Psychosocial Workloads and Resilience of Heads of Municipal Public Health Authorities in Germany During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Perceptions of Operational Organization, Communication, and Measures.

Healthcare professionals are particularly vulnerable to mental health issues during epidemics, as evidenced by the COVID-19 crisis. German public health authorities, crucial for disease prevention, faced significant strain from chronic understaffing and resource limitations exacerbated by the pandemic. The study was designed as a cross-sectional, observational online survey.

Non-pharmaceutical infection prevention measures in nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks: a retrospective multi-centre cohort study.

Background: Hospital severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreaks are relevant for patients and healthcare systems within and beyond the pandemic.

Aim: To explore the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks and their infection prevention and control (IPC) measures during the different pandemic waves.

Methods: A comprehensive structured template for SARS-CoV-2 outbreaks was developed and filled out by six university hospitals.

[Diagnostic performance of two antigen-tests compared to one PCR-Test to detect SARS-CoV-2 in an emergency department and emergency service].

Background: In the German hospital landscape and emergency care the COVID-19 pandemic was a stress test. Emergency medical health care in Germany is ensured by the supply chain between prehospital emergency rescue and clinical emergency care in the emergency rooms. In hospitals and emergency care settings a rapid, simple, accurate, and cost-effective test is needed to identify SARS-CoV‑2.

Multidrug-resistant isolates from Ukrainian patients in a German health facility: a genomic surveillance study focusing on antimicrobial resistance and bacterial relatedness.

Purpose: Antimicrobial resistance is a pressing issue in Ukraine, with healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms being a major concern. A recent prospective multicenter study revealed a staggering rate of 48.4% antimicrobial resistance to carbapenems among Enterobacterales causing a healthcare-associated infection.

Short-Wave Ultraviolet-Light-Based Disinfection of Surface Environment Using Light-Emitting Diodes: A New Approach to Prevent Health-Care-Associated Infections.

Ultraviolet (UV)-C irradiation is a promising method for microbial eradication on surfaces. Major developments have taken place in UV-C light-emitting diodes (LEDs) technology. In this study, we examined the suitability of UV-C LED-based surface disinfection in hospitals.

Influence of the Incubator as Direct Patient Environment on Bacterial Colonization of Neonates.

Background: Preventing healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in neonatal intensive care units is a challenge of highest priority. For further insight into the incubator as direct patient environment and potential source for contamination, we present data correlating microbiological samples of very low birthweight infants in the form of colonization results of surveillance screenings with samples of their associated incubator in this study.

Methods: Samples were taken via rectal and throat swabs of neonates as well as Polywipe sponges for the incubator.

Do closed waste containers lead to less air contamination than opened? A clinical case study at Jena University Hospital, Germany.

Nosocomial infections are a growing challenge at hospitals. This clinical study aimed to investigate the influence of waste container construction ((open (O), closed (C), and hands-free opening (HF)) on microbial air contamination in a hospital setting. The results are intended to help develop guidelines for waste containers for the collection of non-infectious waste at hospitals and medical facilities.

Targeted Molecular Detection of Nosocomial Carbapenemase-Producing Gram-Negative Bacteria-On Near- and Distant-Patient Surfaces.

Background: Here, we describe an integrative method to detect carbapenemase-producing Gram-negative bacteria (gn-Cp) on surfaces/fomites in the patient environment. We examined environmental samples from 28 patient rooms occupied with patients who were proven to be colonised with gn-Cp by rectal screening.

Methods: We took samples after 24 h, 72 h and one week.

[Hospital hygiene 2.0 : Cross-interface, molecular epidemiological early warning systems for prevention of multidrug-resistant pathogens].

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens and their inpatient (nosocomial) and outpatient spread, pose increasing challenges to our healthcare system. Control strategies are derived from vertical (individual, pathogen-specific) and horizontal (general, pathogen-unspecific) preventive measures. The discussion of a competing "either or" has not proven to be effective in the past.

Use of MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry to detect nosocomial outbreaks of Serratia marcescens and Citrobacter freundii.

MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry (MS) may be used as a rapid typing method for nosocomial pathogens. Here, we evaluated MALDI-TOF MS for discrimination of hospital outbreak-related clusters of Serratia marcescens and carbapenemase-producing Citrobacter freundii. Thirty-three S.

Microbiological monitoring of continuous positive airway pressure and resuscitation equipment in very-low birth weight infants.

BackgroundTo investigate the colonization of respiratory equipment and the rate of respiratory infections of very-low birth weight (VLBW) infants.MethodsThe prospective study includes 26 VLBW infants on continuous airway pressure (CPAP) from September until December 2012. Swabs from respiratory equipment and colonization/infections were evaluated.

Prevalence of Multidrug Resistant Bacteria in Refugees: A Prospective Case Control Study in an Obstetric Cohort.

To determine the prevalence of multidrug resistant (MDR) bacteria in a cohort of pregnant refugee women. In a prospective case control study, surveillance cultures for MDR bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], vancomycin-resistant enterococci [VRE], MDR Gram-negative bacteria [MRGN]) were analysed between October 2015 and June 2016 from a cohort of 50 pregnant refugee women and 50 resident controls in the obstetric unit of a German tertiary referral hospital. Prevalence of MRSA was noticeably higher among refugee women compared to residents (6 vs.

Control of Multidrug-Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Recipients by a Novel Bundle Including Remodeling of Sanitary and Water Supply Systems.

Background: Infections by multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPa) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Humid environments can serve as a reservoir and source of infection by this pathogen. To minimize the risk of infection from these reservoirs, we performed extensive remodeling of sanitation and water installations as the focus of our hygiene bundle.

Weekly screening supports terminating nosocomial transmissions of vancomycin-resistant enterococci on an oncologic ward - a retrospective analysis.

Background: To investigate the impact of weekly screening within the bundle of infection control measures to terminate vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) transmissions on an oncologic ward.

Methods: A cluster of 12 VRE colonisation and five infections was detected on an oncologic ward between January and April 2015. Subsequently, the VRE point prevalence was detected and, as part of a the bundle of infection control strategies to terminate the VRE cluster, we isolated affected patients, performed hand hygiene training among staff on ward, increased observations by infection control specialists, intensified surface disinfection, used personal protective equipment and initiated an admission screening in May 2015.

Real-Time Genome Sequencing of Resistant Bacteria Provides Precision Infection Control in an Institutional Setting.

The increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is a serious global challenge. Here, we studied prospectively whether bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS) for real-time MDR surveillance is technical feasible, returns actionable results, and is cost-beneficial. WGS was applied to all MDR isolates of four species (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus [MRSA], vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium, MDR Escherichia coli, and MDR Pseudomonas aeruginosa) at the University Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany, a tertiary care hospital with 1,450 beds, during two 6-month intervals.

Whole-Genome Sequencing Elucidates Epidemiology of Nosocomial Clusters of Acinetobacter baumannii.

We characterized two epidemiologically similar Acinetobacter baumannii clusters from two separate intensive care units (ICU) using core genome multilocus sequence typing. Clonal spread was confirmed in ICU-1 (12 of 14 isolates shared genotypes); in ICU-2, all genotypes (13 isolates) were diverse, thus excluding transmissions and enabling adequate infection control measures.

Norovirus outbreak management: how much cohorting is necessary?

For the control of norovirus outbreaks, it is widely recommended that exposed but asymptomatic patients should be cohorted separately from unexposed patients and from symptomatic patients. The frequency of subsequent symptomatic norovirus infection in contact patients has not been investigated systematically. We retrospectively investigated the development of typical norovirus symptoms in contact patients during seven norovirus outbreaks affecting 57 patients between November 2014 and May 2015.

Disinfection of transvaginal ultrasound probes in a clinical setting: comparative performance of automated and manual reprocessing methods.

Objectives: Transvaginal and intracavitary ultrasound probes are a possible source of cross-contamination with microorganisms and thus a risk to patients' health. Therefore appropriate methods for reprocessing are needed. This study was designed to compare the standard disinfection method for transvaginal ultrasound probes in Germany with an automated disinfection method in a clinical setting.

Analysis of bile colonization and intestinal flora may improve management in liver transplant recipients undergoing ERCP.

Background: Immunosuppression, denervation of biliary tract, and presence of biliary strictures favor colonization of bile with microorganisms after liver transplantation. Little is known about spectrum and antibiotic susceptibility of this colonization.

Material And Methods: Bile and feces were collected prospectively from 38 patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreaticography after liver transplantation.

[Blood culture diagnostic--challenge or routine standard of care?].

Blood cultures are an essential diagnostic tool to investigate suspected cases of sepsis. However, several studies indicate that (compared with other countries) blood culture diagnostics is only rarely performed in German healthcare facilities. Reasons for this are unknown, but could include clinicians' perception that the turn-around time of results is delayed or that contamination rates are high.

Influence of protective measures after epidural catheter disconnection on catheter lumen colonization: an in vitro study.

Background: Epidural anaesthesia provides excellent pain therapy and reduces postoperative morbidity and mortality. Epidural haematoma and infection are catastrophic complications of this therapy. Following accidental catheter disconnection the choice is between reconnection and premature treatment termination.

[Surface disinfection in the context of infection prevention in intensive care units].

The highest proportion of nosocomial infections occurs on intensive care units (ICU) and infections with multiresistant pathogens are an ever increasing problem. Preventative measures should consist of a bundle of different measures including measures that address a specific problem and standard hygiene measures that are relevant in all areas. Specific measures in ICUs primarily aim at the prevention of ventilator associated pneumonia, blood vessel catheter associated infections and nosocomial urinary tract infections.

[Hygienic aspects in radiology: what the radiologist should know].

Hospital hygiene is of pivotal importance in radiology departments, where patient throughput is high and staff come into direct contact with both inpatients and outpatients. Every member of the medical and technical team should be aware of all the general and specific hygiene requirements and ensure that they are considered during the daily routine. Failure to do so on the part of just one individual can result in bacterial contamination in the department, exposing both patients and staff to the risk of infection.