Impact of In-Hospital infection with SARS-CoV-2 among Inpatients at a university hospital

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of nosocomial infection and the impact of cross-transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among inpatients at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study involving inpatients admitted to a tertiary university hospital in the city of São Paulo, Brazil, between March 2020 and February 2021. Cases were identified on the basis of a positive reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction result for SARS-CoV-2 and the review of electronic medical records. Nosocomial transmission was defined by applying the criteria established by the Brazilian National Health Regulatory Agency. Results We identified 2146 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection, 185 (8.6%) of which were considered cases of nosocomial transmission. The mean age was 58.3 years. The incidence density was 1.78 cases per 1,000 patient-days on the general wards, being highest on the cardiac surgery ward, and only 0.16 per 1,000 patient-days on the COVID-19 wards. Of the 185 patients evaluated, 115 (62.2%) were men, 150 (81.1%) cases had at least one comorbidity, and 104 (56.2%) evolved to death. Conclusions Despite the preventive measures taken, nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurred throughout our hospital. Such measures should be intensified when the incidence of community transmission peaks.

Nosocomial COVID-19 Incidence and Secondary Attack Rates among Patients of Tertiary Care Center, Zurich, Switzerland

“…In a mostly unvaccinated population in which most infections were caused by pre-Alpha variant SARS-CoV-2 (6), we found that 7.4% of all COVID-19 patients had probable or definite healthcare-associated COVID-19. This finding is comparable to that from the second wave in Brazil (8.6%) (7) but lower than that from the first wave in the United Kingdom (9%-15%) (2,3). We were able to link only half of the healthcare-associated cases in our hospital to an identified index patient.…”

A Brazilian Inter-Hospital Candidemia Outbreak Caused by Fluconazole-Resistant Candida parapsilosis in the COVID-19 Era

“…Despite two attempts at environmental decontamination in late 2019, FRCP candidemia episodes remained a persistent and increasing challenge in early 2020 [18]. Since the first COVID-19 case in Brazil was reported on 25 February 2020 [19], many preventive measures, such as proper hand hygiene, were reinforced to minimize SARS-CoV-2 contamination in Brazilian hospitals [20]. However, in May 2020, an unexpected increase in the incidence of FRCP candidemia was reported in a Brazilian cardiology referral center, which provides emergency cardiac care for inpatients from the cancer center, suggesting an inter-hospital transmission of FCRP isolates through shared ICU patients.…”

The COVID‐19 infection control response at a large stand‐alone comprehensive cancer center in Los Angeles County

“…Additionally, the proactive and comprehensive infection control response at COH was paramount to preventing the spread of COVID‐19, with no documented nosocomial patient to patient or staff to patient transmission as of September 2021. This is impressive considering that nosocomial transmission of COVID 15–17 and other common respiratory viruses 18,19 has been documented.…”

“…patient or staff to patient transmission as of September 2021. This is impressive considering that nosocomial transmission of COVID [15][16][17] and other common respiratory viruses 18,19 has been documented.…”