Publications by authors named "Lora Lee Pless"
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.
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- Current outbreak detection methods in hospitals are inadequate on their own; a new program called the Enhanced Detection System for Healthcare-associated Transmission (EDS-HAT) uses real-time genomic surveillance to identify outbreaks.
- The study, conducted at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital from November 2021 to October 2023, involved weekly whole genome sequencing of bacterial isolates, leading to the identification of 172 outbreaks and successful intervention strategies that prevented further transmission in over 95% of cases.
- Results revealed significant benefits: 62 infections were avoided, translating to over $1 million in gross savings and a net savings of nearly $700,000, showing that integrating genomic surveillance can greatly enhance infection control and patient safety.
Objective: 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.
Article Synopsis
- VRE infections are a major healthcare challenge due to their complex transmission dynamics, which involve patient colonization and spread through various healthcare settings.
- Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was used to analyze 352 clinical and 891 rectal screening VRE isolates, revealing that the majority (87.3%) of VRE infections were acquired through rectal carriage.
- The study identified significant genetic relatedness among isolates and hotspots for VRE transmission, emphasizing the importance of WGS in infection control and highlighting the impact on patient outcomes, including ICU admissions and mortality rates.