Search Results (100)

Background: Infectious complications are common after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Clinical guidelines recommend, previous to surgery, prolonged antibiotic regimens in patients with preoperative positive urine cultures to reduce infectious risk. However, such strategies may increase selective pressure and promote antimicrobial resistance. Evidence supporting the use of a single antibiotic dose tailored to culture sensitivity in these cases is limited but emerging. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study including 187 PCNL procedures performed between 2021 and 2023 under an individualized antibiotic prophylaxis protocol. Patients with negative or contaminated urine cultures received a single empirical dose, while those with recent positive cultures received a single dose based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Postoperative complications—including fever, sepsis, and a composite outcome—were analyzed through multivariable logistic regression, comparing high- and low-risk patients. Results: A total of 67.9% of procedures were performed in patients meeting at least one high-risk criterion, including a positive preoperative urine culture in 32.1%. The overall incidence of infectious complications was 11.9% (fever 8.7%, sepsis 3.2%), with no significant differences between risk groups. A low concordance was observed between preoperative and intraoperative urine cultures (Spearman = 0.3954). Conclusions: A single preoperative antibiotic dose adjusted to the antibiogram, even in patients with a positive urine culture, was not associated with increased infectious complications. This approach is an initial step that supports a rational and individualized prophylactic strategy aligned with the goals of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs). Full article

Background: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are essential in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR); however, limited resources hinder their implementation. Arkstone, a biotechnology company, developed a machine learning (ML)-driven clinical decision support system (CDSS) to guide antimicrobial prescribing. While AI (artificial intelligence) applications are increasingly used, each model must be carefully validated. Methods: Three components of the ML system were assessed: (1) A prospective observational study tested its ability to distinguish trained from novel data using various validation techniques and BioFire molecular panel inputs. (2) An anonymous retrospective analysis of internal infectious disease lab results evaluated the recognition of novel versus trained complex datasets. (3) A prospective observational validation study reviewed clinical recommendations against standard guidelines by independent clinicians. Results: The system achieved 100% accuracy (F1 = 1) in identifying 111 unique novel data points across 1110 tests over nine training sessions. It correctly identified all 519 fully trained and 644 novel complex datasets. Among 644 clinician-trained reports, there were no major discrepancies in recommendations, with only 100 showing minor differences. Conclusions: This novel ML system demonstrated high accuracy in distinguishing trained from novel data and produced recommendations consistent with clinical guidelines. These results support its value in strengthening CDSS and ASP efforts. Full article

The intersection of microbial food safety and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a mounting global threat with profound implications for public health, food safety, and sustainable development. This review explores the complex pathways through which foodborne pathogens—such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli (E. coli), Listeria monocytogenes (L. monocytogenes), and Campylobacter spp.—acquire and disseminate resistance within human, animal, and environmental ecosystems. Emphasizing a One Health framework, we examine the drivers of AMR across sectors, including the misuse of antibiotics in agriculture, aquaculture, and clinical settings, and assess the role of environmental reservoirs in sustaining and amplifying resistance genes. We further discuss the evolution of surveillance systems, regulatory policies, and antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) designed to mitigate resistance across the food chain. Innovations in next-generation sequencing, metagenomics, and targeted therapeutics such as bacteriophage therapy, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and CRISPR-based interventions offer promising alternatives to conventional antibiotics. However, the translation of these advances into practice remains uneven, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) facing significant barriers to diagnostic access, laboratory capacity, and equitable treatment availability. Our analysis underscores the urgent need for integrated, cross-sectoral action—anchored in science, policy, and education—to curb the global spread of AMR. Strengthening surveillance, investing in research, promoting responsible antimicrobial use, and fostering global collaboration are essential to preserving the efficacy of existing treatments and ensuring the microbiological safety of food systems worldwide. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) optimize antimicrobial use, improving outcomes and reducing resistance. This study assessed the impact of a ward-specific ASP. Methods: A pre/post quasi-experimental study was conducted in an internal medicine ward at a tertiary hospital in Padua, Italy. During the intervention year (September 2023–August 2024), a multidisciplinary team (infectious disease consultants, pharmacists, microbiologists, nurses, and hygienists) held bi-weekly ward-based audits, reviewing antimicrobial prescriptions and performing bedside assessments. Therapy adjustments followed guidelines and local epidemiology. Educational sessions and infection prevention and control (IPC) protocols were also reinforced. Outcomes were compared to the previous year, considering patient characteristics. The primary outcome was antimicrobial consumption (DDD/100 patient days, DDD/100PD); secondary outcomes included cost savings, length of stay (LOS), and mortality. Results: Fifty audits assessed 1074 patients and 1401 antimicrobial treatments. Patient characteristics were similar. Antibiotic suspension or de-escalation occurred in 37.9% and 22% of patients, respectively. AWARE ACCESS class use increased (+17.5%), while carbapenem (−54.4%) and fluoroquinolone (−42.0%) use significantly declined (p < 0.05). IPC and microbiological culture guidance were provided in 12.1% of cases. Antimicrobial consumption dropped from 107.7 to 84.4 DDD/100PD (p < 0.05). No significant changes in LOS or mortality were observed. Antimicrobial costs fell by 48.8% (with EUR 57,100 saved). Conclusions: ASP reduced antimicrobial consumption, improved prescription quality, and cut costs without compromising patient outcomes. Multidisciplinary collaboration, audits, and education proved essential. Future studies should assess long-term resistance trends and integrate rapid diagnostics for enhanced stewardship. Full article

Background/Objectives: According to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, improved antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) combined with rapid diagnostic tests could potentially prevent thousands of deaths caused by multidrug-resistant organisms annually. This study aimed to compare the results obtained using the Unyvero system/hospital-acquired pneumonia (HPN) panel with those obtained using classic microbiological diagnostic methods to evaluate the potential of introducing this rapid diagnostic test into routine diagnosis and improving local ASPs. Methods: A single-center, observational, cross-sectional, analytical study was performed; it included patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) with the presumptive diagnosis of community- or hospital-acquired pneumonia. One hundred non-repetitive endotracheal aspirates were collected and subjected to analysis using both methods. The concordance between the results obtained via the standard-of-care (SoC) culture and Unyvero was analyzed. Results: Of the results generated using Unyvero/HPN, 51% were fully concordant with those obtained via culture, 48% were partially concordant, and only 1% represented failure. It was also more efficient in identifying multiple organisms in a single sample than the SoC culture (1.32 versus 1.1 per sample). The three most common isolates identified via both methods were Acinetobacter baumannii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The most common resistance markers identified with Unyvero were sul1 (41%), tem and ndm (25%), and kpc, imp, vim, and gyrA87 (2% of results). Conclusions: Unyvero/HPN, if associated with appropriate diagnostic stewardship, could be used to manage critically ill patients to ensure an appropriate ASP. Full article

Background/Objectives: Length of hospital stay (LOS) is a critical measure of healthcare efficiency. This study investigated factors contributing to prolonged LOS in adult patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs) in Lebanon and assessed microbial susceptibility patterns of causative pathogens. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted across five Lebanese university hospitals (March 2022–December 2023), analyzing 401 patients. Data on microbiological findings and the LOS were extracted from medical records. Statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, bivariate tests (t-tests, ANOVA, and Pearson’s correlation), and multiple linear regression (significance: p ≤ 0.05), were performed using IBM SPSS^® 27. Results: The mean LOS was 5.85 ± 2.41 days. Prolonged hospitalization was associated with patient-related factors (age, comorbidities, UTI type, specific symptoms, and multidrug-resistant infections) and treatment-related factors. Empirical use of carbapenems (β = 0.783, p = 0.004) and fluoroquinolones (β = 1.360, p = 0.014), along with inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions (β = 0.609, p = 0.022), significantly extended the LOS. Conversely, antibiotic de-escalation based on culture results reduced the LOS (β = −0.567, p = 0.029). Escherichia coli (61.8%) was the predominant pathogen, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (11.9%), Proteus mirabilis (7.8%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.5%). Notably, susceptibility to antibiotics showed a concerning decline. Conclusions: Inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions were linked to a prolonged LOS, emphasizing the need for judicious antimicrobial use. The positive impact of de-escalation supports culture-guided therapy. Declining antibiotic susceptibility highlights the urgency for robust antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and a national microbial resistance database to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Lebanon. Full article

Approximately 2.8 million cases of bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR) infections result in over 35,000 deaths annually in the U.S. AMR is driven largely by inappropriate prescribing of antibiotics, especially in clinics serving rural communities or underserved populations. Antibiotic Stewardship Programs (ASPs) improve prescribing practices, but many rural clinics lack fully functional ASPs. This pilot study evaluated the impact of an algorithm-driven protocol on antibiotic prescribing in a rural primary care setting. We conducted a pre–post quasi-experimental study at a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), focusing on upper respiratory infections, urinary tract infections, and sexually transmitted infections. Eligible patients were enrolled in the study during their primary care visits. The primary outcome was the frequency of guideline-concordant treatment, analyzed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests. Among 201 patients (101 pre-intervention, 100 post-intervention), the pre-intervention group consisted of 77% females and 47% African Americans, while the post-intervention group consisted of 72% females and 46% African Americans. The intervention was associated with a 12.6% decrease in the number of antibiotic prescriptions discordant with clinical guidelines (37.6% to 25%) from the pre- to post-intervention periods. This corresponded to an odds ratio of 0.55 (95% CI: 0.30–1.01, p = 0.054). Although not statistically significant at α = 0.05, this numerical decrease suggests potential benefits of algorithm-driven protocols in improving antibiotic stewardship in resource-limited settings. Longer study periods may further elucidate these benefits. Full article

Background: Antimicrobial resistance has highlighted the need for effective infectious disease strategies. Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) may reduce antibiotic resistance, adverse reactions, and treatment failures. This systematic review examines ASPs in Saudi Arabia, assessing their efficacy, challenges, and outcomes to improve antimicrobial use and patient care. Methods: Searches were carried out in the Ovid, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection databases for studies published from 2007 to July 2024, in Saudi Arabia, following the PRISMA guidelines. Studies that assessed ASPs’ implementation, effectiveness, and outcomes in hospital settings were included. Results: Out of the 6080 titles identified, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, covering different regions of the country, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Dhahran, Makkah, Al-Kharj, and a multi-regional study in Qassim and Riyadh. Various interventions were implemented by the ASPs, such as educational programs, audit and feedback, switching from intravenous to oral administration, and enhanced policies. These interventions collectively led to a decrease in the overall antimicrobial consumption and cost, and a reduction in cases with multidrug-resistant bacteria. Conclusions: The findings of this review highlight the positive impact of ASPs in Saudi Arabia. However, addressing challenges such as data limitations and training gaps is essential to enhance their effectiveness. Expanding education and refining implementation strategies are crucial for ensuring their long-term success. Full article

Background: To aid in the development of antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs), we analyzed the patterns and trends in antibiotic prescriptions for patients with severe acute respiratory infection (SARI), utilizing the WHO’s AWaRe classification. Methods: We analyzed data from hospital-based influenza surveillance from January 2011 to December 2020 across nine Bangladeshi tertiary-level hospitals. Surveillance physicians collected WHO-defined SARI patient data, including demographics, clinical characteristics, and antibiotic prescriptions. Descriptive statistics and parametric and non-parametric tests were used for the analysis. Results: Of 21,566 SARI patients [median age 20 years (IQR: 1.33–45), 66% male], 91% were prescribed at least one antibiotic. A total of 25,133 antibiotics were prescribed, of which 47.0% were third-generation cephalosporins, 16.5% were macrolides, and 11.1% were beta-lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors. According to the AWaRe classification, 28.7% were in the Access group, while 71.3% were in the Watch group, and none were from the Reserve group. A downward trend in Access group (30.4% to 25.1%; p = 0.010) and an upward trend in Watch group antibiotic prescription (69.6% to 74.9%; p = 0.010) were observed. We identified that patients aged < 5 years (aOR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.44–2.25), who were treated in government hospitals (aOR: 1.45; 95% CI: 1.35–1.57), patients with the presence of lung diseases (aOR: 1.56; 95% CI: 1.35–1.80) had an increased likelihood of being prescribed Watch group antibiotics. Conclusions: This study reveals a concerning pattern of antibiotic overuse among SARI patients in Bangladesh, with a growing trend over the past decade towards increased Watch group antibiotic prescriptions. Only one-third of the prescribed antibiotics were from the Access group, falling short of the two-thirds threshold recommended by the WHO. Effective ASPs are crucial to optimize antibiotic prescriptions and mitigate the risk of antimicrobial resistance. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health threat, necessitating innovative approaches in antimicrobial stewardship (AMS). Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have emerged as transformative tools in this domain, enabling data-driven interventions to optimize antibiotic use and combat resistance. This comprehensive review explores the multifaceted role of AI and ML models in enhancing antimicrobial stewardship efforts across healthcare systems. AI-powered predictive analytics can identify patterns of resistance, forecast outbreaks, and guide personalized antibiotic therapies by leveraging large-scale clinical and epidemiological data. ML algorithms facilitate rapid pathogen identification, resistance profiling, and real-time monitoring, enabling precise decision making. These technologies also support the development of advanced diagnostic tools, reducing the reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics and fostering timely, targeted treatments. In public health, AI-driven surveillance systems improve the detection of AMR trends and enhance global monitoring capabilities. By integrating diverse data sources—such as electronic health records, laboratory results, and environmental data—ML models provide actionable insights to policymakers, healthcare providers, and public health officials. Additionally, AI applications in antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) promote adherence to prescribing guidelines, evaluate intervention outcomes, and optimize resource allocation. Despite these advancements, challenges such as data quality, algorithm transparency, and ethical considerations must be addressed to maximize the potential of AI and ML in this field. Future research should focus on developing interpretable models and fostering interdisciplinary collaborations to ensure the equitable and sustainable integration of AI into antimicrobial stewardship initiatives. Full article

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and diagnostic stewardship programs (DSPs) are essential strategies for effectively managing infectious diseases and tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These programs can have a complementary impact, i.e., ASPs optimize antimicrobial use to prevent resistance, while DSPs enhance diagnostic accuracy to guide appropriate treatments. This review explores the current landscape of ASPs and DSPs in pediatric care, focusing on key factors, influencing their development, implementation, and evaluation across various settings. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary, involving multiple healthcare professionals to support comprehensive stewardship practices in pediatric care. No single intervention suits all settings, or even the same setting, in different countries; interventions must be tailored to each specific context, considering factors such as hospital capacity, patient complexity, and the parent–child dynamic. It is essential to educate caregivers on optimal antibiotic use through clear, concise messages adapted to their socioeconomic status and level of understanding. The cost-effectiveness of ASPs and DSPs should also be assessed, and standardized metrics should be employed to evaluate success in pediatric settings, focusing on outcomes beyond just antibiotic consumption, such as AMR rates. This manuscript further discusses emerging opportunities and challenges in ASP implementation, offering insights into future research priorities. These include large-scale studies to evaluate the long-term impact of ASPs, cost-effectiveness assessments of pediatric-specific diagnostic tools, and the integration of artificial intelligence to support clinical decision making. Addressing these areas will enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of ASPs, contributing to global efforts to combat AMR and improve pediatric health outcomes. Full article

Objectives: We aimed to summarize the current state of antimicrobial stewardship (ASP) and diagnostic stewardship programs (DSPs) implemented in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Methods: Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched, including studies from 1 January 2007 to 20 February 2024. Studies were included in the review if they assessed the implementation of an ASP or a DSP in a PICU. Identified references were downloaded into Rayyan software, and data were extracted using a standardized data collection form. Results: 18 studies were included; 13 described an ASP intervention, and 5 described a diagnostic stewardship intervention. Most studies were retrospective and adopted a persuasive strategy for ASP, reporting positive effects on antimicrobial consumption. However, studies were dramatically heterogeneous in terms of intervention type, outcomes and metrics used, limiting the possibility of a broader comparison. Diagnostic stewardship studies included mainly the impact of biomarkers and pathogen testing panels without significant impact on antibiotic prescription patterns. Antimicrobial resistance changes were not described by the majority of studies. Conclusions: the implementation of ASP in PICUs is still limited, with significant variability in the metrics used to evaluate outcomes. To enhance the effectiveness of these programs, it is crucial to harmonize reporting metrics to allow an adequate comparison of results and to find the best strategies to inform ASP in PICUs. Full article

Background/Objectives: To face antimicrobial resistance, antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) have been implemented in the pediatric age, but the area of urgency remains understudied. We aimed to assess the impact of an educational program on optimizing antibiotic appropriateness in a pediatric ED. Methods: We conducted a pre-post observational study with an audit, intervention, and feedback given to prescribers. We recorded all systemic antibiotic prescriptions for children attending our pediatric ED from January to March and from July to September 2020. The study’s team assigned a score to each prescription, regarding the appropriate molecule, dose, and duration of therapy, according to the diagnosis. From April to June 2020, we held weekly meetings focusing on different pediatric infectious diseases, with interaction between one to three ED physicians and the infectious disease (ID) specialist of the study’s team. We then distributed synthetic digital guidelines adapted to our reality to all prescribers. Results: Optimal antibiotic prescriptions increased after the intervention, with statistical significance (p < 0.001) in four main aspects (overall adequacy: 13% PRE vs. 43% POST; need of antibiotics: 53% vs. 68%; adequacy of the spectrum: 55% vs. 63%; adequacy of the chosen molecule: 54% vs. 62%). We observed an improvement in all the main infectious diseases and concerns all the ED physicians. The prescription of first-choice drugs increased in specific and common illnesses such as otitis and pharyngotonsillitis. Conclusions: An antimicrobial stewardship program is a relevant method for improving the appropriateness of antimicrobial use also in the complex setting of a pediatric ED. Full article

Though antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) are required for hospitals, the involvement of transplant recipients in programmatic interventions, protocols, and metrics has historically been limited. Though there is a growing interest in studying stewardship practices in transplant patients, optimal practices have not been clearly established. A component of ASPs, antiviral stewardship (AVS), specifically targeting cytomegalovirus (CMV), has been more recently described. Understanding AVS opportunities and interventions is particularly important for transplant recipients, given the morbidity and mortality associated with viral infections, challenging clinical syndromes, ultrasensitive molecular diagnostic assays, antiviral resistance, and costs of viral disease and medications, as well as antiviral drug toxicities. This review highlights opportunities for AVS for CMV, EBV, HSV, VZV, SARS-CoV-2, respiratory syncytial virus, and BK polyomavirus in transplant patients. Full article

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance is considered one of the foremost global public health challenges, and its prevalence is increasing. In Jordan, particularly in Al-Karak Governorate, there is a lack of sufficient data on antimicrobial resistance to make accurate assessments. The main aim of the current study was to evaluate antibiotic resistance trends in clinical specimens from 2022 and assess antibiotic resistance patterns. The emphasis on the WHO antibiotic classification as Access, Watch, and Reserved (AWaRe) was adopted in the current study. Results: Among Gram-positive bacteria, Enterococcus faecalis exhibited 100% susceptibility to nitrofurantoin and 96% to vancomycin, Streptococcus viridans exhibited 100% susceptibility to teicoplanin, while CoNS (coagulase-negative Staphylococci) showed moderate resistance to Trimethoprim + Sulfamethoxazole (63%) and clindamycin (47%). Among Gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae displayed high susceptibility to fosfomycin (E. coli: 95%, K. pneumoniae: 80%) and amikacin (E. coli: 93%, K. pneumoniae: 81%). Resistance was notable for trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole (E. coli: 47%, K. pneumoniae: 53%) and nitrofurantoin (K. pneumoniae: 30%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibited the highest proportion of XDR strains (15%), followed by K. pneumoniae (11%) and E. coli (4%), while PDR strains were found in P. aeruginosa (6%), K. pneumoniae (3%), and E. coli (0.6%). XDR was observed in 4% of CoNS and 3% of S. viridans (α), with Staphylococcus aureus exhibiting both XDR and PDR at 1%. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study of bacterial species and their antimicrobial susceptibility was carried out at a hospital in Al Karak, Jordan, from January to December of 2022, the study included 1187 isolates from all locations in Al-Karak Governmental Hospital. Conclusions: The significant prevalence of XDR and PDR strains in key pathogens, particularly P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae, underscores the need for a robust Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP) and infection control measures at Al-Karak Governmental Hospital. High susceptibility in several Access group antibiotics (e.g., amikacin and nitrofurantoin) supports their prioritization in empirical therapy, while the emergence of resistance in Watch and Reserved antibiotics highlights the necessity for rational use. These findings are very important for adjusting the local strategies to lower the spread of resistant strains and improve clinical outcomes. Full article