A case-control study was conducted to determine risk factors for hospital-onset Clostridium difficile infection among patients admitted to 2 surgical units. Ertapenem prophylaxis was significantly associated with C. difficile infection risk (odds ratio, 3.13 [95% CI, 1.13–8.68], P=.028) and may offer an antimicrobial stewardship target among surgical patients.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(11):1351–1354

We reviewed outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy at a Veterans Affairs Medical Center to identify opportunities for antimicrobial stewardship intervention. A definite or possible modification would have been recommended in 60% of courses. Forty-one percent of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy courses were potentially avoidable, including 22% involving infectious diseases consultation.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(9):1103–1105

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) risk adjustment methods for central-line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) only adjust for type of intensive care unit (ICU). This cohort study explored risk factors for CLABSI using 2 comorbidity classification schemes, the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and the Chronic Disease Score (CDS). Our study supports the need for additional research into risk factors for CLABSI, including electronically available comorbid conditions.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2014;00(0): 1–3

Despite published catheter-associated urinary tract infection prevention guidelines, inappropriate catheter use is common. We surveyed housestaff about their knowledge of catheter-associated urinary tract infections at a teaching hospital and found most are aware of prevention guidelines; however, their application to clinical scenarios and catheter practices fall short of national goals.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(11):1355–1357

The impact of discontinuing contact precautions for patients with MRSA and VRE colonization/infection on device-associated hospital-acquired infection rates at an academic medical center was investigated in this before-and-after study. In the setting of a strong horizontal infection prevention platform, discontinuation of contact precautions had no impact on device-associated hospital-acquired infection rates.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(8):978–980

Factors favoring blood stream infections associated with gastrointestinal mucosa versus skin organisms were explored. An observed difference was attributable to bacteremia from oral flora in patients with acute myelogenous leukemia or mucositis. Our data do not support the conclusion that isolation of enteric Gram-negatives is unrelated to the central catheter.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–4

We analyzed the cost of antimicrobial prescribing across freestanding children’s hospitals. A few specific antimicrobials accounted for a large proportion of expenditures, and antimicrobial spending varied substantially across hospitals, even within specific clinical conditions. Antimicrobial stewardship programs should consider these data to incorporate high-value antimicrobial prescribing when clinically appropriate.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;36(10):1242–1244

We surveyed hospital epidemiologists at 28 Children’s Hospital Association member hospitals regarding their infection prevention and control programs. We found substantial variability between children’s hospitals in both the structure and the practice of these programs. Research and the development of evidence-based guidelines addressing infection prevention in pediatrics are needed.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–4

We report the results of a subgroup analysis of the Benefits of Universal Glove and Gown trial. In 20 intensive care units, the reduction in acquisition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus observed in this trial was observed in units also using chlorhexidine bathing and in those that previously performed active surveillance.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2015;00(0): 1–4