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Lanzas C, Jara M, Tucker R, Curtis S. A review of epidemiological models of Clostridioides difficile transmission and control (2009-2021). Anaerobe 2022; 74:102541. [PMID: 35217149 DOI: 10.1016/j.anaerobe.2022.102541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Clostridioides difficile is the leading cause of infectious diarrhea and one of the most common healthcare-acquired infections worldwide. We performed a systematic search and a bibliometric analysis of mathematical and computational models for Clostridioides difficile transmission. We identified 33 publications from 2009 to 2021. Models have underscored the importance of asymptomatic colonized patients in maintaining transmission in health-care settings. Infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, active testing, and vaccination have often been evaluated in models. Despite active testing and vaccination being not currently implemented, they are the most commonly evaluated interventions. Some aspects of C. difficile transmission, such community transmission and interventions in health-care settings other than in acute-care hospitals, remained less evaluated through modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Lanzas
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
| | - Manuel Jara
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Rachel Tucker
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Savannah Curtis
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
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2
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Stephenson B, Lanzas C, Lenhart S, Ponce E, Bintz J, Dubberke ER, Day J. Comparing intervention strategies for reducing Clostridioides difficile transmission in acute healthcare settings: an agent-based modeling study. BMC Infect Dis 2020; 20:799. [PMID: 33115427 PMCID: PMC7594474 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05501-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is one of the most common healthcare infections. Common strategies aiming at controlling CDI include antibiotic stewardship, environmental decontamination, and improved hand hygiene and contact precautions. Mathematical models provide a framework to evaluate control strategies. Our objective is to evaluate the effectiveness of control strategies in decreasing C. difficile colonization and infection using an agent-based model in an acute healthcare setting. Methods We developed an agent-based model that simulates the transmission of C. difficile in medical wards. This model explicitly incorporates healthcare workers (HCWs) as vectors of transmission, tracks individual patient antibiotic histories, incorporates varying risk levels of antibiotics with respect to CDI susceptibility, and tracks contamination levels of ward rooms by C. difficile. Interventions include two forms of antimicrobial stewardship, increased environmental decontamination through room cleaning, improved HCW compliance, and a preliminary assessment of vaccination. Results Increased HCW compliance with CDI patients was ranked as the most effective intervention in decreasing colonizations, with reductions up to 56%. Antibiotic stewardship practices were highly ranked after contact precaution compliance. Vaccination and reduction of high-risk antibiotics were the most effective intervention in decreasing CDI. Vaccination reduced CDI cases to up to 90%, and the reduction of high-risk antibiotics decreased CDI cases up to 23%. Conclusions Overall, interventions that decrease patient susceptibility to colonization by C. difficile, such as antibiotic stewardship, were the most effective interventions in reducing both colonizations and CDI cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittany Stephenson
- Department of Engineering, Computing, and Mathematical Sciences, Lewis University, 1 University Parkway, Romeoville, 60446, IL, USA.
| | - Cristina Lanzas
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, North Carolina State University, 1052 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, 27606, NC, USA
| | - Suzanne Lenhart
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, 1403 Circle Drive, Knoxville, 37996, TN, USA
| | - Eduardo Ponce
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Tennessee, 1520 Middle Drive, Knoxville, 37996, TN, USA
| | - Jason Bintz
- School of Arts and Sciences, Johnson University, Knoxville, 37998, TN, USA
| | - Erik R Dubberke
- Division of Infectious Disease, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, 63110, MO, USA
| | - Judy Day
- Department of Mathematics, University of Tennessee, 1403 Circle Drive, Knoxville, 37996, TN, USA.,Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Tennessee, 1520 Middle Drive, Knoxville, 37996, TN, USA
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3
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Longitudinal investigation of carriage rates and genotypes of toxigenic Clostridium difficile in hepatic cirrhosis patients. Epidemiol Infect 2020; 147:e166. [PMID: 31063095 PMCID: PMC6518478 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268819000554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Toxigenic Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) carriers represent an important source in the transmission of C. difficile infection (CDI) during hospitalisation, but its prevalence and mode in patients with hepatic cirrhosis are not well established. We investigated longitudinal changes in carriage rates and strain types of toxigenic C. difficile from admission to discharge among hepatic cirrhosis patients. Toxigenic C. difficile was detected in 104 (19.8%) of 526 hepatic cirrhosis patients on admission, and the carriage status changed in a portion of patients during hospitalisation. Approximately 56% (58/104) of patients lost the colonisation during their hospital stay. Among the remaining 48 patients who remained positive for toxigenic C. difficile, the numbers of patients who were positive at one, two, three and four isolations were 10 (55.6%), three (16.7%), two (11.1%) and three (16.7%), respectively. Twenty-eight patients retained a particular monophyletic strain at multiple isolations. The genotype most frequently identified was the same as that frequently identified in symptomatic CDI patients. A total of 25% (26/104) of patients were diagnosed with CDI during their hospital stay. Conclusions: Colonisation with toxigenic C. difficile strains occurs frequently in cirrhosis patients and is a risk factor for CDI.
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Kukla M, Adrych K, Dobrowolska A, Mach T, Reguła J, Rydzewska G. Guidelines for Clostridium difficile infection in adults. PRZEGLAD GASTROENTEROLOGICZNY 2020; 15:1-21. [PMID: 32215122 PMCID: PMC7089862 DOI: 10.5114/pg.2020.93629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has become a serious medical and epidemiological problem, especially in well developed countries. There has been evident increase in incidence and severity of CDI. Prevention, proper diagnosis and effective treatment are necessary to reduce the risk for the patients, deplete the spreading of infection and diminish the probability of recurrent infection. Antibiotics are the fundamental treatment of CDI. In patients who had recurrent CDI fecal microbiota transplantation seems to be promising and efficient strategy. These guidelines systematize existing data and include recent changes implemented in the management of CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Kukla
- Department of Internal Medicine and Geriatrics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
- Department of Endoscopy, University Hospital, Krakow, Poland
| | - Krystian Adrych
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Dobrowolska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dietetics and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Tomasz Mach
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Jarosław Reguła
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Clinical Oncology, Medical Postgraduate Education Centre, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, “Maria Sklodowska-Curie” Clinical Oncology Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grażyna Rydzewska
- Central Clinical Hospital of Ministry of Inferior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland
- Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University, Kielce, Poland
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5
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Mi H, Bao R, Xiao Y, Cui Y, Sun W, Shen Y, Shi Q, Chen X, Lin J, Hu B, Gao X. Colonization of Toxigenic Clostridium difficile Among Intensive Care Unit Patients: A Multi-Centre Cross-Sectional Study. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:12. [PMID: 32083021 PMCID: PMC7002469 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background:Clostridium difficile (CD) is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections and antibiotic-associated diarrhea in hospitalized patients worldwide. Carriers of toxigenic CD (tCD) have a higher risk of developing CD infections and can transmit CD to the environment and susceptible patients. However, little is known regarding the carriers and transmission of tCD in China. Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional study of tCD colonization (tCDC) was conducted from October 24 to 31, 2014, at 33 hospitals in Shanghai, China. Rectal swabs or stool samples were collected and tested, and the clinical and demographic status, epidemiological data, and blood parameters of 531 participants were recorded. The status of tCDC was defined by a positive result on the nucleic acid amplification test for the tcdA (toxin A), tcdB (toxin B), and cdtAB (toxin CDT) genes after positive bacterial culture. Results: The overall prevalence of CD colonization (CDC) was 19.02%, tCDC accounted for 92.08%, and A+B+CDT– was the dominant genotype (87.13%). The CD infection (CDI) prevalence was 1.51%. Potential tCDC-associated factors were admission to secondary grade hospitals, a body mass index <18.5, hospitalization during the previous 30 days, underlying diseases (including hypertension, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, and respiratory failure), diarrhea during the previous 7 days, and exposure to fluoroquinolones or lansoprazole. Conclusions: This study reveals the prevalence of CDC and tCDC in Shanghai, elucidates several associated factors, contributes to the awareness of the current epidemiology in parts of eastern China and provides new insights for further study and infection control practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfei Mi
- Xiamen Branch, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Xiamen, China.,Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Bao
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yao Xiao
- Zhongshan Hospital, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Xiamen Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiamen, China
| | - Yangwen Cui
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Shen
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingfeng Shi
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiabing Lin
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bijie Hu
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Gao
- Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Knight GM, Davies NG, Colijn C, Coll F, Donker T, Gifford DR, Glover RE, Jit M, Klemm E, Lehtinen S, Lindsay JA, Lipsitch M, Llewelyn MJ, Mateus ALP, Robotham JV, Sharland M, Stekel D, Yakob L, Atkins KE. Mathematical modelling for antibiotic resistance control policy: do we know enough? BMC Infect Dis 2019; 19:1011. [PMID: 31783803 PMCID: PMC6884858 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-019-4630-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibiotics remain the cornerstone of modern medicine. Yet there exists an inherent dilemma in their use: we are able to prevent harm by administering antibiotic treatment as necessary to both humans and animals, but we must be mindful of limiting the spread of resistance and safeguarding the efficacy of antibiotics for current and future generations. Policies that strike the right balance must be informed by a transparent rationale that relies on a robust evidence base. MAIN TEXT One way to generate the evidence base needed to inform policies for managing antibiotic resistance is by using mathematical models. These models can distil the key drivers of the dynamics of resistance transmission from complex infection and evolutionary processes, as well as predict likely responses to policy change in silico. Here, we ask whether we know enough about antibiotic resistance for mathematical modelling to robustly and effectively inform policy. We consider in turn the challenges associated with capturing antibiotic resistance evolution using mathematical models, and with translating mathematical modelling evidence into policy. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that in spite of promising advances, we lack a complete understanding of key principles. From this we advocate for priority areas of future empirical and theoretical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gwenan M Knight
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK.
| | - Nicholas G Davies
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | - Caroline Colijn
- Department of Mathematics, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Francesc Coll
- Department of Infection Biology, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, LSHTM, London, UK
| | - Tjibbe Donker
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Danna R Gifford
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Rebecca E Glover
- Department of Health Services Research and Policy, Faculty of Public Health and Policy, LSHTM, London, UK
| | - Mark Jit
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
| | | | - Sonja Lehtinen
- Big Data Institute, Li Ka Shing Centre for Health Information and Discovery, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jodi A Lindsay
- Institute for Infection and Immunity, St George's, University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London, UK
| | - Marc Lipsitch
- Center for Communicable Disease Dynamics, Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Martin J Llewelyn
- Department of Global Health and Infection, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Ana L P Mateus
- Population Sciences and Pathobiology Department, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Julie V Robotham
- Modelling and Economics Unit, National Infection Service, Public Health England, London, UK
| | - Mike Sharland
- Paediatric Infectious Disease Research Group, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Dov Stekel
- School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, UK
| | - Laith Yakob
- Department of Disease Control, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, LSHTM, London, UK
| | - Katherine E Atkins
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Faculty of Epidemiology and Population Health, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), London, UK
- Centre for Global Health Research, Usher Institute for Population Health Sciences and Informatics, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Champredon D, Zhang K, Smieja M, Moghadas SM. Clostridium difficile intervention timelines for diagnosis, isolation, and treatment. Am J Infect Control 2019; 47:1370-1374. [PMID: 31182236 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2019.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Developing timelines of nosocomial Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is critical to improving control and preventive measures. The objective of this study was to provide data-driven estimates of CDI timelines of diagnosis, isolation, and treatment in a hospital setting. METHODS We obtained data for all CDI inpatients with symptoms onset occurring between January 1, 2013, and December 30, 2017, from St Joseph's Healthcare in Hamilton, Canada. We analyzed full empirical distributions of timelines associated with the diagnosis, isolation, and treatment of CDI. RESULTS A total of 683 inpatients with CDI symptoms were recorded, of which 243 cases were identified as health care-associated infection (HAI). The mean time intervals between the onset of CDI symptoms after admission and the release of laboratory results were 1.2 days and 1.9 days for the HAI and community-associated infection (CAI) patient groups, respectively. The mean time intervals from symptoms onset to the start of isolation were 1.5 days and 2.6 days for the corresponding patient groups. The initiation of treatment within 2 days of symptoms onset reduced the duration of first isolation (P value < .0001); however, the type of initial antibiotic used for CDI treatment was not associated with the duration of isolation. CONCLUSIONS Estimated timelines did not differ (P values > .6) between HAI and CAI patient groups with symptoms onset after admission. These estimates are useful for evaluating the effectiveness of CDI interventions.
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Chamchod F, Palittapongarnpim P. Modeling Clostridium difficile in a hospital setting: control and admissions of colonized and symptomatic patients. Theor Biol Med Model 2019; 16:2. [PMID: 30704484 PMCID: PMC6357410 DOI: 10.1186/s12976-019-0098-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) infection is an important cause of healthcare-associated diarrhea. Several factors such as admission of colonized patients, levels of serum antibodies in patients, and control strategies may involve in determining the prevalence and the persistence of C. difficile in a hospital unit. METHODS We develop mathematical models based on deterministic and stochastic frameworks to investigate the effects of control strategies for colonized and symptomatic patients and admissions of colonized and symptomatic patients on the prevalence and the persistence of C. difficile. RESULTS Our findings suggest that control strategies and admissions of colonized and symptomatic patients play important roles in determining the prevalence and the persistence of C. difficile. Improving control of C. difficile in colonized and symptomatic patients may generally help reduce the prevalence and the persistence of C. difficile. However, if admission rates of colonized and symptomatic patients are high, the prevalence of C. difficile may remain high in a patient population even though strict control policies are applied. CONCLUSION Control strategies and admissions of colonized and symptomatic patients are important determinants of the prevalence and the persistence of C. difficile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farida Chamchod
- Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Barker AK, Alagoz O, Safdar N. Interventions to Reduce the Incidence of Hospital-Onset Clostridium difficile Infection: An Agent-Based Modeling Approach to Evaluate Clinical Effectiveness in Adult Acute Care Hospitals. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 66:1192-1203. [PMID: 29112710 PMCID: PMC5888988 DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Despite intensified efforts to reduce hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infection (HO-CDI), its clinical and economic impacts continue to worsen. Many institutions have adopted bundled interventions that vary considerably in composition, strength of evidence, and effectiveness. Considerable gaps remain in our knowledge of intervention effectiveness and disease transmission, which hinders HO-CDI prevention. Methods We developed an agent-based model of C. difficile transmission in a 200-bed adult hospital using studies from the literature, supplemented with primary data collection. The model includes an environmental component and 4 distinct agent types: patients, visitors, nurses, and physicians. We used the model to evaluate the comparative clinical effectiveness of 9 single interventions and 8 multiple-intervention bundles at reducing HO-CDI and asymptomatic C. difficile colonization. Results Daily cleaning with sporicidal disinfectant and C. difficile screening at admission were the most effective single-intervention strategies, reducing HO-CDI by 68.9% and 35.7%, respectively (both P < .001). Combining these interventions into a 2-intervention bundle reduced HO-CDI by 82.3% and asymptomatic hospital-onset colonization by 90.6% (both, P < .001). Adding patient hand hygiene to healthcare worker hand hygiene reduced HO-CDI rates an additional 7.9%. Visitor hand hygiene and contact precaution interventions did not reduce HO-CDI, compared with baseline. Excluding those strategies, healthcare worker contact precautions were the least effective intervention at reducing hospital-onset colonization and infection. Conclusions Identifying and managing the vast hospital reservoir of asymptomatic C. difficile by screening and daily cleaning with sporicidal disinfectant are high-yield strategies. These findings provide much-needed data regarding which interventions to prioritize for optimal C. difficile control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna K Barker
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Oguzhan Alagoz
- Department of Population Health Sciences, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
- Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, College of Engineering, Madison, Wisconsin
| | - Nasia Safdar
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin
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10
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Brain D, Yakob L, Barnett A, Riley T, Clements A, Halton K, Graves N. Economic evaluation of interventions designed to reduce Clostridium difficile infection. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190093. [PMID: 29298322 PMCID: PMC5752026 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare decision-makers are increasingly expected to balance increasing demand for health services with a finite budget. The role of economic evaluation in healthcare is increasing and this research provides decision-makers with new information about the management of Clostridium difficile infection, from an economic perspective. METHODS A model-based economic evaluation was undertaken to identify the most cost-effective healthcare intervention relating to the reduction of Clostridium difficile transmission. Efficacy evidence was synthesised from the literature and was used to inform the effectiveness of both bundled approaches and stand-alone interventions, where appropriate intervention combinations were coupled together. Changes in health outcomes were estimated by combining information about intervention effectiveness and its subsequent impact on quality of life. RESULTS A bundled approach of improving hand hygiene and environmental cleaning produces the best combination of increased health benefits and cost-savings. It has the highest mean net monetary benefit when compared to all other interventions. This intervention remains the optimal decision under different clinical circumstances, such as when mortality rate and patient length of stay are increased. Bundled interventions offered the best opportunity for health improvements. CONCLUSION These findings provide healthcare decision-makers with novel information about the allocation of scarce resources relating to Clostridium difficile. If investments are not made in interventions that clearly yield gains in health outcomes, the allocation and use of scarce healthcare resources is inappropriate and improvements in health outcomes will be forgone.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Brain
- Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Laith Yakob
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian Barnett
- Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thomas Riley
- University of Western Australia, Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Archie Clements
- Australian National University, Research School of Population Health, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | - Kate Halton
- Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicholas Graves
- Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Healthcare-Associated Clostridium difficile Infections are Sustained by Disease from the Community. Bull Math Biol 2017; 79:2242-2257. [PMID: 28776206 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-017-0328-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) are some of the most common hospital-associated infections worldwide. Approximately 5% of the general population is colonised with the pathogen, but most are protected from disease by normal intestinal flora or immune responses to toxins. We developed a stochastic compartmental model of CDI in hospitals that captures the condition of the host's gut flora and the role of adaptive immune responses. A novel, derivative-based method for sensitivity analysis of individual-level outcomes was developed and applied to the model. The model reproduced the observed incidence and recurrence rates for hospitals with high and moderate incidence of hospital-acquired CDI. In both scenarios, the reproduction number for within-hospital transmission was less than 1 (0.67 and 0.44, respectively), but the proportion colonised with C. difficile at discharge (7.3 and 6.1%, respectively) exceeded the proportion colonised at admission (5%). The transmission and prevalence of CDI were most sensitive to the average length of stay and the transmission rate of the pathogen. Recurrent infections were most strongly affected by the treatment success rate and the immune profile of patients. Transmission within hospitals is substantial and leads to a net export of colonised individuals to the broader community. However, within-hospital transmission alone is insufficient to sustain endemic conditions in hospitals without the constant importation of colonised individuals. Improved hygiene practices to reduce transmission from symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals and reduced length of stay are most likely to reduce within-hospital transmission and infections; however, these interventions are likely to have a smaller effect on the probability of recurrence. Immunising inpatients against the toxins produced by C. difficile will reduce the incidence of CDI but may increase transmission.
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12
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Maghdoori S, Moghadas SM. Assessing the effect of patient screening and isolation on curtailing Clostridium difficile infection in hospital settings. BMC Infect Dis 2017; 17:384. [PMID: 28577357 PMCID: PMC5455129 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-017-2494-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patient screening at the time of hospital admission is not recommended as a routine practice, but may be an important strategy for containment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in hospital settings. We sought to investigate the effect of patient screening in the presence of asymptomatic carriers and in the context of imperfect patient isolation. METHODS We developed and parameterized a stochastic simulation model for the transmission dynamics of CDI in a hospital ward. RESULTS We found that the transmission of CDI in the hospital, either through asymptomatic carriers or as a results of ineffective implementation of infection control practices, at the time of hospital admission. The results show that, for a sufficiently high reproduction number of CDI, the disease can persist within a hospital setting in the presence of in-ward transmission, even when there are no asymptomatically colonized patients at the time of hospital admission. CONCLUSIONS Our findings have significant public health and clinical implications, especially in light of the emergence and community spread of hypervirulent CDI strains with enhanced transmission rates and toxin production. Rapid detection of colonized patients remains an important component of CDI control, especially in the context of asymptomatic transmission. Screening of in-hospital patients with potential exposure to colonized patients or contaminated environment and equipment can help reduce the rates of silent transmission of CDI through asymptomatic carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Maghdoori
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada.
| | - Seyed M Moghadas
- Agent-Based Modelling Laboratory, York University, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
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13
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Barker A, Ngam C, Musuuza J, Vaughn VM, Safdar N. Reducing Clostridium difficile in the Inpatient Setting: A Systematic Review of the Adherence to and Effectiveness of C. difficile Prevention Bundles. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017; 38:639-650. [PMID: 28343455 PMCID: PMC5654380 DOI: 10.1017/ice.2017.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is the most common infectious cause of nosocomial diarrhea, and its prevention is an urgent public health priority. However, reduction of CDI is challenging because of its complex pathogenesis, large reservoirs of colonized patients, and the persistence of infectious spores. The literature lacks high-quality evidence for evaluating interventions, and many hospitals have implemented bundled interventions to reduce CDI with variable results. Thus, we conducted a systematic review to examine the components of CDI bundles, their implementation processes, and their impact on CDI rates. METHODS We conducted a comprehensive literature search of multiple computerized databases from their date of inception through April 30, 2016. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO, an international prospective register of systematic reviews. Bundle effectiveness, adherence, and study quality were assessed for each study meeting our criteria for inclusion. RESULTS In the 26 studies that met the inclusion criteria for this review, implementation and adherence factors to interventions were variably and incompletely reported, making study reproducibility and replicability challenging. Despite contextual differences and the variety of bundle components utilized, all 26 studies reported an improvement in CDI rates. However, given the lack of randomized controlled trials in the literature, assessing a causal relationship between bundled interventions and CDI rates is currently impossible. CONCLUSION Cluster randomized trials that include a rigorous assessment of the implementation of bundled interventions are urgently needed to causally test the effect of intervention bundles on CDI rates. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:639-650.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Barker
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Caitlyn Ngam
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jackson Musuuza
- Institute of Clinical and Translational Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Valerie M. Vaughn
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- The Patient Safety Enhancement Program, University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Nasia Safdar
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Affairs Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Infection Control, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Madison, WI, USA
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van Kleef E, Deeny SR, Jit M, Cookson B, Goldenberg SD, Edmunds WJ, Robotham JV. The projected effectiveness of Clostridium difficile vaccination as part of an integrated infection control strategy. Vaccine 2016; 34:5562-5570. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2016.09.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Gingras G, Guertin MH, Laprise JF, Drolet M, Brisson M. Mathematical Modeling of the Transmission Dynamics of Clostridium difficile Infection and Colonization in Healthcare Settings: A Systematic Review. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163880. [PMID: 27690247 PMCID: PMC5045168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We conducted a systematic review of mathematical models of transmission dynamic of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in healthcare settings, to provide an overview of existing models and their assessment of different CDI control strategies. METHODS We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science up to February 3, 2016 for transmission-dynamic models of Clostridium difficile in healthcare settings. The models were compared based on their natural history representation of Clostridium difficile, which could include health states (S-E-A-I-R-D: Susceptible-Exposed-Asymptomatic-Infectious-Resistant-Deceased) and the possibility to include healthcare workers and visitors (vectors of transmission). Effectiveness of interventions was compared using the relative reduction (compared to no intervention or current practice) in outcomes such as incidence of colonization, CDI, CDI recurrence, CDI mortality, and length of stay. RESULTS Nine studies describing six different models met the inclusion criteria. Over time, the models have generally increased in complexity in terms of natural history and transmission dynamics and number/complexity of interventions/bundles of interventions examined. The models were categorized into four groups with respect to their natural history representation: S-A-I-R, S-E-A-I, S-A-I, and S-E-A-I-R-D. Seven studies examined the impact of CDI control strategies. Interventions aimed at controlling the transmission, lowering CDI vulnerability and reducing the risk of recurrence/mortality were predicted to reduce CDI incidence by 3-49%, 5-43% and 5-29%, respectively. Bundles of interventions were predicted to reduce CDI incidence by 14-84%. CONCLUSIONS Although CDI is a major public health problem, there are very few published transmission-dynamic models of Clostridium difficile. Published models vary substantially in the interventions examined, the outcome measures used and the representation of the natural history of Clostridium difficile, which make it difficult to synthesize results and provide a clear picture of optimal intervention strategies. Future modeling efforts should pay specific attention to calibration, structural uncertainties, and transparent reporting practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Gingras
- SP-POS, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, Canada.,Départment de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Marie-Hélène Guertin
- SP-POS, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, Canada.,Départment de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Jean-François Laprise
- SP-POS, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Mélanie Drolet
- SP-POS, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, Canada
| | - Marc Brisson
- SP-POS, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 1050 Chemin Sainte-Foy, Québec, Qc, Canada.,Départment de Médecine Sociale et Préventive, Université Laval, Québec, Qc, Canada.,Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Grigoras CA, Zervou FN, Zacharioudakis IM, Siettos CI, Mylonakis E. Isolation of C. difficile Carriers Alone and as Part of a Bundle Approach for the Prevention of Clostridium difficile Infection (CDI): A Mathematical Model Based on Clinical Study Data. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0156577. [PMID: 27258068 PMCID: PMC4892551 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0156577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infection is the most common hospital-acquired infection. Besides infected patients, carriers have emerged as a key player in C. difficile epidemiology. In this study, we evaluated the impact of identifying and isolating carriers upon hospital admission on the incidence of CDI incidence and hospital-acquired C. difficile colonization, as a single policy and as part of bundle approaches. We simulated C. difficile transmission using a stochastic mathematical approach, considering the contribution of carriers based on published literature. In the baseline scenario, CDI incidence was 6.18/1,000 admissions (95% CI, 5.72–6.65), simulating reported estimates from U.S. hospital discharges. The acquisition rate of C. difficile carriage was 9.72/1,000 admissions (95% CI, 9.15–10.31). Screening and isolation of colonized patients on admission to the hospital decreased CDI incidence to 4.99/1,000 admissions (95% CI, 4.59–5.42; relative reduction (RR) = 19.1%) and led to 36.2% reduction in the rate of hospital-acquired colonization. Simulating an antimicrobial stewardship program reduced CDI rate to 2.35/1,000 admissions (95% CI, 2.07–2.65). In sensitivity analysis, CDI incidence was less than 2.32/1,000 admissions (RR = 62.4%) in 95% of 1,000 simulations. The combined bundle, focusing on reducing C. difficile transmission from colonized patients and the individual risk of these patients to develop CDI, decreased significantly the incidence of both CDI and hospital-acquired colonization. Implementation of this bundle to current practice is expected to have an important impact in containing CDI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christos A. Grigoras
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- School of Applied Mathematics and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Fainareti N. Zervou
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Ioannis M. Zacharioudakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
| | - Constantinos I. Siettos
- School of Applied Mathematics and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eleftherios Mylonakis
- Infectious Diseases Division, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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17
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The Role of Mathematical Modeling in Designing and Evaluating Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs. CURRENT TREATMENT OPTIONS IN INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s40506-016-0074-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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18
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Furuya-Kanamori L, Marquess J, Yakob L, Riley TV, Paterson DL, Foster NF, Huber CA, Clements ACA. Asymptomatic Clostridium difficile colonization: epidemiology and clinical implications. BMC Infect Dis 2015; 15:516. [PMID: 26573915 PMCID: PMC4647607 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-015-1258-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The epidemiology of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has changed over the past decades with the emergence of highly virulent strains. The role of asymptomatic C. difficile colonization as part of the clinical spectrum of CDI is complex because many risk factors are common to both disease and asymptomatic states. In this article, we review the role of asymptomatic C. difficile colonization in the progression to symptomatic CDI, describe the epidemiology of asymptomatic C. difficile colonization, assess the effectiveness of screening and intensive infection control practices for patients at risk of asymptomatic C. difficile colonization, and discuss the implications for clinical practice. METHODS A narrative review was performed in PubMed for articles published from January 1980 to February 2015 using search terms 'Clostridium difficile' and 'colonization' or 'colonisation' or 'carriage'. RESULTS There is no clear definition for asymptomatic CDI and the terms carriage and colonization are often used interchangeably. The prevalence of asymptomatic C. difficile colonization varies depending on a number of host, pathogen, and environmental factors; current estimates of asymptomatic colonization may be underestimated as stool culture is not practical in a clinical setting. CONCLUSIONS Asymptomatic C. difficile colonization presents challenging concepts in the overall picture of this disease and its management. Individuals who are colonized by the organism may acquire protection from progression to disease, however they also have the potential to contribute to transmission in healthcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Building 62 Mills Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
| | - John Marquess
- School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia.
- Queensland Department of Health, Communicable Diseases Unit, Herston, QLD, Australia.
| | - Laith Yakob
- Department of Disease Control, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK.
| | - Thomas V Riley
- Microbiology and Immunology, School of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
| | - David L Paterson
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, QLD, Australia.
| | - Niki F Foster
- PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia.
| | - Charlotte A Huber
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, QLD, Australia.
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Building 62 Mills Road, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia.
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19
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Doan TN, Kong DCM, Marshall C, Kirkpatrick CMJ, McBryde ES. Modeling the impact of interventions against Acinetobacter baumannii transmission in intensive care units. Virulence 2015; 7:141-52. [PMID: 26252184 PMCID: PMC4994832 DOI: 10.1080/21505594.2015.1076615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of infection control interventions against Acinetobacter baumannii remains unclear, despite such information being critical for effective prevention of the transmission of this pathogen. Mathematical modeling offers an alternative to clinical trials, which may be prohibitively expensive, unfeasible or unethical, in predicting the impact of interventions. Furthermore, it allows the ability to ask key “what if” questions to evaluate which interventions have the most impact. We constructed a transmission dynamic model to quantify the effects of interventions on reducing A. baumannii prevalence and the basic reproduction ratio (R0) in intensive care units (ICUs). We distinguished between colonization and infection, and incorporated antibiotic exposure and transmission from free-living bacteria in the environment. Under the assumptions and parameterization in our model, 25% and 18% of patients are colonized and infected with A. baumannii, respectively; and R0 is 1.4. Improved compliance with hand hygiene (≥87%), enhanced environmental cleaning, reduced length of ICU stay of colonized patients (≤ 10 days), shorter durations of antibiotic treatment of A. baumannii (≤6 days), and isolation of infected patients combined with cleaning of isolation rooms are effective, reducing R0 to below unity. In contrast, expediting the recovery of the intestinal microbiota (e.g. use of probiotics) is not effective. This study represents a biologically realistic model of the transmission dynamics of A. baumannii, and the most comprehensive analysis of the effectiveness of interventions against this pathogen. Our study provides important data for designing effective infection control interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tan N Doan
- a Centre for Medicine Use and Safety; Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Monash University ; Melbourne , VIC Australia.,b Victorian Infectious Diseases Service; Royal Melbourne Hospital ; Melbourne , VIC Australia.,c The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity ; Melbourne , VIC Australia
| | - David C M Kong
- a Centre for Medicine Use and Safety; Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Monash University ; Melbourne , VIC Australia
| | - Caroline Marshall
- b Victorian Infectious Diseases Service; Royal Melbourne Hospital ; Melbourne , VIC Australia.,c The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity ; Melbourne , VIC Australia.,d Department of Medicine ; University of Melbourne ; Melbourne , VIC Australia
| | - Carl M J Kirkpatrick
- a Centre for Medicine Use and Safety; Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; Monash University ; Melbourne , VIC Australia
| | - Emma S McBryde
- b Victorian Infectious Diseases Service; Royal Melbourne Hospital ; Melbourne , VIC Australia.,c The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity ; Melbourne , VIC Australia.,d Department of Medicine ; University of Melbourne ; Melbourne , VIC Australia
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Yakob L, Riley TV, Paterson DL, Marquess J, Magalhaes RJS, Furuya-Kanamori L, Clements ACA. Mechanisms of hypervirulent Clostridium difficile ribotype 027 displacement of endemic strains: an epidemiological model. Sci Rep 2015. [PMID: 26218654 PMCID: PMC4517512 DOI: 10.1038/srep12666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Following rapid, global clonal dominance of hypervirulent ribotypes, Clostridium difficile now constitutes the primary infectious cause of nosocomial diarrhoea. Evidence indicates at least three possible mechanisms of hypervirulence that facilitates the successful invasion of these atypical strains: 1) increased infectiousness relative to endemic strains; 2) increased symptomatic disease rate relative to endemic strains; and 3) an ability to outcompete endemic strains in the host’s gut. Stochastic simulations of an infection transmission model demonstrate clear differences between the invasion potentials of C. difficile strains utilising the alternative hypervirulence mechanisms, and provide new evidence that favours certain mechanisms (1 and 2) more than others (3). Additionally, simulations illustrate that direct competition between strains (inside the host’s gut) is not a prerequisite for the sudden switching that has been observed in prevailing ribotypes; previously dominant C. difficile strains can be excluded by hypervirulent ribotypes through indirect (exploitative) competition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laith Yakob
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Disease Control, London, Keppel Street WC1E 7HT
| | - Thomas V Riley
- Department of Microbiology, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia 6009
| | - David L Paterson
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Queensland, Australia 4029
| | - John Marquess
- Communicable Diseases Unit, Queensland Department of Health, Herston, QLD, Australia 4006
| | - Ricardo J Soares Magalhaes
- 1] School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Gatton, Australia 4343 [2] Children's Health and the Environment Program, Queensland Children's Medical Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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Furuya-Kanamori L, McKenzie SJ, Yakob L, Clark J, Paterson DL, Riley TV, Clements AC. Clostridium difficile infection seasonality: patterns across hemispheres and continents - a systematic review. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0120730. [PMID: 25775463 PMCID: PMC4361656 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0120730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Studies have demonstrated seasonal variability in rates of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Synthesising all available information on seasonality is a necessary step in identifying large-scale epidemiological patterns and elucidating underlying causes. Methods Three medical and life sciences publication databases were searched from inception to October 2014 for longitudinal epidemiological studies written in English, Spanish or Portuguese that reported the incidence of CDI. The monthly frequency of CDI were extracted, standardized and weighted according to the number of follow-up months. Cross correlation coefficients (XCORR) were calculated to examine the correlation and lag between the year-month frequencies of reported CDI across hemispheres and continents. Results The search identified 13, 5 and 2 studies from North America, Europe, and Oceania, respectively that met the inclusion criteria. CDI had a similar seasonal pattern in the Northern and Southern Hemisphere characterized by a peak in spring and lower frequencies of CDI in summer/autumn with a lag of 8 months (XCORR = 0.60) between hemispheres. There was no difference between the seasonal patterns across European and North American countries. Conclusion CDI demonstrates a distinct seasonal pattern that is consistent across North America, Europe and Oceania. Further studies are required to identify the driving factors of the observed seasonality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
- * E-mail:
| | - Samantha J. McKenzie
- School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Laith Yakob
- London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Department of Disease Control, London, United Kingdom
| | - Justin Clark
- Drug ARM Australasia, Annerley, Queensland, Australia
| | - David L. Paterson
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thomas V. Riley
- Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Western Australia and Department of Microbiology PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Archie C. Clements
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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Furuya-Kanamori L, Robson J, Soares Magalhães RJ, Yakob L, McKenzie SJ, Paterson DL, Riley TV, Clements ACA. A population-based spatio-temporal analysis of Clostridium difficile infection in Queensland, Australia over a 10-year period. J Infect 2014; 69:447-55. [PMID: 24984276 DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2014] [Revised: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify the spatio-temporal patterns and environmental factors associated with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in Queensland, Australia. METHODS Data from patients tested for CDI were collected from 392 postcodes across Queensland between May 2003 and December 2012. A binomial logistic regression model, with CDI status as the outcome, was built in a Bayesian framework, incorporating fixed effects for sex, age, source of the sample (healthcare facility or community), elevation, rainfall, land surface temperature, seasons of the year, time in months and spatially unstructured random effects at the postcode level. RESULTS C. difficile was identified in 13.1% of the samples, the proportion significantly increased over the study period from 5.9% in 2003 to 18.8% in 2012. CDI peaked in summer (14.6%) and was at its lowest in autumn (10.1%). Other factors significantly associated with CDI included female sex (OR: 1.08; 95%CI: 1.01-1.14), community source samples (OR: 1.12; 95%CI: 1.05-1.20), and higher rainfall (OR: 1.09; 95%CI: 1.02-1.17). There was no significant spatial variation in CDI after accounting for the fixed effects in the model. CONCLUSIONS There was an increasing annual trend in CDI in Queensland from 2003 to 2012. Peaks of CDI were found in summer (December-February), which is at odds with the current epidemiological pattern described for northern hemisphere countries. Epidemiologically plausible explanations for this disparity require further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Furuya-Kanamori
- School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jenny Robson
- Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology, Taringa, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Laith Yakob
- School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Samantha J McKenzie
- School of Population Health, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - David L Paterson
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Thomas V Riley
- Microbiology & Immunology, The University of Western Australia and Department of Microbiology PathWest Laboratory Medicine, Queen Elizabeth II Medical Centre, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Archie C A Clements
- Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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