Substantial Decrease in Vancomycin-Resistant <i>Enterococcus faecium</i> Outbreak Duration and Number of Patients During the Danish COVID-19 Lockdown: A Prospective Observational Study

Gisselø, Katrine Lauridsen; Rubin, Ingrid Maria Cecilia; Knudsen, Maja Søndergaard; From-Hansen, Michelle; Stangerup, Marie; Kavalaris, Christiane Pahl; Pinholt, Mette; Mollerup, Sarah; Westh, Henrik; Bartels, Mette Damkjær

doi:10.1089/mdr.2021.0040

Cited by 15 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Further, a meta-analysis of the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) which considered over 356,056 patient days showed that the COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with a change in the incidence of VRE (IRR 0.75, 95% CI: 0.49–1.15, I2 = 56%, n = 3). This is concordant with the absence of a change in the proportion of VRE cases (RR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.30–2.79, I2 = 94%, n = 5) [ 27 , 29 ]. The data were derived from a meta-analysis assessment.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 71%

Post-Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Antimicrobial Resistance

Boccabella,

Palma,

Abenavoli

et al. 2024

Antibiotics

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Background and aim: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a chronic issue of our Westernized society, mainly because of the uncontrolled and improper use of antimicrobials. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has triggered and expanded AMR diffusion all over the world, and its clinical and therapeutic features have changed. Thus, we aimed to review evidence from the literature on the definition and causative agents of AMR in the frame of the COVID-19 post-pandemic era. Methods: We conducted a search on PubMed and Medline for original articles, reviews, meta-analyses, and case series using the following keywords, their acronyms, and their associations: antibiotics, antimicrobial resistance, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2), COVID-19 pandemic, personal protective equipment. Results: AMR had a significant rise in incidence both in in-hospital and outpatient populations (ranging from 5 up to 50%) worldwide, but with a variegated profile according to the germ and microorganism considered. Not only bacteria but also fungi have developed more frequent and diffuse AMR. These findings are explained by the increased use and misuse of antibiotics and preventive measures during the first waves of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic, especially in hospitalized patients. Subsequently, the reduction in and end of the lockdown and the use of personal protective equipment have allowed for the indiscriminate circulation of resistant microorganisms from low-income countries to the rest of the world with the emergence of new multi- and polyresistant organisms. However, there is not a clear association between COVID-19 and AMR changes in the post-pandemic period. Conclusions: AMR in some microorganisms has significantly increased and changed its characteristics during and after the end of the pandemic phase of COVID-19. An integrated supranational monitoring approach to this challenge is warranted in the years to come. In detail, a rational, personalized, and regulated use of antibiotics and antimicrobials is needed.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 71%

Post-Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Antimicrobial Resistance

Boccabella,

Palma,

Abenavoli

et al. 2024

Antibiotics

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“…Although there are numerous reports of increases in HAI, 6,23−30 and decreases, [31][32][33][34][35] variations in settings and methodology prevent comparisons between those ndings and with our study.…”

Section: Discussioncontrasting

confidence: 53%

The incidence of positive bloodstream and urine cultures in five Australian hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic

Mitchell

Stewardson

Kerr

et al. 2023

Preprint

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Background The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare including increased awareness of infection prevention and control (IPC). The aim of this study was to explore if the heightened awareness of IPC measures implemented in response to the pandemic influenced the rates of healthcare associated infections (HAI) using positive bloodstream and urine cultures as a proxy measure. Methods A 3 year retrospective review of laboratory data from 5 hospitals (4 acute public, 1 private) from two states in Australia was undertaken. Monthly positive bloodstream culture data and urinary culture data were collected from January 2017 to March 2021. Occupied bed days (OBDs) were used to generate monthly HAI incidence per 10,000 OBDs. An interrupted time series analysis was undertaken to compare incidence pre and post February 2020 (the pre COVID-19 cohort and the COVID-19 cohort respectively). A HAI was assumed if positive cultures were obtained 48 hours after admission and met other criteria. Results A total of 1,988 bloodstream and 7,697 urine positive cultures were identified. The unadjusted incident rate was 25.5 /10,000 OBDs in the pre-COVID-19 cohort, and 25.1/10,000 OBDs in the COVID-19 cohort. The overall rate of HAI aggregated for all sites did not differ significantly between the two periods. The two hospitals in one state which experienced an earlier and larger outbreak demonstrated a significant downward trend in the COVID-19 cohort (p = 0.011). Conclusion These mixed findings reflect the uncertainty of the effect the pandemic has had on HAI’s. Factors to consider in this analysis include local epidemiology, differences between public and private sector facilities, changes in patient populations and profiles between hospitals, and timing of enhanced IPC interventions. Future studies which factor in these differences may provide further insight on the effect of COVID-19 on HAIs.

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“…1 ). The study was terminated before reaching the planned number of 162 patients, partly due to the unforeseen slow pace in patient recruiting and partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which almost terminated VREfm outbreaks in our hospitals, further decreasing the inclusion rate ( 29 ).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%