Metagenomics unveils the role of hospitals and wastewater treatment plants on the environmental burden of antibiotic resistance genes and opportunistic pathogens.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health challenge, with hospitals and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) serving as significant pathways for the dissemination of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). This study investigates the potential of wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) as an early warning system for assessing the burden of AMR at the population level. In this comprehensive year-long study, effluent was collected weekly from three large hospitals, and treated and untreated wastewater were collected monthly from three associated community WWTPs.

Transferring inpatients between wards drives large nosocomial COVID-19 outbreaks, Wales, 2020-22: a matched case-control study using routine and enhanced surveillance data.

Background: The role of the hospital environment in the spread of COVID-19 is unclear.

Aim: To measure associations between ward characteristics and outbreak size to inform mitigations.

Methods: Wards with large (case wards) and small (control wards) outbreaks in three acute hospitals were compared.

SARS-CoV-2 incidence among teaching staff in primary and secondary schools-Wales, 2020-2021.

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face delivery of education in schools across Wales was disrupted with repeated school closures to limit risk of infection. Evidence describing the incidence of infection amongst school staff during times when schools were open is limited. A previous research study found infection rates were higher in English primary school settings when compared with secondary.

Incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) related to antibiotic prescribing by GP surgeries in Wales.

Background: Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a healthcare-acquired infection (HAI) causing significant morbidity and mortality. Welsh CDI rates are high in comparison with those in England and Scotland.

Objectives: This retrospective ecological study used aggregated disease surveillance data to understand the impact of total and high-risk Welsh GP antibiotic prescribing on total and stratified inpatient/non-inpatient CDI incidence.

If it ain't broke don't fix it: Lack of review of antimicrobials in 'well' patients - time for a CRP change.

Introduction: The rising prevalence of multi-resistant organisms threatens the efficacy of current antimicrobial treatments. Antibiotic stewardship is a key factor in slowing the development of resistance and must become part of a clinician's regular practice. National guidance unanimously emphasises the importance of a 48-hour review of antimicrobial prescriptions.