Meador SA, Lamias MJ, Kroger A
… +3 more, Santibanez TA, Lu PJ, Singleton JA
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Aug · PMID 42001958
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BACKGROUND: Pharmacies are essential partners in administering recommended pediatric and adult vaccinations, including influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines. The objective of this study is to assess trends in COVID-19, f...BACKGROUND: Pharmacies are essential partners in administering recommended pediatric and adult vaccinations, including influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccines. The objective of this study is to assess trends in COVID-19, flu, and routine vaccinations administered in US retail pharmacies. METHODS: IQVIA's TPT data from 2015 through 2023 were analyzed by age group and calendar year or flu season. RESULTS: Since the 2015-16 flu season, the number and rate of children and adults receiving flu vaccinations at pharmacies has been increasing and peaked in 2020-21 with over 3.0 million vaccinations for children under 18 years of age (4% of this population) and 47.1 million vaccinations for adults ≥18 years (18%). Routine vaccinations administered in pharmacies increased overall from 3.4 million (2015) to 13.3 million vaccinations (2023). From December 2020 through December 2023, over 330.7 million vaccinations of COVID-19 vaccine were administered at pharmacies. DISCUSSION: The overall trend indicates that the number and rate of flu and routine vaccinations received at US retail pharmacies among all age groups and vaccine types were increasing before the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis demonstrates the large magnitude and increase since 2015 of vaccinations administered in US retail pharmacies, especially for COVID-19 vaccinations.
Ryu SH, Lee JJ, Lim YJ
… +5 more, Kim J, Jung J, Jo KW, Shim TS, Chong YP
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Aug · PMID 41999988
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BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and conversion rate among hospital inpatients contacts using an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)-based contact tracin...BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the incidence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and conversion rate among hospital inpatients contacts using an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA)-based contact tracing strategy. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at a 2,700-bed tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Data from January 2019 to December 2024 were reviewed. Contacts were recommended to undergo IGRA testing at the time of exposure (baseline) and again at ≥ 6 weeks later after exposure. RESULTS: A total of 109 index cases required contact tracing, yielding 902 contacts, of whom 360 underwent IGRA testing between 1 and 6 months post-exposure (median, 48 days [interquartile range, 25-83]). At baseline, 79 (22%) tested IGRA-positive. Among 133 initially IGRA-negative individuals who underwent serial testing, 18 (14%) demonstrated IGRA conversion. Overall, 97 (27%) were diagnosed with LTBI. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital-based contact investigation identified a substantial burden of latent TB infection among exposed individuals. IGRA conversion, rather than baseline positivity, may serve as a more reliable indicator of recent transmission in high or intermediate-burden settings, supporting the importance of serial testing in health care-associated TB exposure.
Tong T, Cheng J, Li X
… +3 more, Zhang L, Lu Q, Ni K
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Jul · PMID 41997218
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A prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate occult blood and bacterial contamination on routinely used protective lead garments in a tertiary hospital. Of 515 samples, 39.03% tested positive for occult bl...A prospective observational study was conducted to evaluate occult blood and bacterial contamination on routinely used protective lead garments in a tertiary hospital. Of 515 samples, 39.03% tested positive for occult blood, with vests and aprons significantly more contaminated than neck shields, while bacterial cultures revealed diverse microorganisms including opportunistic pathogens. These findings suggest visual inspection underestimates protective lead garment contamination and highlight a potential infection risk warranting improved cleaning and disinfection practices.
Sierra E, Johnson J, Ilori T
… +2 more, Carabetta VJ, Nahra R
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Apr · PMID 41997217
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BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections and presents a growing threat due to the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. In addition to antibiotic resistance, th...BACKGROUND: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a major cause of hospital-acquired infections and presents a growing threat due to the emergence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) strains. In addition to antibiotic resistance, they can survive exposure to hospital disinfectants, particularly when embedded in biofilms. We hypothesized that XDR P aeruginosa strains exhibit increased tolerance to hospital disinfectants in both planktonic and biofilm states. METHODS: We evaluated the susceptibility of XDR P aeruginosa isolates to sodium hypochlorite, ethanol, 4 commercial hospital disinfectants, and chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG). Minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations were determined by broth microdilution and time-kill assays. RESULTS: All disinfectants eliminated > 99.9% of planktonic bacteria, except 0.63% sodium hypochlorite, where a small subpopulation persisted. In contrast, biofilms exposed to sodium hypochlorite showed 55% to 90% survival after 4 minutes, while exposure to disinfectant wipes and CHG resulted in < 9% survival at all time points. All strains demonstrated decreased susceptibility to sodium hypochlorite when present in biofilms. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Our results highlight differences in disinfectant and CHG performance between planktonic and biofilm associated bacteria under laboratory conditions and underscore the importance of considering biofilm-associated organisms when interpreting disinfectant efficacy data.
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Aug · PMID 41997216
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BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are a common cause of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between the risk of a patient w...BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are a common cause of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). The purpose of the study was to determine the relationship between the risk of a patient who had a CLABSI and 90-day mortality and readmission after discharge and the role of age and MDRO status. METHODS: A retrospective analysis including 143 patients from a 9-hospital system examined patients who had a CLABSI between January 2018 to December 2019. Descriptive statistics were performed, with logistic regression analyses performed to identify risk factors. RESULTS: The results showed there was not a significant difference in mortality (OR = 0.67, P = .550) or readmission (OR = 1.79, P = .215) within 90 days in patients who had an MDRO CLABSI. Age as a covariate showed a 2.7% decreased readmission risk for every 1-year increase in patient age (P = .019). Patients with a non-MDRO CLABSI did not have a significant increased risk in 90-day mortality or readmission (P = .536, P = .211). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased readmission risk from an MDRO associated with increasing age may result from increased patient-provider interactions as patients age. Additional research with a larger study sample is recommended.
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Jul · PMID 41990954
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Wall-mounted UV-C disinfection systems present a promising alternative to robotic approaches for pathogen reduction. We sought to determine the pathogen-reduction efficacy of such devices when operated at a distance, mim...Wall-mounted UV-C disinfection systems present a promising alternative to robotic approaches for pathogen reduction. We sought to determine the pathogen-reduction efficacy of such devices when operated at a distance, mimicking real-world applications. It was shown that a variety of high-risk pathogens (eg, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Clostridium difficile, and Candida auris) could be reduced by more than 3-log units with a short exposure time of 20 to 30 seconds.
Shackelford A, Merrill K, Nicholson F
… +5 more, Baghagho E, Doran B, Stoltzfus H, Crapanzano-Sigafoos R, Reese SM
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Aug · PMID 41974233
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BACKGROUND: Work-life balance is a crucial factor influencing job satisfaction and retention. Infection preventionists (IPs) face unique post-pandemic challenges, including heavy workloads, staffing shortages, and limite...BACKGROUND: Work-life balance is a crucial factor influencing job satisfaction and retention. Infection preventionists (IPs) face unique post-pandemic challenges, including heavy workloads, staffing shortages, and limited scheduling flexibility. Little is known about how these dynamics influence IP retention. This qualitative study explored how organizational, leadership, job, team, and personal factors shape IPs' experiences of work-life balance and their decisions to leave the field. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Twelve virtual focus groups were conducted with four IP subgroups: tenured IPs, transitional IPs, former IPs, and IP leaders. Participants discussed drivers of retention and attrition, including organizational culture, workload, leadership, team dynamics, and personal considerations. Transcripts were coded thematically to identify key patterns. RESULTS: Five major themes emerged: (1) Work-life balance; (2) Flexible scheduling; (3) Manageable workload; (4) On-call responsibilities; (5) Leadership and organizational culture. Illustrative quotes highlighted both positive experiences of support and negative experiences leading to departure. CONCLUSIONS: Work-life balance, flexibility, and manageable workloads are essential for sustaining the IP workforce. Leadership engagement, supportive culture, and clear disengagement protocols may strengthen retention and promote long-term workforce sustainability.
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Aug · PMID 41974232
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BACKGROUND: Health care associated Clostridioides difficile (HA-CDI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. HA-CDI could be a true HAI versus community-acquired CDI (CA-CDI) or colonization. Identification...BACKGROUND: Health care associated Clostridioides difficile (HA-CDI) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. HA-CDI could be a true HAI versus community-acquired CDI (CA-CDI) or colonization. Identification of CD in high-risk patients on admission could reduce HA-CDI rates, reduce health care transmission, and possibly reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. METHODS: A prospective study was performed between July 1, 2022 and December 31, 2023. Patients with two of the following criteria were identified as high risk for colonization and tested for CD on admission: 1) readmission within 90 days; 2) admission from long term care facility; 3) chronic wounds present for >30 days; and 4) tracheostomy, or indwelling catheters. RESULTS: There were 822 patients identified with two or more criteria. Testing was ordered and only 165 stool samples were collected. There were 42 (25%) positive and 123 (75%) negatives for CD. 21 specimens were cancelled by the lab for formed stool. 13 cancelled specimens were later tested in a research lab and 7 resulted positive. CONCLUSIONS: Early identification of high-risk patients for CD colonization on admit could potentially reduce HA-CDI rates. CD status identification is helpful for environmental disinfection, hand hygiene, antibiotic selection, and isolation needs.
Milner AL, Memic S, Torres-Teran MM
… +2 more, Cadnum JL, Donskey CJ
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41905716
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BACKGROUND: Shared portable medical equipment is a vector for transmission of health care-associated pathogens, but cleaning and disinfection of equipment is often suboptimal. METHODS: We conducted a cross-over trial on...BACKGROUND: Shared portable medical equipment is a vector for transmission of health care-associated pathogens, but cleaning and disinfection of equipment is often suboptimal. METHODS: We conducted a cross-over trial on a long-term care facility ward to determine the impact of daily low-level disinfection of portable equipment and common areas using a handheld far ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light device versus standard cleaning and disinfection practices. The primary outcome was transmission of a DNA marker and bacteriophage MS2 from inoculated portable vital signs equipment to surfaces on the ward. Contamination of equipment and common areas with health care-associated pathogens was a secondary outcome. RESULTS: During the control period, the DNA marker and bacteriophage MS2 disseminated widely to portable equipment, the nursing station, and resident rooms. The far UV-C disinfection intervention was associated with a significant reduction in DNA marker contamination of surfaces in comparison to the control period (odds ratio [OR] = 0.07, 95% CI 0.03-0.13; P < .001) and nonsignificant reductions in bacteriophage MS2 contamination (OR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.14-1.24; P = .12) and recovery of pathogenic microorganisms (OR = 0.46, 95% CI 0.18, 1.10; P = .08). CONCLUSIONS: Daily low-level disinfection of portable equipment and common areas using a far UV-C light technology could be an alternative to the use of disinfectant wipes.
Pranjic A, Patel U, Vu TT
… +3 more, Cao L, Vivo A, Evans CT
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Aug · PMID 41905715
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BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) remains an urgent public health threat due to challenges with resistance and treatment. This study evaluated antibiotic utilization trends and outcomes in t...BACKGROUND: Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) remains an urgent public health threat due to challenges with resistance and treatment. This study evaluated antibiotic utilization trends and outcomes in the treatment of CRAB infections in the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) patient population. METHODS: This national retrospective cohort study included veterans with at least one positive culture for CRAB between January 2018 to December 2023. Data from national VA registries, along with chart reviews, were analyzed for demographics, microbial cultures, antimicrobial treatment(s), and mortality. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression, accounting for clustering within patients, were used. RESULTS: Among 717 unique patients with 946 monomicrobial and polymicrobial CRAB cultures of 717 unique patients across 75 VA facilities, 352 monomicrobial cultures of 302 unique patients were identified. Ampicillin-sulbactam, tetracycline, and cephalosporin use increased over time (P < .002, P < .001, P = .005), whereas polymyxin use decreased over time (P = .009). CRAB isolates were most frequently susceptible to aminoglycosides. Adjusted analyses revealed higher 30- and 90-day mortality rates in patients that received combination versus monotherapy; OR 2.97, CI (1.35-6.51), OR 2.75, CI (1.29-5.84). CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial use for CRAB infections changed as updated guidelines were adopted. Mortality rates were highest among patients receiving combination therapy, likely reflecting greater severity of illness.
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Mar · PMID 41865769
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BACKGROUND: Timely diagnostic testing is essential for interrupting transmission and supporting infection prevention during public health emergencies. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective secondary analysis of cross-sec...BACKGROUND: Timely diagnostic testing is essential for interrupting transmission and supporting infection prevention during public health emergencies. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective secondary analysis of cross-sectional data from individuals tested between April 2020 and July 2021 within Test Iowa, a statewide diagnostic initiative. The primary outcome was the interval from symptom onset to testing, classified as early (≤ 4 days) or later (> 4 days) testing. Multivariable logistic regression models identified predictors of later testing, and secondary analyses summarized intervals across the testing process. RESULTS: Among symptomatic testers, 36% were tested > 4 days after symptom onset. Later testing was associated with age ≥ 50 years, known exposure (aOR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.28-1.33), and moderate (aOR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.11-1.16) or severe symptoms (aOR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.32-1.61). Early testing was more common among healthcare workers (aOR = 0.93, 95% CI = 0.91-0.94) and individuals reporting systemic symptoms (aOR = 0.91, 95% CI = 0.88-0.93). The longest delays occurred between scheduling initiation and testing, while laboratory turn-around time remained stable. DISCUSSION: Findings indicate that testing delays primarily occured in the early stages of the testing pathway, particularly among high-risk groups. CONCLUSIONS: Improving scheduling pathways and access to testing sites may enhance diagnostic timeliness and strengthen infection control capacity in future emergencies.
Kim M, Moon S, Park S
… +5 more, Kim J, Sung H, Kim MN, Jung J, Chong YP
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Aug · PMID 41864570
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OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the real-world implementation of contact screening of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), focusing on screening timing and positivity rates by room type and carbapenemase enzyme. METH...OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the real-world implementation of contact screening of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE), focusing on screening timing and positivity rates by room type and carbapenemase enzyme. METHOD: We retrospectively assessed all contacts of CPE index patients at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, Korea, between January and May 2024. Contacts were defined as patients who shared a room with an index case or occupied open beds in the same intensive care unit. Acquisition rates were compared by screening timing, room type, and carbapenemase type. RESULTS: Among 2003 contacts linked to 336 index patients, 1,401 (70%) underwent screening, of whom 37 (2.6%) tested positive. Immediate screening identified 30/1,184 (2.5%) positives, while readmission screening detected 7/217 (3.2%); two additional acquisitions were identified from clinical specimens among unscreened readmitted contacts. Acquisition was more frequent after exposure to Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing organisms than to New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-producing organisms (3.7% [26/706] vs 1.5% [8/520]; P = .02). By room type, acquisition was higher in multi-patient rooms compared with 2-bed or open-bed intensive care unit settings combined (3.4% [34/1004] vs 0.8% [3/397]; P = .006). CONCLUSIONS: CPE acquisition was more likely following exposure to K pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing organisms and in multi-patient rooms. Systematic readmission screening identified additional carriers who would otherwise have been missed.
Reese SM, Merrill KC, Crapanzano-Sigafoos R
… +1 more, 2025 APIC MegaSurvey Task Force
Am J Infect Control
· 2026 Jul · PMID 41862099
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BACKGROUND: Infection preventionists (IPs) are essential in reducing health care-associated infections across increasingly diverse care settings. As responsibilities expand, it is important to understand the evolution of...BACKGROUND: Infection preventionists (IPs) are essential in reducing health care-associated infections across increasingly diverse care settings. As responsibilities expand, it is important to understand the evolution of workforce demographics, education, and roles. METHODS: The 2025 Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) MegaSurvey was a cross-sectional, online survey of IPs. Survey development, pilot testing, and administration were led by APIC's Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation. Descriptive statistics and Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests were used to compare results with the 2015 and 2020 MegaSurveys. RESULTS: Comparisons of the previous MegaSurvey results found significant differences in IP professional background, highest degree achieved, age range, gender, salary, certification, years of experience, and 5-year plans. More IPs (82%) reported a nursing background in 2015 and 2020, than IPs in 2025 (68%; P < .0001). Educational attainment increased, with 48% reporting a master's degree or higher in 2025 compared with 34% in 2015 (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The IP workforce is becoming more diverse, specialized, educated, and distributed across settings. Ongoing monitoring, competency-based training, and strategic workforce planning are essential to sustain infection prevention capacity.