We report 2 outbreaks comprising a cluster of 18 group A Streptococcal infections across 2 nursing facilities. Point prevalence surveillance testing identified 8 of 18 cases, and whole genome sequencing validated transmission pathways. Infection prevention interventions at the facility level comprised symptomatic and asymptomatic carriage-based case finding, transmission-based precautions, and treatment to eradicate colonization.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Prior studies evaluating the impact of discontinuation of contact precautions (DcCP) on methicillin-resistant (MRSA) outcomes have characterized all healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) rather than those likely preventable by contact precautions. We aimed to analyze the impact of DcCP on the rate of MRSA HAI including transmission events identified through whole genome sequencing (WGS) surveillance.
Design: Quasi experimental interrupted time series.
Background: New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) represents an emergent mechanism of carbapenem resistance associated with high mortality and limited antimicrobial treatment options. Because the resistance gene is often carried on plasmids, traditional infection prevention and control (IP&C) surveillance methods like speciation, antimicrobial resistance testing, and reactive whole genome sequencing (WGS) may not detect plasmid transfer in multispecies outbreaks.
Methods: Initial outbreak detection of NDM-producing Enterobacterales identified at an acute care hospital occurred via traditional IP&C methods and was supplemented by real-time WGS surveillance, which was performed weekly using the Illumina platform.