 year prior; or if a central venous catheter was present ≤2 days prior. Incidence per 100 000 census population was calculated, and a multivariate logistic regression model with random intercepts was used to compare MSSA risk factors with those of MRSA. Results Invasive MSSA incidence (31.3/100 000) was 1.8 times higher than MRSA (17.5/100 000). Persons with MSSA were more likely than those with MRSA to have no underlying medical conditions (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.06; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26–3.39) and less likely to have prior hospitalization (aOR, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.60–0.82) or LTCF residence (aOR, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.29–0.47). MSSA accounted for 59.7% of healthcare-associated cases and 60.1% of deaths. Conclusions Although MRSA tended to be more closely associated with healthcare exposures, invasive MSSA is a substantial public health problem in the areas studied. Public health and infection control prevention efforts should consider MSSA prevention in addition to MRSA.

BACKGROUND: A point-prevalence survey that was conducted in the United States in 2011 showed that 4% of hospitalized patients had a health care–associated infection. We repeated the survey in 2015 to assess changes in the prevalence of health care–associated infections during a period of national attention to the prevention of such infections. METHODS: At Emerging Infections Program sites in 10 states, we recruited up to 25 hospitals in each site area, prioritizing hospitals that had participated in the 2011 survey. Each hospital selected 1 day on which a random sample of patients was identified for assessment. Trained staff reviewed medical records using the 2011 definitions of health care–associated infections. We compared the percentages of patients with health care–associated infections and performed multivariable log-binomial regression modeling to evaluate the association of survey year with the risk of health care–associated infections. RESULTS: In 2015, a total of 12,299 patients in 199 hospitals were surveyed, as compared with 11,282 patients in 183 hospitals in 2011. Fewer patients had health care–associated infections in 2015 (394 patients [3.2%; 95% confidence interval {CI}, 2.9 to 3.5]) than in 2011 (452 [4.0%; 95% CI, 3.7 to 4.4]) (P

Importance Hospital antimicrobial consumption data are widely available; however, large-scale assessments of the quality of antimicrobial use in US hospitals are limited. Objective To evaluate the appropriateness of antimicrobial use for hospitalized patients treated for community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) or urinary tract infection (UTI) present at admission or for patients who had received fluoroquinolone or intravenous vancomycin treatment. Design, Setting, and Participants This cross-sectional study included data from a prevalence survey of hospitalized patients in 10 Emerging Infections Program sites. Random samples of inpatients on hospital survey dates from May 1 to September 30, 2015, were identified. Medical record data were collected for eligible patients with 1 or more of 4 treatment events (CAP, UTI, fluoroquinolone treatment, or vancomycin treatment), which were selected on the basis of common infection types reported and antimicrobials given to patients in the prevalence survey. Data were analyzed from August 1, 2017, to May 31, 2020. Exposure Antimicrobial treatment for CAP or UTI or with fluoroquinolones or vancomycin. Main Outcomes and Measures The percentage of antimicrobial use that was supported by medical record data (including infection signs and symptoms, microbiology test results, and antimicrobial treatment duration) or for which some aspect of use was unsupported. Unsupported antimicrobial use was defined as (1) use of antimicrobials to which the pathogen was not susceptible, use in the absence of documented infection signs or symptoms, or use without supporting microbiologic data; (2) use of antimicrobials that deviated from recommended guidelines; or (3) use that exceeded the recommended duration. Results Of 12 299 patients, 1566 patients (12.7%) in 192 hospitals were included; the median age was 67 years (interquartile range, 53-79 years), and 864 (55.2%) were female. A total of 219 patients (14.0%) were included in the CAP analysis, 452 (28.9%) in the UTI analysis, 550 (35.1%) in the fluoroquinolone analysis, and 403 (25.7%) in the vancomycin analysis; 58 patients (3.7%) were included in both fluoroquinolone and vancomycin analyses. Overall, treatment was unsupported for 876 of 1566 patients (55.9%; 95% CI, 53.5%-58.4%): 110 of 403 (27.3%) who received vancomycin, 256 of 550 (46.5%) who received fluoroquinolones, 347 of 452 (76.8%) with a diagnosis of UTI, and 174 of 219 (79.5%) with a diagnosis of CAP. Among patients with unsupported treatment, common reasons included excessive duration (103 of 174 patients with CAP [59.2%]) and lack of documented infection signs or symptoms (174 of 347 patients with UTI [50.1%]). Conclusions and Relevance The findings suggest that standardized assessments of hospital antimicrobial prescribing quality can be used to estimate the appropriateness of antimicrobial use in large groups of hospitals. These assessments, performed over time, may inform evaluations of the effects of antimicrobial stewardship initiatives nationally.

BACKGROUND Sepsis is a serious and often fatal clinical syndrome, resulting from infection. Information on patient demographics, risk factors, and infections leading to sepsis is needed to integrate comprehensive sepsis prevention, early recognition, and treatment strategies. METHODS To describe characteristics of patients with sepsis, CDC and partners conducted a retrospective chart review in four New York hospitals. Random samples of medical records from adult and pediatric patients with administrative codes for severe sepsis or septic shock were reviewed. RESULTS Medical records of 246 adults and 79 children (aged birth to 17 years) were reviewed. Overall, 72% of patients had a health care factor during the 30 days before sepsis admission or a selected chronic condition likely to require frequent medical care. Pneumonia was the most common infection leading to sepsis. The most common pathogens isolated from blood cultures were Escherichia coli in adults aged ≥18 years, Klebsiella spp. in children aged ≥1 year, and Enterococcus spp. in infants aged

OBJECTIVETo determine the clinical diagnoses associated with the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) pneumonia (PNEU) or lower respiratory infection (LRI) surveillance eventsDESIGNRetrospective chart reviewSETTINGA convenience sample of 8 acute-care hospitals in PennsylvaniaPATIENTSAll patients hospitalized during 2011–2012METHODSMedical records were reviewed from a random sample of patients reported to the NHSN to have PNEU or LRI, excluding adults with ventilator-associated PNEU. Documented clinical diagnoses corresponding temporally to the PNEU and LRI events were recorded.RESULTSWe reviewed 250 (30%) of 838 eligible PNEU and LRI events reported to the NHSN; 29 reported events (12%) fulfilled neither PNEU nor LRI case criteria. Differences interpreting radiology reports accounted for most misclassifications. Of 81 PNEU events in adults not on mechanical ventilation, 84% had clinician-diagnosed pneumonia; of these, 25% were attributed to aspiration. Of 43 adult LRI, 88% were in mechanically ventilated patients and 35% had no corresponding clinical diagnosis (infectious or noninfectious) documented at the time of LRI. Of 36 pediatric PNEU events, 72% were ventilator associated, and 70% corresponded to a clinical pneumonia diagnosis. Of 61 pediatric LRI patients, 84% were mechanically ventilated and 21% had no corresponding clinical diagnosis documented.CONCLUSIONSIn adults not on mechanical ventilation and in children, most NHSN-defined PNEU events corresponded with compatible clinical conditions documented in the medical record. In contrast, NHSN LRI events often did not. As a result, substantial modifications to the LRI definitions were implemented in 2015.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;37:818–824

BACKGROUND Recent antimicrobial resistance data are lacking from inpatient oncology settings to guide infection prophylaxis and treatment recommendations. We describe central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) pathogens and antimicrobial resistance patterns reported from oncology locations to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). METHODS CLABSI data reported to NHSN from 2009 to 2012 from adult inpatient oncology locations were compared to data from nononcology adult locations within the same hospitals. Pathogen profile, antimicrobial resistance rates, and CLABSI incidence rates per 1000 central line-days were calculated. CLABSI incidence rates were compared using Poisson regression. RESULTS During 2009-2012, 4654 CLABSIs were reported to NHSN from 299 adult oncology units. The most common organisms causing CLABSI in oncology locations were coagulase-negative staphylococci (16.9%), Escherichia coli (11.8%), and Enterococcus faecium (11.4%). Fluoroquinolone resistance was more common among E. coli CLABSI in oncology than nononcology locations (56.5% vs 41.5% of isolates tested; P < .0001) and increased significantly from 2009-2010 to 2011-2012 (49.5% vs 60.4%; P = .01). Furthermore, rates of CLABSI were significantly higher in oncology compared to nononcology locations for fluoroquinolone-resistant E. coli (rate ratio, 7.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 6.20-8.76) and vancomycin-resistant E. faecium (rate ratio, 2.27, 95% CI, 2.03-2.53). However, resistance rates for some organisms, such as Klebsiella species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were lower in oncology than in nononcology locations. CONCLUSIONS Antimicrobial-resistant E. coli and E. faecium have become significant pathogens in oncology. Practices for antimicrobial prophylaxis and empiric antimicrobial therapy should be regularly assessed in conjunction with contemporary antimicrobial resistance data.

SUMMARYWe assessed prevalence of and risk factors for candidaemia following Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) using longitudinal population-based surveillance. Of 13 615 adults with CDI, 113 (0·8%) developed candidaemia in the 120 days following CDI. In a matched case-control analysis, severe CDI and CDI treatment with vancomycin + metronidazole were associated with development of candidaemia following CDI.

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) event data reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network from 2014, the first year of required use of the mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (MBI-LCBI) definition, were analyzed to assess the impact of removing MBI-LCBI events from CLABSI rates. CLABSI rates decreased significantly in some location types after removing MBI-LCBI events, and MBI-LCBI events will be removed from publicly reported CLABSI rates.

Background: Mechanical ventilation is a life-saving measure for patients with respiratory failure; however, these patients are at high risk for complications and poor outcomes. Surveillance for ventilator-associated events (VAEs) via the CDC NHSN began in 2013 in adult patient care locations in hospitals. Pediatric ventilator-associated event (PedVAE) surveillance began in January 2019. The PedVAE definition is based on increases in mean airway pressure (MAP) or fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). We summarized the first 9 months of PedVAE data reported to the NHSN. Methods: Neonatal and pediatric locations of US acute-care hospitals, long-term acute-care hospitals, and inpatient rehabilitation facilities were eligible to participate in PedVAE surveillance as of January 1, 2019. When submitting PedVAEs to the NHSN, facilities may also optionally report information about antimicrobials, pathogens, and clinical events associated with PedVAEs. We analyzed PedVAE data from January through September 2019 submitted by facilities participating in surveillance according to the NHSN protocol. We calculated pooled mean incidence rates (no. events per 1,000 ventilator days) for neonatal and pediatric intensive care units (NICUs and PICUs), and we describe characteristics of PedVAEs. Results: Overall, 205 PedVAEs were reported: 111 events from 147 NICUs in 140 facilities and 94 events from 117 PICUs in 85 facilities. The pooled mean incidence was 1.61 events per 1,000 ventilator days in level 2 and 3 NICUs, 1.09 events per 1,000 ventilator days in level III NICUs, and 1.25 events per 1,000 ventilator days in PICUs. Of 205 PedVAEs, 133 (65%) met only the MAP criterion, 65 (32%) met only the FiO2 criterion, and 7 (3%) met both. Optional data on antimicrobials, pathogens, and clinical events were reported for 74 of 205 PedVAEs (36%). Among these 74 events, antimicrobial administration was common (50 of 74, 68%). By contrast, a minority had a pathogen reported (21 of 74, 28%). Of 74 PedVAEs, 60 were associated with a clinical event (80%), although only 15 (20%) were reported to be associated with a clinical infection. Of 74 PedVAEs, 4 (5%) were associated with mechanical ventilation weaning. Conclusions: PedVAE incidence rates are low in NICUs and PICUs. Most PedVAEs appear to be associated with clinical events. Although a minority of PedVAEs were associated with infections or pathogens, antimicrobial administration was reported for >60%. Further evaluation of the clinical correlates of PedVAEs can inform development of effective prevention and antimicrobial stewardship in mechanically ventilated children.Funding: NoneDisclosures: Cheri Grigg, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Background: Chlorhexidine bathing reduces bacterial skin colonization and prevents infections in specific patient populations. As chlorhexidine use becomes more widespread, concerns about bacterial tolerance to chlorhexidine have increased; however, testing for chlorhexidine minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) is challenging. We adapted a broth microdilution (BMD) method to determine whether chlorhexidine MICs changed over time among 4 important healthcare-associated pathogens. Methods: Antibiotic-resistant bacterial isolates (Staphylococcus aureus from 2005 to 2019 and Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Enterobacter cloacae complex from 2011 to 2019) were collected through Emerging Infections Program surveillance in 2 sites (Georgia and Tennessee) or through public health reporting in 1 site (Orange County, California). A convenience sample of isolates were collected from facilities with varying amounts of chlorhexidine use. We performed BMD testing using laboratory-developed panels with chlorhexidine digluconate concentrations ranging from 0.125 to 64 μg/mL. After successfully establishing reproducibility with quality control organisms, 3 laboratories performed MIC testing. For each organism, epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs) were established using ECOFFinder. Results: Among 538 isolates tested (129 S. aureus, 158 E. coli, 142 K. pneumoniae, and 109 E. cloacae complex), S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and E. cloacae complex ECVs were 8, 4, 64, and 64 µg/mL, respectively (Table 1). Moreover, 14 isolates had an MIC above the ECV (12 E. coli and 2 E. cloacae complex). The MIC50 of each species is reported over time (Table 2). Conclusions: Using an adapted BMD method, we found that chlorhexidine MICs did not increase over time among a limited sample of S. aureus, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and E. cloacae complex isolates. Although these results are reassuring, continued surveillance for elevated chlorhexidine MICs in isolates from patients with well-characterized chlorhexidine exposure is needed as chlorhexidine use increases.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Key Points Question What types of health care exposures occur during the 30 days before hospitalization of a patient with sepsis or septic shock, and how common are these exposures? Findings In this cohort study of 1078 US adults with sepsis and septic shock across 10 states, most patients experienced sepsis onset outside of the hospital, had recent encounters with the health care system, and had a sepsis-associated pathogen documented; 42% of patients received antimicrobial drugs, chemotherapy, wound care, dialysis, or surgery in the 30 days before sepsis occurred. After controlling for other factors, an association was found between underlying comorbidities, such as cirrhosis, immunosuppression, and vascular disease, and 30-day mortality. Meaning The findings suggest that future efforts to improve outcomes among patients with sepsis and septic shock would benefit from examination of health maintenance practices and recent health care exposures as potential opportunities among high-risk patients., Importance Current information on the characteristics of patients who develop sepsis may help in identifying opportunities to improve outcomes. Most recent studies of sepsis epidemiology have focused on changes in incidence or have used administrative data sets that provided limited patient-level data. Objective To describe sepsis epidemiology in adults. Design, Setting, and Participants This retrospective cohort study reviewed the medical records, death certificates, and hospital discharge data of adult patients with sepsis or septic shock who were discharged from the hospital between October 1, 2014, and September 30, 2015. The convenience sample was obtained from hospitals in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Emerging Infections Program in 10 states (California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Tennessee). Patients 18 years and older with discharge diagnosis codes for severe sepsis or septic shock were randomly selected. Data were analyzed between May 1, 2018, and January 31, 2019. Main Outcomes and Measures The population’s demographic characteristics, health care exposures, and sepsis-associated infections and pathogens were described, and risk factors for death within 30 days after sepsis diagnosis were assessed. Results Among 1078 adult patients with sepsis (569 men [52.8%]; median age, 64 years [interquartile range, 53-75 years]), 973 patients (90.3%) were classified as having community-onset sepsis (ie, sepsis diagnosed within 3 days of hospital admission). In total, 654 patients (60.7%) had health care exposures before their hospital admission for sepsis; 260 patients (24.1%) had outpatient encounters in the 7 days before admission, and 447 patients (41.5%) received medical treatment, including antimicrobial drugs, chemotherapy, wound care, dialysis, or surgery, in the 30 days before admission. A pathogen associated with sepsis was found in 613 patients (56.9%); the most common pathogens identified were Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Clostridioides difficile. After controlling for other factors, an association was found between underlying comorbidities, such as cirrhosis (odds ratio, 3.59; 95% CI, 2.03-6.32), immunosuppression (odds ratio, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.81-3.52), vascular disease (odds ratio, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.10-2.15), and 30-day mortality. Conclusions and Relevance Most adults experienced sepsis onset outside of the hospital and had recent encounters with the health care system. A sepsis-associated pathogen was identified in more than half of patients. Future efforts to improve sepsis outcomes may benefit from examination of health maintenance practices and recent health care exposures as potential opportunities among high-risk patients., This cohort study uses medical records, death certificates, and hospital discharge data to describe health care exposures and outcomes among adult patients with sepsis and septic shock.

Background Due to complex invasive medical procedures and compromised immunity, solid-organ transplant (SOT) patients are at high risk for infections. However, whether SOT patients are at higher risk than other hospitalized patients for selected healthcare-associated infections (HAI), such as central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) or catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), or for infections with antimicrobial-resistant (AR) pathogens, is not well described. We analyzed data reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) from inpatient SOT units and compared CLABSI and CAUTI rates and AR in hospitals with both SOT and non-SOT units. Methods We analyzed 2015–2017 CLABSI and CAUTI data reported to NHSN from hospitals with adult or pediatric inpatient SOT units. We calculated CLABSI and CAUTI incidence rates per 1,000 central-line days (CLD) and urinary catheter days (UCD), respectively, and compared rates, pathogen distributions, and AR among events attributed to three unit types: (1) SOT units; (2) adult, pediatric, and neonatal critical care units; and (3) adult and pediatric medical, surgical, and combined medical-surgical wards. We compared proportions using χ 2 tests and determined statistical significance at P ≤ 0.05. Results CLABSI and CAUTI rates in SOT units were lower than rates in critical care units, but higher than rates in wards (table). Although the most common CLABSI and CAUTI pathogens were similar in all three unit types, the prevalence of individual pathogens differed (figure). Among CLABSI pathogens, Enterococcus faecium, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae or oxytoca were significantly more prevalent in SOT compared with critical care units. Vancomycin resistance among CLABSI E. faecium was significantly lower (71.4% vs. 87.5%) and fluoroquinolone resistance among CAUTI E. coli was significantly higher (49.3% vs. 32.5%) in SOT compared with critical care units. Conclusion SOT units have lower CLABSI and CAUTI rates compared with critical care units. Differences in pathogens and AR among device-associated HAIs in SOT units should be considered when implementing infection prevention and treatment policies. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background Candidemia is a common healthcare-associated bloodstream infection associated with high morbidity and mortality. No current estimates exist for understanding its burden in the United States. Methods In 2017, CDC’s Emerging Infections Program (EIP) performed laboratory- and active population-based candidemia surveillance in 45 counties in nine states (California, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Tennessee), encompassing ~17 million persons. A case was defined as Candida species isolated from blood in a surveillance area resident. EIP site staff reviewed medical records to collect demographic and clinical data. Using 2016 US census data, we created weighted estimates of national and regional incidence rates and mortality in persons with candidemia (defined as death from any cause within 7 days of incident candidemia). Results A total of 1,226 candidemia cases were identified in 2017. We estimated 23,000 candidemia cases (95% CI 20,000–25,000) occurred in the United States in 2017. Overall estimated incidence was 7.0/100,000 persons, with elevated rates in adults ≥65 years (20.3/100,000), males (8.0/100,000), and people of Black race (12.6/100,000) (table). Incidence was highest in the South Atlantic region (8.0/100,000) and lowest in the Pacific (6.0/100,000). Estimated number of deaths was 3,000 (1,000–5,000). Conclusion Our analysis highlights the substantial burden of candidemia in the US Because candidemia is only one form of invasive candidiasis, the true burden of invasive infections due to Candida species is likely higher. Ongoing surveillance can support future burden estimates and help assess the impact of prevention interventions. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background CDC released the Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship (Core Elements) for Nursing Homes (NHs) in 2015. In 2017, CDCs Emerging Infections Program (EIP) evaluated uptake of the Core Elements in a cohort of NHs. Methods NHs from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Tennessee were randomly selected to participate in a CDC EIP antimicrobial use prevalence survey; participation was voluntary. A NH leader (typically Director of Nursing or Infection Preventionist) completed a CDC questionnaire to self-report facility implementation of 15 individual activities within the 7 domains of the Core Elements. The number and percentage of facilities reporting “Yes” to each activity and a facility stewardship score (range 0–15, 1 point per activity) were calculated. Associations between the stewardship score and facility-level factors, obtained from the questionnaire and publically available Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) NH quality data, were identified using Analysis of Variance (Proc GLM) in SAS 9.4; a P < 0.05 was considered significant. Results In 161 NHs (mean certified beds 118, 92% dual certified, 68% for-profit), the % of NHs reporting implementation of the 15 activities (figure) ranged from 25% (has a formulary of antibiotic agents, providers required to perform an antibiotic “time-out”) to 88% (providers required to document dose, duration and indication). The median facility stewardship score was 9 (interquartile range 7–12). A higher stewardship score was significantly associated with having: an infection preventionist who completed a certified training course (Yes vs. No, P = 0.029), higher number of attending physicians per 100 NH beds (upper quartile vs. lower three quartiles, P = 0.029), and higher CMS quality measure score (scale of 1 to 5 points, P = 0.025). Conclusion These data, collected approximately 2 years after release of the Core Elements, show NHs have begun to implement many policies or practices consistent with CDC antibiotic stewardship guidance. However, improved understanding of the uptake and barriers associated with implementation of the Core Elements can inform development of stewardship initiatives, identify NHs in need of stewardship interventions, and accelerate adoption. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

OBJECTIVESTo determine the impact of mucosal barrier injury laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections (MBI-LCBIs) on central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates during the first year of MBI-LCBI reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)DESIGNDescriptive analysis of 2013 NHSN dataSETTINGSelected inpatient locations in acute care hospitalsMETHODSA descriptive analysis of MBI-LCBI cases was performed. CLABSI rates per 1,000 central-line days were calculated with and without the inclusion of MBI-LCBIs in the subset of locations reporting ≥1 MBI-LCBI, and in all locations (regardless of MBI-LCBI reporting) to determine rate differences overall and by location type.RESULTSFrom 418 locations in 252 acute care hospitals reporting ≥1 MBI-LCBIs, 3,162 CLABSIs were reported; 1,415 (44.7%) met the MBI-LCBI definition. Among these locations, removing MBI-LCBI from the CLABSI rate determination produced the greatest CLABSI rate decreases in oncology (49%) and ward locations (45%). Among all locations reporting CLABSI data, including those reporting no MBI-LCBIs, removing MBI-LCBI reduced rates by 8%. Here, the greatest decrease was in oncology locations (38% decrease); decreases in other locations ranged from 1.2% to 4.2%.CONCLUSIONSAn understanding of the potential impact of removing MBI-LCBIs from CLABSI data is needed to accurately interpret CLABSI trends over time and to inform changes to state and federal reporting programs. Whereas the MBI-LCBI definition may have a large impact on CLABSI rates in locations where patients with certain clinical conditions are cared for, the impact of MBI-LCBIs on overall CLABSI rates across inpatient locations appears to be more modest.Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;37(1):2–7

Background Large-scale, prospective, evaluation of sampling for central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) denominator data was necessary prior to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) implementation. Methods In a sample of volunteer hospitals from states in the Emerging Infections Program, prospective collection of CLABSI denominators (patient days, central line days [CLDs]) was performed in eligible locations for ≥6 and ≤12 consecutive months using the current NHSN method (daily collection) and also by a second data collector who sampled the denominator data 1 d/wk. The quality of the sampled data was evaluated and used to calculate estimated CLDs and CLABSI rates, which were compared with actual CLDs and CLABSI rates (daily counts). Results In total, 89 locations in 66 acute care hospitals participated. Sampled data were collected as intended 88% of the time; the quality of the data was comparable with the data collected daily. In locations with higher CLDs per month (≥75), estimated CLDs and CLABSI rates were similar to actual CLDs and CLABSI rates; however, there were significant differences in actual and estimated values among locations with lower (≤74) CLDs per month.Sampling was successfully implemented, but significant differences in the accuracy of estimated CLDs and CLABSI rates, based on the actual number of CLDs per month, were noted. Conclusion For locations with a higher number of CLDs per month, sampling 1 d/wk is a valid and accurate alternative to daily collection of CLABSI denominator data.

Previously published guidelines are available that provide comprehensive recommendations for detecting and preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The intent of this document is to highlight practical recommendations in a concise format to assist acute care hospitals in implementing and prioritizing strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and other ventilator-associated events (VAEs) and to improve outcomes for mechanically ventilated adults, children, and neonates. This document updates "Strategies to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Acute Care Hospitals," published in 2008. This expert guidance document is sponsored by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) and is the product of a collaborative effort led by SHEA, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the American Hospital Association (AHA), the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and The Joint Commission, with major contributions from representatives of a number of organizations and societies with content expertise. The list of endorsing and supporting organizations is presented in the introduction to the 2014 updates.

Currently, no single U.S. surveillance system can provide estimates of the burden of all types of health care-associated infections across acute care patient populations. We conducted a prevalence survey in 10 geographically diverse states to determine the prevalence of health care-associated infections in acute care hospitals and generate updated estimates of the national burden of such infections.We defined health care-associated infections with the use of National Healthcare Safety Network criteria. One-day surveys of randomly selected inpatients were performed in participating hospitals. Hospital personnel collected demographic and limited clinical data. Trained data collectors reviewed medical records retrospectively to identify health care-associated infections active at the time of the survey. Survey data and 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample data, stratified according to patient age and length of hospital stay, were used to estimate the total numbers of health care-associated infections and of inpatients with such infections in U.S. acute care hospitals in 2011.Surveys were conducted in 183 hospitals. Of 11,282 patients, 452 had 1 or more health care-associated infections (4.0%; 95% confidence interval, 3.7 to 4.4). Of 504 such infections, the most common types were pneumonia (21.8%), surgical-site infections (21.8%), and gastrointestinal infections (17.1%). Clostridium difficile was the most commonly reported pathogen (causing 12.1% of health care-associated infections). Device-associated infections (i.e., central-catheter-associated bloodstream infection, catheter-associated urinary tract infection, and ventilator-associated pneumonia), which have traditionally been the focus of programs to prevent health care-associated infections, accounted for 25.6% of such infections. We estimated that there were 648,000 patients with 721,800 health care-associated infections in U.S. acute care hospitals in 2011.Results of this multistate prevalence survey of health care-associated infections indicate that public health surveillance and prevention activities should continue to address C. difficile infections. As device- and procedure-associated infections decrease, consideration should be given to expanding surveillance and prevention activities to include other health care-associated infections.

Background Improving antimicrobial use is a key component of controlling antimicrobial resistance. Multiple factors influence inpatient provider antimicrobial prescribing decisions, making it challenging to develop standard methods to evaluate prescribing quality in hospitals. In 2015, CDC’s Emerging Infections Program (EIP) conducted a hospital antimicrobial use prevalence survey and collected data to assess prescribing quality in selected scenarios, including fluoroquinolone (FQ) treatment. Methods EIP sites (CA, CO, CT, GA, MD, MN, NM, NY, OR, TN) each recruited up to 25 hospitals for the survey. Each hospital selected a survey date during May–September 2015. Among randomly selected inpatients on the survey date, EIP staff identified those ≥18 years old who received FQ treatment on the survey date or the day prior and reviewed medical records to gather data on underlying conditions, infections, and diagnostic tests. We used these data to update a previously developed prescribing quality assessment pathway that categorized FQ treatment as supported or unsupported based on medical record documentation. Results Among 12,299 patients in 199 hospitals, 1084 (8.7%) received FQ treatment; 756 (70%) were treated for a single infection type during their hospitalization and were ≥18 years old. The pathway categorized FQ treatment as supported for 646 (85.4%) and unsupported for 110 patients (14.6%) (figure). Almost half of unsupported treatment was due to a lack of compatible signs or symptoms of infection in a patient from whom an organism susceptible or likely susceptible to an FQ was identified from a nonsterile site (49/110 patients, 44.5%), suggesting colonization. Conclusion Utilization of a pathway that incorporates detailed clinical data enabled us to apply a standard approach to assess FQ prescribing quality in hospitals. A high percentage of FQ treatment was supported, possibly reflecting efforts in recent years to reduce inappropriate use. Our assessment approach also identified opportunities for further improvements in inpatient FQ stewardship. Incorporation of additional elements in the pathway, such as the availability of other antibiotic choices in clinical scenarios where FQ use is currently supported (e.g., pneumonia) could further enhance the pathway’s performance. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background The age-adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths in the United States tripled from 1999 to 2016. Public health surveillance data indicate that an increasing proportion of infections due to bacterial and fungal pathogens is associated with injection drug use (IDU). We describe healthcare encounters (HCEs) of PWID as potential opportunities to prevent infections related to IDU by identifying risks and treating SUD, including with medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid use disorder. Methods At six hospitals in western New York, we abstracted medical records from hospital admissions and emergency department (ED) visits for PWID (i.e., IDU in the preceding year) who had positive cultures for Staphylococcus aureus (any clinical specimen, April–July 2017), group A Streptococcus (invasive specimens, all of 2017) or Candida spp. (blood specimens, all of 2017). We reviewed hospital admission and ED records for 1 year preceding the positive culture to identify visits during which opportunities to prevent infection and treat SUD by addressing SUD and IDU were missed. Results We identified 99 PWID with positive cultures. The median age was 33 years (range 19–68) and 61 were female. Sixty-nine had a skin and soft-tissue infection, 44 had a bloodstream infection, and 20 had both. Thirty-one PWID left against medical advice during a hospital admission or an ED visit. Seventy-nine PWID were hospitalized, of whom 4 died. Ninety-five used opioids and 71 used cocaine in the preceding year. Seventy-five PWID had an HCE in the 12 months prior to the index visit, with a median of two HCE per person (interquartile range 1–4); 53 of PWID had a previous HCE for infection and 28 for opioid overdose. SUD was documented during a prior HCE at the same hospital for 61 PWID, but only 10 (16%) were offered MAT during any prior HCE and for 24 (39%) there was no documentation that any form of treatment for SUD was offered. Conclusion In this cohort, PWID frequently had one or more healthcare encounters documented at the same hospital in the year prior to a serious bacterial or fungal infection. These prior HCEs were often for infections or overdose that signaled the need for MAT, demonstrating that there are critical missed opportunities to identify risks, prevent infection, and treat SUD. Disclosures All Authors: No reported Disclosures.

Background Sepsis is an important contributor to mortality among children and young adults. However, recent studies focused on hospital management and burden estimation do not provide critical data to inform prevention efforts. We conducted detailed medical record reviews to describe the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of children and young adults with sepsis to inform prevention and early recognition targets. Methods We utilized the Emerging Infections Program (EIP) to collect comprehensive data via retrospective record review for patients with severe sepsis or septic shock discharge diagnosis codes from a nonrandom sample of hospitals across 10 states. Children and young adults, aged 30 days through 21 years, discharged between September 30, 2014 and October 1, 2015, were randomly selected for inclusion. We performed a descriptive analysis of these data. Results Among 734 patients hospitalized with sepsis, 92% were living in a private residence 4 days before admission, 38% had an outpatient medical encounter in the 7 days before admission, 14% had sepsis onset after hospital day 3, and 11% died within 90 days of sepsis diagnosis. The most frequently identified infection was lower respiratory tract infection (14%); for 317 (43%) no infection was documented as a cause of sepsis. The most frequently identified pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (10%); for 326 (44%) no pathogen was identified as a cause of sepsis. Among 394 (54%) patients with ≥1 chronic underlying medical condition (CUMC), the most common were pulmonary disease (35%), hematologic/oncologic disease (31%), immune compromise (24%), and cardiovascular disease (20%). Patients with CUMC had a higher percentage of their sepsis onset after hospital day 3, death within 90 days of sepsis diagnosis, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a cause of sepsis (table). The percentage of patients with no pathogen identified was similar between those with CUMC and those without. Conclusion In our large cohort of children and young adults with sepsis, most had sepsis onset outside of the hospital and over half had chronic conditions. Our data suggest that distinct approaches may be needed to develop effective prevention and early recognition strategies for children and young adults depending on the presence of chronic conditions. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

In September 2011, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) convened a Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) Surveillance Definition Working Group to organize a formal process for leaders and experts of key stakeholder organizations to discuss the challenges of VAP surveillance definitions and to propose new approaches to VAP surveillance in adult patients (Table 1). The charges to the Working Group were to (1) critically review a draft, streamlined VAP surveillance definition developed for use in adult patients; (2) suggest modifications to enhance the reliability and credibility of the surveillance definition within the critical care and infection prevention communities; and (3) propose a final adult surveillance definition algorithm to be implemented in the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), taking into consideration the potential future use of the definition algorithm in public reporting, interfacility comparisons, and pay-for-reporting and pay-for-performance programs.

Objective:To develop and implement an objective, reliable approach to surveillance for ventilator-associated events in adult patients.Design:The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) convened a Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) Surveillance Definition Working Group in September 2011.

Background The role of nursing homes (NH) in transmission of antimicrobial-resistant (AR) organisms is of growing concern. AR control requires evidence-based NH stewardship interventions; however, data on antimicrobial use (AU) from US NHs are scant. In the absence of other AU surveillance approaches, NH prevalence surveys can generate essential data, including rationale and indication. In 2017, an AU prevalence survey was conducted through the CDC’s Emerging Infections Program (EIP) to determine the prevalence and epidemiology of AU in NH residents. Methods NHs from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, and Tennessee were randomly selected to participate in a 1-day AU point prevalence survey; participation was voluntary. For NH residents receiving antimicrobial drugs (AD) at the time of the survey, EIP staff reviewed available medical records to collect the AD route, rationale, and infection site(s). AD were categorized using the World Health Organization Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification system. Data were analyzed in SAS 9.4. Results Of 15,295 residents in 161 NHs, 1,261 (prevalence 8.2%, 95% confidence interval 7.8%-8.7%) received ≥1 AD at the time of the survey (AD range 1–4/resident). Of 1,452 total ADs, 77% were administered for treatment of an active infection, 19% for prophylaxis, 3% for noninfectious reasons, and no rationale documented in 1%. Most AD (80%) were administered by the oral/enteral route and most (87%) were antibacterials. The three most common infection sites were urinary tract (29%, of which 1/4 was for prophylaxis); wound, cellulitis or soft tissue (20%); and respiratory tract (14%). Among the 1,268 antibacterials (figure), fluoroquinolones (15%), combination penicillins (8%), third-generation cephalosporins (8%), and glycopepetides (5%) ranked among the top 10 classes in use. Conclusion This large-scale prevalence survey provides insight into AU in US NHs. On a given day, approximately 1 in 12 NH residents was receiving ≥1 AD. Notably, 30% of AD were administered for UTI, and AD in classes recommended for stewardship intervention were common. These findings highlight areas for evaluation to identify unnecessary use in NH. Prevalence survey data are important to inform and track the impact of stewardship interventions. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background Vancomycin is the most common antimicrobial drug administered to hospitalized patients, including children >90 days old, although the prevalence of β-lactam antibiotic resistance among Gram-positive pathogens is relatively low in children. Reducing inappropriate vancomycin use in children can reduce harm from antibiotic-associated adverse events and antimicrobial resistance (AR). We developed an approach to evaluating pediatric intravenous (IV) vancomycin prescribing quality using medical record data. Methods Hospitals in three Emerging Infections Program (EIP) sites (CA, NM, and TN) were recruited to participate. Patients 25% of children, indicating opportunities to improve prescribing and reduce unnecessary vancomycin use. Further analysis will utilize this prescribing pathway to evaluate the most recent prevalence survey data to identify areas to target stewardship interventions. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Background Antimicrobial stewardship (AS) is increasingly recognized as an essential component of patient safety programs. In a US hospital prevalence survey in 2011, 50% of patients received antimicrobial drugs (ADs). The survey was repeated in 2015 to describe changes in inpatient antimicrobial use, approximately one year after CDC published the “Core Elements of Hospital Antibiotic Stewardship Programs.” Methods Emerging Infections Program (EIP) sites in 10 states recruited up to 25 hospitals each, seeking to re-engage hospitals that participated in the 2011 survey. Hospitals selected survey dates from May to September 2015 and completed AS questionnaires. Patients were randomly sampled from the hospital census on the survey date. EIP staff retrospectively reviewed medical records to collect AD data. Percentages of patients on ADs on the survey date or the day before were compared using chi-square tests (SAS 9.4, OpenEpi 3.01). Results In 2015, among 148 hospitals participating in both surveys, 29 (19.6%) reported having no AS team (AST); 63 (42.6%) had ASTs for