Perceived challenges of COVID-19 infection prevention and control preparedness: A multinational survey

Implementation of effective infection prevention and control (IPC) measures is needed to support global capacity building to limit the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and mitigate its impact on health systems. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown a high incidence of transmissibility of health care-associated infections and outbreaks affecting healthcare workers (HCWs) who are at the forefront of these crises, illustrating the importance of being prepared [1]

Not sick enough to worry? "Influenza-like" symptoms and work-related behavior among healthcare workers and other professionals: Results of a global survey.

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) and non-HCWs may contribute to the transmission of influenza-like illness (ILI) to colleagues and susceptible patients by working while sick (presenteeism). The present study aimed to explore the views and behavior of HCWs and non-HCWs towards the phenomenon of working while experiencing ILI.MethodsThe study was a cross-sectional online survey conducted between October 2018 and January 2019 to explore sickness presenteeism and the behaviour of HCWs and non-HCWs when experiencing ILI. The survey questionnaire was distributed to the members and international networks of the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ISAC) Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Working Group, as well as via social media platforms, including LinkedIn, Twitter and IPC Blog.ResultsIn total, 533 respondents from 49 countries participated (Europe 69.2%, Asia-Pacific 19.1%, the Americas 10.9%, and Africa 0.8%) representing 249 HCWs (46.7%) and 284 non-HCWs (53.2%). Overall, 312 (58.5%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 56.2-64.6) would continue to work when sick with ILI, with no variation between the two categories. Sixty-seven (26.9%) HCWs and forty-six (16.2%) non-HCWs would work with fever alone (pConclusionA future strategy to successfully prevent the transmission of ILI in healthcare settings should address sick-leave policy management, in addition to encouraging the uptake of influenza vaccine

Hot topics on vertebral osteomyelitis from the International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy

reserved19mixedSaeed K.; Esposito S.; Ascione T.; Bassetti M.; Bonnet E.; Carnelutti A.; Chan M.; Lye D.C.; Cortes N.; Dryden M.; Fernando S.; Gottlieb T.; Gould I.; Hijazi K.; Madonia S.; Pagliano P.; Pottinger P.S.; Segreti J.; Spera A.M.Saeed, K.; Esposito, S.; Ascione, T.; Bassetti, M.; Bonnet, E.; Carnelutti, A.; Chan, M.; Lye, D. C.; Cortes, N.; Dryden, M.; Fernando, S.; Gottlieb, T.; Gould, I.; Hijazi, K.; Madonia, S.; Pagliano, P.; Pottinger, P. S.; Segreti, J.; Spera, A. M

Antimicrobial therapeutic drug monitoring in critically ill adult patients: a Position Paper#

Purpose This Position Paper aims to review and discuss the available data on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of antibacterials, antifungals and antivirals in critically ill adult patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). This Position Paper also provides a practical guide on how TDM can be applied in routine clinical practice to improve therapeutic outcomes in critically ill adult patients. Methods Literature review and analysis were performed by Panel Members nominated by the endorsing organisations, European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM), Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic and Critically Ill Patient Study Groups of European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID), International Association for Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Clinical Toxicology (IATDMCT) and International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (ISAC). Panel members made recommendations for whether TDM should be applied clinically for different antimicrobials/classes. Results TDM-guided dosing has been shown to be clinically beneficial for aminoglycosides, voriconazole and ribavirin. For most common antibiotics and antifungals in the ICU, a clear therapeutic range has been established, and for these agents, routine TDM in critically ill patients appears meritorious. For the antivirals, research is needed to identify therapeutic targets and determine whether antiviral TDM is indeed meritorious in this patient population. The Panel Members recommend routine TDM to be performed for aminoglycosides, beta-lactam antibiotics, linezolid, teicoplanin, vancomycin and voriconazole in critically ill patients. Conclusion Although TDM should be the standard of care for most antimicrobials in every ICU, important barriers need to be addressed before routine TDM can be widely employed worldwide

Invasive Fungal Diseases in Adult Patients in Intensive Care Unit (FUNDICU): 2024 consensus definitions from ESGCIP, EFISG, ESICM, ECMM, MSGERC, ISAC, and ISHAM

Purpose: The aim of this document was to develop standardized research definitions of invasive fungal diseases (IFD) in non-neutropenic, adult patients without classical host factors for IFD, admitted to intensive care units (ICUs). Methods: After a systematic assessment of the diagnostic performance for IFD in the target population of already existing definitions and laboratory tests, consensus definitions were developed by a panel of experts using the RAND/UCLA appropriateness method. Results: Standardized research definitions were developed for proven invasive candidiasis, probable deep-seated candidiasis, proven invasive aspergillosis, probable invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, and probable tracheobronchial aspergillosis. The limited evidence on the performance of existing definitions and laboratory tests for the diagnosis of IFD other than candidiasis and aspergillosis precluded the development of dedicated definitions, at least pending further data. The standardized definitions provided in the present document are aimed to speed-up the design, and increase the feasibility, of future comparative research studies.The present project did not require additional funding from routine research activities. Open access cost for this publication was covered by ESGCIP funds. JDW is supported by a Sr Clinical Research Grant from the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO, Ref. 1881020N).S

Not sick enough to worry? "Influenza-like" symptoms and work-related behavior among healthcare workers and other professionals: Results of a global survey

10.1371/journal.pone.0232168PLoS ONE155e023216