Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation

Search Page

Filters

My NCBI Filters

Results by year

Table representation of search results timeline featuring number of search results per year.

Year Number of Results
1944 2
1945 109
1946 250
1947 290
1948 224
1949 223
1950 169
1951 432
1952 720
1953 741
1954 621
1955 660
1956 601
1957 575
1958 481
1959 459
1960 435
1961 440
1962 347
1963 253
1964 401
1965 652
1966 917
1967 1032
1968 1251
1969 1260
1970 1319
1971 1342
1972 1371
1973 1407
1974 1495
1975 1289
1976 1399
1977 1304
1978 1495
1979 1555
1980 1542
1981 1490
1982 1725
1983 1705
1984 1777
1985 1912
1986 1912
1987 1872
1988 2244
1989 2239
1990 2271
1991 2552
1992 2530
1993 2739
1994 2690
1995 2856
1996 2757
1997 2866
1998 3056
1999 3335
2000 3407
2001 3459
2002 3485
2003 3733
2004 3978
2005 4082
2006 4600
2007 4791
2008 5040
2009 5513
2010 5831
2011 6130
2012 6311
2013 6821
2014 6687
2015 6863
2016 6851
2017 6577
2018 6773
2019 6989
2020 10716
2021 8767
2022 6780
2023 6202
2024 4597
2025 2

Text availability

Article attribute

Article type

Publication date

Search Results

203,728 results

Results by year

Filters applied: . Clear all
Page 1
. 2024 Sep 11;66(1):48.
doi: 10.1186/s13028-024-00771-9.

Enhancing infection control practices and biosecurity plans on Swedish pig farms: insights, challenges, and strategies

Affiliations

Enhancing infection control practices and biosecurity plans on Swedish pig farms: insights, challenges, and strategies

Elisabeth Rajala et al. Acta Vet Scand. .

Abstract

Background: African swine fever (ASF) poses a threat to the global pig industry, leading to significant economic losses and widespread disruptions in pig farming and associated sectors. In September 2023, the first case of ASF in Swedish wild boar triggered immediate responses from authorities, including the establishment of restricted zones and culling measures. A new ASF certification programme for pig herds was initiated to improve biosecurity and proactive disease management. This survey aimed to assess the sentiments and actions of Swedish pig farmers six months post-outbreak, particularly regarding biosecurity measures. Such information is important to improve preparedness for future disease threats. A questionnaire was distributed to members of the Swedish pig producers' organisation.

Results: A total of 113 farmers responded (response rate 27%), with the majority considering the risk of ASF reappearing in Sweden as high. The estimated cost for connecting the farms to the ASF certification programme varied greatly, with a majority identifying cost as a substantial hurdle. While many farmers sought biosecurity advice from veterinarians, 43% had not implemented suggested measures. Over one third had not received concrete measures that would fit their farms, and 14% had not received any biosecurity advice from veterinarians at all. Discussions among farmers emphasized concerns about ASF outbreaks, transmission mechanisms, and regulatory compliance, highlighting the importance of ongoing communication and knowledge exchange to address the challenges posed by ASF effectively. Additionally, participants also mentioned the role of dense wild boar populations and shortcomings in municipal food waste management as important risk factors.

Conclusions: The responding farmers expressed widespread concern about new ASF outbreaks. A majority identified cost as a substantial hurdle for joining the ASF certification programme. While many farmers consulted veterinarians for advice on biosecurity, a significant number had yet to implement suggested measures and one third had not received specific guidance suitable for their farms. Stakeholder conversations highlighted concerns about ASF outbreaks, transmission, and compliance. They also discussed the role of dense wild boar populations and issues with municipal food waste management as significant risk factors for ASF.

Keywords: ASF; Biosecurity; Control; Pig production; Wild boar.

Proceed to details
. 2024 Sep 11;24(1):956.
doi: 10.1186/s12879-024-09863-3.

Infection prevention and control status at public hospitals and factors associated with COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers in Myanmar: A cross-sectional study

Affiliations

Infection prevention and control status at public hospitals and factors associated with COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers in Myanmar: A cross-sectional study

Thet Mon Than et al. BMC Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Hospitals should prepare for emerging diseases and protect healthcare workers (HCWs) from work-related infection. This study aims to assess public hospital preparedness for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) a year after the Myanmar government began implementing COVID-19 prevention measures, and to identify factors associated with work-related COVID-19 infection among HCWs in Myanmar.

Methods: In January 2021, data were collected from 101 hospitals and 706 HCWs who had COVID-19 in Myanmar in 2020. Data from the hospitals included basic information, the status of infection prevention and control (IPC), the preparedness for COVID-19 (guidelines, checklists, fever screening, patient pathway, and training), handwashing facilities, and availability of personal protective equipment (PPE). Data of COVID-19 infected HCWs included age, occupation, workplace, severity and source of COVID-19 infection, knowledge and practice of handwashing, and working environment. Chi-square test was performed to compare the preparedness for COVID-19 among three hospital levels (primary, secondary and tertiary levels). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the associated factors of work-related infection of HCWs.

Results: The total number of beds, HCWs, and COVID-19 patients in 2020 at the 101 hospitals was 12,888, 14,421, and 19,835, respectively. The availability of PPE was high in hospitals at all levels. Approximately 80% of hospitals had functional status of IPC, set up fever screening and patient pathway, and provided training on IPC and COVID-19. However, only 39.6% of hospitals had developed COVID-19 guidelines and 55.4% had developed checklists. The percentage of hospitals that prepared each measurement was lowest at the primary level. The factors associated with work-related COVID-19 among HCWs were being 30-39 years old, working as a doctor, working at isolation wards, having disinfection technique training, and having enough PPE at the workplace.

Conclusion: The preparedness for COVID-19 at public hospitals in Myanmar in January 2021 was insufficient, especially in the availability of the guidelines and checklists and at primary hospitals. A support system for hospital pandemic preparedness and monitoring of IPC implementation is needed. The government should prepare for emerging diseases and provide appropriate and adequate PPE and additional training to all HCWs, especially HCWs who work for isolation wards.

Keywords: COVID-19; Healthcare workers; Infection prevention and control; Myanmar; Work-related infection.

Proceed to details
. 2024 Sep 11;24(1):955.
doi: 10.1186/s12879-024-09795-y.

Nomogram for predicting the risk of nosocomial infections among obstetric inpatients: a large-scale retrospective study in China

Affiliations

Nomogram for predicting the risk of nosocomial infections among obstetric inpatients: a large-scale retrospective study in China

Lei Huang et al. BMC Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram for assessing the risk of nosocomial infections among obstetric inpatients, providing a valuable reference for predicting and mitigating the risk of postpartum infections.

Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed on a cohort of 28,608 obstetric patients admitted for childbirth between 2017 and 2022. Data from the year 2022, comprising 4,153 inpatients, were utilized for model validation. Univariable and multivariable stepwise logistic regression analyses were employed to identify the factors influencing nosocomial infections among obstetric inpatients. A nomogram was subsequently developed based on the final predictive model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) to evaluate the predictive accuracy of the nomogram in both the training and validation datasets.

Results: The gestational weeks > = 37, prenatal anemia, prenatal hypoproteinemia, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), cesarean sction, operative delivery, adverse birth outcomes, length of hospitalization (days) > 5, CVC use and catheterization of ureter were included in the ultimate prediction model. The AUC of the nomogram was 0.828 (0.823, 0.833) in the training dataset and 0.855 (0.844, 0.865) in the validation dataset.

Conclusion: Through a large-scale retrospective study conducted in China, we developed and independently validated a nomogram to enable personalized postpartum infections risk estimates for obstetric inpatients. Its clinical application can facilitate early identification of high-risk groups, enabling timely infection prevention and control measures.

Keywords: Large-scale retrospective study; Nomogram; Obstetric inpatients; Postpartum infections; Risk prediction model.

Supplementary info

Grants and funding
Proceed to details
. 2024 Sep 11;14(1):21197.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-72165-w.

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions and relaxation policies on Class B respiratory infectious diseases transmission in China

Affiliations

Assessing the impact of COVID-19 non-pharmaceutical interventions and relaxation policies on Class B respiratory infectious diseases transmission in China

Nan Wu et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

This study investigates the incidence of Class B respiratory infectious diseases (RIDs) in China under the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic and examines variations post-epidemic, following the relaxation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs). Two-stage evaluation was used in our study. In the first stage evaluation, we established counterfactual models for the pre-COVID-19 period to estimate expected incidences of Class B RIDs without the onset of the epidemic. In the second stage evaluation, we constructed seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average intervention (SARIMA-Intervention) models to evaluate the impact on the Class B RIDs after NPIs aimed at COVID-19 pandemic were relaxed. The counterfactual model in the first stage evaluation suggested average annual increases of 10.015%, 78.019%, 70.439%, and 67.799% for tuberculosis, scarlet fever, measles, and pertussis respectively, had the epidemic not occurred. In the second stage evaluation, the total relative reduction in 2023 of tuberculosis, scarlet fever, measles and pertussis were - 35.209%, - 59.184%, - 4.481%, and - 9.943% respectively. The actual incidence declined significantly in the first stage evaluation. However, the results of the second stage evaluation indicated that a rebound occurred in four Class B RIDs after the relaxation of NPIs; all of these showed a negative total relative reduction rate.

Keywords: Autoregressive integrated moving average models; COVID-19; Incidence rate; Interrupted time series analysis; Respiratory infectious diseases.

Supplementary info

MeSH terms, Grants and funding
Proceed to details
Review
. 2024 Sep 10:S0891-5520(24)00053-9.
doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2024.07.002. Online ahead of print.

Intravascular Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections: Contemporary Issues Related to a Persistent Problem

Affiliations
Review

Intravascular Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections: Contemporary Issues Related to a Persistent Problem

Cristina J Torres et al. Infect Dis Clin North Am. .

Abstract

Hospital-acquired infections, including central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), are an ongoing source of cost, morbidity, and mortality worldwide. This article presents a summary of the impact of the recent SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on CLABSI incidence, an overview of current standard-of-care practices for reduction of CLABSI, and a look toward future changes in bacteremia metrics and challenges in prevention.

Keywords: Catheter-related bloodstream infection; Central line associated bloodstream infection; Central venous catheter; Health care associated infection.

Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure Dr C.J. Torres has no conflict of interest to disclose. Dr M.E. Rupp notes potential conflicts of interest in the form of clinical research support from ContraFect, Magnolia Medical Technology, DCRI-NIH; serving as consultant for 3M, Becton Dickinson, and Teleflex; Scientific advisory board for Citius pharmaceuticals; clinical trial adjudication committee for Armata Pharmaceuticals. Dr Cawcutt has no conflict of interest to disclose.

Supplementary info

Publication types
Proceed to details
Review
. 2024 Sep 10:S0891-5520(24)00057-6.
doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2024.07.006. Online ahead of print.

Urinary Catheter-Associated Infections

Affiliations
Review

Urinary Catheter-Associated Infections

Elizabeth Scruggs-Wodkowski et al. Infect Dis Clin North Am. .

Abstract

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common and costly hospital-acquired infections, yet they are largely preventable. The greatest modifiable risk factor for developing a CAUTI is duration of catheterization, including initial indwelling catheter placement when it may not otherwise be necessary. Alternatives to indwelling urinary catheters, including intermittent straight catheterization and the use of external catheters, should be considered in applicable patients. If an indwelling urinary catheter is required, aseptic insertion technique and maintenance should be performed. Through the use of collaborative, multidisciplinary intervention efforts, CAUTI rates can be successfully reduced.

Keywords: Catheter-associated urinary tract infection; Healthcare-associated infection; Infection prevention; Urinary catheter.

Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures Dr Meddings has reported receiving honoraria from hospitals and professional societies devoted to complication prevention for lectures and teaching related to prevention and value-based purchasing policies involving catheter-associated urinary tract infection and hospital-acquired pressure ulcers. Dr Meddings also serves as an Associated Editor for the Annals of Internal Medicine: Clinical Cases journal.

Supplementary info

Publication types
Proceed to details
. 2024 Sep 11.
doi: 10.1007/s00590-024-04093-4. Online ahead of print.

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) surface treatment decreases biofilm burden by S. aureus on titanium alloy in vitro- a pilot study

Affiliations

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) surface treatment decreases biofilm burden by S. aureus on titanium alloy in vitro- a pilot study

Anabelle Visperas et al. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol. .

Abstract

Purpose: Periprosthetic joint infection is a complication of total joint arthroplasty with treatment costs over $1.6 billion dollars per year in the US with high failure rates. Therefore, generation of coatings that can prevent infection is paramount. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is an ideal coating for implants as they are wear-resistant, corrosion-resistant, inert, and have a low friction coefficient. The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of DLC surface treatment in prevention of biofilm on titanium discs infected with Staphylococcus aureus in vitro.

Methods: Titanium alloy discs (n = 4 non-coated and n = 4 DLC-coated) were infected with 5 × 105 colony-forming units (CFU) of S. aureus for 2 weeks then analysed via crystal violet and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results: Crystal violet analysis yielded differences in the appearance of biofilm on implant surface where DLC-coated had a clumpier appearance but no difference in biofilm quantification. Interestingly, this clumpy appearance did lead to differences in SEM biofilm coverage where significantly less biofilm coverage was found on DLC-coated discs (81.78% vs. 54.17%, p < 0.003).

Conclusion: DLC-coated titanium alloy implants may have preventative properties in S. aureus infection. Observing differences in biofilm coverage does warrant additional testing including CFU titration and biofilm kinetics with eventual use in an animal model of periprosthetic joint infection.

Keywords: Biofilm; Implant coating; Infection; Infection prevention.

Proceed to details
. 2024 Sep 6;77(4):e20240021.
doi: 10.1590/0034-7167-2024-0021. eCollection 2024.

Construction and validation of an instrument for event-related sterility of processed healthcare products

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Affiliations

Construction and validation of an instrument for event-related sterility of processed healthcare products

[Article in English, Portuguese]
Vanessa Aparecida Vilas-Boas et al. Rev Bras Enferm. .

Abstract

Objective: To construct and validate an instrument to assess events related to maintaining the sterility of processed healthcare products.

Methods: This methodological study developed the instrument through analysis by a panel of experts, focusing on the integrity of commonly used packaging: spunbond-meltblown-spunbond and medical-grade paper. The instrument was analyzed using the Content Validity Index and Content Validity Ratio (≥ 0.80) and modified Kappa (≥ 0.74). The instrument underwent pre-testing.

Results: Six experienced professionals participated in the expert panel. After two rounds, the final version of the instrument contained five dimensions. In the pre-test, 30 nursing professionals participated, of whom 86.67% considered the instrument good, and 90% found it understandable.

Conclusion: The construction and validation followed literature recommendations. The instrument is available, aiding in the safe use of processed healthcare products.

Supplementary info

MeSH terms
Proceed to details
. 2024 Aug 11;16(8):e66636.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.66636. eCollection 2024 Aug.

Retrospective Comparison of Influenza and COVID-19-Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): An Experience From a Tertiary Care Hospital

Affiliations

Retrospective Comparison of Influenza and COVID-19-Associated Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS): An Experience From a Tertiary Care Hospital

Rizwana Rana et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on global healthcare systems, often compared to seasonal influenza due to similarities in clinical presentation. This study aims to compare the clinical characteristics, comorbidities, and outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19 and those with influenza admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Islamabad, Pakistan. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 120 patients, 60 with confirmed COVID-19 and 60 with confirmed influenza, all of whom required ICU admission and mechanical ventilation between January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2024. Data were collected from electronic medical records, including demographic information, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes. Descriptive statistics were used to compare the two groups. Results The median age of COVID-19 patients was 55 years (range 30-78), while that of influenza patients was 58 years (range 31-80). Both groups had a slight male predominance (COVID-19: 66.7%, Influenza: 63.3%). Comorbidities were common in both groups, with 75.0% of COVID-19 patients and 83.3% of influenza patients having at least one comorbidity. The most common comorbidities included hypertension (COVID-19: 30.0%, Influenza: 33.3%) and diabetes (COVID-19: 20.0%, Influenza: 25.0%). Clinical outcomes revealed a higher mortality rate among influenza patients (43.3%) compared to COVID-19 patients (28.3%). ICU admission rates were identical for both groups at 66.7%, and mechanical ventilation was required for 66.7% of ICU-admitted patients in both groups. The presence of cardiovascular comorbidities significantly impacted patient outcomes, with higher mortality observed in influenza patients with such comorbidities (44.7%) compared to COVID-19 patients (28.9%). Conclusion This study highlights the significant burden of both COVID-19 and influenza on critically ill patients, particularly those with cardiovascular comorbidities. While influenza patients in this cohort exhibited higher mortality rates, both groups demonstrated substantial ICU admission rates and a need for mechanical ventilation.

Keywords: ace-2 receptor; airborne infection control; cardio vascular disease; comorbidities; covid-19; covid-19 pcr; critically ill patients; icu admission; influenza; influenza virus type a and b.

Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Shifa International Hospital IRB and EC issued approval 0173-23. The committee is pleased to inform you that your research protocol has been approved by Shifa International Hospital, IRB, EC. You will conduct the study according to the protocol approved by SIH IRB, EC. You will be accountable for your own research and the protection of human objects, and you will have the appropriate resources and facilities to conduct the study. All changes in your research must be submitted to IRB for review and approval prior to implementation of the change. Proposed changes in approved research cannot be initiated without IRB approval, except when necessary to eliminate apparent immediate hazards to participants. All the informed consent should be retained for future reference for three years. A proper report should be submitted quarterly and a final report after completion of the study to the IRB and Ethics Committee. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Proceed to details
. 2024 May 30:11:e72.
doi: 10.1017/gmh.2024.67. eCollection 2024.

"I was also trying to protect myself and save my life," experiences of people living with severe mental illness and their caregivers regarding COVID-19 response in Uganda

Affiliations

"I was also trying to protect myself and save my life," experiences of people living with severe mental illness and their caregivers regarding COVID-19 response in Uganda

Noeline Nakasujja et al. Glob Ment Health (Camb). .

Abstract

Introduction: People with severe mental illness (SMI) are highly vulnerable and more affected by epidemics than the general population. They encounter limited access to care, miss out on infection prevention measures and are more prone to relapses.

Objectives: This study explored the experiences of individuals with SMI and their caregivers in Uganda during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its focus was on the impact of COVID-19 and its response measures on their mental health.

Methods: The study was conducted at three sites; a national referral mental hospital, a regional referral hospital and a district hospital. Participants included persons with SMI, their caregivers and mental health professionals. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Phenomenological thematic analysis was employed.

Results: The key themes identified encompassed challenges in accessing mental health services, disrupted routine care, the impact of lockdown measures and discrimination.

Conclusion: The findings highlight the unique challenges faced by individuals with SMI and their caregivers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda. There is need for interventions focusing on continued access to care, improving information dissemination and addressing the psychological impact of containment measures on people with SMI.

Keywords: COVID-19; Uganda; caregivers; experiences; people with severe mental illness.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare none.

Proceed to details
Clinical Trial
. 2024 Aug 30;11(9):ofae478.
doi: 10.1093/ofid/ofae478. eCollection 2024 Sep.

Short Versus Long Antibiotic Duration in Streptococcus pneumoniae Bacteremia

Affiliations
Clinical Trial

Short Versus Long Antibiotic Duration in Streptococcus pneumoniae Bacteremia

Matthew Crotty et al. Open Forum Infect Dis. .

Abstract

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae is a common pathogen associated with bloodstream infections, respiratory infections, peritonitis, infective endocarditis, and meningitis. Literature assessing duration of antibiotic therapy for a S pneumoniae bacteremia secondary to common infection is scarce, leading to variability in practice. Therefore, this study evaluated the effectiveness of short (5-10 days) versus long (11-16 days) antibiotic durations for S pneumoniae bacteremia.

Methods: This retrospective, single-center cohort study assessed hospitalized patients with S pneumoniae-positive blood cultures, who received active antibiotics within 48 hours of first positive blood culture collection and achieved clinical stability by day 10 of the first positive blood culture collection. Exclusion criteria included treatment duration <5 or >16 days, death before completion of 10 days of therapy, polymicrobial bloodstream infection, and invasive infection. Rates of clinical failure (composite of 30-day hospital readmission, bacteremia recurrence, and mortality) were compared between the groups.

Results: A total of 162 patients were included, with 51 patients in the short- and 111 patients in the long-duration group. Pneumonia was the suspected source of bacteremia in 90.1% of patients. Rates of clinical failure were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Patients received a median antibiotic course of 7 days in the short group compared to 14 days in the long group; however, there was no significant difference observed in the median hospital length of stay, median intensive care unit length of stay, or rate of Clostridioides difficile infection.

Conclusions: Shorter antibiotic courses may be appropriate in patients with S pneumoniae bacteremia secondary to community-acquired pneumonia.

Keywords: Streptococcus pneumoniae; antimicrobial stewardship; bloodstream infection; duration of treatment; pneumonia.

Conflict of interest statement

Potential conflicts of interest. M.C. has received honoraria from Nabriva Therapeutics, Theravance Biopharma, Paratek Pharmaceuticals, and bioMérieux, outside the submitted work. E.D. reports being a subinvestigator for clinical trials through Gilead, research funding from Nektar, personal fees for delivering educational presentations for Sanofi-Pasteur, and honoraria from Cumberland Pharmaceuticals and Tetraphase Pharmaceuticals, outside the submitted work. All other authors report no potential conflicts.

Supplementary info

Publication types
Proceed to details
Review
. 2024 Aug 27:15:1457785.
doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1457785. eCollection 2024.

The use of controlled human infection models to identify correlates of protection for invasive Salmonella vaccines

Affiliations
Review

The use of controlled human infection models to identify correlates of protection for invasive Salmonella vaccines

Naina McCann et al. Front Immunol. .

Abstract

Controlled human infection model (CHIM) studies, which involve deliberate exposure of healthy human volunteers to an infectious agent, are recognised as important tools to advance vaccine development. These studies not only facilitate estimates of vaccine efficacy, but also offer an experimental approach to study disease pathogenesis and profile vaccine immunogenicity in a controlled environment, allowing correlation with clinical outcomes. Consequently, the data from CHIMs can be used to identify immunological correlates of protection (CoP), which can help accelerate vaccine development. In the case of invasive Salmonella infections, vaccination offers a potential instrument to prevent disease. Invasive Salmonella disease, caused by the enteric fever pathogens Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi) and S. Paratyphi A, B and C, and nontyphoidal Salmonella (iNTS), remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in low- and middle-income countries, resulting in over 200,000 deaths and the loss of 15 million DALYs annually. CHIM studies have contributed to the understanding of S. Typhi infection and provided invaluable insight into the development of vaccines and CoP following vaccination against S. Typhi. However, CoP are less well understood for S. Paratyphi A and iNTS. This brief review focuses on the contribution of vaccine-CHIM trials to our understanding of the immune mechanisms associated with protection following vaccines against invasive Salmonella pathogens, particularly in relation to CoP.

Keywords: Salmonella; Salmonella Typhi (S Typhi); controlled human infection model; correlate of protection; enteric fever (EF); human challenge model; immunogenicity; vaccine.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. The reviewer LS declared a shared affiliation with the authors to the handling editor at the time of the review.

Supplementary info

Publication types, MeSH terms, Substances
Proceed to details
. 2024;15(7):325-334.
doi: 10.30466/vrf.2024.2016107.4086. Epub 2024 Jul 15.

Prevalence and anti-microbial resistance of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the environment and veterinary personnel in a Spanish veterinary teaching hospital

Affiliations

Prevalence and anti-microbial resistance of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the environment and veterinary personnel in a Spanish veterinary teaching hospital

Ana-María Ríos et al. Vet Res Forum. 2024.

Abstract

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus (MRS) bacteria, including methicillin-resistant S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. pseudintermedius (MRSP), pose a significant threat in veterinary medicine, given their potential for zoonotic transmission and their implications for companion animals and humans' health. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MRS and anti-microbial resistance patterns at a university clinical hospital in Madrid, Spain. Samples were collected from both the environment and hospital staff at Veterinary Clinical Hospital of Alfonso X el Sabio University. Anti-microbial susceptibility assays, molecular detection of mecA gene and genetic relationships among the identified bacterial strains were performed. The study revealed an MRS prevalence of 1.50% in environmental samples, with MRSP accounting for 0.75% of the cases. Genetically related MRSP strains were found in different hospital areas. Among hospital staff, there was a MRS prevalence of 14.03%, including S. pseudintermedius and S. epidermidis strains. Antibiogram tests revealed multi-drug resistance among MRSP strains. Additionally, methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci were isolated, suggesting potential cross-species transmission. This study underscores the presence of MRS in a veterinary clinical hospital, highlighting the significance of infection control through the implementation of protective measures, stringent hygiene practices among personnel and in the environment and responsible use of antibiotics. Further research is necessary to assess MRS incidence in animal patients and explore geographical variations, enhancing our understanding of MRS in veterinary medicine and addressing its challenges.

Keywords: Anti-microbial resistance; Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus; Veterinary hospital; Zoonoses.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Proceed to details

Abstract

Background: Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major contributor to global morbidity and mortality, disproportionately affects children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals. Despite vaccination efforts, the challenge of serotype replacement highlights the ongoing struggle against invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) in Morocco, emphasizing the need for updated public health strategies and vaccine efficacy assessments.

Methods: This study was conducted at the Ibn Rochd University Hospital Center and the Mohammed VI University Hospital Center from 2019 to 2022, focusing on hospitalized children. It involved the analysis of 74 strains of IPD, assessing the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes and their antibiotic sensitivity in the post-vaccination era.

Results: The prevalence of meningitis or meningo-encephalitis was found to be 66% among the study subjects, with the most frequent serotypes being 3, 19A, 6B, 14, and 11. These serotypes varied significantly by age and location. Coverage rates for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccines, PCV-10 and PCV-13, were 20.27% and 56.75%, respectively. Notably, 43% of the strains were non-vaccine serotypes, with serotypes 3 and 19 accounting for 36% of the infections in children, indicating a lack of vaccine efficacy against these types. Additionally, 31.3% of the strains were Penicillin non-susceptible Streptococcus pneumoniae (PNSP), with 81.25% associated with non-vaccine serotypes.

Conclusions: This study highlights the persistence of IPD in Moroccan children, revealing significant challenges despite vaccination efforts. With the reintroduction of PCV-13, concerns about the efficacy against non-vaccine serotypes, particularly 3 and 19A, remain. Continuous surveillance and adaptable vaccination strategies are essential to combat these serotype replacements and ensure the effectiveness of future preventive measures.

Supplementary info

MeSH terms, Substances
Proceed to details
. 2024 Sep 11;13(1):100.
doi: 10.1186/s13756-024-01455-9.

Integration of IPC/WASH critical conditions into quality of care and quality improvement tools and processes: Bangladesh case study

Affiliations
Free article

Integration of IPC/WASH critical conditions into quality of care and quality improvement tools and processes: Bangladesh case study

Martha Embrey et al. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control. .
Free article

Abstract

Unsafe patient care in hospitals, especially in low- and middle-income countries, is often caused by poor infection prevention and control (IPC) practices; insufficient support for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH); and inadequate waste management. We looked at the intersection of IPC, WASH, and the global initiative of improving health care quality, specifically around maternal and newborn care in Bangladesh health facilities. We identified 8 primary quality improvement and IPC/WASH policy and guideline documents in Bangladesh and analyzed their incorporation of 30 subconditions under 5 critical conditions: water; sanitation; hygiene; waste management/cleaning; and IPC supplies, guidelines, training, surveillance, and monitoring. To determine how Bangladesh health care workers implemented the policies, we interviewed 33 informants from 16 public and private facilities and the national level. Bangladesh's 8 primary guidance documents covered 55% of the 30 subconditions. Interviews showed that Bangladesh health facility staff generally rely on eight tools related to quality improvement (five); IPC (two); and supportive supervision (one) plus a robust supervision mechanism. The stakeholders identified a lack of human resources and environmental hygiene infrastructure and supplies as the main gaps in providing IPC/WASH services. We concluded that the Bangladesh government had produced substantial guidance on using quality improvement methods to improve health services. Our recommendations can help identify strategies to better integrate IPC/WASH in resources including standardizing guidelines and tools within one toolkit. Strategizing with stakeholders working on initiatives such as universal health coverage and patient safety to integrate IPC/WASH into quality improvement documents is a mutually reinforcing approach.

Keywords: Bangladesh; Environmental hygiene; Infection prevention and control; Maternal and newborn health; Patient safety; Quality improvement/Quality of health care; Waste management; Water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH).

Supplementary info

MeSH terms
Proceed to details
. 2024 Sep 10;24(1):253.
doi: 10.1186/s12893-024-02548-3.

Assessing the impact of enhanced hygiene precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical site infection risk in abdominal surgeries

Affiliations
Free article

Assessing the impact of enhanced hygiene precautions during the COVID-19 pandemic on surgical site infection risk in abdominal surgeries

Samer Ganam et al. BMC Surg. .
Free article

Abstract

Background: A surgical site infection (SSI) is a postoperative infection that occurs at or near the surgical incision. SSIs significantly increase morbidity, mortality, length of hospital stay, and healthcare costs. The World Health Organization (WHO) has established hospital hygiene precaution guidelines for the prevention of SSIs, which were enhanced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study aims to explore the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on SSI incidence among initially uninfected postoperative patients. We hypothesize that these enhanced precautions would reduce the incidence of SSIs.

Materials and methods: A retrospective study comparing surgical outcomes before and during the pandemic. Patients who had abdominal surgery between June and December 2019 (Non-COVID-19) or between February and June 2020 (COVID-19) were included. The two groups were matched in a 1:1 ratio based on age, Sex, acuity (elective or emergent), surgical approach, and comorbidities. Electronic medical records were reviewed to identify SSIs and hospital readmissions within 30 days after surgery. Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test were used.

Results: Data was collected and analyzed from 976 patients who had surgery before the COVID-19 pandemic (non-COVID group) and 377 patients who had surgery during the pandemic (COVID group). After matching, there were 377 patients in each group. In our study, we found 23 surgical site infections (SSIs) in both laparoscopic and open surgeries. The incidence of SSIs was significantly higher in the non-COVID period compared to the COVID period [17 cases (4.5%) vs. 6 cases (1.6%), respectively, p = 0.032], especially in non-COVID open surgeries. The incidence of SSIs in laparoscopic surgeries was also higher during the non-COVID period, but not statistically significant.

Conclusions: Enhanced hygiene precautions during the COVID -19 pandemic may have reduced SSIs rates following abdominal surgery.

Keywords: Abdominal surgery; Covid-19 Pandemic; Hygiene Precautions; Surgical Site Infection.

Supplementary info

MeSH terms
Proceed to details
. 2024 Sep 10;24(1):948.
doi: 10.1186/s12879-024-09816-w.

Hospital-acquired infections and unvaccinated children due to chronic diseases: an investigation of the 2017-2019 measles outbreak in the northern region of Vietnam

Affiliations
Free article

Hospital-acquired infections and unvaccinated children due to chronic diseases: an investigation of the 2017-2019 measles outbreak in the northern region of Vietnam

Dien M Tran et al. BMC Infect Dis. .
Free article

Abstract

Background: Measles remains a major public health burden worldwide. Parents often hesitate to vaccinate children with chronic diseases. We investigated the association between the percentage of vaccination and chronic diseases and explore hospital infections' role in the 2017-2019 measles outbreak across northern Vietnam provinces.

Methods: A total of 2,064 children aged 0-15 years old admitted for measles to the National Children's Hospital during the outbreak were included in the study. Demographic information, clinical characteristics, vaccination statuses and laboratory examination were extracted from electronic medical records, vaccination records, or interviews with parents when other sources were unavailable.

Results: The incidence rate that provincial hospitals sent to the National Children's Hospital was proportional to the population density of their provinces of residence. Early nosocomial transmission of measles was observed before community-acquired cases emerged in many provinces. Among patients aged over 18 months, those with chronic diseases had a proportion of vaccination of 9.4%, lower than patients without chronic diseases at 32.4%. Unvaccinated patients had a higher proportion of hospital-acquired infections with aOR = 2.42 (1.65-3.65), p < 0.001 relative to vaccinated patients. The proportion of hospital-acquired infections was higher among children with chronic diseases compared to those without, with aOR = 3.81 (2.90-5.02), p < 0.001.

Conclusion: Measles spread in healthcare settings prior to community cases that occurred in several provinces. We recommend enhancing hospital infection control by increasing staff training and improving early detection and isolation during non-outbreak periods. Measles patients with chronic diseases exhibited lower proportions of vaccination and faced a higher risk of hospital-acquired infections. It is crucial to establish comprehensive vaccination guidelines and enhance parental awareness regarding the significance and safety of measles vaccination to protect these vulnerable individuals.

Keywords: Chronic diseases; Hospital-acquired infection; Measles; Nosocomial transmission; Vaccination.

Supplementary info

MeSH terms, Substances
Proceed to details
Review
. 2024 Sep 10;206(10):400.
doi: 10.1007/s00203-024-04137-7.

Application of chlorine dioxide and its disinfection mechanism

Affiliations
Review

Application of chlorine dioxide and its disinfection mechanism

Yu Jiang et al. Arch Microbiol. .

Abstract

Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) is a strong oxidizing agent and an efficient disinfectant. Due to its broad-spectrum bactericidal properties, good inactivation effect on the vast majority of bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms, low resistance to drugs, and low generation of halogenated by-products, chlorine dioxide is widely used in fields such as water purification, food safety, medical and public health, and living environment. This review introduced the properties and application status of chlorine dioxide, compared the action mode, advantages and disadvantages of various disinfectants. The mechanism of chlorine dioxide inactivating bacteria, fungi and viruses were reviewed. The lethal target of chlorine dioxide to bacteria and fungi is to destroy the structure of cell membrane, change the permeability of cell membrane, and make intracellular substances flow out, leading to their death. The lethal targets for viruses are the destruction of viral protein capsids and the degradation of RNA fragments. The purpose of this review is to provide more scientific guidance for the application of chlorine dioxide disinfectants.

Keywords: Chlorine dioxide; Disinfectants; Inactivation; Mechanisms; Microorganisms.

Supplementary info

Publication types, MeSH terms, Substances
Proceed to details
Review
. 2024 Sep 9:79:116-125.
doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.09.002. Online ahead of print.

The effect of infection prevention and control programme for childcare workers in daycare centres: A systematic review

Affiliations
Review

The effect of infection prevention and control programme for childcare workers in daycare centres: A systematic review

Chakkrich Pidjadee et al. J Pediatr Nurs. .

Abstract

Problem: Infectious diseases can easily spread in daycare centres (DCCs), primarily due to inadequate hygiene practices of both childcare workers and children. Therefore, childcare workers who provide direct care in early childhood play a crucial role in preventing and controlling infectious diseases in DCCs. This systematic review aims to identify current evidence and examine the effect of the infection prevention and control (IPC) programme for childcare workers in daycare centres, and to obtain a pooled estimate of the intervention's effect using meta-analysis, if possible ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We searched literature through CINAHL, Medline, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases, we also performed manual searches on Google Scholar and citation lists. Inclusion criteria comprised: 1) Experimental or quasi-experimental design studies that were published in the English language from October 1971 to December 2023, 2) Population focused on childcare workers responsible for early childhood in DCCs, 3) The intervention focused on the ICP programme, and 4) Outcomes related to childcare workers SAMPLE: From 3,964 articles, eight studies were included in this review RESULTS: Half of the total studies concentrated on hand hygiene intervention, while the remaining four addressed the prevention of infectious diseases and infection control. These studies reported an increase in knowledge, self-efficacy, and compliance regarding hand hygiene, and knowledge and practices related to infectious diseases. Two studies included nurses as conductors in the programme CONCLUSION: IPC programme effectively enhances some knowledge and performances in childcare workers IMPLICATION: Nurses can conduct IPC programme within daycare centres by utilizing evidence-based educational tools. Further research is needed to require well-reported studies, especially randomized controlled trials.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42023492592.

Keywords: Childcare worker; Daycare Centre; Early childhood; Infection prevention and control.

Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest There is no potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

Supplementary info

Publication types