Infection Disease & Health最新文献

{"title":"Performance of the Australian hospital-acquired complication algorithm for detecting hospital-onset bloodstream infections","authors":"Leon J. Worth ,&nbsp;Stephanie J. Curtis ,&nbsp;Rhonda L. Stuart ,&nbsp;Caroline Marshall ,&nbsp;Paul D.R. Johnson ,&nbsp;Lucy O. Attwood ,&nbsp;Andie S. Lee ,&nbsp;Haydee Dickson ,&nbsp;Allen C. Cheng ,&nbsp;Andrew J. Stewardson","doi":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.09.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.09.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare developed a list of sixteen potentially preventable Hospital-Acquired Complications (HACs) and an algorithm using International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes to detect them. We evaluated this algorithm's performance for diagnosing hospital-onset bloodstream infections (HO–BSI).</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>Administrative records were extracted for episodes of admitted patient care from July 2016 to June 2017 at five Australian principal referral hospitals. We applied the BSI HAC algorithm to each episode, then randomly selected 50 patients deemed positive and negative for HO–BSI at each site. Reviewers blinded to HAC status applied the reference surveillance definition for HO–BSI. The positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) for the BSI HAC were calculated. We explored changes to the HAC algorithm to improve these metrics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Overall, 352 917 episodes were included; median (IQR) age was 54 (33–71) years, 49.6 % were female, and 43.8 % were elective admissions. Of these, 2229 (0.6 %) had a HO–BSI according to the HAC algorithm. Among manually reviewed episodes, the PPV for the HAC algorithm was 0.28 (95 % CI, 0.23–0.34) and the NPV was 1.00 (95 % CI, 0.98–1.00). The codes ‘Sepsis, unspecified’ and ‘bacterial sepsis of newborn, unspecified’ were both common triggers for HO–BSI HACs (accounting for 35.8 % and 18.4 % of HO-BSIs, respectively) and had poor PPV (0.06 and 0.03, respectively). Removal of these codes from the algorithm increased PPV to 0.53 (0.45–0.62).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The HAC algorithm had sub-optimal PPV for HO–BSI. This performance was improved by removing the ‘unspecified sepsis’ ICD codes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45006,"journal":{"name":"Infection Disease & Health","volume":"31 1","pages":"Article 100388"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145305197","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":"Cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial stewardship programs in Indian tertiary care hospitals: A Markov model analysis comparing ASP and non-ASP intervention scenarios","authors":"Yuvaraj Krishnamoorthy ,&nbsp;Salin K. Eliyas ,&nbsp;Monica Karunakaran ,&nbsp;Muneera Parveen ,&nbsp;Anaswara Manohar ,&nbsp;Jaffar A. Al-Tawfiq","doi":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.09.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.09.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses grave threat to global health, with India particularly affected by high infectious disease burdens and rampant antibiotic misuse. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) offer structured, multidisciplinary approach to optimize antibiotic use and mitigate AMR. This study aims to model the cost-effectiveness of implementing an ASP in tertiary care facilities in India.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We performed cost-effectiveness analysis from health system perspective using Markov model comparing ASP and non-ASP scenarios in tertiary care hospitals in India. The model simulated 1000 hospitalized patients over daily cycles, with transitions between health states (e.g., development of sensitive or resistant infections, ICU admission, recovery, and death) informed by published literature, local hospital data, and expert opinion. Key outcomes included hospital and ICU days saved, deaths and DALYs averted, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) for DALYs averted. Sensitivity analyses were conducted using Monte Carlo simulations to test the robustness of our findings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The ASP scenario achieved total care cost of ₹6.29 million ($74998.06), compared to ₹22.07.09 million ($267263.34485,458.99) in non-ASP setting - 72.0 % cost reduction. ASPs reduced ward, ICU, and overall hospital stay by 677, 187, and 865 days, respectively, and averted 4.9 deaths (5.3 % reduction). All ICURs were negative, demonstrating that ASPs are both cost-saving and more effective.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Implementation of ASPs in Indian tertiary care facilities is economically advantageous and clinically beneficial. By reducing healthcare costs, resource utilization, and mortality, ASPs represent a sustainable strategy to mitigate AMR in resource-limited settings.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45006,"journal":{"name":"Infection Disease & Health","volume":"31 1","pages":"Article 100390"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145276956","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":"Testing the waters - The public acceptability of key population-level infection control measures in post-pandemic Australia","authors":"Chris Degeling ,&nbsp;Su-Yin Hor ,&nbsp;Emma Campbell ,&nbsp;Jane Williams","doi":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.08.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.08.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>From 2020 to 2022 Australia supressed community transmission of SARS-CoV-2 by imposing a range of population-level measures. This limited mortality and created time to achieve high levels of vaccination, but also caused indirect harms. Our study aimed to capture lay perspectives on the implications of using lockdowns, masking mandates, and school and border closures to supress transmission in future pandemics.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>We report on 9 dialogue groups (n = 53) with residents of Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide. Each location had different epidemiological conditions and health policy settings during the pandemic. Dialogue group methods allow data collection on questions in applied ethics.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>We found that mandating masking indoors was broadly accepted in all group discussions, but attitudes to other measures varied depending on participants’ past experiences. All groups accepted lockdowns and school closures might be necessary but wanted greater flexibility in policy implementation based on a broader range of health and social risks. Groups from cities that experienced the tightest public health controls during COVID-19 tended to have greater tolerance of future use of stringent measures (with conditions).</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Public compliance during future infectious disease emergencies likely depends on trust in institutions and expertise, and perceptions of the necessity, effectiveness and fairness of interventions. Rather than assuming public acquiescence, defiance or disinterest, in preparing for the next pandemic it is important to devote resources to understanding the public acceptability and perceived legitimacy of implementing any or all these measures.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45006,"journal":{"name":"Infection Disease & Health","volume":"31 1","pages":"Article 100385"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145088686","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":"Barriers and facilitators of effective prevention and management of healthcare-associated infections regarding faecal matter: Perceptions of healthcare professionals and prevention perspectives","authors":"Nicolas Calcagni ,&nbsp;Anne-Gaëlle Venier ,&nbsp;Raymond Nasso ,&nbsp;Bruno Jarrige ,&nbsp;Eva Ardichen ,&nbsp;Pierre Parneix ,&nbsp;Bruno Quintard","doi":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.06.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.06.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>To determine the perceptions of healthcare professionals regarding faecal risk and healthcare associated infection, as well as the means and limitations perceived, to improve adherence to hygiene protocols through an understanding of the barriers and facilitators of these professionals.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A qualitative study was conducted through 15 individual interviews and 3 focus groups (12 participants) in Nouvelle-Aquitaine and Guadeloupe. An interview guide developed through interdisciplinary collaboration was used, which addressed the perceptions of faecal germs and viruses, risk perception, means of prevention, barriers and facilitators to compliance with good hygiene practices, as well as knowledge needs. A verbatim transcription was performed, and the corpus was prepared for thematic analysis (using Vivo software).</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The professionals lack understanding regarding the issue of faecal risk. Although most of the professionals interviewed feel concerned, the perception of risk varies notably according to the type of service, the epidemic threshold, and the patient’s health status. The barriers to compliance with hygiene practices are both institutional and individual.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>Caregivers suggest ways to increase knowledge of the problem. These results precede and complement the development of the “faecal risk” toolbox in 2020 by the national cross-support mission for the prevention of healthcare-associated infections (Repairs MATIS).</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45006,"journal":{"name":"Infection Disease & Health","volume":"31 1","pages":"Article 100380"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144669164","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":"Nurses’ knowledge of Clostridioides difficile pre and post education: A continuing challenge","authors":"Wendy Smyth ,&nbsp;Janine Carrucan ,&nbsp;Mariann Hadland ,&nbsp;Kara Finnimore ,&nbsp;Cate Nagle","doi":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.06.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.06.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div><em>Clostridium difficile</em><span> is a cause of hospital acquired infection. Nurses require a sound understanding of infection prevention and control regardless of practice setting and competing infection control demands and priorities. This study aimed to identify nurses’ knowledge and perceptions about </span><em>Clostridium difficile</em> infection following education.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional anonymous survey was distributed to nurses across a regional Northern Australia health service. Descriptive statistics and content analysis were used to analyse, summarise, and report the findings.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>A total of 167 completed surveys were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in correct responses to the knowledge and practice survey statements compared to responses prior to the educational intervention. Additionally, there were no differences in total correct responses between nurses who received education about <em>Clostridium difficile</em><span> infection and those who did not, nor between nurses who worked in the tertiary hospital compared to nurses who worked in smaller rural facilities. Nurses who completed surveys prior to and following the educational intervention showed improved knowledge.</span></div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Nurses continue to demonstrate significant knowledge gaps about the management of CDI, underscoring the need for sustained, targeted education. Although pandemic-related restrictions limited in-person learning, face-to-face formats remained the preferred mode, possibly due to the benefits of immediate feedback and practical relevance to the clinical settings. Addressing the knowledge gaps through interactive, scenario-based training may enhance both engagement and knowledge retention of nurses and should be the explored in future research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45006,"journal":{"name":"Infection Disease & Health","volume":"31 1","pages":"Article 100377"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144546655","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":"Seminal vesicle abscess with orchitis and emphysematous cystitis following traumatic urethral injury from accidental urinary catheter dislodgement","authors":"Shiori Kitaya ,&nbsp;Ryo Oyama ,&nbsp;Hajime Kanamori","doi":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.08.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.08.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Indwelling urinary catheters are widely used in hospitalized patients but can be inadvertently dislodged due to trauma, leading to complications such as catheter-associated urinary tract infections and urological injuries.</div></div><div><h3>Case report</h3><div>An 87-year-old man developed a seminal vesicle abscess (SVA) caused by <em>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</em> following urethral injury due to accidental urinary catheter dislodgement. The patient presented with hematuria and penile bleeding following dislodgement of the urinary catheter, and subsequently developed fever and a urinary tract infection. Computed tomography revealed contrast enhancement in the left seminal vesicle and left testis, as well as emphysematous cystitis. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed an abscess in the left seminal vesicle. Urine cultures identified <em>P. aeruginosa</em> as the causative organism. The patient was successfully treated with intravenous ciprofloxacin without the need for surgical drainage and was subsequently transferred to another facility.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusions</h3><div>Traumatic urinary catheter removal increases the risk of urethral injury and infection; therefore, appropriate measures to prevent catheter dislodgement are essential. Additionally, in urinary tract infections following catheter-related urethral injury, the possibility of progression to an SVA should be considered. Early imaging-based diagnosis, targeted antibiotic therapy, and drainage, when necessary, are crucial for improving patient outcomes.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45006,"journal":{"name":"Infection Disease & Health","volume":"31 1","pages":"Article 100384"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144994877","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":"User experience of air purifiers for the purpose of reducing acute respiratory tract infections: A cross-sectional survey in residential aged care settings","authors":"Bismi Thottiyil Sultanmuhammed Abdul Khadar ,&nbsp;Brett G. Mitchell ,&nbsp;Vanessa M. McDonald ,&nbsp;Julee McDonagh ,&nbsp;Jenny Sim","doi":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.07.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.07.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>A recent randomised controlled trial has identified that air purification within residential aged care settings may reduce acute respiratory tract infections. User acceptability and experience with air purifiers are important components of the evaluation of this novel intervention.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A cross-sectional survey was conducted with residents and care staff in residential aged care facilities. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability was used to examine acceptability and fixed response, and open-ended questions were used to explore experiences. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively. Content analysis with a deductive approach was used to analyse responses to open-ended questions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Between the 30th of September and the 2nd of November 2023, 38 residents with a median age of 89 years (IQR = 9) and 48 care staff with a median age of 45 years (IQR = 19) completed surveys. All residents and care staff participants found having an air purifier in residents' rooms acceptable. All residents and most care staff participants expressed positive experiences with air purifier use. Most residents (76.3 %) were satisfied with the air purifier’s current features.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>The survey has provided evidence of participants' high level of acceptability of using air purifiers in residential aged care facilities and their positive experiences with air purifier use. This research has demonstrated that in-room air purification was acceptable to both residents and care staff. The findings from this study may inform future large-scale projects to implement air purification technology into healthcare systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45006,"journal":{"name":"Infection Disease & Health","volume":"31 1","pages":"Article 100383"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144860023","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":"Infection prevention and control priorities to improve peripheral intravenous catheter care– setting a national priority agenda","authors":"Sally M. Havers ,&nbsp;Claire M. Rickard ,&nbsp;Josephine Lovegrove ,&nbsp;Andrew J. Stewardson ,&nbsp;Diana Egerton-Warburton ,&nbsp;Rebecca L. McCann ,&nbsp;Gillian Ray-Barruel ,&nbsp;Karen M. Davies ,&nbsp;Christine Brown ,&nbsp;Samuel M. Mathias ,&nbsp;Jessica A. Schults","doi":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.07.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.07.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><div>Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) care in Australia remains suboptimal and continues to cause harm. Gaps in local policy, variation in clinician training and competing clinical priorities all continue to lead to poor PIVC practices and associated complications.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A priority setting study was undertaken with the aim of identifying infection prevention and control priorities for PIVC care and key actionable strategies that would facilitate effective improvements in PIVC practices.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>Sixty-five multidisciplinary clinicians participated in the study. Nine priority themes were identified with key actionable strategies including greater consumer engagement, development of standardised and evidence-informed resources, and strong national leadership for PIVC care improvement.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This study provides valuable knowledge from clinicians with an in-depth understanding of the clinical factors contributing to poor PIVC practices. Efforts to improve these practices and address the key themes identified will depend on strong leadership and a coordinated approach across the system.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":45006,"journal":{"name":"Infection Disease & Health","volume":"31 1","pages":"Article 100379"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144746642","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":"Clean Hospitals Day 2025: The human factors of healthcare environmental hygiene","authors":"Alexandra Peters,&nbsp;Martina Mocenic,&nbsp;Pierre Parneix,&nbsp;Brett G. Mitchell,&nbsp;Stephanie Dancer,&nbsp;David J. Weber","doi":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.09.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.09.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45006,"journal":{"name":"Infection Disease & Health","volume":"30 4","pages":"Pages 287-289"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145229990","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":"Central Venous Access Device Performance in Patients with Haematological Cancers at Four Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre Organisations: Multi-site Cohort Study","authors":"Dr Kerrie Curtis ,&nbsp;Associate Professor Karla Gough ,&nbsp;Professor Samantha Keogh ,&nbsp;Professor Meinir Krishnasamy","doi":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.10.019","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.idh.2025.10.019","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":45006,"journal":{"name":"Infection Disease & Health","volume":"30 ","pages":"Page S5"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145462431","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}