Journal of Hospital Infection最新文献

{"title":"Unmasking the Failure: Isolation and Cohorting Practice in Low-Resource Healthcare Settings.","authors":"Fairoze Masuda Akther, Shariful Amin Sumon, Tanjeemay Tamanna, Antara Swarnali Priyanka, Mahabub Ul Anwar, Syed Abul Hassan Md Abdullah, Aninda Rahman, Md Saiful Islam, Md Golam Dostogir Harun","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2026.04.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2026.04.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Isolation and cohorting are essential for effective infection prevention and control (IPC) within healthcare settings to reduce infectious disease transmission. In Bangladesh, no prior study has systematically explored healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge or practices on these measures. This study assessed HCWs' (physicians, nurses, supporting staff) perceptions and practices regarding isolation and cohorting in low-resource healthcare settings.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2020 to January 2021 across seven public tertiary care hospitals. Data were collected through in person interviews using a semi-structured questionnaire. Descriptive and multivariate analyses were performed with STATA Version 15.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 1,511 HCWs were interviewed, 88.7% were familiar with the terms 'isolation' and 'cohorting', while 40.5% misunderstood their application. Only 18.0% showed good compliance. Entry-level HCWs (<31 years) had high adherence (59.6%) than mid-level HCWs (29.4%). Training recipients reported 93.7% compliance. Physicians and nurses had greater adherence odds (OR=11.0) than supporting staff; those with <5 years' experience showed increased likelihood (OR = 1.56; 95% CI: 1.09-2.21) versus >10 years.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite the fact that awareness exists, Isolation and cohorting practices are suboptimal in Bangladesh. Findings underscore the urgent need for structured, hands-on training programs and institutional support to enhance compliance and reduce healthcare-associated infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789317","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent Nipah virus cluster exposes the limits of pathogen-centred preparedness.","authors":"Guido Gembillo, Luca Soraci","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2026.04.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2026.04.005","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789127","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Detection of Airborne Respiratory Viruses in Paediatric Patient Rooms in Guangzhou, China.","authors":"Yanmin Xie, Eunice Yuen Chi Shiu, Dan Ye, Wenjie Zhang, Wenbo Huang, Zifeng Yang, Benjamin John Cowling, Nancy Hiu Lan Leung","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2026.04.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2026.04.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Transmission through contact/touch and respiratory droplets are well-established for spread for certain respiratory viruses. Direct comparisons between respiratory viruses on the contribution of airborne virus-laden particles to transmission are limited.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Air sampling was conducted in 5-bed paediatric patient rooms in a tertiary hospital in Guangzhou, China, from December 2017 through January 2020. Using NIOSH two-stage cyclone samplers, we collected air continuously for 4 hours and quantified respiratory virus RNA/DNA by RT-PCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We conducted air sampling on 44 occasions, and identified 24, 18, 16, 4 and 8 occasions which had ≥1 patient in the room tested positive for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (AdV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), and influenza B or A virus, respectively. Influenza A was detected most frequently (72% of occasions), even in the absence of known infected patients. Influenza B, AdV and RSV were detected at low to moderate frequencies (12-50%), PIV was rarely detected (8%). Viral loads ranged from 10³-10⁵ copies/m³, with influenza A showing the highest mean viral load 8,358 copies/m³ (95% CI: 6,368-10,969), 4,658 copies/m³ (95% CI: 2,337-9,285) for influenza B virus, 6,013 copies/m³ (95% CI: 2,360-15,323) for AdV, 1,851 copies/m³ (95% CI: 0-5.36*10¹³) for PIV, and 970 copies/m³ (95% CI: 486-1,937) for RSV.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Healthcare workers and visitors are likely exposure to respiratory viruses in the air, even in the absence of known patients in close proximity. Our findings support universal infection control measures in healthcare settings, including increased respiratory virus surveillance in patients, improved indoor ventilation and reduced crowding.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789694","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Environmental surface sampling in health and care settings: a scoping review of published guidance.","authors":"Abbie Houston, Emma Hooker, Annette Rankin, Anna Munro, Teresa Inkster","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2026.04.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2026.04.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>ARHAI Scotland and its stakeholders have identified a lack of standardised methodology for healthcare environmental surface sampling and key challenges in practice. This scoping review aimed to map available guidance on surface sampling, identify gaps, and determine if a systematic Scottish National Infection Prevention and Control Manual literature review is indicated. Active, English-language guidance published since the year 2000 was included whilst narrative reviews, commentaries, editorials and letters were not. Cleaning validation was outwith the review's scope. General and pathogen-specific terms were used to search relevant websites and organisations housing IPC guidance on this topic. Reference lists were also searched. Documents were screened for eligibility and data was charted in Microsoft Excel for mapping and identification of themes. The 31 identified guidance documents primarily discuss surface sampling indications. Other themes are sampling sites, methods and interpretation of results, advantages, gaps and pitfalls. Guidance documents are pathogen-specific or address broader groups of organisms. Consequently, description of laboratory methods for specific organisms is limited. Only Candidozyma auris, Clostridioides difficile, Group A Streptococcus, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa are discussed specifically. Direct sampling methodology, when and how to compare clinical and environmental findings, and when and how to use enrichment media or broth, is poorly addressed. Consequently, future systematic literature review is indicated for identification, appraisal and collation of primary literature on growth and interpretation of clinically-relevant organisms, alongside analysis of extant guidance. Where gaps in the topic area are confirmed, multidisciplinary expertise can be used to supplement these with expert opinion.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147789737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Surveillance of carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) - considering the practical and local implications of current surveillance processes.","authors":"Mairéad Skally, Miriam Russell, Karen Burns, Hélène McDermott, Judith Strawbrige, Kathleen Bennett, Hilary Humphreys, Fidelma Fitzpatrick","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2026.04.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2026.04.001","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147719048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Semi-continuous disinfection of sinks with UVC on a haematology-oncology department for prevention of nosocomial infections.","authors":"Nmj Hamers, K Franssen, L Austen, N Heldens, Jamc Dirks, L B van Alphen, Amp Demandt, Phm Savelkoul, W C van der Zwet","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2026.03.033","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2026.03.033","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Patients with haematological and oncological diseases face a high risk of infections due to immunosuppression. Recent studies have highlighted the role of sinks as possible reservoirs for the transmission of multi-drug-resistant microorganisms to patients. Due to biofilm formation, the sinks are difficult to clean and disinfect. This intervention study evaluated the effect of a ultraviolet-C (UVC) self-disinfecting siphon in a haematology-oncology ward on bacterial load in stagnant water in the siphon, ESBL-positive drain pipes and positive patient cultures. Thirty-one weeks of weekly water and drain samples were collected (7 weeks pre-intervention and 24 weeks post-intervention). CLARA UVC siphons were installed in 13 patient rooms (28 sinks), while two control groups had either new standard siphons installed (3 rooms, 7 sinks) or no siphon replacement (3 rooms, 7 sinks). Binary logistic regression model on high-low colony count of siphon water showed that, compared to no intervention (UVC0), there was a positive effect of sink replacement (UVC-, OR 1.65 (95% CI 1.05-2.56), but replacement by the UVC siphon had a larger effect (UVC+, OR 4.01 (95%-CI 2.23-9.23). No (positive) effect was found on ESBL positive drain pipes and patient colonization. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that UVC disinfection of stagnant water in siphons is effective in reducing the bacterial load, but no effect on drainpipes and patient colonization could be demonstrated.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147693812","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quality assessment of flexible endoscope cleaning: a single-center retrospective study based on ATP bioluminescence assay with direct lumen inspection.","authors":"Yanqing Wu, Yuxiang Lin, Huiling Chen, Jinlan Zeng, Qing Huang","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2026.02.020","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2026.02.020","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite standardized reprocessing protocols, flexible endoscopes remain vulnerable to residual contamination due to their complex channel architecture. Current rapid monitoring methods-ATP bioluminescence assays and visual channel inspection-each present limitations in comprehensive cleanliness assessment when used individually.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of a combined method, integrating visual channel inspection with ATP bioluminescence assay, for quality control in flexible endoscope cleaning.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 540 reusable flexible endoscopes from the Medical Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were randomly selected between January 2023 and June 2024. Based on the detection method, they were divided into three groups: ATP group, Visualization group, and Combined group, with 180 endoscopes in each group. The ATP group underwent ATP bioluminescence assay, the Visualization group underwent visual channel inspection, and the Combined group underwent both detection methods. The cleaning quality of the flexible endoscopes was assessed before pre-processing, after pre-processing, and after cleaning.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant differences were found among groups in baseline contamination or most post-pre-processing results (P > 0.05). Duodenoscopes showed the highest scratch rate (97.59%). Scratches positively correlated with ATP values. After cleaning, a statistically significant difference in pass rates was observed among the three groups across all sampling sites (P<0.05). The combined method achieved a pass rate of 99.44%-100%, which was significantly higher than the rates achieved by either method alone (ATP-only: 89.44%-94.44%; visual-only: 95.00%-97.22%), thereby nearly eliminating the use of non-compliant instruments.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The combined use of visual channel inspection and ATP bioluminescence detection serves as an effective quality control strategy. It enhances the ability to identify non-conforming endoscopes, thereby preventing the use of contaminated endoscopes in clinical procedures and demonstrating potential value in safeguarding patient safety.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147678695","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Interventions Targeting Gut Colonization by Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Healthcare Settings: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.","authors":"Premikha M, Uthayamoorthy Rajendiran, Muhammad Taufeeq Wahab, Indumathi Venkatachalam","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2026.03.035","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2026.03.035","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Gut colonization with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) increases risks of infection, transmission and mortality in healthcare settings. Although decolonization strategies have been attempted to reduce the impact of gut MDRO, no consensus exists on their effectiveness. Our study evaluates the effectiveness of these strategies.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We searched PubMed, EMBASE, CENTRAL, CINAHL and Web of Science for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from Jan 2005 to Dec 2024. Eligible studies included patients in healthcare settings, with baseline MDRO colonization confirmed by rectal swab or stool sample. The primary outcome was reduction in colonization rates in the short term (<28 days) and long term (≥28 days). Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data and assessed bias using the Cochrane RoB2 tool. A random-effects model was used for meta-analysis.</p><p><strong>Prospero: </strong>CRD42025625291.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 900 studies screened, 14 RCTs were included. Interventions included probiotics (n=7), oral non-absorbable antibiotics (n=6), and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) with antibiotics (n=1). No significant effect was observed for short-term (RR=1.18; 95% CI 0.81-1.71; p=0.39) and long-term decolonization (RR=1.12; 95% CI 0.95-1.32; p=0.16). Post-hoc subgroup analyses showed no significant differences across immune status, target organisms, intervention types and timing of outcome assessment. Risk of bias was low in four studies, with seven having some concerns and three at high risk. Certainty of evidence was low.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Current evidence does not support routine use of interventions for gut MDRO decolonization. Well-powered RCTs focused on pathogen-specific interventions and clinically meaningful endpoints are needed to evaluate promising strategies for sustained decolonization (e.g. FMT) and emerging strategies (e.g. bacteriophages).</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147663592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rapid control of an outbreak of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) in a recently built, single-bedded, specialist cardiothoracic hospital in England.","authors":"J Cavaye, O Allen, K Randall, E Heinsbroek, D Edwards, S Palma, N S Pittock, R Thannivila-Rajan, K Juggernauth, M Day, M Jansen Van Rensburg, K Dimitrakopoulou, W Khan, J Turton, D Williams, K Osman, I Smith, M Screaton","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2026.03.031","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2026.03.031","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Increasing global prevalence of antibiotic-resistant Carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) is a major concern. An outbreak occurred in a recently built, single bedded cardiothoracic hospital, where infection control is crucial to protect vulnerable patients.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To describe transmission dynamics of CPE in a modern hospital and subsequent control measures used to contain the outbreak.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A case was defined as a PCR-positive CPE (KPC-2) inpatient from June 2024 onwards. Admission and weekly rectal screening were conducted for patients on affected wards. Screening positivity rates were calculated before and after control measure implementation. Thirty-five environmental samples were collected and tested. Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of clinical and environmental sample isolates was performed to understand relatedness. In-hospital movements of cases were plotted to identify common locations.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Thirty-four cases were identified, which were related on WGS, indicating in-hospital transmission. Four environmental samples were CPE-positive; only one sample (from a floor scrubber) was distantly related to the clinical samples. No common locations among cases were identified. Control measures included increased screening, pausing elective surgery, cohorting cases, \"double\" cleaning, suspending floor scrubber use, and contact precautions. Screening positivity dropped from 11.9% to 0.4% after control measure implementation.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>CPE spread rapidly across multiple areas. Comprehensive control measures contained the outbreak. A definitive link between clinical and environmental isolates was not found but not discounted. With rising CPE prevalence, our findings highlight the need for a review of screening guidelines, as well as strict infection control, even in state-of-the-art hospitals, to prevent future outbreaks.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147663606","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A One-Day Pilot Point-Prevalence Survey of Healthcare-Associated Infections in Three Korean Hospitals: Risk Factors, Clinical Burden, and Implications for Nationwide Surveillance.","authors":"Jihwan Bang, Sung Ran Kim, Jeong Hwa Choi, Seung Jae Lee, Minsun Kang, Su Young Kim, Min Hee Cho, Eun Kyung Lee, Joon Young Song, Hyun Kyun Ki, Jaehun Jung, Jongtak Jung, Kyoung-Ho Song, Myoung Jin Shin, Eu Suk Kim","doi":"10.1016/j.jhin.2026.03.036","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2026.03.036","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in hospitalized patients. We assessed the prevalence, clinical burden, and predictors of HAIs across multiple hospitals using point-prevalence and matched case-control designs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A point-prevalence survey was conducted among all inpatients at three hospitals. For clinical burden analysis, HAI cases were matched to non-infected controls in a 1:3 ratio based on sex, age (±10 years), ward type, length of stay up to the survey date, clinical department, and surgical history (for surgical site infections). Propensity score matching was performed to generate 1:1 matched pairs. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with HAI occurrence and to evaluate predictors of in-hospital and 30-day mortality.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 2,226 patients, 119 had HAIs (prevalence, 5.35%). Recent microbiological culture testing, purulent discharge, documentation suggestive of infection in medical records, and fever were independently associated with HAIs in the propensity score-matched analysis. HAIs were also independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality, whereas the association with 30-day mortality was not statistically significant after adjustment for comorbidities and McCabe classification.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In this multicenter study, HAIs were associated with substantial clinical burden and increased mortality. Specific clinical indicators were strongly associated with HAI detection and may support surveillance strategies. These findings highlight the need for strengthened infection prevention and the integration of early identification systems into routine hospital surveillance.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>Not applicable.</p>","PeriodicalId":54806,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Hospital Infection","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2026-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147663448","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}