Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-13DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100498
L. Amminou, H. Soualem, S. Boukssim, S. Chbicheb
Objective
Blood exposure accidents (BEAs) are a major occupational hazard for dental students. Limited data exist on their prevalence and risk factors in Morocco.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 236 clinical-year dental students (4th–6th year) at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rabat. A structured, self-administered questionnaire assessed demographics, BEA history, and clinical practices. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression identified independent risk factors.
Results
45.3% of participants reported at least one BEA, primarily from sharp instrument injuries (55.1%) or splashes onto mucous membranes (25.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that male gender was independently associated with higher risk (∼3.3×), with female students having lower odds of BEA (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.18–0.86). Advanced academic year significantly increased risk (5th year: OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2–6.2; 6th year: OR = 7.0, 95% CI: 3.1–15.3), while absence of procedural assistance also increased risk (OR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.05–0.43 for assisted vs. non-assisted). Needle recapping practices showed no significant association.
Conclusion
BEAs are frequent among Moroccan dental students in Rabat, particularly in senior years and when procedures are unassisted. Targeted infection-control education, structured supervision, and national guidelines are needed to reduce occupational risks.
{"title":"Blood exposure accidents and associated risk factors among dental students in Rabat, Morocco: A cross-sectional study","authors":"L. Amminou, H. Soualem, S. Boukssim, S. Chbicheb","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100498","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100498","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>Blood exposure accidents (BEAs) are a major occupational hazard for dental students. Limited data exist on their prevalence and risk factors in Morocco.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 236 clinical-year dental students (4th–6th year) at the Faculty of Dental Medicine, Rabat. A structured, self-administered questionnaire assessed demographics, BEA history, and clinical practices. Chi-square tests and multivariable logistic regression identified independent risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>45.3% of participants reported at least one BEA, primarily from sharp instrument injuries (55.1%) or splashes onto mucous membranes (25.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that male gender was independently associated with higher risk (∼3.3×), with female students having lower odds of BEA (OR = 0.3, 95% CI: 0.18–0.86). Advanced academic year significantly increased risk (5th year: OR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2–6.2; 6th year: OR = 7.0, 95% CI: 3.1–15.3), while absence of procedural assistance also increased risk (OR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.05–0.43 for assisted vs. non-assisted). Needle recapping practices showed no significant association.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>BEAs are frequent among Moroccan dental students in Rabat, particularly in senior years and when procedures are unassisted. Targeted infection-control education, structured supervision, and national guidelines are needed to reduce occupational risks.</div></div><div><h3>Trial registration</h3><div>CERB 122-24.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 1","pages":"Article 100498"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145748451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-11-17DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100496
Simon Ching Lam , Jing Jing Su , Shun Wa Tsang , Anna On Na Wong , Vivian Ching Man Pang , Jessie Yuk Seng Chung , Shun Chan , Rick Yiu Cho Kwan , Lorna Kwai Ping Suen
Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing has been regarded as the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In response to the sudden surge in cases that overwhelmed the healthcare system in Hong Kong, several point-of-care testing (POCT) methods have been developed for rapid COVID-19 screening. However, the diagnostic accuracy of these methods remains inadequately established.
COVID-19–positive patients and negative control subjects were recruited from a community isolation centre and individuals under home quarantine. Four nasal swab samples were collected by trained operators from each subject. Three swab samples were immediately tested using conventional COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT), fluorescence-based RAT (Fluorescent-RAT) and POCT quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The fourth swab sample was submitted to a certified laboratory for standard RT-PCR analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of the three rapid testing methods were evaluated against the results obtained from the certified laboratory-based RT-PCR, which served as the reference standard.
The performance of the three diagnostic methods was assessed in 186 valid cases, which comprised 86 RT-PCR–confirmed positive cases and 100 negative cases. The participants' age ranged from 3 years to 94 years. The sensitivity of the Fluorescent-RAT (87.21%, 95% confidence interval [CI]:80.15%–94.27%) and the POCT qPCR (84.27%, 95% CI:76.71%–91.83%) was comparable and significantly higher than that of the conventional RAT (51.69%, 95% CI:41.30%–62.07%). All three methods demonstrated high specificity. The RAT and POCT qPCR exhibited 100% specificity (95% CI:100%), and the Fluorescent-RAT showed a specificity of 97.06% (95% CI:93.78%–100%).
This study demonstrated that the Fluorescent-RAT and POCT qPCR can serve as reliable alternatives to RT-PCR for COVID-19 diagnosis, offering improved performance compared with the conventional RAT.
{"title":"Diagnostic accuracy of point-of-care testing methods for SARS-CoV-2 detection in community quarantine and isolation settings","authors":"Simon Ching Lam , Jing Jing Su , Shun Wa Tsang , Anna On Na Wong , Vivian Ching Man Pang , Jessie Yuk Seng Chung , Shun Chan , Rick Yiu Cho Kwan , Lorna Kwai Ping Suen","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100496","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100496","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing has been regarded as the gold standard for the diagnosis of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In response to the sudden surge in cases that overwhelmed the healthcare system in Hong Kong, several point-of-care testing (POCT) methods have been developed for rapid COVID-19 screening. However, the diagnostic accuracy of these methods remains inadequately established.</div><div>COVID-19–positive patients and negative control subjects were recruited from a community isolation centre and individuals under home quarantine. Four nasal swab samples were collected by trained operators from each subject. Three swab samples were immediately tested using conventional COVID-19 rapid antigen test (RAT), fluorescence-based RAT (Fluorescent-RAT) and POCT quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The fourth swab sample was submitted to a certified laboratory for standard RT-PCR analysis. The sensitivity and specificity of the three rapid testing methods were evaluated against the results obtained from the certified laboratory-based RT-PCR, which served as the reference standard.</div><div>The performance of the three diagnostic methods was assessed in 186 valid cases, which comprised 86 RT-PCR–confirmed positive cases and 100 negative cases. The participants' age ranged from 3 years to 94 years. The sensitivity of the Fluorescent-RAT (87.21%, 95% confidence interval [CI]:80.15%–94.27%) and the POCT qPCR (84.27%, 95% CI:76.71%–91.83%) was comparable and significantly higher than that of the conventional RAT (51.69%, 95% CI:41.30%–62.07%). All three methods demonstrated high specificity. The RAT and POCT qPCR exhibited 100% specificity (95% CI:100%), and the Fluorescent-RAT showed a specificity of 97.06% (95% CI:93.78%–100%).</div><div>This study demonstrated that the Fluorescent-RAT and POCT qPCR can serve as reliable alternatives to RT-PCR for COVID-19 diagnosis, offering improved performance compared with the conventional RAT.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 1","pages":"Article 100496"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145691256","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nudge-based messages on hand soap usage in a Japanese hospital setting.
Methods
Interrupted time series analysis was conducted using monthly hand soap usage data from April 2022 to March 2024. The following nudge messages were placed in restrooms: “Are your neighbors washing their hands with soap?” (men) and “Water does not disinfect; soap works!” (women). A generalized least squares model with harmonic terms was used to analyze the data, accounting for seasonality and autocorrelation.
Results
The intervention was associated with an immediate increase of 147.85 units/month in hand soap usage (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.87–233.83; P = 0.003). However, usage gradually decreased by 11.47 units/month thereafter (95% CI: –27.10 to 4.15; P = 0.166). Sensitivity analysis using Poisson regression confirmed the robustness of these findings. The intervention was associated with a 38.5% increase in hand soap usage (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.385, 95% CI: 1.265–1.515, P < 0.001), but there was a subsequent 1.9% monthly decrease (IRR = 0.981, 95% CI: 0.965–0.997, P = 0.019).
Conclusions
These findings suggest that nudge-based interventions can be effective in promoting hand hygiene in Japanese health-care settings, but the effect may wane over time.
本研究旨在评估日本医院环境中轻推信息对洗手液使用的有效性。方法对2022年4月至2024年3月每月洗手液使用数据进行中断时间序列分析。洗手间里贴着这样的提示信息：“你的邻居用肥皂洗手吗？”（男人）和“水不消毒；soap工作!”(女性)。采用调和项广义最小二乘模型对数据进行分析，考虑了季节性和自相关性。结果干预与立即增加147.85单位/月的洗手液使用量相关（95%可信区间[CI]: 61.87-233.83; P = 0.003）。然而，此后使用量逐渐减少11.47个单位/月（95% CI: -27.10至4.15;P = 0.166）。使用泊松回归的敏感性分析证实了这些发现的稳健性。干预与洗手液使用率增加38.5%相关（发病率比[IRR] = 1.385, 95% CI: 1.265-1.515, P < 0.001），但随后每月下降1.9% （IRR = 0.981, 95% CI: 0.965-0.997, P = 0.019）。这些发现表明，在日本卫生保健机构中，以轻推为基础的干预措施可以有效地促进手卫生，但效果可能会随着时间的推移而减弱。
{"title":"Impact of a nudge-based intervention on hand soap usage in a Japanese Hospital: interrupted time series analysis","authors":"Tetsuji Morishita , Masayoshi Monji , Masao Kuwabara , Shin Lee , Makoto Hayashi , Hisashi Tsurumi , Hidetoshi Matsunami","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100494","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100494","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nudge-based messages on hand soap usage in a Japanese hospital setting.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Interrupted time series analysis was conducted using monthly hand soap usage data from April 2022 to March 2024. The following nudge messages were placed in restrooms: “Are your neighbors washing their hands with soap?” (men) and “Water does not disinfect; soap works!” (women). A generalized least squares model with harmonic terms was used to analyze the data, accounting for seasonality and autocorrelation.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The intervention was associated with an immediate increase of 147.85 units/month in hand soap usage (95% confidence interval [CI]: 61.87–233.83; <em>P</em> = 0.003). However, usage gradually decreased by 11.47 units/month thereafter (95% CI: –27.10 to 4.15; <em>P</em> = 0.166). Sensitivity analysis using Poisson regression confirmed the robustness of these findings. The intervention was associated with a 38.5% increase in hand soap usage (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.385, 95% CI: 1.265–1.515, <em>P</em> < 0.001), but there was a subsequent 1.9% monthly decrease (IRR = 0.981, 95% CI: 0.965–0.997, <em>P</em> = 0.019).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>These findings suggest that nudge-based interventions can be effective in promoting hand hygiene in Japanese health-care settings, but the effect may wane over time.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"7 4","pages":"Article 100494"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519494","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Hospital SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks require effective interventions. We evaluated targeted universal N95 respirator use among staff from outbreak identification until screening results. Analysing 18 cluster outbreaks using generalised linear mixed models, we found that N95 respirator use was associated with a 72% reduction in new infections (P<0.001) compared to surgical masks. The mean duration of N95 respirator use was 5.25 days. Policy effectiveness was independent of outbreak size. Bootstrap analysis confirmed significant reduction (mean difference -3.02 cases, 95% CI: -5.98 to -0.08). Infection source showed substantial variability while ward-level variation was minimal. Short-term targeted N95 respirator use effectively controls hospital outbreaks while optimising resources and staff comfort.
{"title":"Minimising the duration of N95 respirator use during hospital SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks: A mixed-effects analysis of post-screening infection reduction","authors":"Mari Yanaka , Toshibumi Taniguchi , Misuzu Yahaba , Shota Murata , Hiroshi Yoshikawa , Hitoshi Chiba , Misao Urushihara , Hidetoshi Igari","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100484","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100484","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Hospital SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks require effective interventions. We evaluated targeted universal N95 respirator use among staff from outbreak identification until screening results. Analysing 18 cluster outbreaks using generalised linear mixed models, we found that N95 respirator use was associated with a 72% reduction in new infections (<em>P</em><0.001) compared to surgical masks. The mean duration of N95 respirator use was 5.25 days. Policy effectiveness was independent of outbreak size. Bootstrap analysis confirmed significant reduction (mean difference -3.02 cases, 95% CI: -5.98 to -0.08). Infection source showed substantial variability while ward-level variation was minimal. Short-term targeted N95 respirator use effectively controls hospital outbreaks while optimising resources and staff comfort.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"7 4","pages":"Article 100484"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145099783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-09DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100487
H.D. Eriksen , L.J. Porsbo , B. Bang , N. Ank , H. Hasman
Background
The hospital environment is a known reservoir for nosocomial infections, with bathroom plumbing increasingly implicated in the spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE). At Aalborg University Hospital (AUH), Denmark, two ongoing outbreaks of CPE have been linked to Citrobacter freundii sequence type 18 (ST18) and Klebsiella oxytoca ST2. While both outbreak strains carry a blaNDM-1 gene on distinct plasmids, the role of bathroom fixtures in their transmission to patients remains unclear.
Aim
This study aims to investigate the environmental reservoirs and potential transmission routes of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1)-producing K. oxytoca isolates associated with patients and the environment within the Gastric Surgery Unit (GSU) at AUH.
Methods
Weekly rectal swabs were conducted on GSU patients, accompanied by environmental sampling at two timepoints of toilets, drains, and dry surfaces over a 450-day period. Whole-genome sequencing and plasmid analysis were used to assess genetic relationships between environmental and patient isolates. Additional targeted environmental screenings focused on bathrooms in high-risk rooms.
Findings
NDM-1-producing K. oxytoca ST2 was consistently detected in three toilets, each harbouring distinct genomic sub-clades. Four patients were later found colonized with isolates genetically related to those from the toilets. No evidence of direct patient-to-patient transmission was found, underscoring the role of toilets as reservoirs in the outbreak.
Conclusion
Temporal data relating to the various samples suggest that the environmental reservoirs in two specific bathrooms, and presumably their toilets, are the most likely sources of transmission to the four patients at the GSU.
{"title":"New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 -producing Klebsiella oxytoca sequence type 2 from toilets as the likely source of nosocomial transmission to patients – a root cause analysis","authors":"H.D. Eriksen , L.J. Porsbo , B. Bang , N. Ank , H. Hasman","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100487","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100487","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The hospital environment is a known reservoir for nosocomial infections, with bathroom plumbing increasingly implicated in the spread of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE). At Aalborg University Hospital (AUH), Denmark, two ongoing outbreaks of CPE have been linked to <em>Citrobacter freundii</em> sequence type 18 (ST18) and <em>Klebsiella oxytoca</em> ST2. While both outbreak strains carry a <em>bla</em><sub>NDM-1</sub> gene on distinct plasmids, the role of bathroom fixtures in their transmission to patients remains unclear.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aims to investigate the environmental reservoirs and potential transmission routes of New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 (NDM-1)-producing <em>K. oxytoca</em> isolates associated with patients and the environment within the Gastric Surgery Unit (GSU) at AUH.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Weekly rectal swabs were conducted on GSU patients, accompanied by environmental sampling at two timepoints of toilets, drains, and dry surfaces over a 450-day period. Whole-genome sequencing and plasmid analysis were used to assess genetic relationships between environmental and patient isolates. Additional targeted environmental screenings focused on bathrooms in high-risk rooms.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>NDM-1-producing <em>K. oxytoca</em> ST2 was consistently detected in three toilets, each harbouring distinct genomic sub-clades. Four patients were later found colonized with isolates genetically related to those from the toilets. No evidence of direct patient-to-patient transmission was found, underscoring the role of toilets as reservoirs in the outbreak.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Temporal data relating to the various samples suggest that the environmental reservoirs in two specific bathrooms, and presumably their toilets, are the most likely sources of transmission to the four patients at the GSU.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"7 4","pages":"Article 100487"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145362943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-31DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100490
Akeza Awealom Asgedom , Bente Elisabeth Moen , Ana Lorena Ruano
Background
Healthcare-associated infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among health personnel worldwide. The World Health Organization's (WHO) multi-modal hand hygiene tool has shown inadequate hand hygiene levels in various sub-Saharan countries. We have applied it here to describe the hand hygiene level in public health facilities in Tigray, Ethiopia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2024 in all accessible public health facilities. An interview-based WHO hand hygiene self-assessment framework (HHSAF) tool was used for data collection. Descriptive analyses and independent t-test were used to analyse data.
Results
A total of 33 facilities (two referral, 10 general, and 21 primary hospitals) from six accessible zones of Tigray participated in the survey. The mean age of the respondents was 35 years (SD: 8) with a mean service duration of nine years (SD: 7). Most respondents were infection prevention and control (IPC) focal persons (66.7%), followed by chief executive officers (9.1%). The overall HHSAF score was 126 (range: 15–318), indicating a basic hand hygiene level. Seventeen facilities (51.5%) had inadequate hand hygiene levels, 13 (39.4%) had basic hand hygiene level, three (9.1%) had an intermediate hand hygiene level, and none had an advanced hand hygiene level.
Conclusions
Hand hygiene levels were unsatisfactory in post-war Tigray and were limited across all zones and types of facility, posing an increased risk of infection for healthcare personnel. Improvements in hand hygiene practices and IPC capacity building are essential to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Longitudinal research on hand hygiene level monitoring is recommended.
{"title":"Evaluation of hand hygiene implementation in hospitals in the post-war Tigray region of Ethiopia, using the WHO Hand Hygiene Self-Assessment Framework","authors":"Akeza Awealom Asgedom , Bente Elisabeth Moen , Ana Lorena Ruano","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100490","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100490","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Healthcare-associated infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among health personnel worldwide. The World Health Organization's (WHO) multi-modal hand hygiene tool has shown inadequate hand hygiene levels in various sub-Saharan countries. We have applied it here to describe the hand hygiene level in public health facilities in Tigray, Ethiopia.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to July 2024 in all accessible public health facilities. An interview-based WHO hand hygiene self-assessment framework (HHSAF) tool was used for data collection. Descriptive analyses and independent <em>t</em>-test were used to analyse data.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 33 facilities (two referral, 10 general, and 21 primary hospitals) from six accessible zones of Tigray participated in the survey. The mean age of the respondents was 35 years (SD: 8) with a mean service duration of nine years (SD: 7). Most respondents were infection prevention and control (IPC) focal persons (66.7%), followed by chief executive officers (9.1%). The overall HHSAF score was 126 (range: 15–318), indicating a basic hand hygiene level. Seventeen facilities (51.5%) had inadequate hand hygiene levels, 13 (39.4%) had basic hand hygiene level, three (9.1%) had an intermediate hand hygiene level, and none had an advanced hand hygiene level.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Hand hygiene levels were unsatisfactory in post-war Tigray and were limited across all zones and types of facility, posing an increased risk of infection for healthcare personnel. Improvements in hand hygiene practices and IPC capacity building are essential to prevent healthcare-associated infections. Longitudinal research on hand hygiene level monitoring is recommended.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"7 4","pages":"Article 100490"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145568215","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-21DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100493
Yuying Pang , Yan Hu , Jiaoyang Zhu , Zhaoxia Liu , Youquan Zhou , Xiumei Yang , Yifan Peng , Min Zhao
Background
We describe an outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) nosocomial infection in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a cancer hospital. We evaluate the containment measures implemented and provide evidence-based recommendations for improving CRKP infection prevention and control strategies.
Methods
Between June and July 2023, a comprehensive epidemiological investigation was conducted, including environmental hygiene surveillance and targeted infection control interventions. These measures focused on patients with CRKP nosocomial infections in the ICU, and their effectiveness was systematically evaluated.
Results
A total of 22 CRKP strains were identified in 14 patients(including one transferred from another hospital), with 13 nosocomial infections. Five patients had infections at multiple sites. The nosocomial infection rate was 8.1%, representing a statistically significant increase compared to the same period in previous years. Environmental surveillance detected CRKP contamination on the hands of two doctors (8.7% detection rate) and on various surfaces (8% detection rate), particularly shared equipment, bed unit surfaces, and sanitary ware. Following the implementation of control measures, the spread was effectively contained.
Conclusions
Key factors contributing to transmission likely included delayed identification of infected patients, inadequate enforcement of isolation protocols, and suboptimal environmental cleaning and disinfection. Early detection, strict isolation measures, and thorough environmental cleaning are essential for effective prevention and control of CRKP in the ICU setting.
{"title":"Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae outbreak in the Intensive Care Unit of a cancer centre","authors":"Yuying Pang , Yan Hu , Jiaoyang Zhu , Zhaoxia Liu , Youquan Zhou , Xiumei Yang , Yifan Peng , Min Zhao","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100493","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100493","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>We describe an outbreak of carbapenem-resistant <em>Klebsiella pneumoniae</em> (CRKP) nosocomial infection in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a cancer hospital. We evaluate the containment measures implemented and provide evidence-based recommendations for improving CRKP infection prevention and control strategies.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Between June and July 2023, a comprehensive epidemiological investigation was conducted, including environmental hygiene surveillance and targeted infection control interventions. These measures focused on patients with CRKP nosocomial infections in the ICU, and their effectiveness was systematically evaluated.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 22 CRKP strains were identified in 14 patients(including one transferred from another hospital), with 13 nosocomial infections. Five patients had infections at multiple sites. The nosocomial infection rate was 8.1%, representing a statistically significant increase compared to the same period in previous years. Environmental surveillance detected CRKP contamination on the hands of two doctors (8.7% detection rate) and on various surfaces (8% detection rate), particularly shared equipment, bed unit surfaces, and sanitary ware. Following the implementation of control measures, the spread was effectively contained.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Key factors contributing to transmission likely included delayed identification of infected patients, inadequate enforcement of isolation protocols, and suboptimal environmental cleaning and disinfection. Early detection, strict isolation measures, and thorough environmental cleaning are essential for effective prevention and control of CRKP in the ICU setting.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"7 4","pages":"Article 100493"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145465944","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-27DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100495
Jie Li , Maria Theresa Cabahug , Tuodi Wu , Hairu Chai , Rongyan An , Nicole Shu Ning Teoh , Liang Fang Yu , Zaleha binte Alias , Shi Yun Foo , Suhailah binte Nasir , Wenyi Seow , Philomena Liew , Thean Yen Tan
Background
Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are widely used in hospitals and account for up to one-third of hospital-onset Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (HO-SAB) cases.
Local Problem
In response to increasing HO-SAB, a quality improvement initiative was launched to reduce PIVC-related phlebitis and HO-SAB.
Methods
An evidence-based bundle for peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion and care was developed, focusing on four key components: hand hygiene, aseptic technique during insertion, daily monitoring and timely removal of PIVCs, and optimization of maintenance care. The bundle was piloted in two wards using the Model for Improvement, which led to a reduction in phlebitis rates. The same PIVC bundle was subsequently implemented in a phased manner across the hospital, with the implementation process guided by Kotter's 8-step model of change to ensure effective and sustainable adoption.
Interventions
Interventions involved staff education, daily PIVC checks, process and outcome monitoring with feedback, ongoing ward engagement, and hospital-wide awareness campaigns. Key implementation measures included bundle compliance, phlebitis rates, and PIVC-related HO-SAB.
Results
Phlebitis rates in pilot wards declined from 7% to 1–2%, with comparable reductions observed after hospital-wide implementation. PIVC-related HO-SAB rates decreased from 0.61 (pre-implementation) to 0.26 episodes per 10,000 patient-days.
Conclusions
Overall, the structured care bundle significantly reduced phlebitis and was associated with lower PIVC-related HO-SAB rates.
{"title":"Implementation of a peripheral intravenous catheter bundle to reduce phlebitis and hospital-onset Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia: A quality improvement project","authors":"Jie Li , Maria Theresa Cabahug , Tuodi Wu , Hairu Chai , Rongyan An , Nicole Shu Ning Teoh , Liang Fang Yu , Zaleha binte Alias , Shi Yun Foo , Suhailah binte Nasir , Wenyi Seow , Philomena Liew , Thean Yen Tan","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100495","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100495","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are widely used in hospitals and account for up to one-third of hospital-onset <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em> bacteremia (HO-SAB) cases.</div></div><div><h3>Local Problem</h3><div>In response to increasing HO-SAB, a quality improvement initiative was launched to reduce PIVC-related phlebitis and HO-SAB.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>An evidence-based bundle for peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion and care was developed, focusing on four key components: hand hygiene, aseptic technique during insertion, daily monitoring and timely removal of PIVCs, and optimization of maintenance care. The bundle was piloted in two wards using the Model for Improvement, which led to a reduction in phlebitis rates. The same PIVC bundle was subsequently implemented in a phased manner across the hospital, with the implementation process guided by Kotter's 8-step model of change to ensure effective and sustainable adoption.</div></div><div><h3>Interventions</h3><div>Interventions involved staff education, daily PIVC checks, process and outcome monitoring with feedback, ongoing ward engagement, and hospital-wide awareness campaigns. Key implementation measures included bundle compliance, phlebitis rates, and PIVC-related HO-SAB.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Phlebitis rates in pilot wards declined from 7% to 1–2%, with comparable reductions observed after hospital-wide implementation. PIVC-related HO-SAB rates decreased from 0.61 (pre-implementation) to 0.26 episodes per 10,000 patient-days.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Overall, the structured care bundle significantly reduced phlebitis and was associated with lower PIVC-related HO-SAB rates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"7 4","pages":"Article 100495"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145519495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-10-20DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100486
Alexandra Peters , Martina Mocenic , Pierre Parneix , Brett G. Mitchell , Stephanie Dancer , David J. Weber
{"title":"Clean Hospitals Day 2025: The human factors of healthcare environmental hygiene","authors":"Alexandra Peters , Martina Mocenic , Pierre Parneix , Brett G. Mitchell , Stephanie Dancer , David J. Weber","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100486","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100486","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"7 4","pages":"Article 100486"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145614398","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2025-12-01Epub Date: 2025-08-12DOI: 10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100480
Akaninyene Otu , Jacquelyn McCormick , Katherine L. Henderson , Alice Ledda , Danièle Meunier , Bharat Patel , Colin S. Brown , Susie Singleton , Emily L. Mason , Jasmin Islam , Ginny Moore , Katie L. Hopkins , Dakshika Jeyaratnam
Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) are an increasing global public health threat for which there are limited effective and affordable therapeutic options. The rise in the incidence of CPO infections and colonisations recorded across the UK and beyond over the last 20 years necessitates a need to review and update strategies for control. It is important to review other countries’ frameworks for CPO control and significant CPO outbreaks as these could inform the design of an efficient public health response. Despite many nations reacting to the rise by upscaling public health surveillance of CPOs (and the introduction of mandatory notification in England), improvements in laboratory detection methods, and the linkage of data across jurisdictions, significant challenges remain. For example, though predominantly acquired via cross-transmission between patients in healthcare, there are reports of human infections putatively acquired from CPOs harboured in the natural environment. Given the role of one-health in AMR, this is an important consideration. In this article, we outline some of the CPO control strategies adopted across different countries to give a sense of the global picture, and expand on why, in addition to controls in healthcare, there is a strong need to consider a One-Health approach. We describe the existing framework for CPO control in England and emphasise the importance of an integrated, multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral strategy for dealing with the multifaceted problem posed by CPO in England.
{"title":"Understanding the landscape of carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs), and spotlighting opportunities for control in England","authors":"Akaninyene Otu , Jacquelyn McCormick , Katherine L. Henderson , Alice Ledda , Danièle Meunier , Bharat Patel , Colin S. Brown , Susie Singleton , Emily L. Mason , Jasmin Islam , Ginny Moore , Katie L. Hopkins , Dakshika Jeyaratnam","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100480","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2025.100480","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) are an increasing global public health threat for which there are limited effective and affordable therapeutic options. The rise in the incidence of CPO infections and colonisations recorded across the UK and beyond over the last 20 years necessitates a need to review and update strategies for control. It is important to review other countries’ frameworks for CPO control and significant CPO outbreaks as these could inform the design of an efficient public health response. Despite many nations reacting to the rise by upscaling public health surveillance of CPOs (and the introduction of mandatory notification in England), improvements in laboratory detection methods, and the linkage of data across jurisdictions, significant challenges remain. For example, though predominantly acquired via cross-transmission between patients in healthcare, there are reports of human infections putatively acquired from CPOs harboured in the natural environment. Given the role of one-health in AMR, this is an important consideration. In this article, we outline some of the CPO control strategies adopted across different countries to give a sense of the global picture, and expand on why, in addition to controls in healthcare, there is a strong need to consider a One-Health approach. We describe the existing framework for CPO control in England and emphasise the importance of an integrated, multi-disciplinary and cross-sectoral strategy for dealing with the multifaceted problem posed by CPO in England.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"7 4","pages":"Article 100480"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2025-12-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144926126","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
扫码关注我们
求助内容：
应助结果提醒方式：
京公网安备 11010802042870号