Publications by authors named "Kerrie Verlee"
Statewide surveillance of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae in Michigan.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol
April 2014
Background: Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) are clinically challenging, threaten patient safety, and represent an emerging public health issue. CRE reporting is not mandated in Michigan.
Methods: The Michigan Department of Community Health-led CRE Surveillance and Prevention Initiative enrolled 21 facilities (17 acute care and 4 long-term acute care facilities) across the state.
We determined the prevalence and associated cost of isolation precautions. Current census and historic microbiology cultures were assessed for isolation appropriateness following national guidelines. Based on patient assessment and culture data, isolation was discontinued resulting in 4,087 days of isolation and over $141,000 dollars avoided from excess supplies and time.
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- The study focused on the prevalence of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) in adults with chronic lower-extremity wounds in southeastern Michigan, where most US cases have been identified.
- Of the 179 participants, 26% had methicillin-susceptible S. aureus, 27% had methicillin-resistant S. aureus, and only 4% carried vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE). Only 3% had pSK41-positive S. aureus, indicating rare colonization with VRSA precursors.
- Persistent chronic wounds for over 2 years significantly increased the risk of colonization with pSK41-positive S
Objective: Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) causes an intestinal bacterial infection of increasing importance in Michigan residents and health-care facilities. The specific burden and health-care costs of C.
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