Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is associated with increased cost, morbidity, and mortality in postoperative patients. Variable rates of postoperative CDI are reported among 4 surgical specialties during the 30-month study period. Risk factors for CDI include antibiotic use, increased ASA score, and increased admissions in the past year.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1254–1257

We analyzed antifungal and antiviral prescribing among high-risk children across freestanding children’s hospitals. Antifungal and antiviral days of therapy varied across hospitals. Benchmarking antifungal and antiviral use and developing antimicrobial stewardship strategies to optimize use of these high cost agents is needed.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:743–746

In the modern era of carefully monitored renovations, construction-related Aspergillus outbreaks have decreased. We investigated an increase in clinical cultures growing Aspergillus species, determining that contamination of the mycology lab caused a pseudo-outbreak. A major construction site was appropriately sealed, but unrecognized staff traffic may have facilitated laboratory contamination.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–4

A “stone in the pond” strategy is a practical approach to investigating large-scale nosocomial tuberculosis (TB) exposures. Here, we describe such a risk-stratified approach to contact tracing after a TB exposure that occurred over 5 months in a pediatric inpatient ward in a country with a moderate TB burden.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:1509–1511

To improve compliance with hand hygiene, a novel method with inclusion of an online reporting system was developed, comprising measurement of total hand bioburden, anonymous online feedback, and onsite training. The intervention significantly improved both compliance and quality of hand hygiene and reduced Staphylococcus aureus incidence.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2016;1–4