Preventing nosocomial bloodstream infections (NBSIs) by implementing hospitalwide, department-level, self-investigations: A NBSIs frontline ownership intervention.

Background: Nosocomial bloodstream infections (NBSIs) are adverse complications of hospitalization. Most interventions focus on intensive care units. Data on interventions involving patients' personal care providers in hospitalwide settings are limited.

The development and validation of screening tools for semi-automated surveillance of surgical site infection following various surgeries.

Background: Surveillance of surgical site infections (SSIs) is essential for better prevention. We developed a screening method for SSIs in adults.

Methods: The training dataset included data from patients who underwent orthopedic surgeries ( = 1,090), colorectal surgeries ( = 817), and abdominal hysterectomies ( = 523) during 2015-2018.

Effect of temperature on Escherichia coli bloodstream infection in a nationwide population-based study of incidence and resistance.

Background: The incidence of Escherichia coli bloodstream infections (BSI) is high and increasing. We aimed to describe the effect of season and temperature on the incidence of E. coli BSI and antibiotic-resistant E.

Humoral Response to Hepatitis B and COVID-19 Vaccine among Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

Maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients have impaired immunological responses to pathogens and vaccines. In this study, we compared the humoral response to HBV and COVID-19 vaccines in a cohort of MHD patients. Demographic and clinical characteristics of vaccine responders and non-responders were also compared, and the association between the humoral responses to both vaccines was evaluated.

One-year mortality and years of potential life lost following bloodstream infection among adults: A nation-wide population based study.

Background: Limited data exist on long-term consequences of bloodstream infections (BSIs). We aimed to examine incidence, 1-year mortality, and years of potential life lost (YPLL) following BSI. We estimated the relative contribution of hospital-onset BSI (HO-BSI) and antibiotic-resistant BSI to incidence, mortality and YPLL.

Humoral response and breakthrough infections with SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 variant in vaccinated maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Introduction: Breakthrough COVID-19 may occur in vaccinated people, and may result from declining vaccine effectiveness or highly transmittable SARS-CoV-2 variants, such as the B.167.2 (delta) variant.

Humoral Response to Pfizer BNT162b2 Vaccine Booster in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Recent breakthrough infection in vaccinated people has led some authorities to recommend a booster dose for patients fully vaccinated 5-8 months ago. We aimed to assess the humoral response of MHD patients following a booster dose with the BNT162b2 vaccine.

A nationwide population-based study of Escherichia coli bloodstream infections: incidence, antimicrobial resistance and mortality.

Objectives: Escherichia coli is the leading cause of bloodstream infection (BSI). The incidence of E. coli BSI caused by antibiotic-resistant strains is increasing.

Risk factors for surgical site infections following open versus laparoscopic colectomies: a cohort study.

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are among the most common healthcare-associated infections. Evaluating risk factors for SSIs among patients undergoing laparoscopic and open colorectal resections can aid in selecting appropriate candidates for each modality.

Methods: A cohort of all consecutive patients undergoing elective colorectal resections during 2008-2017 in a single center was analyzed.

Nosocomial outbreak caused by the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant in a highly vaccinated population, Israel, July 2021.

A nosocomial outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant infected 42 patients, staff and family members; 39 were fully vaccinated. The attack rate was 10.6% (16/151) among exposed staff and reached 23.

Proximal Femoral Fractures in Geriatric Patients: Identifying the Major Risk Factors for Postoperative Infection in a Single-Center Study.

Background: Proximal femoral fractures (PFF) are among the most common injuries in the elderly population treated by orthopedic surgeons. Postoperative complications, especially infections, are of great importance due to their effect on patient mortality and morbidity and healthcare costs.

Objectives: To assess the main causes for postoperative infection among PFF patients.

Sero-Prevalence and Sero-Incidence of Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in Health Care Workers in Israel, Prior to Mass COVID-19 Vaccination.

This study aims to examine the prevalence and risk factors of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) sero-positivity in health care workers (HCWs), a main risk group, and assess the sero-incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection between the first and second waves of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Israel. A longitudinal study was conducted among 874 HCWs from nine hospitals. Demographics, health information, and blood samples were obtained at baseline (first wave-April-May 2020) and at follow-up ( = 373) (second wave-September-November 2020).

Validation of a semiautomated system for surveillance of surgical site infection after cesarean section.

Surveillance of surgical site infection after cesarean section is challenging due to the high volume of these surgeries. A manual chart review of women undergoing cesarean section between January and June 2017 (675 charts, 40 infections) was compared to charts identified via an algorithm (141 charts, 39 infections). The algorithm achieved 97.

Healthcare-associated Pneumocystis jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP) Infection in HIV-negative Adults: a Multicenter Study.

Background: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection in immunocompromised patients. Clusters of PJP, especially among organ transplant recipients in clinic settings were described. Data regarding nosocomial PJP infection among inpatients are limited.

Rituximab identified as an independent risk factor for severe PJP: A case-control study.

Objective: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP) was reported among immunosuppressed patients with deficits in cell-mediated immunity and in patients treated with immunomodulatory drugs. The aim of this study was to identify risk-factors for PJP in noninfected HIV patients.

Methods: This retrospective, test negative, case-control study was conducted in six hospitals in Israel, 2006-2016.

Control of a hospital-wide outbreak of carbapenem-resistant (CRAB) using the Israeli national carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) guidelines as a model.

Objective: To study the effect of implementing the Israeli national carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae (CRE) guidelines on controlling a hospital-wide outbreak of Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB).

Design: A before-and-after study from 2014 to 2018.

Setting: A 740-bed, secondary-care hospital in central Israel.

Macrolide antibiotics roxithromycin vs. azithromycin for preterm premature rupture of membranes: a retrospective comparison.

Purpose: Prophylactic antibiotics to prolong latency and reduce the risk of neonatal and maternal infections are used for preterm premature rupture of membranes. This study compared outcomes between two macrolides: roxithromycin given twice a day for a week and azithromycin, given as a single dose, which is more convenient.

Methods: Two local protocols were retrospectively compared: roxithromycin and ampicillin from July 2005 to May 2016, and azithromycin and ampicillin from May 2016 to May 2018.

ISPD guideline-driven retraining, exit site care and decreased peritonitis: a single-center experience in Israel.

Purpose: Evaluate the efficacy of retraining and catheter exit site care in reducing peritonitis rates.

Methods: This interventional study included all prevalent PD patients from 1/2009 to 12/2017 from a single center. Peritonitis rates and causative organisms were assessed and compared in three periods: (1) Before intervention (01/2009-12/2014), (2) after educational intervention: assessment of training process by infection control nurse and repeat training every 3 months, after each peritonitis episode and after hospitalizations > 2 weeks (01/2015-02/2016), and (3) in addition to the measures in period 2, an exit site care protocol including postoperative care, topical antibacterial therapy and nasal Staph aureus screening and eradication was implemented (03/2016-12/2017).

Antibiotic Exposure in the Community and Resistance Patterns of Escherichia coli Community-Acquired Bloodstream Infection.

Background: Increasing antibiotic resistance in the community results in greater use of empiric broad spectrum antibiotics for patients at hospital admission. As a measure of antibiotic stewardship it is important to identify a patient population that can receive narrow spectrum antibiotics.

Objectives: To evaluate resistance patterns of Escherichia coli bloodstream infection (BSI) from strictly community-acquired infection and the impact of recent antibiotic use on this resistance.

Intervention to Reduce Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Individuals on Long-Term Ventilation by Introducing a Customized Bundle.

Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified bundle of preventative measures to decrease ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in chronically ventilated long-term care facility (LTCF) residents.

Design: Cohort before-and-after study.

Setting: Geriatric hospital ward.

Cost Analysis of an Intervention to Prevent Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) Transmission.

Introduction: Our objective was to assess the cost implications of a vertical MRSA prevention program that led to a reduction in MRSA bacteremia.

Methods: We performed a matched historical cohort study and cost analysis in a single hospital in Israel for the years 2005-2011. The cost of MRSA bacteremia was calculated as total hospital cost for patients admitted with bacteremia and for patients with hospital-acquired bacteremia, the difference in cost compared to matched controls.

Characteristics of SCCmec IV and V Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Israel.

Background: Isolation of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in healthy individuals is not common in Israel. In our hospital, about 30% of MRSA isolates were SCCmec types IV and V.

Objectives: To identify the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients carrying MRSA SCCmec type IV or V, and to compare them with each other and with those of patients with SCCmec types I-III.

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae carriage upon hospital admission: prevalence and risk factors.

The aim of this study was to assess the value of surveillance cultures in identifying extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBL) carriers upon admission to hospital, and to identify risk factors for carriage. This prospective cross-sectional study included all hospital admissions over one week. Of 525 patients screened, 56 were positive for ESBLs.

Distribution of fluconazole-resistant Candida bloodstream isolates among hospitals and inpatient services in Israel.

The emergence of fluconazole-resistant Candida (FRC) is worrisome, but little is known about susceptibility patterns in different nosocomial settings. We prospectively analysed Candida bloodstream isolates in 18 medical centres in Israel (six tertiary-care and 12 community hospitals). The study included 444 episodes of candidaemia (450 patient-specific isolates, 8.