Alice Guh

New Delhi Metallo-β-Lactamase–Producing Carbapenem-Resistant Escherichia coli Associated With Exposure to Duodenoscopes

IMPORTANCE Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) producing the New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) are rare in the United States, but have the potential to add to the increasing CRE burden. Previous NDM-producing CRE clusters have been attributed to person-to-person transmission in health care facilities. OBJECTIVE To identify a source for, and interrupt transmission of, NDM-producing CRE in a northeastern Illinois hospital. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Outbreak investigation among 39 case patients at a tertiary care hospital in northeastern Illinois, including a case-control study, infection control assessment, and collection of environmental and device cultures; patient and environmental isolate relatedness was evaluated with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). Following identification of a likely source, targeted patient notification and CRE screening cultures were performed. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Association between exposure and acquisition of NDM-producing CRE; results of environmental cultures and organism typing. RESULTS In total, 39 case patients were identified from January 2013 through December 2013, 35 with duodenoscope exposure in 1 hospital. No lapses in duodenoscope reprocessing were identified; however, NDM-producing Escherichia coli was recovered from a reprocessed duodenoscope and shared more than 92% similarity to all case patient isolates by PFGE. Based on the case-control study, case patients had significantly higher odds of being exposed to a duodenoscope (odds ratio [OR], 78 [95% CI, 6.0-1008], P < .001). After the hospital changed its reprocessing procedure from automated high-level disinfection with ortho-phthalaldehyde to gas sterilization with ethylene oxide, no additional case patients were identified. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this investigation, exposure to duodenoscopes with bacterial contamination was associated with apparent transmission of NDM-producing E coli among patients at 1 hospital. Bacterial contamination of duodenoscopes appeared to persist despite the absence of recognized reprocessing lapses. Facilities should be aware of the potential for transmission of bacteria including antimicrobial-resistant organisms via this route and should conduct regular reviews of their duodenoscope reprocessing procedures to ensure optimal manual cleaning and disinfection.

Developing a new, national approach to surveillance for ventilator-associated events*.

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. Working Group members included representatives of stakeholder societies and organizations and federal partners. Main results:The Working Group finalized a three-tier, adult surveillance definition algorithm for ventilator-associated events. The algorithm uses objective, readily available data elements and can identify a broad range of conditions and complications occurring in mechanically ventilated adult patients, including but not limited to VAP. The first tier definition, ventilator-associated condition (VAC), identifies patients with a period of sustained respiratory deterioration following a sustained period of stability or improvement on the ventilator, defined by changes in the daily minimum fraction of inspired oxygen or positive end-expiratory pressure. The second tier definition, infection-related ventilator-associated complication (IVAC), requires that patients with VAC also have an abnormal temperature or white blood cell count, and be started on a new antimicrobial agent. The third tier definitions, possible and probable VAP, require that patients with IVAC also have laboratory and/or microbiological evidence of respiratory infection. Conclusions:Ventilator-associated events surveillance was implemented in January 2013 in the CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network. Modifications to improve surveillance may be made as additional data become available and users gain experience with the new definitions.

Adverse events in pregnant women following administration of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine and live attenuated influenza vaccine in the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, 1990-2009

OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to characterize reports to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) in pregnant women who received seasonal influenza vaccines to assess for potential vaccine safety concerns. STUDY DESIGN We searched VAERS for reports of adverse events (AEs) in pregnant women who received trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV) from July 1, 1990 through June 30, 2009, or live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) from July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2009. RESULTS A total of 148 reports after TIV and 27 reports after LAIV were identified. Twenty TIV (13.5%) and 1 LAIV (4%) reports were classified as serious. No specific AEs were reported in 30 TIV (20.3%) and 16 LAIV (59%) reports. The most common pregnancy-specific AE was spontaneous abortion: 17 after TIV (11.5%) and 3 after LAIV (11%). The reporting rate of spontaneous abortion was 1.9 per million pregnant women vaccinated. CONCLUSION No unusual patterns of pregnancy complications or fetal outcomes were observed in the VAERS reports of pregnant women after the administration of TIV or LAIV.

Adverse events following influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent vaccines reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System, United States, October 1, 2009-January 31, 2010.

The United States (US) influenza A (H1N1) 2009 monovalent (2009-H1N1) vaccination program began in October 2009. Reports to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS), a US spontaneous reporting system, were reviewed to identify potential rare events or unusual adverse event (AE) patterns after 2009-H1N1 vaccination. The adverse event profile after 2009-H1N1 vaccine in VAERS (∼10,000 reports) was consistent with that of seasonal influenza vaccines, although the reporting rate was higher after 2009-H1N1 than seasonal influenza vaccines, this may be, at least in part, a reflection of stimulated reporting. Death, Guillain-Barré syndrome and anaphylaxis reports after 2009-H1N1 vaccination were rare (each <2 per million doses administered).

Epidemiology of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in 7 US Communities, 2012-2013

IMPORTANCE Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are increasingly reported worldwide as a cause of infections with high-mortality rates. Assessment of the US epidemiology of CRE is needed to inform national prevention efforts. OBJECTIVE To determine the population-based CRE incidence and describe the characteristics and resistance mechanism associated with isolates from 7 US geographical areas. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Population- and laboratory-based active surveillance of CRE conducted among individuals living in 1 of 7 US metropolitan areas in Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon. Cases of CRE were defined as carbapenem-nonsusceptible (excluding ertapenem) and extended-spectrum cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli, Enterobacter aerogenes, Enterobacter cloacae complex, Klebsiella pneumoniae, or Klebsiella oxytoca that were recovered from sterile-site or urine cultures during 2012-2013. Case records were reviewed and molecular typing for common carbapenemases was performed. EXPOSURES Demographics, comorbidities, health care exposures, and culture source and location. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Population-based CRE incidence, site-specific standardized incidence ratios (adjusted for age and race), and clinical and microbiological characteristics. RESULTS Among 599 CRE cases in 481 individuals, 520 (86.8%; 95% CI, 84.1%-89.5%) were isolated from urine and 68 (11.4%; 95% CI, 8.8%-13.9%) from blood. The median age was 66 years (95% CI, 62.1-65.4 years) and 284 (59.0%; 95% CI, 54.6%-63.5%) were female. The overall annual CRE incidence rate per 100<000 population was 2.93 (95% CI, 2.65-3.23). The CRE standardized incidence ratio was significantly higher than predicted for the sites in Georgia (1.65 [95% CI, 1.20-2.25]; P < .001), Maryland (1.44 [95% CI, 1.06-1.96]; P = .001), and New York (1.42 [95% CI, 1.05-1.92]; P = .048), and significantly lower than predicted for the sites in Colorado (0.53 [95% CI, 0.39-0.71]; P < .001), New Mexico (0.41 [95% CI, 0.30-0.55]; P = .01), and Oregon (0.28 [95% CI, 0.21-0.38]; P < .001). Most cases occurred in individuals with prior hospitalizations (399/531 [75.1%; 95% CI, 71.4%-78.8%]) or indwelling devices (382/525 [72.8%; 95% CI, 68.9%-76.6%]); 180 of 322 (55.9%; 95% CI, 50.0%-60.8%) admitted cases resulted in a discharge to a long-term care setting. Death occurred in 51 (9.0%; 95% CI, 6.6%-11.4%) cases, including in 25 of 91 cases (27.5%; 95% CI, 18.1%-36.8%) with CRE isolated from normally sterile sites. Of 188 isolates tested, 90 (47.9%; 95% CI, 40.6%-55.1%) produced a carbapenemase. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this population- and laboratory-based active surveillance system in 7 states, the incidence of CRE was 2.93 per 100<000 population. Most CRE cases were isolated from a urine source, and were associated with high prevalence of prior hospitalizations or indwelling devices, and discharge to long-term care settings.

Outbreak of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae at a long-term acute care hospital: sustained reductions in transmission through active surveillance and targeted interventions.

OBJECTIVE To describe a Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) outbreak and interventions to prevent transmission. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS Epidemiologic investigation of a CRE outbreak among patients at a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH). METHODS Microbiology records at LTACH A from March 2009 through February 2011 were reviewed to identify CRE transmission cases and cases admitted with CRE. CRE bacteremia episodes were identified during March 2009-July 2011. Biweekly CRE prevalence surveys were conducted during July 2010-July 2011, and interventions to prevent transmission were implemented, including education and auditing of staff and isolation and cohorting of CRE patients with dedicated nursing staff and shared medical equipment. Trends were evaluated using weighted linear or Poisson regression. CRE transmission cases were included in a case-control study to evaluate risk factors for acquisition. A real-time polymerase chain reaction assay was used to detect the bla(KPC) gene, and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed to assess the genetic relatedness of isolates. RESULTS Ninety-nine CRE transmission cases, 16 admission cases (from 7 acute care hospitals), and 29 CRE bacteremia episodes were identified. Significant reductions were observed in CRE prevalence (49% vs. 8%), percentage of patients screened with newly detected CRE (44% vs. 0%), and CRE bacteremia episodes (2.5 vs. 0.0 per 1,000 patient-days). Cases were more likely to have received β-lactams, have diabetes, and require mechanical ventilation. All tested isolates were KPC-producing K. pneumoniae, and nearly all isolates were genetically related. CONCLUSION CRE transmission can be reduced in LTACHs through surveillance testing and targeted interventions. Sustainable reductions within and across healthcare facilities may require a regional public health approach.

Outbreak of Escherichia coli O157 Associated with Raw Milk, Connecticut, 2008

BACKGROUND In Connecticut, despite hazards of raw milk consumption, attempts to ban raw milk sales have been unsuccessful. In July 2008, 2 children experienced Escherichia coli O157-associated hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after consuming raw milk purchased at a retail market and a farm (farm X). We investigated to determine the outbreak source and control measures. METHODS Confirmed cases were HUS diagnosis or E. coli O157:NM infections with isolates matching outbreak strains among patients during June to July 2008. Probable cases were diarrheal illness among farm X customers during the same period. We conducted case-control studies to determine the source of E. coli O157 exposure and assess for dose-response relation between illness and frequency of raw milk consumption. Farm X dairy practices were evaluated; stool specimens of humans and animals were cultured for E. coli O157. Staff time and laboratory and medical costs were calculated. RESULTS We identified 14 cases (7 confirmed). Five (36%) case patients required hospitalization; 3 (21%) experienced HUS. No deaths were reported. Raw milk consumption was associated with illness (P = .008); a dose-response relation was demonstrated (P = .01). Dairy practices reflected industry standards. E. coli O157:NM outbreak strains were isolated from stool specimens of 6 case patients and 1 milking cow. The total estimated outbreak cost was

Clinical findings for fungal infections caused by methylprednisolone injections.

413,402. CONCLUSIONS Farm Xs raw milk was the outbreak source despite no violations of current raw milk regulatory standards. This outbreak resulted in substantial costs and proposed legislation to prohibit nonfarm retail sale, strengthen advisory labels, and increase raw milk testing for pathogens.

Epidemiology and prevention of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in the United States

BACKGROUND Since September 18, 2012, public health officials have been investigating a large outbreak of fungal meningitis and other infections in patients who received epidural, paraspinal, or joint injections with contaminated lots of methylprednisolone acetate. Little is known about infections caused by Exserohilum rostratum, the predominant outbreak-associated pathogen. We describe the early clinical course of outbreak-associated infections. METHODS We reviewed medical records for outbreak cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before November 19, 2012, from the six states with the most reported cases (Florida, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Tennessee, and Virginia). Polymerase-chain-reaction assays and immunohistochemical testing were performed on clinical isolates and tissue specimens for pathogen identification. RESULTS Of 328 patients without peripheral-joint infection who were included in this investigation, 265 (81%) had central nervous system (CNS) infection and 63 (19%) had non-CNS infections only. Laboratory evidence of E. rostratum was found in 96 of 268 patients (36%) for whom samples were available. Among patients with CNS infections, strokes were associated with an increased severity of abnormalities in cerebrospinal fluid (P<0.001). Non-CNS infections were more frequent later in the course of the outbreak (median interval from last injection to diagnosis, 39 days for epidural abscess and 21 days for stroke; P<0.001), and such infections developed in patients with and in those without meningitis. CONCLUSIONS The initial clinical findings from this outbreak suggest that fungal infections caused by epidural and paraspinal injection of a contaminated glucocorticoid product can result in a broad spectrum of clinical disease, reflecting possible variations in the pathogenic mechanism and in host and exposure risk factors. (Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.).

Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions during an Outbreak of 2009 Pandemic Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Infection at a Large Public University, April–May 2009

Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are multidrug-resistant organisms with few treatment options that cause infections associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. CRE outbreaks have been increasingly reported worldwide and are mainly due to the emergence and spread of strains that produce carbapenemases. In the United States, transmission of CRE is primarily driven by the spread of organisms carrying the Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase enzyme, but other carbapenemase enzymes, such as the New-Delhi metallo-β-lactamase, have also emerged. Currently recommended control strategies for healthcare facilities include the detection of patients infected or colonized with CRE and implementation of measures to prevent further spread. In addition to efforts in individual facilities, effective CRE control requires coordination across all healthcare facilities in a region. This review describes the current epidemiology and surveillance of CRE in the United States and the recommended approach to prevention.