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American Journal Of Infection Control[JOURNAL]

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Leveraging data to advance infection prevention programs.

Wooten R, Ching PR, Doll M … +3 more , Freund A, Cooper K, Anderson E

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Mar · PMID 41242360 · Publisher ↗

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Outbreak of adenovirus type-8 conjunctivitis among healthcare workers in the ophthalmology clinic of a tertiary hospital: Management and infection control measures.

Memişoğlu F, Yilmaz ZB, Yakupoğulları Y … +4 more , Toplu SA, Tanrıverdi ES, Cumurcu T, Otlu B

Am J Infect Control · 2026 May · PMID 41242359 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: This study documents an outbreak of Human adenovirus (HAdV) keratoconjunctivitis originating in the ophthalmology department of a tertiary hospital and spreading to the neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS:... BACKGROUND: This study documents an outbreak of Human adenovirus (HAdV) keratoconjunctivitis originating in the ophthalmology department of a tertiary hospital and spreading to the neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: Following ORION guidelines, the Hospital Infection Control Committee launched an investigation after clusters of keratoconjunctivitis in healthcare workers reported over 4-week. Patient records were reviewed, environmental and patient samples collected, and PCR analyses performed. Infection control measures were implemented, and their effectiveness was assessed through follow-up testing. The institutional burden of the outbreak was analyzed. RESULTS: Twelve healthcare workers were affected (8 ophthalmology, 4 neonatal intensive care unit). PCR confirmed HAdV in conjunctival swabs from 11 tested individuals, including cases infected more than 3 weeks earlier. Viral contamination was detected on 10/16 environmental surfaces in the ophthalmology clinic. Genotyping identified HAdV type-8. The outbreak imposed major operational burdens, especially workforce loss. Chlorine solution achieved rapid surface disinfection, while 0.36% hydrogen peroxide required repeated applications for chlorine-sensitive devices. Following enhanced disinfection protocols and temporary clinic closure during a holiday, no new cases occurred. DISCUSSION: This outbreak, which continued until the Infection Control Committee intervened, underlines the high environmental contamination of HAdV and the critical importance of a swift, evidence-based, and multidisciplinary response. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that targeted disinfection and strict Infection control measures are essential for containing such outbreaks and mitigating their significant operational and financial impact on healthcare institutions.

Effectiveness of sodium hypochlorite against spores of 18 Clostridioides difficile isolates recovered from surfaces in 10 American hospitals.

Kaple CE, Cadnum JL, Rutala WA … +2 more , Crapanzano-Sigafoos R, Donskey CJ

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Feb · PMID 41241189 · Publisher ↗

Some recent studies have raised concern that Clostridioides difficile with reduced susceptibility to chlorine-releasing disinfectants may be emerging. We found that a commercial sodium hypochlorite disinfectant was consi... Some recent studies have raised concern that Clostridioides difficile with reduced susceptibility to chlorine-releasing disinfectants may be emerging. We found that a commercial sodium hypochlorite disinfectant was consistently effective against spores from 18 environmental C difficile isolates at the recommended 3-minute exposure time, but not after a 1-minute exposure. These results suggest that commercial chlorine-releasing disinfectants remain active against C difficile spores but highlight the importance of achieving the recommended exposure time.

Operating room mixing of irrigation solutions "OR-MISS" survey: A look at "homebrew" OR practices in the United States.

Weber DJ, Della Valle CJ, Eby JM

Am J Infect Control · 2026 May · PMID 41241188 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Antiseptic wound irrigation is supported by clinical guidelines as a standard intraoperative practice. This survey of operating room (OR) personnel assessed OR-mixed or compounded (homebrew) irrigation soluti... BACKGROUND: Antiseptic wound irrigation is supported by clinical guidelines as a standard intraoperative practice. This survey of operating room (OR) personnel assessed OR-mixed or compounded (homebrew) irrigation solution practices to identify standardization opportunities, expose regulatory noncompliance, and improve patient safety and outcomes. METHODS: A US national survey was conducted among 401 surgical personnel (216 OR nurses; 185 OR technicians) responsible for preparing irrigation solutions. RESULTS: Findings showed 90% of solutions were made with nonsterile ingredients, though 69% believed they were sterile. During OR‑mixing, gloves were nonsterile or absent 45% of the time. In 50.2% of mixtures, the concentration was different than intended. Inexact measuring was used by 38% of respondents and 53% of the time solutions were not used within institutional policy time limits. Training was deficient in 22% of respondents and only 24% of facilities required competency assessment of irrigation mixing. CONCLUSIONS: Serious concerns were identified with OR‑mixed irrigation solutions, including unknown/unintended concentrations, inadequate training and competency evaluations, using non-sterile ingredients, and nonsterile practices. Findings revealed noncompliance with recommended standards and a lack of standardization. Using a clinical practice guideline‑aligned ready‑to‑use irrigation solution instead of OR‑mixed ones may enhance compliance and potentially reduce wound contamination from the irrigation solutions.

Evaluation of the IR Biotyper for Candida parapsilosis typing in hospital surveillance.

Liccardo PC, Monpierre L, Valsecchi I … +3 more , Cizeaux F, Decousser JW, Botterel F

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Feb · PMID 41241187 · Publisher ↗

The IR Biotyper (IR-BT) was evaluated for its performance in typing Candida parapsilosis strains, in comparison to a short tandem repeat analysis. Although the IR-BT offers advantages such as speed and ease of use for ro... The IR Biotyper (IR-BT) was evaluated for its performance in typing Candida parapsilosis strains, in comparison to a short tandem repeat analysis. Although the IR-BT offers advantages such as speed and ease of use for routine applications, it demonstrated lower discriminatory power and concordance with our short tandem repeat analysis. These results suggest that IR-BT needs further optimization for the characterization of C parapsilosis strains.

Modernizing tuberculosis risk assessments for health care systems: Utilizing ICD-10 diagnostic codes for a site-based approach.

Topper A, Griffin C, Gopalan A … +1 more , Scaggs Huang F

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Feb · PMID 41238079 · Publisher ↗

Exposure to tuberculosis (TB) in healthcare settings can pose a significant risk to patients, families, and health care personnel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that healthcare facilities perfo... Exposure to tuberculosis (TB) in healthcare settings can pose a significant risk to patients, families, and health care personnel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that healthcare facilities perform an annual TB risk assessment but do not offer methods to encompass larger health care systems with geographically diverse facilities. We sought to develop a supplemental risk assessment strategy utilizing ICD-10-CM codes to quantify TB risk for individual sites across our health care system.

Beyond simulation: Embedding virtual reality into competency-based training for safer surgical instrument reprocessing.

Veerasatian T, Rattanapitoon SK, Thitimahatthanakusol P … +1 more , Rattanapitoon NK

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Apr · PMID 41236050 · Publisher ↗

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Demographic and regional trends in Clostridioides difficile-related mortality among adults in the United States from 1999 to 2023.

Mohib K, Hussain F, Ali B … +4 more , Munir SU, Ahmed H, Mehmood AT, Mohib S

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Mar · PMID 41236015 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile is a leading cause of health care-associated infections and a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. This study examines demographic and geographic tren... BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile is a leading cause of health care-associated infections and a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. This study examines demographic and geographic trends in C difficile--related mortality from 1999 to 2023. METHODS: We used the CDC WONDER database to analyze C difficile--related deaths among individuals aged ≥ 15 years. Age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) per 100,000 population were calculated, and Joinpoint regression was used to assess annual percentage changes across subgroups by sex, race/ethnicity, region, and urbanization. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2023, AAMR increased from 0.72 to 2.17, peaking at 4.78. Men consistently had slightly higher AAMRs than women. In 2023, non-Hispanic Whites had the highest AAMR (2.29), whereas non-Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islanders had the lowest (0.87). The Northeast had the highest AAMR (3.57), and mortality was highest in small and nonmetropolitan areas. DISCUSSION: Despite recent declines, C difficile--related mortality remains elevated with persistent disparities by sex, race, and geography. These patterns likely reflect differences in health care access, infrastructure, and underlying comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions to reduce mortality and address disparities in C difficile outcomes.

Risk factors for OXA-carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales acquisition in Israel: A retrospective case control study.

Amar M, Barnett-Griness O, Weber G … +4 more , Shehade S, Yasin R, Arbel A, Najjar-Debbiny R

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Mar · PMID 41236014 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: OXA-producing carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (OXA-CPE) are challenging hospital-centered screening approaches. This study aimed to identify risk-factors for CPE acquisition, focusing on OXA-CPE. MET... BACKGROUND: OXA-producing carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (OXA-CPE) are challenging hospital-centered screening approaches. This study aimed to identify risk-factors for CPE acquisition, focusing on OXA-CPE. METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted using data from Clalit Health Services. Adults (≥ 20 years) hospitalized between 2016 and 2023 and screened for CPE were included. Cases were defined as first-time CPE-positive. Each case was matched 1:1 to a hospitalized control from the same hospital, department, and admission date. Exposure data included comorbidities, hospitalizations, outpatient clinic visits, recent antibiotic use, and socioeconomic status. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent risk factors for CPE acquisition. Subgroup analysis compared risk-factors for OXA-CPE versus non-OXA-CPE. RESULTS: Among 96,306 screened patients, 1,609 CPE-positive cases were matched to controls. Median age was comparable in CPE cases and controls (70.5 vs 69 years respectively). Significant CPE risk factors included chronic ventilation (OR = 3.16), diabetes (OR = 1.33), multiple hospitalizations (OR > 3.9), Arab ethnicity (OR = 2.07), and recent antibiotic use (OR = 1.96). In subgroup analysis, risk-factors were similar between OXA and non-OXA groups, except for Arab ethnicity, which had a stronger association with OXA-CPE (OR = 3.36 vs 1.39, interaction P = .0059). No interaction was found for other variables. CONCLUSIONS: CPE acquisition is linked to health care exposure and chronic illness, but OXA-CPE shows a unique association with Arab ethnicity.

Exploring the role of nursing care interventions in the prevention of non-device-associated healthcare-associated infections: A scoping review.

Collins J, Reilly JS, Molesworth M … +1 more , Ness V

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Mar · PMID 41232835 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections remain a major patient safety threat, yet prevention efforts to date mainly focus on device-associated infections, neglecting the burden of non--device-associated HAIs (NDA-HA... BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections remain a major patient safety threat, yet prevention efforts to date mainly focus on device-associated infections, neglecting the burden of non--device-associated HAIs (NDA-HAIs). Nursing care interventions are considered to impact NDA-HAI prevention, yet evidence on their effect remains uncertain. This research examines the evidence linking fundamental nursing care interventions to the prevention of NDA-HAI to better understand the role of nursing practice in preventing NDA-HAI. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted, following Joanna Briggs Institute methodology, exploring evidence linking fundamental nursing care interventions to prevention of NDA-HAIs. Eligible studies involved adult patients in inpatient settings, NDA-HAIs, and related nursing care components. RESULTS: In total, 159 studies were identified within this review. Findings revealed limited high-quality evidence on nursing care interventions and NDA-HAIs. The highest proportion of studies focused on the prevention of healthcare-associated pneumonia with limited evidence on the role of nutrition and gastrointestinal diseases. Oral care was the most evidenced intervention in quantity of evidence available. Hydration had the most evidence across all NDA-HAI assessed. The combined impact of fundamental nursing care interventions on NDA-HAI was limited. This suggests a need for more focused research on the effect of nursing care interventions in the prevention of NDA-HAI. CONCLUSION: Nursing care interventions may play a key role in infection prevention and control; however, there is a need for an improved evidence base for practice, particularly in preventing NDA-HAI.

Comparing observed with self-reported hand hygiene adherence among bedside nurses and physicians at two hospitals in the United States.

Kulkarni PA, Greene MT, Saint S … +7 more , Fowler KE, Jacob S, Dillon L, Espiritu M, Houchens N, Cozart HT, Trautner BW

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Mar · PMID 41207631 · Full text

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is a core component of infection prevention in healthcare settings. One potential reason for lack of adherence to recommended hand hygiene practices is erroneous self-perception. We aimed to comp... BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene is a core component of infection prevention in healthcare settings. One potential reason for lack of adherence to recommended hand hygiene practices is erroneous self-perception. We aimed to compare perceptions about hand hygiene compliance with objective data. METHODS: Direct observations of hand hygiene performance by nurses and physicians during typical workflow in inpatient general medicine wards were conducted from 12 September 2022 to 27 October 2022 at two academic Veterans Affairs medical centers. Participants were surveyed regarding perceptions about their hand hygiene performance relative to recommended practices. RESULTS: Among nurses, hand hygiene was performed in 1,397/3,690 (37.9%) room entry and 2,159/4,012 (53.8%) room exit opportunities (combined adherence, 46.2%). For physicians, hand hygiene was performed in 1,016/1,237 (82.1%) room entry and 1,073/1,285 (83.5%) room exit opportunities (combined adherence, 82.8%). Surveys were collected from 92/161 nurses (57.1%) and 189/294 physicians (64.3%). Nurses self-reported compliance in 95.1% of recommended situations, while physicians self-reported 91.0%. CONCLUSIONS: We found a disconnect between actual and perceived adherence to hand hygiene recommendations among bedside nurses and physicians in inpatient general medicine wards. This disconnect may be due to social desirability, self-serving, or overestimation biases, or time pressures. Awareness of such a disconnect may help policymakers increase hand hygiene rates.

Assessment of bacterial contamination on antimicrobial disposable curtains compared to fabric curtains in intensive care unit patients at a university hospital setting.

Skuntaniyom S, Techasaensiri C, Santanirand P … +5 more , Siriratpaiboon T, Muntajit T, Kariyapol P, Dilokkunanant T, Yuttharak R

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Apr · PMID 41205678 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Hospital privacy curtains represent high-touch surfaces frequently implicated in the transmission of health care-associated pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological efficacy and cost-effect... BACKGROUND: Hospital privacy curtains represent high-touch surfaces frequently implicated in the transmission of health care-associated pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological efficacy and cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial disposable curtains compared to conventional polyester fabric curtains in an intensive care unit setting. METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted from July to October 2024. In the experimental group, antimicrobial disposable curtains were sampled on days 0, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 post-installation. In the control group, composed of standard 100% polyester fabric curtains, sampling occurred on days 0, 15, and then at 30-day intervals. For both groups, additional sampling was performed following patient discharge under contact precautions to assess in-use contamination levels. RESULTS: Curtains in the experimental group demonstrated significantly lower bacterial contamination than controls at all time points (P < .001). Peak contamination in the control group reached 2.1 CFU/cm² at day 30, whereas experimental curtains maintained contamination below 0.2 CFU/cm² throughout. Cost analysis revealed a 59.42% reduction in cumulative curtain-related expenditures in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial disposable curtains offer superior microbial control and substantial cost savings. Integration of such curtains into infection prevention protocols may enhance environmental hygiene and resource optimization in critical care settings.

Evaluation of healthcare-associated skin and soft tissue infections developed after the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş-Türkiye earthquakes.

Gülen TA, Tüfek Ö, Oruç E … +2 more , Turunç T, Ünal N

Am J Infect Control · 2026 May · PMID 41205677 · Publisher ↗

INTRODUCTION: Skin and soft tissue infections are among the most common complications seen in patients with musculoskeletal injuries following devastating earthquakes. METHOD: Seventy-five patients who developed healthca... INTRODUCTION: Skin and soft tissue infections are among the most common complications seen in patients with musculoskeletal injuries following devastating earthquakes. METHOD: Seventy-five patients who developed healthcare-associated skin and soft tissue infections and surgical site infections among 1,143 hospitalized trauma patients were evaluated to determine the outcomes, the frequency of causative microorganisms, and their antimicrobial susceptibilities. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 35%, and 53.3% were female. Surgical site infections was found in 33 of the 75 patients. Causative microorganisms were isolated in 51 (68%) of the patients, and 85.5% of these were Gram-negative. The most frequently isolated pathogen was Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 18, 23.6%), with an 83.3% carbapenem resistance rate. While 68% of the patients recovered with sequelae, 9.3% of them died. Central venous catheterization, mechanical ventilation, and the presence of CRUSH syndrome were found as risk factors for mortality (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: Preventing infections following traumatic injuries after an earthquake is of great importance. Implementation of infection control measures played a critical role in preventing infections and limiting their spread among high-risk patients. Along with epidemiological data, the appropriateness of empirical antibiotherapy decreases morbidity and mortality. It is also important to identify the risk factors associated with mortality and sequelae and to take preventive measures.

Relationships among clinical competence, self-efficacy, organizational culture for infection control, and compliance with standard precautions in early career nurses.

Cho JY, Kim N

Am J Infect Control · 2026 May · PMID 41202883 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: This study examined the impact of clinical competence, self-efficacy, and organizational culture for infection control on early career nurses' compliance with standard precautions. METHODS: Participants were... BACKGROUND: This study examined the impact of clinical competence, self-efficacy, and organizational culture for infection control on early career nurses' compliance with standard precautions. METHODS: Participants were 154 clinical nurses with 6 to 35months of experience working at a tertiary and secondary hospital in South Korea. Data were collected using a structured online questionnaire in April 2024, and analyzed using SPSS 29.0. RESULTS: The mean and SD for clinical competence was 3.42 ± 0.52 out of 5, self-efficacy was 2.72 ± 0.37 out of 4, organizational culture for infection control was 5.53 ± 0.76 out of 7, and compliance with standard precautions was 12.70 ± 4.00 out of 20. Compliance with standard precautions exhibited a significant positive correlation with clinical competence, self-efficacy, and organizational culture for infection control. The factors associating compliance with standard precautions were clinical competence (β = 0.21, P = .017) and organizational culture for infection control (β = 0.37, P < .001). The regression model explained 21.3% of the variance. CONCLUSIONS: Improving clinical competence and fostering positive organizational culture for infection control are imperative to enhancing compliance with standard precautions among early career nurses. These findings should be used as foundational data to develop strategies to enhance compliance with standard precautions and address individual and organizational factors among early career nurses.

Utilizing a failure mode and effects analysis to prevent errors in endoscope reprocessing.

Wells A, Renard A, Mahal R … +2 more , Prascius S, Stein T

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Feb · PMID 41202882 · Publisher ↗

Following two potential endoscope-related patient exposures, a multidisciplinary team, led by Infection Prevention, conducted a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis to identify and address high-risk steps in endoscope repro... Following two potential endoscope-related patient exposures, a multidisciplinary team, led by Infection Prevention, conducted a Failure Mode and Effects Analysis to identify and address high-risk steps in endoscope reprocessing. Four key vulnerabilities were identified, leading to targeted actions with equipment, competencies, and process verification. Since implementation, no exposures have occurred, underscoring the value of Failure Mode and Effects Analysis in Infection Prevention.

Aerosol-based exposure to opportunistic pathogens originating from hospital sink drains.

Dieter L, Bowie K, Luhung I … +7 more , Healy HG, Roberts SC, Mathew T, Peaper D, Martinello RA, Gerstein MB, Peccia J

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Mar · PMID 41198034 · Full text

BACKGROUND: Hospital room sink drains contain biofilms that harbor opportunistic pathogens. Exposures to these pathogens may occur from aerosolization and droplet dispersion into patient rooms during sink use. This study... BACKGROUND: Hospital room sink drains contain biofilms that harbor opportunistic pathogens. Exposures to these pathogens may occur from aerosolization and droplet dispersion into patient rooms during sink use. This study characterizes aerosolization and droplet generation of sink drain opportunistic pathogens into operational hospital rooms. METHODS: Sink drains, sink surfaces, water droplets, aerosols generated during sink use, and settled aerosols were sampled in patient rooms and analyzed via culture-, spectrometry-, and genome-based approaches. Opportunistic pathogens were compared across samples via whole-genome sequencing and single-nucleotide polymorphism analysis. Biofilms and settled aerosols underwent 16S ribosomal deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing to assess the impacts of sink drain biofilms into room bioaerosols. RESULTS: Analyses suggested sink drain biofilm bacteria dispersed into hospital rooms. Opportunistic pathogens were identified in sink drains, droplets near sinks, and room aerosols. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia isolates from sink drain biofilm and droplets matched at the single-nucleotide level, and microbial community analysis suggested general transmission of bacteria from sink drains into hospital rooms. DISCUSSION: Viable opportunistic pathogens from sink drains were present in water droplets and aerosols within patient range, suggesting a potential exposure route. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital sink drain biofilms contributed to the microbiome of hospital room surfaces and air, with microbes generally transmitted from sink drain sources to the room.

Limiting central venous catheter access for blood sampling and its impact on central line-associated bloodstream infection: A scoping review.

Davis MBH, Kobayashi T, Trautman K … +1 more , Brust K

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Apr · PMID 41198033 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVCs) pose a risk of infection through fluid infusion, medication administration, and blood draws. We conducted a scoping review evaluating the risk of accessing a CVC and aiming to... BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVCs) pose a risk of infection through fluid infusion, medication administration, and blood draws. We conducted a scoping review evaluating the risk of accessing a CVC and aiming to identify strategies for limiting CVC usage to decrease the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in hospital settings. METHODS: This review adheres to the methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines. Searches were conducted in the CINAHL, EMBASE, PubMed, and Scopus databases, focusing on publications from the past decade. RESULTS: Six studies met inclusion criteria. Three interventions were identified: (1) establishing standardized CVC sampling times, (2) utilizing phlebotomists to perform peripheral blood cultures, and (3) avoiding the use of CVCs for both blood cultures and routine blood draws. CONCLUSIONS: Increased frequency of CVC access is associated with a higher risk of CLABSI. Interventions to reduce CVC access for blood draws can effectively lower CLABSI rates. Identifying and implementing strategies such as use of phlebotomy teams and standardized sampling protocols may help guide hospital policies and improve patient safety outcomes. Future research should focus on prospective evaluation of these approaches.

Using genomic epidemiology to infer transmission dynamics in selected skilled nursing facility COVID-19 Outbreaks-Los Angeles County, February 2023-March 2024.

O'Shea BQ, Neikirk A, Rubin Z … +3 more , Roman D, Khanqadri I, Gounder P

Am J Infect Control · 2026 Jan · PMID 41198032 · Publisher ↗

To evaluate mandated infection control measures to reduce SARS-CoV-2 introduction and transmission in skilled nursing facilities, we characterized outbreak duration by the number of lineages identified. Median outbreak d... To evaluate mandated infection control measures to reduce SARS-CoV-2 introduction and transmission in skilled nursing facilities, we characterized outbreak duration by the number of lineages identified. Median outbreak duration among outbreaks with multiple lineages identified was 35 days compared with 27 days among outbreaks with a single lineage identified. Our results support implementation of public health policies to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 introduction into skilled nursing facilities, especially during periods of elevated community transmission.

Trends of economic evidence in infection prevention and control practices for hospital-acquired infections.

Elangovan S, Graves N

Am J Infect Control · 2026 May · PMID 41198031 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired infections impose substantial clinical and economic burdens but are preventable. Although economic evaluations can show decision-makers which programes will generate the most health benefits... BACKGROUND: Hospital-acquired infections impose substantial clinical and economic burdens but are preventable. Although economic evaluations can show decision-makers which programes will generate the most health benefits per dollar invested, their representation amongst published evidence is unclear. This study identified infection prevention practices implemented in Singapore and assessed the availability of supporting economic evidence. METHODS: Five infection prevention nurses identified implemented practices. Three were selected: automated surveillance, portable high-efficiency particulate air filters, and Ultraviolet-C disinfection machines. PubMed records from 2015 to 2025 were analyzed using bibliometric software to map keyword frequencies across five themes: cost-effectiveness, clinical, science and technology, environmental health, and the COVID-19 pandemic. RESULTS: Cost-effectiveness-related keywords averaged fewer than 6 per year, compared with over 100 to 400 per year for clinical, science and technology, and environmental themes. Pandemic-related keywords increased from 2020 and still exceeded cost-effectiveness terms, with 12 to 18 per year. DISCUSSION: Cost-effectiveness-related keywords were rare compared with other themes across all 3 infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. This suggests that published economic evaluations remain scarce even when interest in IPC interventions is heightened. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of cost-effectiveness evidence indicates that IPC adoption might be informed by clinical and technical considerations rather than published economic appraisals. Broadening the use of economic evaluation might be warranted.

Burden of early healthcare-associated infections after kidney or kidney-pancreas transplantations: A 6-year prospective surveillance in a French university reference center.

Marion E, Amour S, Dananché C … +7 more , Lévi C, Badet L, Morelon E, Pouteil-Noble C, Bénet T, Vanhems P, Khanafer N

Am J Infect Control · 2026 May · PMID 41192618 · Publisher ↗

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are common complications during the early post transplantation period, most frequently urinary tract infections (UTI). We report here the incidence of HAI among kidney o... BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are common complications during the early post transplantation period, most frequently urinary tract infections (UTI). We report here the incidence of HAI among kidney or kidney-pancreas transplant recipients in a French referral center. METHODS: A prospective surveillance of HAIs among kidney or kidney-pancreas recipients was conducted at a referral center of a French university hospital. All patients who underwent transplantation between October 1, 2013, and September 15, 2019, were followed up for a minimum of 30 days or until the end of their hospital stay post transplantation. Multivariate Poisson regression analyses were used to assess the risk of HAI. RESULTS: Data from 1,072 patients, accounting for 30,610 patient-days, were analyzed (944 kidney and 128 kidney-pancreas transplantations). The incidence of HAIs was 4.5 (95%CI: 3.8-5.3) per 1,000 patient-days, with a significant decrease over time (adjusted Incidence Rate Ratio = 0.95; 95%CI: 0.90-0.99, per semester). Escherichia coli was the most prevalent microorganism (28%). Incidences of UTI, bacteremia, surgical site infection, and pneumonia were 2.7 (95%CI: 2.1-3.3), 1.3 (95%CI: 1.0-1.8), 1.2 (95%CI: 0.8-1.6), and 0.2 (95%CI: 0.1-0.5), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that UTIs are the most prevalent HAI during the first month following kidney transplantation. More data on early HAI among these patients are needed to improve prevention strategies.
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