Priya Nori

Use of Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry To Resolve Complex Clinical Cases of Patients with Recurrent Bacteremias

ABSTRACT Matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a rapid and accurate method of identifying microorganisms. Throughout Europe, it is already in routine use but has not yet been widely implemented in the United States, pending FDA approval. Here, we describe two medically complex patients at a large tertiary-care academic medical center with recurring bacteremias caused by distinct but related species. Bacterial identifications were initially obtained using the Vitek-2 system with the GPI card for Enterococcus and the API system for staphylococci. Initial results misled clinicians as to the source and proper management of these patients. Retrospective investigation with MALDI-TOF MS clarified the diagnosis by identifying a single microorganism as the pathogen in each case. To our knowledge, this is one of the first reports in the United States demonstrating the use of MALDI-TOF MS to facilitate the clinical diagnosis in patients with recurrent bacteremias of unclear source.

Developing Interactive Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention Curricula for Diverse Learners: A Tailored Approach

Abstract Background To impart principles of antimicrobial stewardship (AS) and infection prevention and control (IPC), we developed a curriculum tailored to the diverse aptitudes of learners at our medical center. Methods We integrated case-based modules, group learning activities, smartphone applications (apps), decision support tools, and prescription audit and feedback into curricula of the medical school, medicine residency program, infectious diseases (ID) fellowship program, and hospital medicine program operations. Interventions were implemented in 2012–2016 using a quasi-experimental before-and-after study design, and this was assessed using pre- and postintervention surveys or audit of antibiotic prescriptions. Results Over 180 medical students participated in the AS and IPC seminars. After smartphone app introduction, 69% reported using the app as their preferred source of antibiotic information. Approximately 70% of students felt comfortable prescribing antibiotics for a known infection compared with 40% at baseline (P = .02), and approximately 83% were able to identify the appropriate personal protective equipment for specific scenarios. Approximately 99% agreed that they have a role in promoting patient safety and preventing healthcare-associated infections as medical students. At 20 months, appropriateness of trainee antibiotic prescriptions increased by 20% (P < .01). Almost all ID fellows indicated that the AS and IPC seminar was a vital training supplement. Uptake of internist antibiotic recommendations using AS decision support tools was approximately 70%. Conclusions All 5 interventions addressed learning objectives and knowledge gaps and are applicable across a range of environments. Evaluating long-term impact of our curriculum is the focus of future study.

Bundle in the Bronx: Impact of a Transition-of-Care Outpatient Parenteral Antibiotic Therapy Bundle on All-Cause 30-Day Hospital Readmissions

Abstract Background A streamlined transition from inpatient to outpatient care can decrease 30-day readmissions. Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy (OPAT) programs have not reduced readmissions; an OPAT bundle has been suggested to improve outcomes. We implemented a transition-of-care (TOC) OPAT bundle and assessed the effects on all-cause, 30-day hospital readmission. Methods Retrospectively, patients receiving postdischarge intravenous antibiotics were evaluated before and after implementation of a TOC-OPAT program in Bronx, New York, between July, 2015 and February, 2016. Pearson’s χ2 test was used to compare 30-day readmissions between groups, and logistic regression was used to adjust for covariates. Time from discharge to readmission was analyzed to assess readmission risk, using log-rank test to compare survival curves and Cox proportional hazards model to adjust for covariates. Secondary outcomes, 30-day emergency department (ED) visits, and mortality were analyzed similarly. Results Compared with previous standard care (n = 184), the TOC-OPAT group (n = 146) had significantly lower 30-day readmissions before (13.0% vs 26.1%, P < .01) and after adjustment for covariates (odds ratio [OR] = 0.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27–0.94; P = .03). In time-dependent analyses, TOC-OPAT patients were at significantly lower risk for readmission (log-rank test, P < .01; hazard ratio = 0.56; 95% CI, 0.32–0.97; P = .04). Propensity-matched sensitivity analysis showed lower readmissions in the TOC-OPAT group (13.6% vs 24.6%, P = .04), which was attenuated after adjustment (OR = 0.51; 95% CI, 0.25–1.05; P = .07). Mortality and ED visits were similar in both groups. Conclusions Our TOC-OPAT patients had reduced 30-day readmissions compared with the previous standard of care. An effective TOC-OPAT bundle can successfully improve patient outcomes in an economically disadvantaged area.

Antimicrobial Stewardship Training for Infectious Diseases Fellows: Program Directors Identify a Curriculum Need

A needs assessment survey of infectious diseases (ID) training program directors identified gaps in educational resources for training and evaluating ID fellows in antimicrobial stewardship. An Infectious Diseases Society of America-sponsored core curriculum was developed to address that need.

Beta-lactam combination therapy for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species bacteremia: A summary and appraisal of the evidence.

Staphylococcal bacteremia and enterococcal bacteremia are prevalent in hospitalized or recently instrumented patients, and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. They are often difficult to treat due to the pathogenicity of the organisms, poor response to antibiotics, and increasing development of multidrug resistance. Therefore, there has been increasing interest in combination therapy for the treatment of these infections. The aim of this review was to summarize and assess the evidence supporting combination beta-lactam therapy for both Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus species blood stream infections. Currently, there is promising in vitro data but little clinical evidence supporting combination beta-lactam therapy for this indication. Further clinical investigations are needed to elucidate the potential benefits of beta-lactam combination therapy over monotherapy for Gram-positive bacteremia, although combination therapy may be useful in refractory cases of bacteremia that do not respond to standard antibiotic therapy.

Creative Collaborations in Antimicrobial Stewardship: Using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Core Elements as Your Guide

Antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) success and growth rely on recurring collaborations with partners within the health care system, such as administration, clinical services, infection prevention, pharmacy, the medical school, and microbiology. These collaborations present valuable opportunities for development of hospital policies, institutional guidelines, and educational curriculum. External opportunities for collaboration may be less frequent but equally valuable. These collaborations are facilitated by health system partnerships with national quality organizations, neighboring ASPs, and the Department of Health. All collaborations present novel opportunities for policy development, research initiatives, and expanding the regional ASP footprint.

An unusual cause of community-acquired pneumonia

Highlights • A. baumannii community-acquired pneumonia incidence and prevalence is unknown in temperate regions.• It potentially has a rapidly progressive course and poor outcome.• Progression of disease may be due to immune dysfunction in certain hosts.• Studies are conflicting on the role and regimen of antibiotics on disease progression.

Two for the price of one: emerging carbapenemases in a returning traveller to New York City

We report a case of a complex orthopaedic infection in a patient returning to New York City from Bangladesh where he was involved in a serious motor vehicle accident. He developed extensive osteomyelitis with a carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae. The isolate was unique due to the coexistence of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 and Oxacillinase type-181 carbapenemases, which are relatively uncommon in North America and were presumably acquired in Bangladesh. Herein, we explore challenges associated with management of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae infections, including limited available data on effective antimicrobial therapy. We also highlight the added value of rapid diagnostic technology in guiding clinical management. Ultimately, the patient required both aggressive surgical management and combination therapy with aztreonam and ceftazidime-avibactam for true source control and favourable clinical outcome.

Treatment of a complex orthopaedic infection due to extensively drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 51 000 healthcare-associated infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa occur annually in the USA, more than 6000 of which (13%) are caused by multidrug resistant (MDR) strains. Ceftolozane/tazobactam (TOL/TAZ) (Zerbaxa) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in December 2014 for the treatment of complicated intra-abdominal and urinary tract infections. At this time, clinical data on the role of TOL/TAZ treatment outside of FDA-approved indications is limited. Herein, we present a case of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) P. aeruginosa osteomyelitis of the upper extremity, which was successfully treated with TOL/TAZ for 8 weeks with optimal clinical and laboratory responses. Monotherapy with TOL/TAZ appears effective for treatment of complicated bone and joint infections with XDR P. aeruginosa in combination with comprehensive surgical management, particularly when few antibiotic options exist.

Working Together to Define Antibiotic Appropriateness: Point Prevalence Survey in 47 Intensive Care Units from 12 US Hospitals, Partnership for Quality Care, March 2017

Abstract Background A national assessment of antibiotic appropriateness in intensive care units (ICUs) with benchmarking was performed to assist antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) identify improvement opportunities. Methods A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention tool was adapted by an expert panel from the Partnership for Quality Care (PQC), a coalition dedicated to high quality care in US hospitals, to validate appropriate antibiotic use measurement via a point prevalence survey on a single day. Data were collected by ASP personnel at each hospital, de-identified and submitted in aggregate to PQC for benchmarking. Hospitals identified reasons for inappropriate antibiotic use by category and antibiotics misused. Results Forty-seven ICUs from 12 PQC hospitals participated: California (2), Florida (2), Massachusetts (3), Minnesota (1), and New York (4). Most hospitals identified as teaching (83%) with 252-1550 bed size (median: 563) and 20–270 licensed ICU beds (median: 70). All hospitals reported a formal ASP. On March 1, 2017, 362 (54%) of 667 patients in participating ICUs were on antibiotics (range: 8-81 patients); 1 patient was not assessed. Of the remaining 361 antibiotic regimens, 112 (31%) were identified as inappropriate from among all 12 hospitals (range: 9-82%) (figure). The table displays inappropriate antibiotic use by ICU type. Reasons for inappropriate use included unnecessarily broad spectrum of activity (29%), duration longer than necessary (21%), and treatment of a non-infectious syndrome (19%). The antibiotic most commonly misused was vancomycin in 7 (58%) hospitals. Conclusion Up to 80% of antibiotic use in some ICUs is inappropriate, underscoring the need for ASP interventions, standardized assessment tools and benchmarking. Strategies should focus on de-escalation of broad-spectrum antibiotics and reducing duration of therapy. Disclosures D. W. Kubiak, Shionogi: Consultant, Consulting fee. Astellas Pharma: Consultant, Consulting fee