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The article focuses on the critical issue of antimicrobial resistance and the importance of antibiotic stewardship in healthcare. Topics include recent trends in antimicrobial resistance and their implications for patient safety, Joint Commission standards for implementing effective antibiotic stewardship programs, and the need to address health care disparities in populations affected by antibiotic-resistant infections.

The article focuses on the history and impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), highlighting key milestones in antibiotic development and the emergence of resistance, as well as efforts by governmental and professional organizations to promote antibiotic stewardship. Topics include the evolution of antibiotic resistance from early discoveries to contemporary challenges and initiatives by organizations like the CDC and IDSA to address the global threat of resistant pathogens.

The article highlights the transformative role of molecular testing in diagnosing gastrointestinal (GI) infections. Topics discussed include the advantages of molecular panels over traditional stool cultures, the impact of molecular testing on antimicrobial stewardship, and the varying reimbursement challenges for different panel sizes.

The article offers information on antimicrobial stewardship programs (AMS) designed to prevent the growing crisis posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Cited are the goals of the AMS programs, the guidelines published by the Society for Healthcare Eidemiology of America (SHEA) and Infectious Disease Society of America (IDSA) for the prevention of AMR in hospitals, and the critical role played by clinical laboratories in the success of AMS.

The article focuses on the remarks by past presidents Pat Jackson, of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), and Deborah Yokoe of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) at a webinar on the link between APIC and their colleagues in the SHEA. Topics include the competing priorities between infection prevention and control programs, ways to reduce burnout, and an aspect of their one year as president of their respective associations.

The article focuses on a multi-institutional observational study revealing that discrepant measurements in assessing aortic stenosis (AS) are not uncommon. Topics discussed include challenges in determining AS severity, a significant mortality burden across all AS severities, and low aortic valve replacement rates for severe AS.

The article focuses on the application of ethical concepts to infection control and infectious disease issues, aiming to help infection preventionists (IPs) and infectious disease physicians develop "moral resilience" in making challenging decisions. It mentions Justice and equity are emphasized as essential principles in medical ethics, particularly in addressing the disproportionate impact of infectious diseases on disadvantaged populations.

The article provides information on a study comparing diagnostic stewardship and antibiotic stewardship strategies for the treatment of asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB). The study, conducted in 46 hospitals in Michigan over three years, found that diagnostic stewardship was more effective in reducing unnecessary antibiotic use in ASB cases, with diagnostic interventions being key to achieving this outcome.

The article discusses the increased risk of serious infections in infants associated with proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, emphasizing that these medications should only be prescribed when their benefits clearly outweigh the risks. Topics include the ineffectiveness of PPIs in alleviating infantile gastroesophageal reflux symptoms, the rising usage of PPIs in children, and the potential adverse effects of PPIs on both children and adults, such as infections and other health issues.

The article focuses on addressing the challenges posed by the increasing rates of curable bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the U.S. It mentions the current diagnostic landscape for STIs, including molecular technologies and point-of-care tests, the growing concern of antimicrobial resistance in STIs like Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Mycoplasma genitalium, and the importance of diagnostic stewardship in managing these infections effectively.

The article discusses the relationship between climate change and the emergence of infectious diseases. It highlights that while there is evidence of a connection between climate change and emerging infections, attributing all such infections solely to global warming is overly simplistic. It also mentions the need for detailed data & research to fully understand and prevent these emerging infections.

The article discusses the challenges of diagnosing respiratory infections, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, and highlights the importance of syndromic testing for rapid and accurate diagnostics. Topics include the impact of pandemic measures on seasonal patterns of respiratory infections, the benefits of multiplex PCR testing, and the role of diagnostic and antimicrobial stewardship in improving patient outcomes.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has launched the Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements to improve sepsis care in the United States. Sepsis is a serious condition that affects 1.7 million adults annually, with 350,000 of those individuals dying or being moved into hospice care. The program provides guidance on implementing, monitoring, and optimizing sepsis programs in hospitals to enhance survival and recovery rates. The Core Elements include leadership commitment, accountability, multiprofessional expertise, action, tracking, reporting, and education. The CDC's ongoing Get Ahead of Sepsis campaign also offers resources for preventing infections that can lead to sepsis. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the challenges and importance of accurate diagnosis for various infectious disease syndromes seen in ambulatory care settings, including acute respiratory illnesses (ARI), gastrointestinal tract (GIT) infections, sepsis, and central nervous system (CNS) infections. It emphasizes the need for targeted syndromic multiplex panels to rapidly and simultaneously test for multiple pathogens, improve diagnoses, and enhance antibiotic stewardship.

The article provides insights from the 2023 Medical Laboratory Observer (MLO) State of the Industry (SOI) survey on Disease Management, focusing on trends in testing for respiratory infections and sexually transmitted infections (STI). It discusses the survey results, including the usage of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) platforms for testing, reimbursement issues, and the impact of pandemic-driven changes on diagnostic processes in respiratory testing.

The article focuses on the need for antibiotic stewardship to challenge long-standing dogmas and promote shorter and more targeted antibiotic therapy. It mentions the historical inertia and lack of high-quality evidence behind many guidelines have contributed to the resistance to change, but there is a growing movement advocating for shorter courses of therapy based on the principle that shorter is better.

The article focuses on the benefits of implementing molecular "test-and-treat" strategies for Group A Streptococcus pharyngitis. Topics include the superior diagnostic accuracy of near-patient molecular tests compared to traditional rapid antigen detection tests (RADTs), the potential for reducing inappropriate antibiotic use through immediate treatment decisions, and the cost-effectiveness considerations despite higher initial test costs.

The article focuses on improving antimicrobial stewardship by addressing issues in antibiotic prescribing practices. It highlights concerns over antibiotic resistance due to overprescription and examines studies that reveal gaps in documentation and coding practices. It emphasizes the need for better documentation to improve stewardship efforts and reduce inappropriate antibiotic use.

Objective. To explore the antimicrobial stewardship policy landscape in three English-speaking Caribbean countries (Barbados, Guyana, and Saint Lucia) and examine the key enablers and challenges to the design and implementation of formal antimicrobial stewardship programs. Methods. A document analysis that searched for existing policy, communications, and contributions on antimicrobial stewardship from these three countries, adapting the READ (Ready materials; Extract data; Analyze data; Distill findings) approach, a systematic procedure for health policy document review. Results. The search strategy identified 726 initial records. Of those, 15 (2%) met the inclusion criteria. The analysis included official policy documents (n = 3), scholarly works/reviews (n = 3), advocacy documents (n = 2), news articles (n = 4), and confidential reports (n = 3) from the three countries. Conclusions. Critical matters such as cross-programmatic coordination, the significance of individual action, and the need for bidirectional knowledge discourse are prominent in optimizing antimicrobial stewardship adaptation in these countries. CARICOM regional coordination has positively impacted the integration of infection prevention and control with antimicrobial stewardship across this knowledge network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Show the evolution of guidelines on public health policies focused on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) between 1948 and 2022. Other related government actions are also mentioned. Methods. A detailed review was conducted of World Health Assembly and WHO Executive Board archives. A textual analysis was conducted of AMR-related resolutions that guide the design of government policies and actions for WHO Member States. A systematic search was carried out in SCOPUS, PubMed, and grey literature under the category of public health policies on AMR. Results. AMR has become the greatest threat to public health, putting at risk the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. WHO resolutions are presented as evidence of guidelines to combat AMR. The One Health approach and related strategies, initiatives, plans, and programs are mentioned. A gap was identified in the research and development of new antimicrobials, requiring further analysis. Conclusions. WHO has made efforts to combat AMR. This has generated comprehensive development of public health policies to be implemented by the governments of Member States as they see fit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To determine the proportion of Salmonella enterica in fecal samples of live pigs with suspected salmonellosis analyzed at the diagnostic unit of the University of Antioquia, Colombia between 2019 and 2021, and examine the serotypes and antimicrobial resistance patterns. Methods. This was a laboratory-based cross-sectional study of routine data on fecal samples received from pig farms in all nine subregions of Antioquia state, Colombia. Salmonella spp. detection at the university is done using enrichment, selective culture, and polymerase chain reaction. Serotypes were identified using the Kauffmann-White scheme and isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using broth microdilution. Results. Of 653 samples tested, 149 (23%) were positive for S. enterica. Nine serotypes were identified. The most common were Salmonella Typhimurium (56%) and its monophasic variant (35%). Resistance to ampicillin (70%) was most frequently observed, followed by ciprofloxacin (55%), and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (52%). No isolates were resistant to amikacin and gentamicin. Multidrug resistance (resistance to ≥ 3 classes of antibiotics) was observed in 61 (44%) isolates. Multidrug resistance was highest in S. Typhimurium (57%) compared with the other serotypes. Serotype was associated with multidrug resistance (p = 0.01), but age of the pig and sub-region were not. Conclusions. The proportion of Salmonella spp. and the associated high levels of multidrug resistance are of concern and may indicate irrational use of antimicrobials and poor management practices in pig production systems in the region. Strengthened surveillance is needed to monitor and improve farm management practices and the use of antimicrobials in farms in Colombia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses that the availability of molecular testing panel results that were positive for "Salmonella" in children led to increased hospital admissions, increased subsequent microbiologic testing, and increased antibiotic use. It mentions that most "Salmonella gastroenteritis" is self-limited, and antibiotics are not only ineffective but might increase the shedding of "Salmonella" in the stool.

A recent study conducted at the University of Padova in Italy focused on the results of a 5-year Antimicrobial Stewardship program in a North Italian hospital. The program aimed to reduce inappropriate exposure to antibiotics and infections from multidrug-resistant bacteria by monitoring and coordinating antibiotic consumption. The study observed a decrease in the consumption of quinolones and carbapenems, an increase in third-generation cephalosporins, and a return to pre-pandemic levels of macrolide consumption. The research emphasized the importance of constant monitoring of antimicrobial consumption and the need to adapt stewardship programs to individual hospital characteristics. [Extracted from the article]

A recent systematic review conducted by the Department of Public Health focused on the impact of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) drivers and infection prevention and control (IPC) practices on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). The study highlighted the importance of comprehensive IPC programs in preventing AMR and HAIs. The research aimed to harmonize AMR drivers to enhance IPC measures and raise national awareness for potential interventions. The findings underscore the significance of understanding the effects of AMR drivers and IPC practices in combating AMR and HAIs. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Makerere University College of Health Sciences in Uganda aimed to assess healthcare providers' perspectives on hospital policies supporting antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). The research found that 63.1% of healthcare providers had a low-level perspective on adopting these policies, with significant associations found among female providers, those aged 50+, individuals in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department, and healthcare practitioners in specific regions of Uganda. The study concluded that there is a low-level perspective on adopted hospital policies to support ASPs, with factors such as sex, department, age, and region playing a significant role in healthcare providers' perspectives. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Nanchang University in China focused on a rare case of poisoning caused by the oral ingestion of a water-soluble fertilizer. The study highlighted the importance of seeking immediate medical attention in such cases, as the patient experienced acute kidney injury and severe inflammatory responses. Despite the severity of the poisoning, the patient recovered well with appropriate treatment, providing valuable insights for clinical management. The research was supported by various scientific and health organizations, emphasizing the significance of addressing agrochemical-related health concerns. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at the University of Zambia assessed the knowledge and practices of community pharmacists in the Lusaka District towards antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) strategies. The study found that 86% of the community pharmacists had good knowledge of AMS, with 66.7% exhibiting good practice towards the AMS strategies. The research concluded that while the majority of pharmacists had good knowledge of AMS strategies, there is a need for ongoing professional development programs to address antimicrobial resistance (AMR). [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine conducted a study on antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASP) and their role in reducing unnecessary antibiotics in clinical hospital settings. The study focused on a virtual facilitation workshop within the optimizing perioperative antibiotics for children trial, involving antimicrobial stewardship team members from nine children's hospitals. Results showed that virtual facilitation was well-received and effective in enhancing facilitation skills, with participants reporting sustained use of these skills throughout the study period. The research highlights the feasibility and acceptability of conducting facilitation training virtually for clinicians working to reduce unnecessary postoperative antibiotics. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at the University of Kentucky compared patient outcomes between carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and carbapenem-susceptible Enterobacterales (CSE) infections at an academic medical center. The research, published in Antimicrobial Stewardship & Healthcare Epidemiology, found that there was no significant difference in the risk of composite outcomes between patients with CRE and CSE infections overall. However, follow-up analysis suggested a potential increased risk in patients with carbapenem-non-susceptible Enterobacterales bloodstream infections. The study highlights the importance of understanding the impact of antimicrobial resistance on patient outcomes in healthcare settings. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have conducted studies on experimental models of antibiotic exposure and atopic disease, shedding light on the link between antibiotic exposure and allergic conditions. Through mouse models and non-animal models involving human-derived cells, they have identified the role of microbial exposure in immune system development and the impact of early-life microbiota on allergic disease. The research aims to describe the experimental models used to study the relationship between gut microbiota and allergic disease, providing crucial evidence for antibiotic administration in infants. This study was published in Frontiers in Allergy and can be accessed for free online. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study published in the journal "Drug Week" highlights the importance of antimicrobial stewardship programs in combating antimicrobial resistance. The research emphasizes the crucial role of nurses in these programs, alongside prescribers and pharmacists, in effectively managing antimicrobial therapy and preventing the emergence of resistant pathogens. The study underscores the need for scalable nursing involvement in antimicrobial stewardship to address this global healthcare concern. For more information, readers can access the full article titled "Extended and expanded role of nurses in antimicrobial stewardship program: A review" in Future Health, 2024. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by the Department of Pharmacy Services focused on the impact of incorporating an Infectious Diseases-trained clinical pharmacist into an antimicrobial stewardship program during weekends at a quaternary hospital. The study found a significant increase in antimicrobial stewardship-related interventions, leading to judicious antimicrobial use and a reduction in the length of hospital stay. The findings suggest that pharmacist-driven weekend antimicrobial stewardship can optimize patient care plans, although further research is needed to validate these results. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Nazarbayev University School of Medicine in Kazakhstan focused on the prevalence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and antimicrobial use (AMU) in acute care hospitals. The study, which included 701 patients in four hospitals, found that 3.8% of patients had HAIs, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa being the most common pathogen. The research highlighted the importance of these findings for informing national antimicrobial stewardship and infection control strategies in Kazakhstan. For more information, readers can access the full article in the journal Antibiotics. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the significance of evaluating antibiotic stewardship programs to combat antimicrobial resistance. Topics include the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and its implications for treatment, common misuses of antibiotics that contribute to resistance, and resources like the Antibiotic Stewardship Program Evaluation Checklist to help healthcare organizations assess their practices.

Researchers at the University of Utah Health conducted a study on antimicrobials and healthcare epidemiology in inpatient oncology services. The study focused on clinical syndromes, opportunities for antimicrobial optimization, and acceptance of recommendations made by an immunocompromised antimicrobial stewardship program. The research identified numerous opportunities for antimicrobial optimization among patients with solid tumor malignancies, with high acceptance rates for interventions. The study concluded that targeted education could address unique clinical syndromes encountered in this population. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted at Cairo University focused on Chronic Disseminated Candidiasis (CDC) among pediatric cancer patients, highlighting the severe invasive fungal infection observed during neutrophil recovery in patients undergoing intensive chemotherapy for acute leukemia. The study included 350 pediatric cancer patients, with CDC reported in 9% of cases, primarily affecting organs such as the liver, spleen, and kidneys. The research emphasized the need for antifungal stewardship, rapid diagnosis, and the use of PET scans for diagnosis and treatment decisions, as CDC remains a hidden threat with a high mortality rate among pediatric patients. [Extracted from the article]

Ohio State University researchers conducted a study on patient communication preferences regarding antibiotic resistance messaging in urgent care settings. The study involved a national sample of adults who had visited urgent care centers, with data collected through a survey. Findings indicated that most participants trusted their doctors as the primary source of information on antibiotic resistance, with direct messaging and targeted advertisements being the least preferred channels. The research highlights the importance of understanding patient preferences for effective communication on antibiotics and antibiotic resistance. [Extracted from the article]

The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine conducted a study on antibiotic prescribing for respiratory tract diagnoses in walk-in clinics. The research found that factors such as patient age and comorbidities were associated with increased odds of antibiotic use. Providers who prescribed antibiotics more frequently tended to code certain conditions and prescribe antibiotics for nonresponsive conditions. The study concluded that a provider-level metric for antibiotic prescribing in respiratory tract diagnoses showed validity and acceptability as an assessment tool. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Padova University in Italy examined the prevalence, species distribution, and resistance of Candidemia in pediatric and adult patients from 2019 to 2023. The research found that non-albicans Candida species were the most frequently isolated, with increasing antifungal resistance over the study period. The study highlighted differences in invasive candidiasis characteristics between pediatric and adult populations, emphasizing the importance of targeted antifungal stewardship in ICU patients with non-albicans Candida infections. [Extracted from the article]

The research from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover explores how restrictive legislation influences antimicrobial susceptibility in selected bacterial isolates from the canine vagina. The study evaluates the efficacy of German legislation on resistance profiles of common bacterial isolates before and after its amendment. Results show an overall positive effect on susceptibility, but also an increase in non-susceptibility to certain antimicrobials, suggesting a need for refinement of the legislation. This study highlights the importance of antimicrobial stewardship in combating antimicrobial resistance in veterinary medicine. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study from the University of Maryland focused on antimicrobials and healthcare epidemiology, specifically examining the probability of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) for testing and treatment. The research involved a panel of fifteen infectious disease experts who reached a consensus on the risk factors for CDI, including antibiotics, severe diarrhea, and immunosuppression. The study emphasized the importance of signs, symptoms, and healthcare exposures in diagnosing CDI, providing valuable insights for clinicians to optimize testing and treatment. For more information, the full article can be accessed for free through the publisher, Cambridge University Press. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted at Duke University Medical Center focused on the impact of automated identification of antibiotics for suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs) on antimicrobial stewardship (AS) interventions. The study found that automated identification reduced the time to AS intervention and increased the rate of UTI-specific interventions. Despite the efficiency of clinical decision support, cases still required AS clinical review. This research provides valuable insights into improving antibiotic stewardship practices for UTIs. [Extracted from the article]

A new report from Queen Mary University of London highlights the risks of infection faced by patients undergoing immunosuppressive treatments such as chemotherapy and bone marrow transplantation. The study emphasizes the importance of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and prompt management of emergent infections in these high-risk groups. The researchers argue that antibacterial prophylaxis may not provide survival benefits and could increase the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) carriage. They call for the implementation of robust AMS practices, particularly in lower-middle income countries where resources may be limited. The study concludes that proactive efforts and patient-centric actions are urgently needed to address the challenges posed by AMR in immunosuppressed populations. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Alberta in Canada explores the use of information quality value stream maps (IQ-VSMs) to improve the integration of laboratory testing for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bovine respiratory disease (BRD) management. The study outlines the current state of BRD management in western Canadian feedlots and proposes future improvements, such as strategic collection of respiratory samples for laboratory analysis and analysis of laboratory data to inform treatment plans. The researchers conclude that IQ-VSMs provide a valuable framework for integrating BRD pathogen and AMR laboratory data to support antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) and address potential testing requirements. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted by researchers at Parul University in Vadodara, India, has provided new insights into the implementation and core elements of an antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP). The ASP is a healthcare strategy aimed at promoting optimal antibiotic use through evidence-based interventions. The study found that neonates, due to their high risk of morbidity and mortality, receive broad-spectrum antimicrobials more frequently than older children. The research also highlighted the importance of infectious diseases-trained physicians, pharmacists, and clinical microbiology services in the successful implementation of an ASP. The study identified several challenges in implementing the program, including competition among doctors, poor enforcement of regulations, and lack of inter-departmental coordination. The researchers suggested that future therapies may involve a combination of specific antibodies, organism-specific bacteriophages, and small molecules to combat antibiotic resistance. [Extracted from the article]

A new report discusses research on peritoneal dialysis, specifically focusing on infection-related complications in children. The report highlights the 2024 update of the Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention and Management of Peritoneal Dialysis Associated Infection in Children, which provides comprehensive treatment guidance based on a review of published literature and pediatric PD registry data. The update includes new guideline statements on antibiotic therapy, antibiotic stewardship, clinical registry data, and clinical benchmarks. The report also suggests recommendations for future research to address knowledge gaps. [Extracted from the article]

A new report presents fresh data on the impact of a system tele-antimicrobial stewardship program on the conversion of intravenous-to-oral antimicrobials in community hospitals. The study, conducted by researchers at the Medical University of South Carolina, compared the outcomes in two regions: one with a tele-ASP managed by infectious diseases-trained pharmacists and one without. The results showed that the intervention improved IV-to-PO conversion rates in both regions, suggesting that ID-trained pharmacists can enhance antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. The study also indicated that tele-ASP expansion may be beneficial in resource-constrained settings. [Extracted from the article]

A recent report from the University of Missouri discusses the development and implementation of a scoring tool called the Antimicrobial Stewardship Impact Scoring Tool (ASIST) at a single pediatric institution. The tool was used to grade the potential impact of antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP) interventions on patient safety. The study found that the ASIST was effective in linking ASP interventions to the prevention of antimicrobial-associated patient harm. The research provided meaningful data for the hospital leadership and identified opportunities to prevent future harm and reduce the workload of the ASP team. [Extracted from the article]