Abiola Senok

The emergence of OXA-48- and NDM-1-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVES To investigate the emergence of NDM-, OXA-48-, and VIM-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in Saudi Arabia. METHODS From June to December 2011, we obtained K. pneumoniae isolates with reduced sensitivity to carbapenem identified in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Only non-duplicate clinical and surveillance isolates obtained from inpatients were included. PCR amplification was carried out for the detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase genes (blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV) and carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaVIM, blaIMP, blaNDM, and blaOXA-48). Susceptibility to imipenem, meropenem, amikacin, gentamicin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, and colistin was determined. RESULTS Of the 60K. pneumoniae isolates studied, 45 were from patients in the intensive care unit. Forty-seven isolates harbored blaOXA-48, 12 were positive for blaNDM, and one for blaVIM. No isolate harbored a combination of these resistance genes. No isolate harbored blaKPC or blaIMP. All 37 blaCTX-M-positive isolates belonged to CTX-M group 1, and 29 were positive for a combination of blaCTX-M and blaOXA-48. blaTEM and blaSHV genes were found in 17 and 39 isolates, respectively. All isolates were imipenem- and meropenem-resistant, with a high rate of co-resistance to the other antibiotics. Three blaOXA-48-positive isolates with colistin resistance were detected. CONCLUSION Multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae isolates harboring blaOXA-48, blaNDM, and colistin resistance are emerging in Saudi Arabia.

Infectious diseases in the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt

Infectious diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality globally. Epidemiologically, differences in the patterns of infectious diseases and antimicrobial resistance exist across diverse geographical regions. In this review on infectious diseases in the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt, the epidemiology of tuberculosis, malaria and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections will be addressed. The challenges of the hepatitis C epidemic in Egypt and the epidemiology of this infection across the region will be reviewed. In recent years, we have seen dengue endemicity become established, with major outbreaks in parts of the region. Emerging data also indicate that, across the region, there is an increasing burden of antibiotic resistance, with endemicity in healthcare settings and dissemination into the community. New challenges include the emergence of the Alkhurma haemorrhagic fever virus in Saudi Arabia. The annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia serves as a model for the control of infectious disease in mass gatherings. As most of these countries constantly experience a uniquely dynamic population influx in the form of expatriate workers, tourists, or pilgrims, concerted regional and international collaboration to address these public health concerns in a region that lies at the crossroads for the global spread of infectious pathogens is imperative.

Implementation of the world health organization hand hygiene improvement strategy in critical care units

BackgroundTo determine hand hygiene compliance before and after an intervention campaign in critical care units, this study was carried out in the Intensive care unit (ICU), Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Burns unit (BU) and the Kidney unit of the King Abdul Aziz Specialist Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia. The observation using the WHO hand hygiene protocol took place in four phases with phase I, between April 24-May 06 2010 and phase II from May 29-June 09 2010. An educational intervention took place between the Phases I and II. Follow-up Phases III and IV were from 01–15 October 2010 and 15–30 March 2011 respectively.Findings1,975 hand hygiene opportunities comprising of 409 in Phase I, 406 in Phase II, 620 in Phase III and 540 Phase IV were observed. Compliance rate was 67% pre-intervention, 81% in phase II, declining to 59% and 65% in phases III and IV. Increased compliance in the ICU from 39% in Phase I to 81% in Phase IV (p < 0.05) was sustained throughout the study. Highest compliance rates were recorded among nurses in all phases. The improved compliance for physicians observed in the post-intervention phase was lost in follow-up phases. Missed opportunities for hand hygiene were before patient contact, after touching patient’s surrounding and before aseptic techniques. Team-work and leadership were identified as enhancing factors for compliance.ConclusionThe WHO hand hygiene strategy combined with health education, continuous evaluation and team approach resulted in increased compliance but this was not sustained in certain critical care areas.

Genetic Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Retail Meat in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Limited data exist from the Gulf Cooperation Council states on the prevalence and population dynamics of Staphylococcus aureus colonizing livestock or contaminating retail meat. This study was designed to determine the presence and genetic characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from raw retail meat sold in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Over a period of 9 months, different raw retail meat types were aseptically processed using the double broth enrichment technique, characteristic colonies from chromogenic and mannitol salt agar were further identified using conventional methods. Susceptibility to 9 antibiotics was determined using the disc diffusion technique. Interpretation of inhibition zone was done according to Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Molecular characterization was carried out using the StaphyType DNA microarray technology. Twenty-five meat samples yielded Staphylococcus aureus isolates. Camel meat had the highest contamination rate with Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (20%) and Methicillin susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (28%), while poultry meat had the least contamination rate with MRSA (4%). The MRSA isolates were grouped into 4 clonal complexes (CCs) namely CC1-MRSA-IV/SCCfus (n = 2), CC15-MRSA-V/SCCfus (n = 4), CC80-MRSA-IV/PVL+ (n = 5), and CC88-MRSA-IV/PVL+ (n = 2). All CC15-MRSA-V/SCCfus isolates were obtained from camel meat. This is the first study to demonstrate the novel CC15-MRSA-V/SCCfus in retail camel meat. We recommend that surveillance studies should be incorporated in public health and food hygiene programs.

National surveillance of antimicrobial resistance among Gram-positive bacteria in Saudi Arabia

Abstract Background: Antimicrobial-resistant Gram-positive bacteria are important causes of serious infections. Methods: Between January and December 2009, we examined clinical Gram-positive isolates from 24 hospitals across Saudi Arabia. Results: Among the 13750 isolates, Staphylococcus aureus (62·3%) was the commonest, followed by non-group A beta-haemolytic streptococci (14·8%), group A beta-haemolytic streptococci (7·1%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (6·6%), pneumococci (6·0%), and enterococci (3·1%). Resistance rates were high among S. aureus (methicillin-resistant S. aureus: 32%), coagulase-negative staphylococci (oxacillin: 63%) and pneumococci (penicillin G: 33%; erythromycin: 26%; ceftriaxone: 11%); low among enterococci (vancomycin: 1%) and among beta-haemolytic streptococci. Resistance rates varied between regions, but comparison was complicated by differences in antibiotics tested. Many relevant antibiotics were tested against few isolates (e.g. ampicillin, vancomycin, and high-level gentamicin versus enterococci) while unhelpful tests were widely performed (e.g. cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and imipenem versus staphylococci. Conclusion: Resistance is widespread in staphylococci and pneumococci, but not enterococci and beta-haemolytic streptococci in Saudi Arabia. Rationalization of antibiotic panels tested is urgently needed.

Molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in nosocomial infections in a tertiary-care facility: emergence of new clonal complexes in Saudi Arabia

Changes in the molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) continue to be reported. This study was carried out to characterize MRSA isolates in Saudi Arabia. MRSA isolates causing nosocomial infections (n = 117) obtained from 2009–2015 at a tertiary-care facility in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were studied. Molecular characterization of isolates was carried out using the StaphyType DNA microarray (Alere Technologies, Jena, Germany). Fourteen clonal complexes (CC) were identified, with the most common being CC80 (n = 35), CC6 (n = 15), CC5 (n = 13) and CC22 (n = 12). With the exception of nine ST239 MRSA-III isolates, all others were of community-associated MRSA lineages. The following strains are identified for the first time in Saudi Arabia: ST8-MRSA-IV [PVL+/ACME+], USA300 (n = 1); ST72-MRSA-IV USA700 (n = 1); CC5-MRSA-IV, [PVL+/edinA+], WA MRSA-121 (n = 1); CC5-MRSA-V+SCCfus, WA MRSA-14/109 (n = 2), CC97-MRSA-IV, WA MRSA-54/63; CC2250/2277-MRSA-IV and WA MRSA-114. CC15-MRSA (n = 3) was identified for the first time in clinical infection in Saudi Arabia. None of the isolates harboured vancomycin resistance genes, while genes for resistance to mupirocin and quaternary ammonium compounds were found in one and nine isolates respectively. Fifty-seven isolates (48.7%) were positive for Panton-Valentine leukocidin genes. While the staphylokinase (sak) and staphylococcal complement inhibitor (scn) genes were present in over 95% of the isolates, only 37.6% had the chemotaxis-inhibiting protein (chp) gene. Increasing occurrence of community-acquired MRSA lineages plus emergence of pandemic and rare MRSA strains is occurring in our setting. Strict infection control practices are important to limit the dissemination of these MRSA strains.

Genetic relatedness of clinical and environmental Acinetobacter baumanii isolates from an intensive care unit outbreak.

INTRODUCTION Determination of microbial genetic relatedness is important for improving efficiency of infection control measures during hospital outbreaks. This study aimed to analyze the clonal relationships of clinical and environmental Acinetobacter baumannii strains isolated during an outbreak in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a secondary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. METHODOLOGY Twelve clinical and fourteen environmental A. baumannii isolates identified during an outbreak in February 2013 in the 14-bed adult intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, were studied. Bacterial identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were carried out using Microscan Walkaway 96 automated system. Determination of clonal diversity was investigated by repetitive-sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) with the semi-automated DiversiLab system. RESULTS The majority of the clinical isolates were from endotracheal tube aspirates (n = 9), one from a wound swab and two were from urine and sputum, respectively. Environmental isolates were from bed railings (n = 10) and with one each from curtain, stethoscope, computer mouse and telephone. Isolates were categorized into 6 clusters (Groups 1-6). Most of the isolates were associated with two clusters namely Groups 2 (n = 11) and 3 (n = 9). All isolates were multidrug resistant showing resistance to three or more classes of antibiotics. One clinical strain from Cluster 3 was resistant to colistin (MIC > 4ug/ml). CONCLUSION This outbreak was caused by two clonal groups of multidrug resistant A. baumannii. The presence of multiple environmental clones was suggestive of environmental source dissemination via healthcare workers within the ICU.

Antimicrobial resistance and virulence markers in methicillin sensitive Staphylococcus aureus isolates associated with nasal colonization

Most Staphylococcus aureus infections occur in previously colonized persons who also act as reservoirs for continued dissemination. This study aimed to investigate the carriage of antimicrobial resistance and virulence markers in S. aureus isolates associated with nasal colonization. The study was conducted from December 2013-April 2014. Nasal swabs were collected and questionnaires administered to 97 medical students in Riyadh Saudi Arabia. Bacterial culture, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed by conventional methods and chromogenic agar was used for methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA) screening. Molecular characterization of isolates was carried out using the StaphyType DNA microarray. Thirty two students (43%) had S. aureus nasal carriage (MSSA = 31; MRSA = 1). Seventeen clonal complexes (CC) were identified namely: CC15-MSSA (n = 5), CC1-MSSA-SCCfus (n = 4), CC8-MSSA (n = 3), CC22-MSSA (n = 3), CC25-MSSA (n = 3), CC101-MSSA (n = 2). Other CC found as single isolates were CC5-MSSA, CC6-MSSA, CC30-MSSA, CC45-MSSA, CC96-MSSA, CC188-MSSA, CC398-MSSA, CC942-MSSA/PVL+, CC1290-MSSA, ST2482-MSSA, CC80-MRSA-IV/PVL+. The CC1-SCCfus isolates harbored the Staphylococcal cassette chromosome (SCC) with ccrA-1; ccrB-1 and ccrB-3 genes plus the putative fusidic acid resistance marker Q6GD50. One MSSA isolate was genotyped as coagulase negative Staphylococcus spp with an irregular composite SCCmec element. Majority of the isolates harbored various virulence genes including the hemolysin, enterotoxin, and exfoliative genes as well as various adhesive protein producing genes. Although there was low carriage of MRSA, the MSSA isolates harbored various resistance and virulence genes including those usually seen in MRSA isolates. The presence of isolates with incomplete SCCmec elements plus putative resistance and virulence genes is of concern.

Central line-associated bloodstream infection in a trauma intensive care unit: impact of implementation of Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America/Infectious Diseases Society of America practice guidelines.

BACKGROUND This study aimed to assess the impact implementation of the basic Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America/Infectious Diseases Society of America (SHEA/IDSA) practice recommendations in reducing central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in intensive care units (ICUs). METHODS The prospective study was conducted from January 2011-December 2012 at the 23-bed trauma ICU in Saudi Arabia. The basic SHEA/IDSA practice recommendations were introduced and implemented during the year 2012. Laboratory-confirmed CLABSIs were identified, and the antimicrobial susceptibility of isolates was determined. Data were collected and analyzed for benchmarking with the National Healthcare Safety Network. RESULTS There was a 58% decline in the CLABSI incidence rate from 3.87 to 1.5 per 1,000 central line days in 2011 and 2012, respectively (standardized infection ratio, 0.42; P = .043). Three institutional risk factors were identified and resolved: health care personnel education, removal of nonessential catheters, and use of a catheter cart. Three Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates susceptible only to imipenem, 1 pandrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii, and 2 Enterococcus faecalis, with 1 isolate resistant to vancomycin, were identified in 2012. CONCLUSION The basic SHEA/ISDA practice recommendation is an effective prevention model for the reduction of CLABSIs in the ICU. Additional measures are needed to control the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms.

Emergence and Spread of Antimicrobial-Resistant Pathogens in an Era of Globalization

In recent years, we have witnessed an increased emergence of antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) pathogens. In this era of globalization, international travel has been implicated as a significant risk factor for the acquisition of infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria, including Acinetobacter spp., methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant enterococci, hypervirulent Clostridium difficile, and Extended-Spectrum-Beta-Lactamase- (ESBL-) producing Enterobacteriaceae [1–4]. The plasmid encoded cefotaximase enzymes CTX-M and the New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase-1 (NDM-1) represent two excellent examples of the ESBL and carbapenemase that have been rapidly and globally disseminated. In this special issue, M. Elouennass et al. report on high rates of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae and the emergence of carbapenemase-producing isolates in Morocco. The boom in medical tourism has seen patients from developed nations taking up low-cost private medical care in developing countries. This inevitably provides ample opportunity for clinically important AMR pathogens to be acquired and disseminated across geographical borders. A recent example is NDM-1 which was first described in an isolate from a Swedish patient who had previously been hospitalized in New Delhi, India [5]. NDM-1-producing isolates have subsequently been reported across several continents often detected in patients with history of recent medical care in the Indian subcontinent [6]. Preventive measures against nosocomial transmission of AMR pathogens include hand hygiene, environmental decontamination as well as screening and cohorting of patients. Data from the study by J. C. Catano et al., presented in this issue, identifies the diversity of areas of bacterial contamination in a tertiary healthcare setting in a developing country. As stated by the authors “these bacterial reservoirs are a plausible source of infections for patients” and it indicates the need for further research to evaluate strategies for minimizing risk of transmission to patients.