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Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have become one of the most important health problems. We aimed to assess whether international travel may facilitate their spread through the colonization of asymptomatic travelers. A cross-sectional study was conducted (November 2018 to February 2022). Pharyngeal and rectal swabs were obtained from long-term travelers and recently arrived migrants from non-European countries, and an epidemiological survey was performed. Colonization by Gram-negative bacteria and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was determined by chromogenic media and MALDI-TOF-MS. Resistance mechanisms were determined by the biochip-based molecular biology technique. Risk factors for colonization were assessed by logistic regression. In total, 122 participants were included: 59 (48.4%) recently arrived migrants and 63 (51.6%) long-term travelers. After their trip, 14 (11.5%) participants—5 (8.5%) migrants and 9 (14.3%) travelers—had rectal colonization by one MDR bacterium. Escherichia coli carrying the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) CTX-M-15 was the most frequent. No participants were colonized by MRSA or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The only risk factor independently associated with MDR bacterial colonization was previous hospital attention [OR, 95% CI: 10.16 (2.06–50.06)]. The risk of colonization by MDR bacteria among recently arrived migrants and long-term travelers is similar in both groups and independently associated with previous hospital attention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria have become one of the most important health problems. We aimed to assess whether international travel may facilitate their spread through the colonization of asymptomatic travelers. A cross-sectional study was conducted (November 2018 to February 2022). Pharyngeal and rectal swabs were obtained from long-term travelers and recently arrived migrants from non-European countries, and an epidemiological survey was performed. Colonization by Gram-negative bacteria and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was determined by chromogenic media and MALDI-TOF-MS. Resistance mechanisms were determined by the biochip-based molecular biology technique. Risk factors for colonization were assessed by logistic regression. In total, 122 participants were included: 59 (48.4%) recently arrived migrants and 63 (51.6%) long-term travelers. After their trip, 14 (11.5%) participants—5 (8.5%) migrants and 9 (14.3%) travelers—had rectal colonization by one MDR bacterium. Escherichia coli carrying the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) CTX-M-15 was the most frequent. No participants were colonized by MRSA or carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae. The only risk factor independently associated with MDR bacterial colonization was previous hospital attention [OR, 95% CI: 10.16 (2.06–50.06)]. The risk of colonization by MDR bacteria among recently arrived migrants and long-term travelers is similar in both groups and independently associated with previous hospital attention.

ABSTRACT Acinetobacter baumannii is a nosocomial multidrug-resistant pathogen that specifically colonizes and infects patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Genome plasticity of A. baumannii may contribute to the rapid development of A. baumannii resistance during patient treatment. There is little clarity on the dynamics of colonization of A. baumannii in humans. We studied 269 serial isolates of A. baumannii colonizing the rectum of 32 adult patients in an ICU; 5 to 16 isolates were obtained from each patient over a period of weeks to months. The isolates were sequenced using the Illumina platform. Multi-locus sequence typing revealed genetic diversity with 13 sequence types (STs); the dominant ST2 accounted for 202 of the 269 isolates and was isolated from each patient. A core genome comparison of isolates was used to elucidate a detailed understanding of the relationship among isolates within an ST and the genomic relationship among STs. One to three STs were observed in the isolates from each patient. Instances of unchanged colonization, sequential lineage colonization, and colonization with multiple lineages of A. baumannii were seen. The number of resistance genes carried by the isolates varied from 2 to 17. The predominant genes corresponded to those encoding resistance to β-lactam and aminoglycoside antibiotics. Generally, there was a strong correlation between ST and a particular antimicrobial resistance gene profile. This study makes an important baseline contribution to information that will help us understand the role of A. baumannii colonization in the development of opportunistic infections in ICU patients. IMPORTANCE Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen that colonizes and infects debilitated patients in the ICU. There is very little information on the genomic characteristics of colonizing strains. This information is important to understand the evolution of lineages of A. baumannii that develop resistance while patients receive antibiotic treatment in the ICU. Our study demonstrated different patterns of colonization of the rectum of ICU patients with different STs of A. baumannii while one ST colonized all patients. Some STs carried more antibiotic resistance genes compared to others. However, there was a correlation between ST and a particular resistance gene profile. Our results further elucidate the dynamics of enteric colonization of this opportunistic pathogen.

Abstract Background Knowledge about the prevalence, factors and mortality associated with subsequent carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infection among hematological malignancies (HM) patients colonized with CRE is limited. Methods HM patients were screened for rectal CRE. A retrospective case–control study of subsequent CRE infection among HM patients colonized with CRE was conducted between January 1st, 2020 and January 31st, 2022. Cases were defined as CRE colonized patients with subsequent infection and controls were those without infection. Bacterial identification was performed using MALDI Biotyper and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of strains was carried out using the VITEK 2 system or standard broth microdilution method. Logistic analysis was used for analyzing associated factors and Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival estimates. Results A total of 953 HM patients were screened for rectal CRE and 98 (10.3%, 98/953) patients were colonized with CRE. Among the 98 colonized patients, 18 (18.4%, 18/98) patients developed subsequent infection. Most of the colonizing CRE isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae (50.0%, 27/54), followed by Escherichia coli (27.8%, 15/54) and Enterobacter cloacae (9.3%, 5/54). As for the subsequent infecting CRE isolates, the dominated species was K. pneumoniae (55.6%, 10/18), followed by E. coli (33.3%, 6/18) and others (11.2%, 2/18). Receiving proton pump inhibitors and admission to ICU (P

The aim of the guidelines is to provide recommendations on perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP) in adult inpatients who are carriers of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) before surgery. These evidence-based guidelines were developed after a systematic review of published studies on PAP targeting the following MDR-GNB: extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), aminoglycoside-resistant Enterobacterales, fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales, cotrimoxazole-resistant Stenotrophomonas maltophilia , carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB), extremely drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa , colistin-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, and pan-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. The critical outcomes were the occurrence of surgical site infections (SSIs) caused by any bacteria and/or by the colonizing MDR-GNB, and SSI-attributable mortality. Important outcomes included the occurrence of any type of postsurgical infectious complication, all-cause mortality, and adverse events of PAP, including development of resistance to targeted (culture-based) PAP after surgery and incidence of Clostridioides difficile infections. The last search of all databases was performed until April 30, 2022. The level of evidence and strength of each recommendation were defined according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Consensus of a multidisciplinary expert panel was reached for the final list of recommendations. Antimicrobial stewardship considerations were included in the recommendation development. The guideline panel reviewed the evidence, per bacteria, of the risk of SSIs in patients colonized with MDR-GNB before surgery and critically appraised the existing studies. Significant knowledge gaps were identified, and most questions were addressed by observational studies. Moderate to high risk of bias was identified in the retrieved studies, and the majority of the recommendations were supported by low level of evidence. The panel conditionally recommends rectal screening and targeted PAP for fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales before transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy and for extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Enterobacterales in patients undergoing colorectal surgery and solid organ transplantation. Screening for CRE and CRAB is suggested before transplant surgery after assessment of the local epidemiology. Careful consideration of the laboratory workload and involvement of antimicrobial stewardship teams before implementing the screening procedures or performing changes in PAP are warranted. High-quality prospective studies to assess the impact of PAP among CRE and CRAB carriers performing high-risk surgeries are advocated. Future well-designed clinical trials should assess the effectiveness of targeted PAP, including the monitoring of MDR-GNB colonization through postoperative cultures using European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing clinical breakpoints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Superficial surgical site infections (SSI) are a common complication after abdominal surgery. Additionally, multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) have shown an increasing spread in recent years with a growing importance for health care. As there is varying evidence on the importance of MDRO in different surgical fields and countries as causative agents of SSI, we report our findings of MDRO-caused SSI. Methods: We assembled an institutional wound register spanning the years 2015–2018 including all patients with abdominal surgery and SSI only, including demographics, procedure-related data, microbiological data from screenings, and body fluid samples. The cohort was examined for the frequency of different MDRO in screenings, body fluids, and wound swabs and assessed for risk factors for MDRO-positive SSI. Results: A total of 138 out of 494 patients in the register were positive for MDRO, and of those, 61 had an MDRO isolated from their wound, mainly multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales (58.1%) followed by vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. (19.7%). As 73.2% of all MDRO-carrying patients had positive rectal swabs, rectal colonization could be identified as the main risk factor for an SSI caused by a MDRO with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.407 (95% CI 1.782–10.896, p = 0.001). Secondly, a postoperative ICU stay was also associated with an MDRO-positive SSI (OR 3.73; 95% CI 1.397–9.982; p = 0.009). Conclusion: The rectal colonization status with MDRO should be taken into account in abdominal surgery regarding SSI prevention strategies. Trial registration Retrospectively registered in the German register for clinical trials (DRKS) 19th December 2019, registration number DRKS00019058. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Knowledge about the prevalence, factors and mortality associated with subsequent carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infection among hematological malignancies (HM) patients colonized with CRE is limited. Methods: HM patients were screened for rectal CRE. A retrospective case–control study of subsequent CRE infection among HM patients colonized with CRE was conducted between January 1st, 2020 and January 31st, 2022. Cases were defined as CRE colonized patients with subsequent infection and controls were those without infection. Bacterial identification was performed using MALDI Biotyper and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of strains was carried out using the VITEK 2 system or standard broth microdilution method. Logistic analysis was used for analyzing associated factors and Kaplan–Meier method was used for survival estimates. Results: A total of 953 HM patients were screened for rectal CRE and 98 (10.3%, 98/953) patients were colonized with CRE. Among the 98 colonized patients, 18 (18.4%, 18/98) patients developed subsequent infection. Most of the colonizing CRE isolates were Klebsiella pneumoniae (50.0%, 27/54), followed by Escherichia coli (27.8%, 15/54) and Enterobacter cloacae (9.3%, 5/54). As for the subsequent infecting CRE isolates, the dominated species was K. pneumoniae (55.6%, 10/18), followed by E. coli (33.3%, 6/18) and others (11.2%, 2/18). Receiving proton pump inhibitors and admission to ICU (P < 0.05) were the associated factors. Patients with subsequent CRE infection had significant higher mortality (33.3% vs 2.8%, P = 0.001) and shock was an associated factor (P = 0.008). Conclusions: Klebsiella pneumoniae was the dominate colonizing species and subsequent infecting species among HM patients with CRE colonization. Receiving proton pump inhibitors and admission to ICU increased the risk of subsequent CRE infection among CRE colonized HM patients. Implementing strict infection control measures targeting those high- risk patients may prevent subsequent CRE infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Gastrointestinal colonization with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is always a prerequisite for the development of translocated infections. Here, we sought to screen for fecal carriage of CRE and identify the risk factors for CRE colonization as well as subsequent translocated pneumonia in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital in China. We further focused on the intestinal flora composition and fecal metabolic profiles in CRE rectal colonization and translocated infection patients. Animal models of gastrointestinal colonization with a carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae [CRKP]) clinical isolate expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) were established, and systemic infection was subsequently traced using an in vivo imaging system (IVIS). The intestinal barrier, inflammatory factors, and infiltrating immune cells were further investigated. In this study, we screened 54 patients hospitalized in the ICU with CRE rectal colonization, and 50% of the colonized patients developed CRE-associated pneumonia, in line with the significantly high mortality rate. Upon multivariate analysis, risk factors associated with subsequent pneumonia caused by CRE in patients with fecal colonization included enteral feeding and carbapenem exposure. Furthermore, CRKP colonization and translocated infection influenced the diversity and community composition of the intestinal microbiome. Downregulated propionate and butyrate probably play important and multiangle roles in regulating immune cell infiltration, inflammatory factor expression, and mucus and intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. Although the risk factors and intestinal biomarkers for subsequent infections among CRE-colonized patients were explored, further work is needed to elucidate the complicated mechanisms. IMPORTANCE Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae have emerged as a major threat to modern medicine, and the spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae is a clinical and public health problem. Gastrointestinal colonization by potential pathogens is always a prerequisite for the development of translocated infections, and there is a growing need to assess clinical risk factors and microbiological and intestinal characteristics to prevent the development of clinical infection by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae.

Objectives: We aimed to compare classical methods and chromogenic media to detect carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) colonization among hospitalized patients and determine the risk factors causing infection in colonized patients. Methods: Between January and August 2017, 100 patients over the age of 18 who were hospitalized in the Reanimation Intensive Care Unit and the Trauma Emergency Intensive Care Unit of a university hospital were examined. From the first day of intensive care unit (ICU) admission, rectal swabs were collected once every week and were tested for the presence of CRE by using the classical method defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ChromID CARBA chromogenic medium, and direct inoculation into MacConkey agar plates. In addition, MIC values for imipenem, ertapenem, meropenem and colistin were determined by using the Etest. Results: Rectal BDE carriage was detected by at least one method in 46 (46%) of 100 patients included in the study. Sensitivity and specificity values of the CDC classical method, direct MacConkey inoculation, and ChromID CARBA medium in the first 24 hours were found as 78%-42%, 87%-80%, and 91%-98%, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity values of these methods after 72 hours were determined as 78%-100%, 87%-100%, and 91%-100%, respectively. Conclusion: We observed that, although the ChromID CARBA method performed better than classical CDC and direct MacConkey inoculation methods, direct MacConkey inoculation can still be employed, especially in areas with limited resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background During the last decade carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) became hyper-endemic in hospitals due to difficult to control spreading. Our aim is to identify risk factors for nosocomial rectal CRAB colonization in an endemic hospital. Methods A retrospective matched case–control study (ratio 1:2) with a prospective inclusion of cases and concurrent selection of controls was conducted from January 2017 to December 2018 in a tertiary-care hospital. Universal active surveillance for CRAB was implemented. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was carried out using a stepwise selection method to compare prognostic factors between cases and controls. A sub-analysis was carried out according to the type of department. Results Forty-five cases with nosocomial rectal CRAB colonization and 90 controls were included. One hundred and two (75%) patients were hospitalized in medical departments. At multivariable analysis significant risk factors associated with CRAB colonization were: use of permanent devices (OR 10.15, 95% CI 2.27–45.39; P = 0.002), mechanical ventilation (OR 40.01, 95% CI 4.05–395.1; P = 0.002), urinary catheters (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.52–16.19; P = 0.008), McCabe score (OR 5.45, 95% CI 1.87–15.89; P = 0.002), length of stay (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05; P = 0.002), carbapenem use (OR 5.39, 95% CI 1.14–25.44; P = 0.033). The sub-analysis showed that patients admitted to different departments had different risk factors. In geriatric department a fatal disease and a longer hospital stay represented significant risk factors both in univariate and multivariate analysis, while in internal medicine department the use of permanent devices, current antibiotic therapy and antibiotic polytherapy represented significant risk factors for CRAB at the univariate analysis, also confirmed in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Our data suggest that active surveillance for rectal CRAB colonization should be addressed to patients with an unfavourable prognosis, longer hospitalizations and carriers of multiple devices. To counter CRAB spreading in endemic settings, clinicians must limit the use of carbapenems, and reinforce interventions aimed at proper use of devices.

BackgroundAcinetobacter baumannii are of major human health importance because they cause life-threatening nosocomial infections and often are highly resistant to antimicrobials. Specific multidrug-resistant A. baumannii lineages are implicated in hospital outbreaks globally. We retrospectively investigated a suspected outbreak of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) colonizing patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria where genomic surveillance of Acinetobacter has hitherto not been conducted.MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted among all patients admitted to the ICU between August 2017 and June 2018. Acinetobacter species were isolated from rectal swabs and verified phenotypically with the Biomerieux Vitek 2 system. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the Illumina platform to characterize isolates from a suspected outbreak during the study period. Phylogenetic analysis, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial resistance gene prediction were carried out in silico.ResultsAcinetobacter isolates belonging to the A. baumannii complex were recovered from 20 (18.5%) ICU patients. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and epidemiological information revealed a putative outbreak clone comprising seven CRAB strains belonging to the globally disseminated international clone (IC) 2. These isolates had ≤2 SNP differences, identical antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, and were all ST1114/1841.ConclusionWe report a carbapenem-resistant IC2 A. baumannii clone causing an outbreak in an ICU in Nigeria. The study findings underscore the need to strengthen the capacity to detect A. baumannii in human clinical samples in Nigeria and assess which interventions can effectively mitigate CRAB transmission in Nigerian hospital settings.

Background: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriacea (ESBL-E) infections are a major source of mortality and morbidity in patients with hematologic cancers. One of the most significant risk factors for bacterial illness is prior colonization with resistant germs. Empiric usage of carbapenems is recommended for the treatment of infections in patients with a positive colonization history., Objectives: We aimed to determine the outcome of empirical carbapenem (de-escalation) versus non-carbapenem (escalation) therapy in adult hematology patients who have rectal extended-spectrum beta-lactamase positive ESBL-E colonization., Methods: Two hundred three rectal swab cultures were collected from 130 patients, admission or during hospitalization between June 2014 and May 2015. Patients were followed till January 2016 for future infections due to ESBL-E. Empirical antibiotic treatment was started according to the patient's medical condition without consideration of previous colonization status. Stable patients received empirical escalation therapy. All-cause and early mortality of infections are analyzed., Results: Seventy-three (36%) swabs were positive for ESBL-E. Patients with rectal ESBL-E colonization were defined as cases; patients without colonization were defined as controls. Prospective infection due to ESBL-E in the case and control group was 6.8% and 2.3%, respectively. No statistically significant relation was found between colonization and prospective infection due to ESBL-E (p=0.110). There was no all-cause or early mortality in prospective infections with ESBL-E. Among case patients, one patient each died from all-cause mortality in the escalation (n=55) and de-escalation (n=3) group. The all-cause mortality in the antibiotic switch group (n=30) was eight, including five patients in the early mortality group although the bacteriologic agents were susceptible to the given antibiotics., Conclusion: In our institution, rectal colonization with ESBL-E was high, but contracting an infection due to ESBL-E was surprisingly low. Colonization with ESBL-E may not necessarily end with an infection in some situations. In stable patients, disregarding colonization features before empirical therapy did not seem to be inappropriate., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Antalya Training and Research Hospital Ethics Committee issued approval 44-17. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Berk et al.)

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are pathogens that have been found in several countries, with a significant public health concern. Characterizing the mode of resistance and determining the prevailing clones are vital to the epidemiology of CRE in our community. This study was conducted to characterize the molecular mode of resistance and to determine the clonality of the CRE fecal isolates among community food handlers (FHs) vs. infected control patients (ICPs) in Kuwait. Fecal CRE isolates obtained from FHs and ICPs from September 2016 to September 2018 were analyzed for their resistance genes. Gene characterization was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and sequencing. Clonality of isolates was established by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Of the 681 and 95 isolates of the family Enterobacterales isolated from FHs and ICPs, 425 (62.4%) and 16 (16.8%) were Escherichia coli , and 18 (2.6%) and 69 (72.6%) were Klebsiella pneumoniae , respectively. A total of 36 isolates were CRE with a prevalence of 5.3% among FH isolates and 87 (91.6%) among the ICPs. Of these, carbapenemase genes were detected in 22 (61.1%) and 65 (74.7%) isolates, respectively (p < 0.05). The detected specific genes among FHs and ICPs were positive for bla KPC 19 (86.4%) and 35 (40.2%), and bla OXA 10 (45.5%) and 59 (67.8%), in addition to bla NDM 2 (9.1%) and 32 (36.8%), respectively. MLST assays of the E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates revealed considerable genetic diversity and polyclonality as well as demonstrated multiple known ST types and eight novel sequence types. The study revealed a relatively high number of CRE harboring predominantly bla KPC-mediated CRE among the community FH isolates vs. predominant bla OXA genes among the ICPs. Those heterogeneous CRE isolates raise concerns and mandate more efforts toward molecular surveillance. A multinational study is recommended to monitor the spread of genes mediating CRE in the community of Arabian Peninsula countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are pathogens that have been found in several countries, with a significant public health concern. Characterizing the mode of resistance and determining the prevailing clones are vital to the epidemiology of CRE in our community. This study was conducted to characterize the molecular mode of resistance and to determine the clonality of the CRE fecal isolates among community food handlers (FHs) vs. infected control patients (ICPs) in Kuwait. Fecal CRE isolates obtained from FHs and ICPs from September 2016 to September 2018 were analyzed for their resistance genes. Gene characterization was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and sequencing. Clonality of isolates was established by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Of the 681 and 95 isolates of the family Enterobacterales isolated from FHs and ICPs, 425 (62.4%) and 16 (16.8%) were Escherichia coli, and 18 (2.6%) and 69 (72.6%) were Klebsiella pneumoniae, respectively. A total of 36 isolates were CRE with a prevalence of 5.3% among FH isolates and 87 (91.6%) among the ICPs. Of these, carbapenemase genes were detected in 22 (61.1%) and 65 (74.7%) isolates, respectively (p < 0.05). The detected specific genes among FHs and ICPs were positive for blaKPC 19 (86.4%) and 35 (40.2%), and blaOXA 10 (45.5%) and 59 (67.8%), in addition to blaNDM 2 (9.1%) and 32 (36.8%), respectively. MLST assays of the E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates revealed considerable genetic diversity and polyclonality as well as demonstrated multiple known ST types and eight novel sequence types. The study revealed a relatively high number of CRE harboring predominantly blaKPC-mediated CRE among the community FH isolates vs. predominant blaOXA genes among the ICPs. Those heterogeneous CRE isolates raise concerns and mandate more efforts toward molecular surveillance. A multinational study is recommended to monitor the spread of genes mediating CRE in the community of Arabian Peninsula countries.

To evaluate the efficacy of oral colistin-neomycin in preventing multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales (MDR-E) infections in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. Multicentre, open-label, parallel-group, controlled trial with balanced (1:1) randomization in five transplant units. SOT recipients were screened for MDR-E intestinal colonization (extended-spectrum β-lactamase or carbapenemase producing) before transplantation and +7 and + 14 days after transplantation and assigned 1:1 to receive treatment with colistin sulfate plus neomycin sulfate for 14 days (decolonization treatment (DT) group) or no treatment (no decolonization treatment (NDT) group). The primary outcome was diagnosis of an MDR-E infection. Safety outcomes were appearance of adverse effects, mainly diarrhoea, rash, nausea and vomiting. Patients were monitored weekly until 30 days after treatment. Intention-to-treat analysis was performed. MDR-E rectal colonization was assessed in 768 SOT recipients; 105 colonized patients were included in the clinical trial, 53 receiving DT and 52 NDT. No significant decrease in the risk of infection by MDR-E was observed in the DT group (9.4%, 5/53) compared to the NDT group (13.5%, 7/52) (relative risk 0.70; 95% confidence interval 0.24–2.08; p 0.517). Four patients (5.6%), three (5.6%) in the DT group and one (1.9%) in the NDT group, developed colistin resistance. Twelve patients (22.7%) in the DT group had diarrhoea, eight related to treatment (15.0%); one patient (1.8%) developed skin rash and another (1.8%) nausea and vomiting. Two patients (3.8%) in the NDT group developed diarrhoea. DT does not reduce MDR-E infections in SOT. Colistin resistance and adverse effects such as diarrhoea are a potential issue that must be taken seriously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: During the last decade carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) became hyper-endemic in hospitals due to difficult to control spreading. Our aim is to identify risk factors for nosocomial rectal CRAB colonization in an endemic hospital. Methods: A retrospective matched case–control study (ratio 1:2) with a prospective inclusion of cases and concurrent selection of controls was conducted from January 2017 to December 2018 in a tertiary-care hospital. Universal active surveillance for CRAB was implemented. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was carried out using a stepwise selection method to compare prognostic factors between cases and controls. A sub-analysis was carried out according to the type of department. Results: Forty-five cases with nosocomial rectal CRAB colonization and 90 controls were included. One hundred and two (75%) patients were hospitalized in medical departments. At multivariable analysis significant risk factors associated with CRAB colonization were: use of permanent devices (OR 10.15, 95% CI 2.27–45.39; P = 0.002), mechanical ventilation (OR 40.01, 95% CI 4.05–395.1; P = 0.002), urinary catheters (OR 4.9, 95% CI 1.52–16.19; P = 0.008), McCabe score (OR 5.45, 95% CI 1.87–15.89; P = 0.002), length of stay (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05; P = 0.002), carbapenem use (OR 5.39, 95% CI 1.14–25.44; P = 0.033). The sub-analysis showed that patients admitted to different departments had different risk factors. In geriatric department a fatal disease and a longer hospital stay represented significant risk factors both in univariate and multivariate analysis, while in internal medicine department the use of permanent devices, current antibiotic therapy and antibiotic polytherapy represented significant risk factors for CRAB at the univariate analysis, also confirmed in multivariate analysis. Conclusions: Our data suggest that active surveillance for rectal CRAB colonization should be addressed to patients with an unfavourable prognosis, longer hospitalizations and carriers of multiple devices. To counter CRAB spreading in endemic settings, clinicians must limit the use of carbapenems, and reinforce interventions aimed at proper use of devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) occur early in the post transplant period, the aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate whether a broather antimicrobial prophylaxis at transplant could be helpful in reducing BSI incidence. Method: All BSI episodes occurring considered as early (until 30 days after transplant) or late events (from 31days to 365 days after transplant) were recorded. Before October 1st, 2018, vancomycin was used as prophylaxis at transplant (period 1); after October 1st,2018 prophylaxis included vancomycin and piperacillin/tazobactam (period 2) or a targeted prophylaxis according to the colonization bacteria detected through rectal swab. Results: One-hundred-fifteen patients received a SOT during the study (77 in period 1 and 38 in period 2),73 (63.5%) heart recipients, and 42 (36.5%) lung recipients. Fifty-four BSI episodes were recorded in 41 patients (36.7%). Gram-negative bacteria were responsible for the majority of BSIs. Twenty-four patients died during the study timeframe (22%) (type of SOT: 18 heart, 6 lung transplanted patients), having a BSI was a risk factor for death (HR 5.2; 95% CI 2.1-12-5, p<0.001). BSIs in the first 30 days after transplant accounted for 48% of all events. Overall BSI incidence rate was 1.15 per 100 patient/days in the first 30 days after transplant; 1.49 per 100 patient/days in period 1 and 0.58 per 100 patient/days in period 2. The use of broader antimicrobial prophylaxis was associated with reduced BSI in period 2 compared to period 1 (HR 0.39; 95%CI 0.16-0.93, p=0.035); CKD was associated with increased BSI risk (HR 2.45; 95% CI 1.1-6, p=0.048). At multivariate analysis the risk of BSI still remained reduced in period 2 (HR 0.38; 95%CI 0.14-1, p=0.05). BSI incidence between 31 and 365 days after transplant was 0.15 per 100 patient/days, age remained associated to BSI in the late period at multivariate analysis. Discussion: Broader antimicrobial prophylaxis at transplant is an option to reduce BSI incidence in the first month after transplant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Outbreak and endemic isolates of Acinetobacter baumannii are known to be polyclonal. In an ongoing study, we hypothesized that the patient gut was the source of the polyclonality where genetic exchanges take place. To test the hypothesis, we collected 270 serial rectal isolates from 32 adult intensive care unit patients over 16 months and investigated their drug resistance profiles. Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined according to recommended methods. The blaIMP, blaVIM, blaSIM, blaOXA-23, blaOXA-24/40, blaOXA-51, blaOXA-48,blaKPC,blaGES,blaNDM and blaOXA-58 were sought by PCR. A subset of 42 isolates were studied for plasmid-mediated resistance. Results: Most of the 270 isolates were multidrug resistant (MDR; with resistances to meropenem of 85.18% and imipenem of 87.04%), but susceptible to colistin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. There was no correlation between the pattern of resistance and antibiotics administered to treat infections. There was no consistent pattern of resistance or content of carbapenemase genes in serial rectal isolates suggesting polyclonality of the isolates. Genes mediating production of OXA-23, OXA-24/40, IMP, and GES enzymes were carried on plasmids and they mediated resistance to all carbapenems in conjugation studies. Conclusion:A. baumannii colonizing the rectum were polyclonal, MDR, and carbapenem resistance genes were found on plasmids and some plasmids were transferable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Importance: Acinetobacter baumannii is a multidrug-resistant nosocomial pathogen that colonizes and infects debilitated patients in the ICU. There is very little information on the genomic characteristics of colonizing strains. This information is important to understand the evolution of lineages of A. baumannii that develop resistance while patients receive antibiotic treatment in the ICU. Our study demonstrated different patterns of colonization of the rectum of ICU patients with different STs of A. baumannii while one ST colonized all patients. Some STs carried more antibiotic resistance genes compared to others. However, there was a correlation between ST and a particular resistance gene profile. Our results further elucidate the dynamics of enteric colonization of this opportunistic pathogen., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) frequently colonizes pregnant women and can cause sepsis and meningitis in young infants. If colonization was prevented through maternal immunization, a reduction in perinatal GBS disease might be possible. A GBS type III capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-tetanus toxoid conjugate (III-TT) vaccine was evaluated for safety and efficacy in preventing acquisition of GBS colonization. Methods Healthy, nonpregnant women aged 18–40 years and screened to be GBS III vaginal and rectal culture negative were randomized to receive III-TT conjugate or tetanus diphtheria toxoid vaccine in a multicenter, observer-blinded trial. GBS vaginal and rectal cultures and blood were obtained bimonthly over 18 months. Serum concentrations of GBS III CPS-specific antibodies were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results Among 1525 women screened, 650 were eligible for the intent-to-treat analysis. For time to first acquisition of vaginal GBS III, vaccine efficacy was 36% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1%–58%; P =.044), and for first rectal acquisition efficacy was 43% (95% CI, 11% to 63%; P =.014). Two months post-immunization, geometric mean concentrations of serum GBS type III CPS-specific immunoglobulin G were 12.6 µg/mL (95% CI, 9.95 to 15.81) in GBS III-TT recipients, representing a 4-fold increase from baseline in 95% of women, which persisted. Both vaccines were well tolerated. Conclusions GBS CPS III-TT conjugate vaccine significantly delayed acquisition of vaginal and rectal GBS III colonization. In addition to its use for maternal immunization to passively protect infants with maternally derived antibodies, a multivalent vaccine might also serve to reduce fetal and neonatal exposure to GBS. Clinical Trials Registration NCT00128219. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Ceftazidime-avibactam (CAZ-AVI)–based treatments have been associated with the emergence of resistance in KPC-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) isolates after antimicrobial exposure. Here, we evaluated the CAZ-AVI resistance development in KPC-Kp isolated from patients treated with CAZ-AVI–based therapy. We enrolled adult patients treated with CAZ-AVI–based regimens between January 2020 and January 2021. Carbapenemase-producing isolates collected from clinical samples and rectal swabs were evaluated for CAZ-AVI resistance development after antimicrobial exposure. KPC-Kp developing CAZ-AVI resistance and parental susceptible strains were genomically characterized. Whole genome sequencing was performed by using the Illumina iSeq100 platform and genomes were analyzed for antimicrobial-resistance genes, plasmid and porins sequences. We enrolled 90 patients treated with CAZ-AVI–based therapy and 62.2% (56/90) of them were colonized by KPC-producers before CAZ-AVI–based treatment and 6.6% acquired colonization during therapy. Six (6.6%) patients developed infections because of resistant KPC-Kp after CAZ-AVI exposure and 3 (3.3%) of them developed CAZ-AVI resistance in the rectum. Development of resistance among KPC in the rectum occurred after 32 (IQR, 9–35) days of therapy and after 30 (IQR, 22–40) days in clinical specimens. Genetic analysis demonstrated that the development of CAZ-AVI resistance was associated with mutated bla KPC-3 (bla KPC-31 , bla KPC-53 , bla KPC-89 , and bla KPC-130) and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated a close genomic relationship between KCP-Kp collected from rectum and clinical samples of the same patient. Antimicrobial exposure induce a higher incidence of CAZ-AVI resistance development in the blood and respiratory tract than in the rectum (6.7% vs. 3.3%) of CAZ-AVI–treated patients and genome analysis showed that resistance was associated with mutated bla KPC-3 variants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

- To Compare colonization of group B streptococcus (GBS) in diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women. In this prospective study 50 pregnant women with diabetes mellitus (both pregestational and gestational) and 43 pregnant women without diabetes between 33 and 37 weeks' gestation were evaluated. Three samples for Group B streptococcal culture detection were obtained from each subject in the following order: perinea sample, vaginal sample, and an anorectic sample. All had singleton gestations, negative tests for human immunodeficiency virus, and intact membranes at enrollment. Pearson chi-square and fisher, Exact test were used when appropriate. Most common site of GBS colonization in all women was vagina (11.8%). Colonization of group B streptococcus in control group included vagina (7%) perineum (0.3%) and rectum 0.3%) and in diabetic group included vagina (16%) perineum (16%) and rectum (16%). Although comparison was shown higher vaginal colonization rate in diabetic group (16% versus 7%) but difference was not significant (P=0.154).The prevalence of group B streptococcus colonization in gestational diabetes was 20% and higher than pregestational diabetic women. Among women with pregestational diabetes, the prevalence of group B streptococcus colonization was 15% in non-insulin dependent diabetic women and 10% in insulin dependent diabetic women (P> 0.05). Comparison between two groups showed high rectal colonization in diabetic group and difference was significant (P= 0.027). Pregnant diabetic patients have higher carriage rates of group B streptococcus (GBS) in rectum than non-diabetic pregnant women and diabetes is a risk factor for group B streptococcus colonization during pregnancy.

Background Residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs) are at increased risk for colonization and development of infections with multidrug-resistant organisms. This study was undertaken to determine prevalence of asymptomatic rectal colonization with Clostridium difficile (and proportion of 027/NAP1/BI ribotype) or carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) in an LTCF population. Methods Active surveillance was performed for C difficile and CRE rectal colonization of 301 residents in a 320-bed (80-bed ventilator unit), hospital-affiliated LTCF with retrospective chart review for patient demographics and potential risk factors. Results Over 40% of patients had airway ventilation and received enteral feeding. One-third of these patients had prior C difficile– associated infection (CDI). Asymptomatic rectal colonization with C difficile occurred in 58 patients (19.3%, one-half with NAP1+), CRE occurred in 57 patients (18.9%), and both occurred in 17 patients (5.7%). Recent CDI was significantly associated with increased risk of C difficile ± CRE colonization. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed presence of tracheostomy collar to be significant for C difficile colonization, mechanical ventilation to be significant for CRE colonization, and prior CDI to be significant for both C difficile and CRE colonization. Conclusions The strong association of C difficile or CRE colonization with disruption of normal flora by mechanical ventilation, enteral feeds, and prior CDI carries important implications for infection control intervention in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Risk factors for Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) colonization are patient-related factors such as underlying disease or amount of prescribed antibiotics, and hospital-related factors such as duration of hospitalization, type of performed therapeutic procedures, and antibiotic prescription. This nested case control study was performed to determine risk factors of rectal VRE colonization at Shiraz Namazi Hospital. Methods: During December 2003 to July 2004 serial rectal swabs were yielded from all hospitalized patients every 5 days. Susceptibility of detected Enterococci was tested by Minimum Inhibitory concentration dilution method. Results: More than 1000 rectal swabs were taken. A total of 99 of 700 patients (14%) were colonized with VRE (cases) and 59 patients were colonized with Vancomycin-sensible strains (VSE), serving as controls. In the univariate analysis, history of antibiotic use (P=0.04), underlying disease (P=0.01), renal failure due to dialysis (P=0.03), use of vancomycin (P=0.04), use of third generation Cephalosporins (P=0.04), and duration of vancomycin therapy (>7 days) (p=0.02) showed statistically significant differences between the two groups. In the multivariate analysis (logistic regression), presence of underlying disease (OR, 2.43; 95% CI, 1.2 – 4.9; P=0.013) and duration of Vancomycin use (>7 days) were independently associated with VRE colonization. Conclusion: This study, which was the first study on the prevalence of VRE in Iran, demonstrated that VRE prevalence is high in Shiraz, and confirmed earlier observations regarding risk factors for VRE in other countries and determined risk factors that may be considered in interventional strategies for the control of VRE

Background Serratia marcescens represents an important pathogen involved in hospital acquired infections. Outbreaks are frequently reported and are difficult to eradicate. The aim of this study is to describe an outbreak of Serratia marcescens occurred from May to November 2012 in a neonatal intensive care unit, to discuss the control measures adopted, addressing the role of molecular biology in routine investigations during the outbreak. Methods After an outbreak of Serratia marcescens involving 14 neonates, all admitted patients were screened for rectal and ocular carriage every two weeks. Extensive environmental sampling procedure and hand sampling of the staff were performed. Antimicrobial susceptibility pattern and molecular analysis of isolates were carried out. Effective hand hygiene measures involving all the external consultants has been implemented. Colonized and infected babies were cohorted. Dedicated staff was established to care for the colonized or infected babies. Results During the surveillance, 65 newborns were sampled obtaining 297 ocular and rectal swabs in five times. Thirty-four Serratia marcescens isolates were collected: 11 out of 34 strains were isolated from eyes, being the remaining 23 isolated from rectal swabs. Two patients presented symptomatic conjunctivitis. Environmental and hand sampling resulted negative. During the fifth sampling procedure no colonized or infected patients have been identified. Two different clones have been identified. Conclusions Ocular and rectal colonization played an important role in spread of infections. Implementation of infection control measures, involving also external specialists, allowed to control a serious Serratia marcescens outbreak in a neonatal intensive care unit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastrointestinal colonization with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) is always a prerequisite for the development of translocated infections. Here, we sought to screen for fecal carriage of CRE and identify the risk factors for CRE colonization as well as subsequent translocated pneumonia in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of a university hospital in China. We further focused on the intestinal flora composition and fecal metabolic profiles in CRE rectal colonization and translocated infection patients. Animal models of gastrointestinal colonization with a carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae [CRKP]) clinical isolate expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) were established, and systemic infection was subsequently traced using an in vivo imaging system (IVIS). The intestinal barrier, inflammatory factors, and infiltrating immune cells were further investigated. In this study, we screened 54 patients hospitalized in the ICU with CRE rectal colonization, and 50% of the colonized patients developed CRE-associated pneumonia, in line with the significantly high mortality rate. Upon multivariate analysis, risk factors associated with subsequent pneumonia caused by CRE in patients with fecal colonization included enteral feeding and carbapenem exposure. Furthermore, CRKP colonization and translocated infection influenced the diversity and community composition of the intestinal microbiome. Downregulated propionate and butyrate probably play important and multiangle roles in regulating immune cell infiltration, inflammatory factor expression, and mucus and intestinal epithelial barrier integrity. Although the risk factors and intestinal biomarkers for subsequent infections among CRE-colonized patients were explored, further work is needed to elucidate the complicated mechanisms. IMPORTANCE Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae have emerged as a major threat to modern medicine, and the spread of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae is a clinical and public health problem. Gastrointestinal colonization by potential pathogens is always a prerequisite for the development of translocated infections, and there is a growing need to assess clinical risk factors and microbiological and intestinal characteristics to prevent the development of clinical infection by carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae .

Background: We aimed to identify the risk factors for subsequent carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections in patients with initial rectal colonization with CRE., Methods: We conducted a retrospective case-control study on inpatients with rectal CRE colonization between January 2019 and December 2020. Clinical and microbiological data were extracted from hospital patients' medical records and the clinical microbiology laboratory. Risk factors were assessed and compared between patients with CRE colonization who had subsequent infections and those who did not have infections., Results: Among 1064 patients screened for CRE, we enrolled 205 patients with rectal CRE colonization. Among the 205 colonized bacteria, 78.5% were Klebsiella pneumoniae, with 62.9% of them producing Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that more than three times hospitalization (p = 0.026), being in a coma (p = 0.019), and exposure to carbapenems (p = 0.015) were independent risk factors for CRE clinical infection among CRE rectal carriers., Conclusion: This is the first study to report that more than three times hospitalization is an independent risk factor for subsequent CRE clinical infection in CRE intestinal carriers. Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae is the most important species isolated from hospitalized CRE rectal carriers and is the most common cause of subsequent infections., (© 2022 The Authors. Journal of Clinical Laboratory Analysis published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

To Compare colonization of group B streptococcus (GBS) in diabetic and non-diabetic pregnant women. In this prospective study 50 pregnant women with diabetes mellitus (both pregestational and gestational) and 43 pregnant women without diabetes between 33 and 37 weeks' gestation were evaluated. Three samples for Group B streptococcal culture detection were obtained from each subject in the following order: perinea sample, vaginal sample, and an anorectic sample. All had singleton gestations, negative tests for human immunodeficiency virus, and intact membranes at enrollment. Pearson chi-square and fisher, Exact test were used when appropriate. Most common site of GBS colonization in all women was vagina (11.8%). Colonization of group B streptococcus in control group included vagina (7%) perineum (0.3%) and rectum 0.3%) and in diabetic group included vagina (16%) perineum (16%) and rectum (16%). Although comparison was shown higher vaginal colonization rate in diabetic group (16% versus 7%) but difference was not significant (P=0.154).The prevalence of group B streptococcus colonization in gestational diabetes was 20% and higher than pregestational diabetic women. Among women with pregestational diabetes, the prevalence of group B streptococcus colonization was 15% in non-insulin dependent diabetic women and 10% in insulin dependent diabetic women (P> 0.05). Comparison between two groups showed high rectal colonization in diabetic group and difference was significant (P= 0.027). Pregnant diabetic patients have higher carriage rates of group B streptococcus (GBS) in rectum than non-diabetic pregnant women and diabetes is a risk factor for group B streptococcus colonization during pregnancy.

To investigate the hypothesis that intestinal colonization by different types of carbapenemase-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-Kp) leads to different risks for bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by the same colonizing organism. Prospective observational study including consecutive CR-Kp rectal carriers admitted to the Pisa University Hospital (December 2018 to December 2019). Patients underwent rectal swabbing with molecular testing for the different carbapenemases at hospital admission and during hospitalization. Rectal carriers were classified as: NDM, KPC, VIM and OXA-48. The primary end point was the rate of BSI by the same colonizing organism in each study group. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with the risk for BSI by the colonizing organism. Of 677 rectal carriers, 382/677 (56.4%) were colonized by NDM, 247/677 (36.5%) by KPC, 39/677 (5.8%) by VIM and 9/677 (1.3%) by OXA-48. Dissemination of NDM-Kp was mostly sustained by ST147, while KPC-Kp belonged to ST512. A higher rate of BSI was documented in NDM rectal carriers compared with KPC rectal carriers (59/382, 15.4% versus 20/247, 8.1%, p 0.004). Incidence rates of BSI per 100 patients/month were significantly higher in the NDM group (22.33, 95% CI 17.26–28.88) than in the KPC group (9.56, 95% CI 6.17–14.82). On multivariate analysis, multi-site extraintestinal colonization, solid organ transplantation, invasive procedures, intravascular device, admission to intensive care unit, cephalosporin, fluoroquinolones and NDM rectal colonization (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.73–6.18, p < 0.001) were independently associated with BSI. NDM-Kp was associated with increased risk of BSI compared with KPC-Kp. This finding seems to be strongly related to the high-risk clone ST147. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objectives: In order to determine the risk factors for rectal colonization with vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) at the Shiraz Namazi Hospital, we performed a nested case–control study. Methods: From December 2003 to July 2004 rectal swabs were taken from 700 randomly selected hospitalized patients every 5 days. Results: A total of 99 of the 700 patients (14%) were colonized with VRE (cases) and 59 patients were colonized with vancomycin-sensitive strains (VSE), serving as controls. In the univariate analysis, history of antibiotic use (p =0.04), underlying disease (p =0.013), hemodialysis (p =0.03), use of third generation cephalosporins (p =0.04), use of vancomycin (p =0.04), and duration of vancomycin therapy longer than 7 days (p =0.02) were significantly associated with VRE colonization. In a multivariate analysis, underlying disease and the duration of vancomycin use longer than 7 days were independently associated with VRE colonization. Conclusion: Our study, the first on VRE carriage in Iran, demonstrates that VRE prevalence is high in Shiraz and confirms earlier observations in other countries. The identified risk factor ‘use of vancomycin longer than 7 days’ may be avoidable, indicating a feasible intervention strategy in the control of VRE. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Background: Acinetobacter baumannii are of major human health importance because they cause life-threatening nosocomial infections and often are highly resistant to antimicrobials. Specific multidrug-resistant A. baumannii lineages are implicated in hospital outbreaks globally. We retrospectively investigated a suspected outbreak of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (CRAB) colonizing patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital in Southwest Nigeria where genomic surveillance of Acinetobacter has hitherto not been conducted., Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among all patients admitted to the ICU between August 2017 and June 2018. Acinetobacter species were isolated from rectal swabs and verified phenotypically with the Biomerieux Vitek 2 system. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on the Illumina platform to characterize isolates from a suspected outbreak during the study period. Phylogenetic analysis, multilocus sequence typing, and antimicrobial resistance gene prediction were carried out in silico ., Results: Acinetobacter isolates belonging to the A. baumannii complex were recovered from 20 (18.5%) ICU patients. Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analysis and epidemiological information revealed a putative outbreak clone comprising seven CRAB strains belonging to the globally disseminated international clone (IC) 2. These isolates had ≤2 SNP differences, identical antimicrobial resistance and virulence genes, and were all ST1114/1841., Conclusion: We report a carbapenem-resistant IC2 A. baumannii clone causing an outbreak in an ICU in Nigeria. The study findings underscore the need to strengthen the capacity to detect A. baumannii in human clinical samples in Nigeria and assess which interventions can effectively mitigate CRAB transmission in Nigerian hospital settings., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Odih, Irek, Obadare, Oaikhena, Afolayan, Underwood, Adenekan, Ogunleye, Argimon, Dalsgaard, Aanensen, Okeke and Aboderin.)

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) are pathogens that have been found in several countries, with a significant public health concern. Characterizing the mode of resistance and determining the prevailing clones are vital to the epidemiology of CRE in our community. This study was conducted to characterize the molecular mode of resistance and to determine the clonality of the CRE fecal isolates among community food handlers (FHs) vs. infected control patients (ICPs) in Kuwait. Fecal CRE isolates obtained from FHs and ICPs from September 2016 to September 2018 were analyzed for their resistance genes. Gene characterization was carried out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays and sequencing. Clonality of isolates was established by multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Of the 681 and 95 isolates of the family Enterobacterales isolated from FHs and ICPs, 425 (62.4%) and 16 (16.8%) were Escherichia coli , and 18 (2.6%) and 69 (72.6%) were Klebsiella pneumoniae , respectively. A total of 36 isolates were CRE with a prevalence of 5.3% among FH isolates and 87 (91.6%) among the ICPs. Of these, carbapenemase genes were detected in 22 (61.1%) and 65 (74.7%) isolates, respectively ( p < 0.05). The detected specific genes among FHs and ICPs were positive for bla KPC 19 (86.4%) and 35 (40.2%), and bla OXA 10 (45.5%) and 59 (67.8%), in addition to bla NDM 2 (9.1%) and 32 (36.8%), respectively. MLST assays of the E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates revealed considerable genetic diversity and polyclonality as well as demonstrated multiple known ST types and eight novel sequence types. The study revealed a relatively high number of CRE harboring predominantly bla KPC -mediated CRE among the community FH isolates vs. predominant bla OXA genes among the ICPs. Those heterogeneous CRE isolates raise concerns and mandate more efforts toward molecular surveillance. A multinational study is recommended to monitor the spread of genes mediating CRE in the community of Arabian Peninsula countries., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Moghnia, Rotimi and Al-Sweih.)

Summary: The epidemiology of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) in Ireland is changing, with an increase in the number of reported cases in late 2010 and early 2011. Reported cases were predominantly linked to critical care units. In June 2011, a four-week national pilot survey took place in 40 Irish critical care units (37 adult and three paediatric) to examine the prevalence of rectal carriage of CPE and inform national CPE screening guidelines. A total of 760 screening swabs were taken over the study period, and CPE were not detected in any of the participating critical care units. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) frequently colonizes pregnant women and can cause sepsis and meningitis in young infants. If colonization was prevented through maternal immunization, a reduction in perinatal GBS disease might be possible. A GBS type III capsular polysaccharide (CPS)-tetanus toxoid conjugate (III-TT) vaccine was evaluated for safety and efficacy in preventing acquisition of GBS colonization., Methods: Healthy, nonpregnant women aged 18-40 years and screened to be GBS III vaginal and rectal culture negative were randomized to receive III-TT conjugate or tetanus diphtheria toxoid vaccine in a multicenter, observer-blinded trial. GBS vaginal and rectal cultures and blood were obtained bimonthly over 18 months. Serum concentrations of GBS III CPS-specific antibodies were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay., Results: Among 1525 women screened, 650 were eligible for the intent-to-treat analysis. For time to first acquisition of vaginal GBS III, vaccine efficacy was 36% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1%-58%; P = .044), and for first rectal acquisition efficacy was 43% (95% CI, 11% to 63%; P = .014). Two months post-immunization, geometric mean concentrations of serum GBS type III CPS-specific immunoglobulin G were 12.6 µg/mL (95% CI, 9.95 to 15.81) in GBS III-TT recipients, representing a 4-fold increase from baseline in 95% of women, which persisted. Both vaccines were well tolerated., Conclusions: GBS CPS III-TT conjugate vaccine significantly delayed acquisition of vaginal and rectal GBS III colonization. In addition to its use for maternal immunization to passively protect infants with maternally derived antibodies, a multivalent vaccine might also serve to reduce fetal and neonatal exposure to GBS., Clinical Trials Registration: NCT00128219., (© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the epidemiology of VRE colonization among patients in the intensive care units (ICU) of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka (NHSL)., Method: A cross sectional study was carried out on 218 patients admitted to 12 ICUs of the NHSL from January to March 2012. Rectal swabs were collected on day 0, 4, 8 and every 4th day thereafter till discharge. Enterococci were isolated on selective media and identified up to species level using standard bacteriological procedures. Standardized disc diffusion antibiotic susceptibility testing to ampicillin, teicoplanin and vancomycin was performed using the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method. Minimum inhibitory concentrations to vancomycin were determined, using the E-test in strains showing intermediate or frank resistance to vancomycin by disc diffusion. Genotype determination (van A / van B) was carried out on isolates identified as VRE using the polymerase chain reaction. Patients positive for VRE colonization were followed up to discharge or death., Result: VRE prevalence in the study sample was 5%. Univariate analysis showed that the use of metronidazole (odds ratio [OR] :15.73;95% 95% confidence interval [CI] : 3.94-62.67,P<0.05) or teicoplanin (OR: 12.56; 95% CI:2.65 – 59.52, p< 0.05) and diabetes (OR: 05.13; 95% CI: 1.36 – 18.7, p< 0.05) or hemodialysis during ICU stay (OR: 7.38 ;95% CI : 1.69-32.16, P<0.05) were associated with an increased risk of VRE colonization., Conclusion: The 5% prevalence of VRE colonization detected signals the emergence of VRE in the intensive care setting in Sri Lanka.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important pathogens causing nosocomial infections, and there is reason for concern about their resistance and great ability to spread in hospital environments, especially intensive-care units (ICU). To determine the prevalence of rectal colonization by VRE, and the risk factors associated with their presence, rectal surveillance swabs were taken from patients under treatment in two intensive-care units (one medical and another both medical and surgical) at São Paulo Hospital, over a two-year period. Thirty-three percent of the 147 patients evaluated had VRE. The only significant variable in the logistic regression was the length of stay in the ICU.