Hospital Practices and Research

Abstract Background: Device-Associated Infections (DAIs) pose significant challenges in healthcare settings, leading to increased morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on DAIs and device utilization rates is crucial for optimizing infection control practices and enhancing patient safety.
Objectives: This study aims to elucidate the shifts in infection rates, specifically CAUTI, VAP, and CLABSI in a tertiary care centre before and after the onset of the global pandemic.
Methods: In this retrospective study, we analysed trends in DAIs and device utilization rates before (October 2019 - March 2020) and after (August 2021 - January 2022) the COVID-19 pandemic. Data on urinary catheter days, central line days, ventilator days, and rates of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI), and Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) were collected from medical records.
Results: According to the findings of the present study, fluctuations in CAUTI, CLABSI, and VAP rates pre- and post-pandemic, with no significant difference in infection rates between the two periods (P >0.05) were observed. There was a notable increase in urinary catheter days post-pandemic, accompanied by reductions in ventilator days and central line days. The urinary catheter utilization ratio substantially increased post-pandemic, while ventilator and central line utilization ratios showed slight declines.
Conclusion: This study highlights the dynamic nature of DAIs and device utilization rates in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing evidence-based protocols and continuing research in infection control practices are essential for optimizing healthcare delivery and enhancing patient safety in the post-pandemic era.

Abstract Background: A comprehensive overview of ESKAPE pathogens, highlighting their antibiotic resistance mechanisms and the urgent need to address the clinical impact of these pathogens in bloodstream infections.
Objectives: The aim of the present study was to observe the prevalence and trends of antibiotic susceptibility profiles of ESKAPE blood pathogens in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), providing valuable insights for improving patient care and infection control.
Methods: A detailed description of our descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in various ICUs, including blood sample collection, antibiotic susceptibility testing, and data management and statistical analysis.
Results: The findings of the present study reveal insight into the distribution of ESKAPE pathogens in different ICUs, with a focus on prevalence, age-specific variations, and antibiotic resistance patterns.
Conclusion: A thorough discussion on the clinical implications of our results, emphasizing the high prevalence of Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and the concerning levels of antibiotic resistance observed.

Abstract Background: In December 2019, in Wuhan, China; a new coronavirus emerged that had not been previously identified in humans. Hence is crucial to characterize the infection risk among infected health care workers (HCWs), being responsible for secondary transmission to patients, and others.
Objectives: The current study aimed to assess the disease burden among the front-line warriors and efficiently planned the preventive and management strategies for such infections.
Methods: HCWs with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 infection, who reported to Fever Clinic for possible diagnosis by Truenat testing, were enrolled through a self-reporting Risk Assessment form. An oropharyngeal swab was subjected to Truenat testing based on the principle of Real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
Results: Doctors comprised 60% of our HCWs. Eighty-three percent of the HCWs under study reported either the presence of BCG scar or gave a history of BCG immunization at birth. The maximum number of HCWs (29.16%) took Hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis for four weeks. Seventy-four percent of the HCWs affirmed the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at the time of exposure. The most common mode of infection reported was the exposure to COVID-19 patients. Fever was the most common reported symptom. Truenat was positive in 9 of 100 HCWs who were tested, giving an infection rate of 9%.
Conclusion: The study provides insights into the burden of COVID-19 infection among HCWs, and guides us to evaluate and plan our preventive measures and management strategies for such infections.