Infection Prevention in Practice最新文献

{"title":"Prevalence and determinants of microbiologically unconfirmed healthcare-associated infections among hospitalized patients in Western Sierra Leone, 2024: a point prevalence survey","authors":"B.D. Fofanah ,&nbsp;I.F. Kamara ,&nbsp;R.Z. Kamara ,&nbsp;R. Musoke ,&nbsp;I.B. Nuwagira ,&nbsp;R.E. Ngauja ,&nbsp;E. Ellie ,&nbsp;S.M. Tengbe ,&nbsp;S.F.F. Sandy ,&nbsp;R.E. Williams ,&nbsp;I.A. Bangura ,&nbsp;A.R. Mansaray ,&nbsp;L. Kabego ,&nbsp;S. Lakoh","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100512","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100512","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major global health problem. Gaps in their detection in low- and middle-income countries may be caused by limited surveillance capacity and lack of contextualized surveillance tools.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of HAIs and their determinants using contextually adapted HAI case definitions and tools.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This was a cross-sectional multi-centre point prevalence survey among adults (≥18 years) and children (≥1 month) from 10 hospitals in Western Sierra Leone. The determinants of HAIs were derived using logistic regression analysis and adjusted relative risks with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) reported as a measure of association, and a <em>P</em> value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>Among the 10 hospitals, the mean hospital bed capacity was 109, and the average hand hygiene (HH) compliance was 30.6%. None of the hospitals had a functional bacteriology laboratory. Of the 319 eligible patients, 40 (12.5%) acquired HAIs, with 31 (77.5%) having suspected bloodstream infections. Cigarette smoking (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 3.764, 95% CI: 1.07–13.13, <em>P</em>: 0.038), leucopenia (aOR: 0.137, 95% CI: 0.019–1.003, <em>P</em>: 0.05), blood transfusion (aOR: 0.309, 95% CI: 0.126–0.759, <em>P</em>: 0.01), and use of oxygen apparatus (aOR: 0.260, 95% CI: 0.084–0.805, <em>P</em>: 0.02) were shown to be predictors of HAIs.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>There was a high prevalence of microbiologically unconfirmed HAIs with patient-related factors and service delivery interventions as independent predictors. Fundamental gaps are low HH compliance and limited laboratory capacity to support HAI surveillance. We recommend sustained HH improvement initiatives, strengthening bacteriology capacity for HAI detection, and periodic point prevalence surveys on HAIs as an entry point.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100512"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis in obstetrics: a 6-year evaluation of guideline adherence and stewardship impact in a Ukrainian maternity hospital","authors":"O. Pechak ,&nbsp;K. Bielka ,&nbsp;M. Frank ,&nbsp;H. Fomina ,&nbsp;D. Yevstifeiev ,&nbsp;L. Yanitska","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100515","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100515","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Surgical-site infections are a major concern in obstetric surgery. In Ukraine, evolving national guidelines and institutional antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) initiatives have sought to optimize peri-operative antibiotic prophylaxis (PAP), but their impact on clinical outcomes requires rigorous evaluation.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We conducted a retrospective cohort study (2018–2023) of 474 obstetric surgeries to evaluate changes in PAP adherence and its association with length of stay (LOS). Adherence was assessed using a 3-point compliance score (timing, choice, and duration). The association between compliance and time to discharge was analysed using a multi-variable Cox proportional hazards model.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>A marked improvement in practice was observed; full compliance increased from 11% to 71%, while mean LOS decreased from 9.9 to 4.7 days. Component analysis showed that structural interventions eliminated duration errors, while errors in antibiotic choice persisted. In the multi-variable model, the ‘year of surgery’ was the strongest predictor of earlier discharge (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001), acting as a proxy for holistic systemic improvements. While the compliance score was not an independent predictor in the overall cohort, binary compliance showed a trend towards significance (<em>P</em> = 0.098), remaining statistically subordinate to secular trends. A significant association was found only in the highly standardized laparoscopy subgroup, suggesting the impact of protocol adherence is most visible in predictable clinical environments.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Multi-faceted AMS programs can successfully optimize PAP adherence and improve outcomes. While the overall reduction in LOS is driven by broad improvements over time, specific guideline adherence remains a crucial quality indicator, particularly for standardized procedures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100515"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Artificial intelligence in combating challenges in antimicrobial resistance: a narrative review","authors":"R.A. Salama ,&nbsp;R.G. Abdel Kader ,&nbsp;N.A. Wadid","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100522","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100522","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health challenge that threatens the effective prevention and treatment of infections. It arises from increasing resistance rates, limited diagnostic capacity, inappropriate antimicrobial use, and a declining pipeline of new antibiotics. These challenges highlight the need for innovative approaches to complement existing AMR control strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a valuable tool to address the complexity and scale of AMR. This narrative review examines how AI can be more effectively integrated into key components of AMR management. By analysing large clinical and laboratory datasets, AI-based surveillance and predictive models enable near real-time monitoring of resistance patterns and early outbreak detection. AI-powered diagnostic tools, including image analysis and genomic methods, improve rapid pathogen identification and prediction of antimicrobial susceptibility. In clinical practice, AI-driven decision support systems strengthen antimicrobial stewardship by optimizing prescribing and monitoring antibiotic use. In addition, deep learning approaches accelerate antimicrobial drug discovery and repurposing, reducing development timelines. AI also enhances the detection and surveillance of resistance genes through genomic and metagenomic analyses across human, animal, and environmental settings. Despite its potential, AI applications in AMR face challenges related to data quality, bias, interoperability, privacy, and clinician adoption. Therefore, AI should be seen as a tool that supports, rather than replaces, existing AMR strategies. When regulated well and integrated within One Health frameworks, AI can strengthen surveillance, improve treatment decisions, and support evidence-based interventions to curb AMR.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100522"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387571","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Frimley Faucet – an innovation in design of water-dispensing units in healthcare","authors":"C. Callow ,&nbsp;C. Nagy ,&nbsp;T. Broom ,&nbsp;J. Graniewski ,&nbsp;V. Gentry ,&nbsp;E. Bryden ,&nbsp;R. Chidzambwa ,&nbsp;B. Pitaes ,&nbsp;F. Bolgan ,&nbsp;M. Weinbren ,&nbsp;S. Shrestha ,&nbsp;A. Coelho ,&nbsp;S. Tote ,&nbsp;H. Wilding ,&nbsp;M. Meda","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100513","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100513","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Antimicrobial resistance is a mounting global health threat, with carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales representing significant concern due to their resistance to most available antibiotics. Recent reports in England show hospital wastewater systems, including handwash basin waste traps and shower drains, serve as critical reservoirs from which multi-drug-resistant organisms can escape and be transmitted to patients through either direct contact with the drain or splash risk. These risks are particularly high in acute settings with vulnerable patient populations, such as intensive care units.</div></div><div><h3>Strategy</h3><div>In response, water and wastewater safe care was initiated at Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust in 2023 to eliminate all possible waterborne and wastewater-related transmission pathways.</div></div><div><h3>Product description</h3><div>As part of this project, we introduced a novel water-dispensing system – the Frimley Faucet. This replaced traditional basins and drains with innovative, drain-free faucets, and restructured clinical workflows to enhance infection prevention and environmental sustainability.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>When coupled with education and training, the Frimley Faucet innovation for the delivery of water for patients' care within a healthcare environment, is a safe, simple, cost effective and sustainable solution to combat transmission of water and wastewater pathogens including antibiotic-resistant bacteria.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100513"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Patterns of pathogenic microbial contamination of handwashing sinks change over time following new installations","authors":"I. Nakamura ,&nbsp;Y. Miura ,&nbsp;T. Shimodaira ,&nbsp;A. Okugawa ,&nbsp;H. Watanabe","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100516","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100516","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Environmental contamination of handwashing sinks and drains can negatively impact hand hygiene practices and facilitate pathogen transmission. This study determined what contaminations occurred after sink and drain installation, when and for how long, as well as differences in contamination patterns depending on the purpose of sink use in a non-outbreak setting.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>The study was conducted from November 2022 to October 2023. Two new sinks and drainpipes replaced the existing sinks in a general internal medicine hospital ward staff station for use before and after patient care. A third single sink and drainpipe was installed in the staff break room for non-medical use. Bacterial samples were collected from the water tap, sink basin, drain and drainpipe by swab or sponge on days 1 (installation day) and 3 in week 1, in week 2 and monthly thereafter. The cleaning staff members were responsible for cleaning the sink basins and drains daily with detergent.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Within the first week after installation, pathogenic microbial contamination (<em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em>, <em>Citrobacter freundii</em> and <em>Stenotrophomonas maltophilia</em>) of drainpipes was observed in both the staff station and the break room. Taps were contaminated 2 weeks after installation at the staff station. The contamination cleared but recurred repeatedly until the 12-month point. Pathogens in drainpipes persisted for longer in the staff station than in the break room.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The intermittent microbial contamination patterns of the handwashing sinks changed over time following their installation. Pathogenic microbes persisted, especially in drainpipes and in sinks used for clinical purposes, as opposed to non-clinically used sinks.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100516"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387302","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hepatitis B virus testing, vaccination, and hepatitis B surface antigen prevalence among adult inpatients at an urban polyclinic in Accra, Ghana: a cross-sectional study","authors":"E. Jingbeja ,&nbsp;Y. Alhassan ,&nbsp;G.J. Peazang Ibrahim ,&nbsp;J. Boachie ,&nbsp;A. Addo-Lartey","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100519","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100519","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is endemic in Ghana, mostly due to vertical transmission and limited vaccine coverage. We estimated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) prevalence and assessed HBV infection, testing, vaccination, and associated risk factors among adult inpatients receiving care at an urban polyclinic.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 313 adult inpatients at Kaneshie Polyclinic (Accra) from September 2020 to September 2021. We administered structured questionnaires, collected venous blood via standard venipuncture, and detected HBsAg using ACON One Step rapid immunochromatographic test, with 99.9% sensitivity and 99.7% specificity. All reactive tests were repeated for confirmation. Pearson's χ² tests and binary logistic regression were used to assess factors associated with HBsAg positivity, prior testing, and HBV vaccination.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Participants' average age was 43.2 (±12.2 SD) years, and the majority were married (71.9%) and male (54.6%). HBsAg prevalence was 14.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 10.7–18.8). Prior HBV testing occurred in 32.6%, and full vaccination (≥3 doses) in 11.8%. None of the fully vaccinated participants were HBsAg-positive. Family history was positively associated with infection (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.05–6.16), while low monthly income was associated with reduced odds of hepatitis B testing (AOR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05–0.62) and vaccination (AOR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.17–1.82). Vaccination was protective in those who received it.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study found a high prevalence of HBsAg positivity, low testing, and inadequate vaccine coverage among inpatients in an urban polyclinic. To reduce transmission risks, population-specific interventions that raise public knowledge of HBV transmission and prevention are required. Findings also support routine HBV screening and subsidized vaccination for adult inpatients, with targeted outreach to low-income groups and household contacts of known cases.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100519"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387570","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Managing Candida auris outbreak in residential care homes for the elderly: key takeaways from an outbreak in Hong Kong","authors":"S.Y. Shing,&nbsp;H. Chen,&nbsp;E.S-k. Ma","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100518","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100518","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>C</em>andida <em>auris</em>, a critical priority pathogen by the World Health Organization, is linked to hospital outbreaks and high mortality rates, particularly among vulnerable populations. Controlling outbreaks in residential care homes for the elderly (RCHEs) is challenging. On 7^th March 2024, the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, was notified of an RCHE resident who tested positive for <em>C. auris</em> upon hospital admission, raising concerns about potential transmission within the facility, which experienced a <em>C. auris</em> outbreak two years prior.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A multi-disciplinary response team conducted epidemiological investigations and implemented control measures to contain the outbreak. Contact tracing identified six additional colonized residents, apart from the index case and five residents who had persistent colonization from the previous outbreak. Infection control recommendations included proper placement of affected residents and frequent environmental disinfection, along with decolonization therapy arranged for all affected residents.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The present outbreak involved seven residents, all with medical conditions that affect their ability to maintain personal hygiene. None developed clinical infections. Five residents were cleared with <em>C. auris</em> six months after completing decolonization therapy, while two passed away due to unrelated conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Discussion and Conclusion</h3><div>Current knowledge regarding clearance criteria, effective decolonization regime, and the role of air dispersal in transmission is limited, meriting further research. Effective communication among health authorities, hospitals, and RCHE staff is vital for prompt outbreak response, while continuous support enhances compliance and builds rapport with RCHEs, ensuring better outbreak management outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100518"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387300","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A novel method of simulated-use surface disinfection efficacy testing as Phase 3 Step 1 approach","authors":"A. Ulatowski ,&nbsp;B. Knobling ,&nbsp;D.C. Mogrovejo ,&nbsp;J.K. Knobloch ,&nbsp;F.H.H. Brill","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100511","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100511","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Standard laboratory tests for surface disinfectants often fail to reflect real-life clinical conditions, potentially overestimating efficacy. Simulated-use testing that incorporates clinical strains, realistic contamination and user application may provide a more accurate reflection of in-use performance in healthcare settings.</div></div><div><h3>Aim</h3><div>The aim of this study was to develop and validate a standardized, reproducible Phase 3 Step 1 simulated-use surface disinfection test that incorporates clinically relevant organisms, hospital-representative surfaces, and realistic application methods.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Based on EN 16615:2015, the test method was modified to reflect hospital conditions more closely. Clinically isolated outbreak strains of <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, <em>Enterococcus faecium</em> and <em>Acinetobacter baumannii</em> were used. Contamination was applied via a touch-transfer method. Surface materials included hospital-relevant substrates, and disinfectant wipes were applied by trained volunteers to simulate routine cleaning practices.</div></div><div><h3>Findings</h3><div>The touch-transfer contamination method was reproducible, and no significant differences were observed in drying or water controls across different surfaces. Wiping speed and contact pressure did not correlate with efficacy. However, microbial recovery varied across test runs and participants. The test method presented here allows for efficacy testing of commercial disinfectants.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>A Phase 3 Step 1 simulated-use test was established, which incorporates micro-organisms isolated from the application area, surfaces representative of the application area, and where the product is applied by trained participants. This internally validated method better represents clinical disinfection practices compared with current standardized tests and may support improved assessment of surface disinfectant efficacy under conditions approximating real-world hospital use.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100511"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147327304","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of healthcare-associated respiratory virus infections in children","authors":"Aki Miyashita ,&nbsp;Meiwa Shibata ,&nbsp;Hanako Funakoshi ,&nbsp;Keiko Nakamura ,&nbsp;Shigeko Miyokawa ,&nbsp;Yuho Horikoshi","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100517","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100517","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Respiratory viruses can spread within healthcare facilities despite stringent infection prevention measures. Although healthcare-associated respiratory virus infections (HARVIs) pose a significant risk to children, paediatric HARVIs are understudied. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of HARVIs and their impact on clinical management.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective study enrolled paediatric inpatients aged ≤18 years who were hospitalized at Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center between April 2020 and March 2024. HARVIs were defined based on clinical symptoms and multiplex polymerase chain reaction (FilmArray Respiratory Panel 2.1, BioFire) tested positive for viruses beyond the incubation period following hospitalization. The primary outcome was the 30-day mortality rate. The secondary outcomes included paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) admission, escalation of respiratory support, and the postponement of discharge, planned surgery, or chemotherapy.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Among 277 patients, male patients comprised 31% and the median age was 31 months (interquartile range: 12–77). The most common respiratory viruses detected were the rhinovirus-enterovirus (49%), parainfluenza virus type 3 (17%), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (10%), and coronaviruses HKU1, NL63, 229E, and OC43 (9%). The 30-day mortality rate was 1%. The PICU admission rate was 2%. The rate of respiratory support escalation was 17%. Postponement of discharge occurred in 8%, and surgery in 3% of the cohort. There was no postponement of chemotherapy.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>HARVIs can lead to mortality and delays in treatment of underlying conditions and postponed discharge in a paediatric hospital, underscoring the importance of implementing infection control measures for prevention.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100517"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387299","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multi-drug-resistant organisms are the main pathogens of surgical-site infection after colorectal surgery: a retrospective study","authors":"Xuexia Yang ,&nbsp;Yinghui Xiong ,&nbsp;Qianqian Ye ,&nbsp;Juan Hu ,&nbsp;Duoduo Li ,&nbsp;Zhenguo Liu ,&nbsp;Pengcheng Zhou","doi":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100510","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.infpip.2026.100510","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objective</h3><div>This study aimed to investigate the incidence, disease burden and risk factors of surgical-site infections (SSIs) after colorectal surgery, particularly caused by multi-drug-resistant organism (MDRO) infections, to provide evidence for the control and prevention of SSIs after colorectal surgery.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>This retrospective study included patients who underwent colorectal surgery at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, between 2020 and 2021. Univariate and multi-variate analyses were performed to identify risk factors.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>In total, 2297 patients who had undergone colorectal surgery were included, of which 94 experienced SSIs following surgery. Of the 94 patients, 54 had specific pathogens identified. Furthermore, of these 54 patients, 44 were infected with an MDRO. The main pathogen causing SSIs was <em>Escherichia coli</em>, which was isolated from 43 patients. <em>E. coli</em> isolates showed high levels of resistance to cefazolin and cefuroxime but low resistance to imipenem, piperacillin and tazobactam. Low albumin levels before surgery, prior use of antibiotics, pre-operative intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation, central venous indwelling catheter and blood transfusion were statistically significant risk factors for SSIs. Prior use of antibiotics and blood transfusion were independent risk factors for SSIs. Pre-operative ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and high pre-operative venous blood glucose levels were statistically significant risk factors for MDRO infection, and pre-operative ICU admission was identified as the only independent risk factor.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>MDROs were the most common pathogens of SSIs after colorectal surgery. Prior antibiotic use, blood transfusion and pre-operative ICU admission are key independent risk factors for SSIs and MDRO infections.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":33492,"journal":{"name":"Infection Prevention in Practice","volume":"8 2","pages":"Article 100510"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147387301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}