A randomized controlled trial of GG on antimicrobial-resistant organism colonization.

Objective: Alteration of the colonic microbiota following antimicrobial exposure allows colonization by antimicrobial-resistant organisms (AROs). Ingestion of a probiotic, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), could prevent colonization or infection with AROs by promoting healthy colonic microbiota. The purpose of this trial was to determine the effect of LGG administration on ARO colonization in hospitalized patients receiving antibiotics.

An Evaluation of the Prevalence of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci (VRE) and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Hospital Food.

This prospective cohort study evaluated the presence of MRSA and VRE in the food of hospitalized patients. 149 patients were enrolled and 910 food specimens cultured; 3.2% were positive for MRSA and 2.

An Evaluation of Food as a Potential Source for Clostridium difficile Acquisition in Hospitalized Patients.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether Clostridium difficile is present in the food of hospitalized patients and to estimate the risk of subsequent colonization associated with C. difficile in food. METHODS This was a prospective cohort study of inpatients at a university-affiliated tertiary care center, May 9, 2011-July 12, 2012.

Randomized Controlled Trial to Determine the Impact of Probiotic Administration on Colonization With Multidrug-Resistant Organisms in Critically Ill Patients.

This was a randomized controlled pilot study of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG versus standard of care to prevent gastrointestinal multidrug-resistant organism colonization in intensive care unit patients. Among 70 subjects, there were no significant differences in acquisition or loss of any multidrug-resistant organisms (P>.05) and no probiotic-associated adverse events.

Prevalence and risk factors for asymptomatic Clostridium difficile carriage.

Background: Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) incidence has increased dramatically over the last decade. Recent studies suggest that asymptomatic carriers may be an important reservoir of C. difficile in healthcare settings.

The influence of infection on hospital mortality for patients requiring > 48 h of intensive care.

Objective: To determine the influence of microbiologically confirmed infection on hospital mortality among patients requiring intensive care for > 48 h.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Medical ICU of the Barnes-Jewish Hospital, an urban teaching hospital.

The epidemiology of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus colonization in a medical intensive care unit.

Objective: To determine the epidemiology of colonization with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus (VRE) among intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Design: Ten-month prospective cohort study.

Setting: A 19-bed medical ICU of a 1,440-bed teaching hospital.