Tracing the transmission of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales at the patient: ward environmental nexus.

Introduction: Colonisation and infection with Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) in healthcare settings poses significant risks, especially for vulnerable patients. Genomic analysis can be used to trace transmission routes, supporting antimicrobial stewardship and informing infection control strategies. Here we used genomic analysis to track the movement and transmission of CREs within clinical and environmental samples.

In-vitro and in-use efficacy of a rapid, targeted UVC decontamination system.

Background: Ultraviolet C (UVC) decontamination systems are used in healthcare to supplement manual cleaning. Systems typically target whole rooms with fixed, vertical bulbs.

Aim: To evaluate the in-vitro and in-use efficacy of the novel device with emitters on articulating arms designed for rapid, targeted decontamination in a hospital room.

Chemotactic activity of products of Elizabethkingia anophelis derived from Aedes albopictus against RAW264 murine macrophage cell line.

Dengue viruses enter dermal macrophages which are derived from other tissues after mosquito bites. We examined chemotactic factors derived from the dengue vector mosquito, Aedes albopictus, toward a RAW264 murine macrophage cell line. We found that Elizabethkingia anophelis that was isolated from mosquitoes exhibited migration-inducing activity toward RAW264 cells.

Evaluation of a nucleic acid amplification system, GENECUBE, for rapid detection of staphylococcal nuc and mecA in blood culture samples.

Objective: This study determined whether the GENECUBE rapid nucleic acid amplification test could directly detect nuc and mecA genes in clinical blood culture samples of Staphylococcus and various other pathogens.

Methods: Between September 2020 and December 2021, 537 blood culture samples from 192 patients with suspected bacteremia were tested using conventional assays (MicroScan WalkAway96 or VITEK 2 systems) and GENECUBE nuc and mecA assays. Isolates from samples with discrepant results between the conventional and GENECUBE assays were further evaluated using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, disk diffusion testing using cefoxitin, broth microdilution testing using oxacillin, and sequencing for mecA.

Evaluation of novel disinfection methods for the remediation of heavily contaminated thermostatic mixing valves and water systems with Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm: considerations for new and existing healthcare water systems.

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a leading cause of nosocomial Gram-negative bacteraemia. Water systems are a well-documented source of P. aeruginosa and established biofilms are difficult to remove.