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METHODS: We investigated and compared the epidemiologic characteristics of the E. cloacae isolation in the period of outbreak (April-June, 1998) with those in the control period (January-March, 1998). To identify the risk factors for E. cloacae sepsis, we retrospectively conducted a chart review for the patients who had E. cloacae sepsis during the period of outbreak. On the basis of these results, environmental culture was performed hospital wide. RESULTS: Ten clinical isolates E. cloacae were recovered from the blood of ten patients from April to June. 1998. Seven out of 10 patients recieved ERCP procedure just before E. cloacae sepsis. Hence, we performed surveillance study in the endoscopy room before and after the procedure. The survey showed that distilled water which was used for washing the endoscopy was contaminated with E. cloacae, which was suspected to be the common source of this outbreak. Therefore, we changed distilled water into sterilized distilled water on washing the endoscopy. After this correction was performed, the incidence of ERCP-associated E. cloacae sepsis declined markedly (P<0.011). CONCLUSION: We investigated an outbreak of ERCP-related E. cloacae sepsis and the outbreak was successfully controlled by removing the source of infection.
Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde* ; Cloaca ; Endoscopy ; Enterobacter cloacae* ; Enterobacter* ; Humans ; Incidence ; Methods ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Sepsis* ; Water

7.Can We Overcome the Antimicrobial Resistance in Hospital?.

Jin Hong YOO

Korean Journal of Nosocomial Infection Control 2006;11(1):1-14

Antimicrobial resistance in the hospital is the most important challenging issue in the field of nosocomial infection control. Several nationwide surveys performed so far revealed that various profiles of resistance were already stablished in Korea: the prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was more than 70%; vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus was around 15%; resistance to third generation cephalosporins and aminoglycosides were around 30%, and so on. Although there remains some controversy, association between the development of antimicrobial resistance and the adverse clinical outcome does exist as supported by many studies worldwide. Therefore, combating and overcoming the antimicrobial resistance in the hospital is the most urgent task to solve. For the purpose of eradicating the antimicrobial resistance, we should use a two-edged sword: antimicrobial stewardship and hospital infection control. Regulation of antimicrobials could prevent the emergence of resistance, While infection control and precaution could contain the further spread of resistant organisms. In addition to these, futher aggressive strategy could be used for some species, e.g., active surveillance and \lquote search and destroy\rquote decolonization for MRSA. In conclusion, continuous education of appropriate antimicrobial prescription, implementation of proper precautions, and systematic approach to the infection control via organization of specialized personnel are sine qua non in overcoming the antimicrobial resistance in the hospital.
Aminoglycosides ; Cephalosporins ; Cross Infection ; Education ; Enterococcus ; Infection Control ; Korea ; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ; Prescriptions ; Prevalence

8.Seroprevalence of Anti-hepatitis B Virus, Anti-hepatitis A Virus, and Anti-varicella Zoster Virus Antibodies in Nursing Students from 2009 to 2013.

Jin Hee PARK ; Joung A SHON

Korean Journal of Nosocomial Infection Control 2016;21(1):31-36

BACKGROUND: Nursing students may be exposed to patients with infectious diseases such as hepatitis B and hepatitis A through needle stick injuries or close contact during their clinical practice. This study surveyed the presence of antihepatitis B virus (anti-HBV), anti-hepatitis A virus (anti-HAV), and anti-varicella zoster virus antibodies in nursing students before the initiation of their clinical practice to help prevent subsequent infections. METHODS: From 2009 to 2013, the junior students of a nursing college in Jeollabuk-do were tested for antibodies against the hepatitis B, hepatitis A, and varicella zoster viruses before the initiation of their clinical practice. RESULTS: The students tested positive for anti-HBV (46.2-57.1%), anti-HAV (0-10.5%), and anti-varicella zoster antibodies (80.2-90.2%). No significant differences in the positivity rates were observed with respect to the year of their enrollment. CONCLUSION: This study was a survey of the seroprevalence of anti-HBV, anti-HAV, and anti-varicella zoster antibodies in nursing students before they started their clinical practice. The positivity rate of anti-HAV was lower than 10%. In order to prevent infection, it is necessary to test nursing students for the presence of antibodies against hepatitis B, hepatitis A, varicella, measles, mumps, and rubella, and check their vaccination history as recommended in the adult immunization schedule. Vaccination must be recommended for students who test negative for the respective antibodies.
Adult ; Antibodies* ; Chickenpox ; Communicable Diseases ; Hepatitis A ; Hepatitis A Antibodies ; Hepatitis B ; Hepatitis B Antibodies ; Herpes Zoster* ; Herpesvirus 1, Cercopithecine* ; Herpesvirus 3, Human ; Humans ; Immunization Schedule ; Jeollabuk-do ; Measles ; Mumps ; Needlestick Injuries ; Nursing* ; Rubella ; Seroepidemiologic Studies* ; Students, Nursing* ; Vaccination