Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology

TLDR; We propose an optimized ASE 2.0 definition:
- allow POA infection diagnosis codes to anchor infection
- include pts discharged alive on QAD 3
- include hypotension w/out pressors (>/= 2 readings in 6h)
- include NIV or HFNC (>/= 2 days)
- minor changes in Plt, Cr, and Tbili thresholds

🆕 New in ICHE: How should the CDC’s Adult Sepsis Event (ASE) definition evolve?

This study modeled potential modifications and found tradeoffs between incidence, mortality, and clinical validity offering insight into how changes could shape surveillance

#IDSky

📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....

🆕 New in ICHE: Should hospital-onset bacteremia & fungemia (HOB) be a pay-for-performance measure?

This pro/con debate explores whether HOB is preventable enough (and measurable enough) to drive accountability without unintended consequences

#IDSky

📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....

New Podcast Episode!

@davidcalfeemd.bsky.social talks to Drs. Kaur, Uslan, & Yang on the clinical utility, benefits, and pitfalls of Plasma Cell-Free DNA and Metagenomic Sequencing! #IDSky

🟪: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
🟧: soundcloud.com/user-6607204...
🟩: open.spotify.com/episode/7sV3...

🆕 New in ICHE: How does the new NHSN test method definition affect C. difficile reporting?

Authors found that the 2024 update—focusing on a facility’s testing strategy (NAAT + toxin EIA)—improved model performance and reduced overestimation of hospital-onset CDI

#IDSky

📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....

🆕 New in ICHE: How much does HCW masking reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission?

Modeling study found that even moderate masking adherence by healthcare workers significantly reduces nosocomial COVID-19 especially at high community prevalence

#IDSky

📄 doi.org/10.1017/ice....

🆕 New in ICHE: How do masking and visitation policies affect pediatric HA-RVI?

Children’s Hospital Colorado found that universal masking + 2-visitor limits ⏬ healthcare-associated respiratory viral infections - more than seasonal sibling restrictions alone

#IDSky

📄 doi.org/10.1017/ice....

🆕 New in ICHE:

Authors provide a pilot study tested a VR training module for cleaning & low-level disinfection

After user-driven revisions, the experience improved highlighting the promise and pitfalls) of immersive IPC training

#IDSky

📄 doi.org/10.1017/ice....

Now more than ever, we need to train the next generation of IP physicians!

Check out the new SHEA IP curriculum for ID fellow training in infection prevention!

Great way to start or strengthen IP fellow training at your ID program

@ichejournal.bsky.social

www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

Thanks to ICHE for highlighting our work demonstrating the utility of WGS surveillance in uncovering hospital-based transmission of VRE!

🆕 New in ICHE: WGS surveillance of VRE uncovered undetected hospital outbreaks—spotlighting the PACU as a key transmission locus

📍 Without genomic surveillance, these clusters would’ve been missed

#IDSky

📄 doi.org/10.1017/ice....

🎙️ New ICHE Podcast Episode!

Drs. Herwaldt & Seidelman discuss latest research & real-world challenges in preventing SSIs—plus actionable tips for improving surgical safety

#IDSky

🟪: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
🟧: soundcloud.com/user-6607204...
🟩: open.spotify.com/episode/3fU7...

🆕 New in ICHE:

Which swab works better for detecting microbes in healthcare settings?

This study compared sponge-sticks vs flocked swabs for environmental MDRO detection

▶️ Sponge-sticks outperformed for culture
▶️ Flocked swabs better for metagenomic DNA recovery

#IDSKy

📄 doi.org/10.1017/ice....

🆕 New in ICHE:

Most healthcare personnel support a risk-tailored approach to MRSA contact precautions.

This discrete choice experiment found strong support—especially among physicians and APPs—for using gloves and gowns based on setting, role, and activity.

#IDSky

📄 doi.org/10.1017/ice....

New from @trtalbot.bsky.social, others:

⚠️Authors show RSV is an under-recognized healthcare-associated infection.

▶️Improved surveillance strategies to detect healthcare-associated respiratory viral infections are needed.

#IDSky

📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....

NEW in ICHE:

▶️ Critically ill opioid use disorder (OUD) patients face high MDRO infection rates (22.5%), with MRSA most common

▶️ Key risk factors include housing insecurity, lack of OUD meds, HCV status, and recent IV antibiotic use.

#IDSky

📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....

🆕 New in ICHE:

Is it hospital-acquired - or was it already incubating?

A new letter from UNC compares NHSN HAI definitions to incubation periods for common respiratory viruses. Findings highlight risks of misclassification & call for refined surveillance criteria

#IDSky

📄 doi.org/10.1017/ice....

🆕 New in ICHE

Scoping review on sampling methods for flexible endoscopes without a working channel.

▶️ Immersion, swabbing, wiping—all used, but which works best? This review identifies gaps and calls for more research.

#IDSky

📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....

New this week in ICHE: Multisociety guidelines on sterilization & high-level disinfection

Developed by SHEA, APIC, @idsainfo.bsky.social, & others, this guidance updates best practices across devices, settings, and standards aligned with latest CDC updates

#IDSky

📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....

In the #SHEASpring2025 Top Papers session is this ICHE paper by Singh et al on diagnostic stewardship to improve outcomes and HAIs! #IDSky

www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

#SHEASpring2025 @ashejournal.bsky.social EIC Gonzalo Bearman talking about the recent joint statement from IDSA, SHEA, PIDS
www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

@ichejournal.bsky.social x ASHE collab coming soon—and also…an impact factor for us! Excited to celebrate the editorial board and most importantly—our authors and reviewers here at #SHEASpring2025.

#SHEASpring2025: ICHE & ASHE Journal Reception

New from Same et al:

▶️ At 4 children’s hospitals with established antimicrobial stewardship programs, 80% of discharge antibiotic courses for pneumonia, UTI, and skin infections were suboptimal either by choice or duration

#IDSky @sheaepi.bsky.social

📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....

New from @loukasmd.bsky.social et al:

Authors provide systematic review of pathogens & sources of contamination linked to outbreaks in HSCT units

▶️ 39 studies, various sources including water, construction, contamination

#IDSky

📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....

🆕NEW Podcast Episode! 🎧

@davidcalfeemd.bsky.social talks to Drs. Passaretti & Klompas on return-to-work policies for healthcare workers infected w/ respiratory viruses!

#IDSky

Links:
🟪: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
🟧: soundcloud.com/user-6607204...
🟩: open.spotify.com/episode/03NC...

Episode 57: Revisiting Return-to-Work Policies: Preventing Respiratory Virus Transmission in Healthcare In this episode of The ICHE Podcast, Editor-in-Chief David Calfee is joined by Drs. Catherine Passaretti and Michael Klompas for a timely discussion on healthcare-acquired respiratory viral infections

Spread from infected personnel is a major source of healthcare-associated respiratory virus infections. New data help determine when infected HCP can safely return to work. Learn about it on the ichejournal.bsky.social podcast.
sheaepi.bsky.social
#IDSKY #episky
on.soundcloud.com/XtiUcTHJxXb7...

New commentary in ICHE:

Infection prevention and control for measles in healthcare settings

Authors provide methods to ⏫ identification of measles cases, facilitate appropriate isolation, ⏬ exposures, & provide timely post-exposure prophylaxis

#IDSky

📄: www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

🆕 New today

Social vulnerability influences racial & ethnic disparities in C. difficile infection outcomes

▶️ Authors show improving screening practices during remote consultations w/ targeted diagnostic questions could enhance early CDI detection

#IDSky

📄: www.cambridge.org/core/journal...

New from Buford et al:

Authors present an investigation and a performance improvement project that resulted in reduced incidence of Hysterectomy surgical site infections at an academic, safety-net, level 1 trauma center

#IDSky

📄: doi.org/10.1017/ice....