Identifying risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii carriage upon admission: a case-case control study.

Background: Active screening programs and early detection of asymptomatic carriers are effective in preventing carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) dissemination in healthcare facilities. This study aims to identify risk factors associated with CRAB carriage among patients upon admission to an acute care hospital.

Methods: A case-case-control study was conducted at an acute care hospital.

Amikacin treatment in patients with Enterobacterales bacteraemia: impact of MIC on mortality.

Background: Recently, breakpoints of Enterobacterales to amikacin were changed from MIC ≤ 16 mg/L to MIC ≤ 4 mg/L based mainly on laboratory data with little supporting clinical evidence. Our aim was to investigate the relation between MIC of Enterobacterales to amikacin and mortality among patients with Enterobacterales bacteraemia from a urinary tract source treated with amikacin.

Patients And Methods: This retrospective, single-centre study included patients with Enterobacterales urinary source bacteraemia treated with amikacin, with Low (MIC ≤ 4 mg/L) and High (MIC 8 or 16 mg/L) MICs.

The impact of Boric Acid tubes on quantitative urinary bacterial cultures in hospitalized patients.

Introduction: The accuracy of urine culture results can be affected by pre-analytical factors such as transport delays and storage conditions. The objectives of this study were to analyze urine collection practices and assess the impact of introducing boric acid tubes for urine collection on quantitative urinary bacterial cultures of hospitalized patients in medical wards.

Methods: A quasi-experimental pre-post study conducted in an acute care facility.

Single center experience with first-intention high-frequency jet vs. volume-targeted ventilation in extremely preterm neonates.

Objectives: To examine whether first-intention high-frequency jet ventilation (HFVJ), compared to volume-targeted ventilation (VTV), in extremely preterm infants is associated with lower incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and other adverse clinical outcomes.

Study Design: We conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating neonates with gestational age (GA) ≤28 weeks, who received first-intention HFJV (main exposure) or VTV (comparator), between 11/2020 and 3/2023, with a subgroup analysis including neonates with GA ≤26 weeks and oxygenation index (OI) >5.

Results: We identified 117 extremely preterm neonates, 24 (GA 25.

Impact of intensified prevention measures on the rate of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients.

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased rates of hospital-acquired infections. During the early months of the pandemic, we observed high rates of hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs) among COVID-19 patients, prompting the implementation of intensified prevention measures.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of HA-BSI among mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients, identify risk factors, and evaluate the effect of prevention measures.

Predictors of successful extubation from volume-targeted ventilation in extremely preterm neonates.

Objective: To identify variables associated with extubation success in extremely preterm neonates extubated from invasive volume-targeted ventilation.

Study Design: We retrospectively evaluated 84 neonates ≤28 weeks' gestational age, on their first elective extubation. The primary outcome of successful extubation was defined as non-reintubation within seven days.

Contribution of active surveillance cultures to the control of hospital-acquired carbapenem-resistant in an endemic hospital setting.

Background: Despite the increasing rates of carbapenem-resistant (CRAB) carriage among hospitalized patients in endemic settings, the role of active surveillance cultures and cohorting is still debated. We sought to determine the long-term effect of a multifaceted infection-control intervention on the incidence of CRAB in an endemic setting.

Methods: A prospective, quasi-experimental study was performed at a 670-bed, acute-care hospital.

Impact of intensified prevention measures on rates of hospital-acquired bloodstream infection in medical-surgical intensive care units, Israel, 2011 to 2019.

BackgroundCentral line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is among the most common preventable infectious complications in patients in intensive care units (ICU). In 2011, the Israel National Center for Infection Control initiated a nationwide CLABSI prevention programme.AimTo evaluate the impact of different components of the programme on CLABSI and non-CLABSI rates in medical-surgical ICUs.

Empiric Usage of "Anti-Pseudomonal" Agents for Hospital-Acquired Urinary Tract Infections.

Hospital-acquired urinary tract infection (HAUTI) is one of the most common hospital-acquired infections, and over 80% of HAUTI are catheter-associated (CAUTI). , as well as other non-glucose fermenting Gram negative organisms (NGFGN, e.g.

Analysis of four carbapenem-resistant outbreaks using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

We used Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to analyze 4 carbapenem-resistant outbreaks. FTIR distinguished between isolates from different hospitals and uncovered the relatedness between isolates from acute-care hospitals and a post-acute-care hospital. Using higher cutoffs reveals more distant relationships and lower cutoffs support analyses of recent events.

The Impact of Differences in Surveillance Definitions of Hospital Acquired Urinary Tract Infections (HAUTI).

Hospital-acquired urinary tract infections (HAUTI) are common and most cases are related to catheters (CAUTI). HAUTI and CAUTI surveillance is mandatory in many countries as a measure to reduce the incidence of infections and appropriately direct the allocation of preventable resources. The surveillance criteria issued by the Israeli Ministry of Health (IMOH), differ somewhat from that of the U.

CYSTOID MACULAR EDEMA AFTER FOUR-POINT SCLERAL FIXATION OF INTRAOCULAR LENS.

Purpose: To assess the incidence of cystoid macular edema (CME) associated with 4-point Gore-Tex suture intraocular lens (IOL) scleral fixation, before and after institution of routine intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide prophylaxis and long-term topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug usage.

Methods: Consecutive patients were included after IOL implantation with concurrent pars plana vitrectomy for spontaneous IOL dislocation due to pseudoexfoliation syndrome. We compared short-term prophylactic nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs only (Group A) to prophylactic intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide and long-term nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Group B).

Increased Capsule Thickness and Hypermotility Are Traits of Carbapenem-Resistant ST3 Strains Causing Fulminant Infection.

Background: is a successful nosocomial pathogen, causing severe, life-threatening infections in hospitalized patients, including pneumonia and bloodstream infections. The spread of carbapenem-resistant (CRAB) strains is a major health threat worldwide. The successful spread of CRAB is mostly due to its highly plastic genome.

Sero-Prevalence and Sero-Incidence of Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Health Care Workers in Israel, Prior to Mass COVID-19 Vaccination.

This study aims to examine the prevalence and risk factors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sero-positivity in health care workers (HCWs), a main risk group, and assess the sero-incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection between the first and second waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Israel. A longitudinal study was conducted among 874 HCWs from nine hospitals. Demographics, health information, and blood samples were obtained at baseline (first wave-April-May 2020) and at follow-up ( = 373) (second wave-September-November 2020).

Pandora's box in the dental clinic.

Background: In June 2018, the Ministry of Health received notification from 2 hospitals about 2 patients who presented with overwhelming sepsis that developed within 24 hours after a dental procedure. We describe the investigation of this outbreak.

Methods: The epidemiologic investigation included site visits in 2 dental clinics and interviews with all involved healthcare workers.

Safety and Efficacy Results of BonoFill First-in-Human, Phase I/IIa Clinical Trial for the Maxillofacial Indication of Sinus Augmentation and Mandibular Bone Void Filling.

Purpose: The gold standard for bone regeneration of bone deficiencies is still an autologous bone graft, which has considerable disadvantages; namely, the need for a second major surgery and the limited volume of bone available for harvesting. BonoFill (BF) is a novel, tissue-engineered, bone graft with intrinsic osteoinductive, osteoconductive, and osteogenic properties, consisting of the patient's own adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, attached to hydroxyapatite particles. Here, we present the safety and efficacy results of BF first-in-human clinical study for maxillofacial bone tissue regeneration.

Antimicrobial use for asymptomatic bacteriuria-First, do no harm.

Objective: Administration of antimicrobials to patients with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) is a common error that can lead to worse outcomes. However, controlled analyses quantifying the commonality and impact of this practice are lacking. We analyzed the independent predictors for antimicrobials misuse in ASB and quantified the impact of this practice on clinical outcomes.

Detecting carbapenem-resistant (CRAB) carriage: Which body site should be cultured?

We compared the yield of culturing various body sites to detect carriage of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB). Culturing the skin using a premoistened sponge, with overnight enrichment and plating on CHROMagar MDR Acinetobacter, had the highest yield: 92%. Skin is satisfactory as a single site for active surveillance of CRAB.

The Effect of Therapeutic Meibomian Glands Expression on Evaporative Dry Eye: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial.

Purpose: To determine the clinical benefits of Meibomian gland expression therapy for the treatment of dry-eye disease caused by Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).

Methods: In a prospective randomized controlled double-masked trial, 87 eyes of 44 patients with MGD and dry-eye symptoms were enrolled. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups; a study group that received therapeutic Meibomian gland expression once every month, and a control group that received sham treatment.

National Policy for Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) Clearance and Discontinuation of Contact Precautions for CRE Carriers in Post-Acute Care Hospitals in Israel: Impact on Isolation-Days and New Acquisitions.

Background: In 2009, the Israeli Ministry of Health implemented in post-acute care hospitals (PACHs) a process of discontinuing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) carrier status. We evaluated the policy's impact on isolation-days, CRE prevalence among known carriers who had completed clearance testing, and CRE acquisition among noncarriers.

Methods: This retrospective study summarized findings from all 15 PACHs in 2009-2017.

Antimicrobial use trends, Israel, 2012 to 2017.

BackgroundIn 2012, Israel's National Center for Infection Control initiated a national stewardship programme that included mandatory annual reporting of antimicrobial use. Here we present nationwide Israeli data for the period 2012 to 2017.AimThe goal of this study was to detect trends in antimicrobial use in Israel following the introduction of the stewardship programme, as part of an assessment of the programme's impact.

The association between implementation of second-tier prevention practices and CLABSI incidence: A national survey.

Background: Prevention of central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) represents a complex challenge for the teams involved in device insertion and maintenance. First-tier practices for CLABSI prevention are well established.

Objective: We describe second-tier prevention practices in Israeli medical-surgical ICUs and assess their association with CLABSI rates.