BackgroundIn the context of the opioid epidemic, injection drug use (IDU)–related infections are an escalating health issue for infectious diseases (ID) physicians in the United States.MethodsWe conducted a mixed methods survey of the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s Emerging Infections Network between February and April 2017 to evaluate perspectives relating to care of persons who inject drugs (PWID). Topics included the frequency of and management strategies for IDU-related infection, the availability of addiction services, and the evolving role of ID physicians in substance use disorder (SUD) management.ResultsMore than half (53%, n = 672) of 1273 network members participated. Of these, 78% (n = 526) reported treating PWID. Infections frequently encountered included skin and soft tissue (62%, n = 324), bacteremia/fungemia (54%, n = 281), and endocarditis (50%, n = 263). In the past year, 79% (n = 416) reported that most IDU-related infections required ≥2 weeks of parenteral antibiotics; strategies frequently employed for prolonged treatment included completion of the entire course in the inpatient unit (41%, n = 218) or at another supervised facility (35%, n = 182). Only 35% (n = 184) of respondents agreed/strongly agreed that their health system offered comprehensive SUD management; 46% (n = 242) felt that ID providers should actively manage SUD.ConclusionsThe majority of physicians surveyed treated PWID and reported myriad obstacles to providing care. Public health and health care systems should consider ways to support ID physicians caring for PWID, including (1) guidelines for providing complex care, including safe provision of multiweek parenteral antibiotics; (2) improved access to SUD management; and (3) strategies to assist those interested in roles in SUD management.

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A brief curricular intervention improved resident knowledge and attitudes regarding intranasal naloxone for opioid overdose reversal and significantly increased prescribing rates.

The prevalence of schistosomiasis and strongyloidiasis among Brazilian immigrants in the United States is unknown. We performed a retrospective chart review of serologic screening of asymptomatic Brazilian immigrants during routine physicals. Of 208 eligible patients, 189 were screened: 27.7% (n = 52) had elevated Schistosoma antibodies and 5.8% (n = 11) had elevated Strongyloides stercoralis antibodies.

Our study describes the characteristics of patients hospitalized with injection drug use–related infection over a multiyear period in a region highly impacted by the opioid epidemic. Intensive health care needs were common in this young cohort, including high rates of readmission, high hospitalization costs, and prolonged lengths of stay.

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BackgroundThe opioid epidemic has swept across the U.S. at a staggering rate, with an estimated half million to one million persons injecting drugs annually. Rates of hospitalization for injection drug use (IDU)-related infection have risen precipitously, comprising an escalating proportion of infectious diseases provider volume in highly impacted regions.MethodsIn March 2017, the Emerging Infections Network surveyed their national network of infectious diseases (ID) physicians to evaluate perspectives relating to the care of persons who inject drugs (PWID), including the frequency of, and management strategies for, IDU-related infection, the availability of addiction services, and the evolving role of ID physicians in the management of addiction.ResultsOver half (53%; N = 672) of 1,276 members with an adult ID practice participated; 78% (n = 526) reported treating PWID. Of 526 respondents, 464 (88%) reported seeing ≥1 patient per month with an IDU-related infection; 228 (43%) reported ≥6 per month. In the past year, 79% of respondents reported the majority of IDU-related infections seen required ≥2 weeks of parenteral therapy and reported frequently encountering skin and soft-tissue infections (61%), bacteremia/fungemia (53%), and endocarditis (50%). Strategies most commonly employed for management of prolonged parenteral antibiotic therapy included: completion of entire course on inpatient unit (by 41%) and transfer to supervised facility for completion (35%). Only 35% of respondents agree/strongly agree their health system offers comprehensive treatment of substance use disorders (N = 181). Though nearly half of respondents felt that ID providers should actively manage substance use disorders (46%; N = 241), only 3% reported being waivered to prescribe buprenorphine for treatment of opioid use disorder.ConclusionThe majority of infectious diseases physicians frequently care for PWID with serious infections. There is significant diversity amongst providers with regards to the availability of comprehensive addiction services as well as perceptions regarding the role providers should play in the management of addiction. Guidelines for the management of serious infections and concurrent addiction in the midst of the escalating national opioid crisis should be considered.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.