Recent Submissions

  • Clinical features, risk factors and outcomes of contact lens-related bacterial keratitis in Nottingham, UK: a 7-year study.

    Elsahn, Ahmad
    Background/Objectives To examine the clinical characteristics, risk factors and outcomes of contact lens-related bacterial keratitis (CLBK) in a large UK tertiary referral centre. Subjects/Methods A retrospective analysis of all patients who presented to the Queen’s Medical Centre, Nottingham, UK, with suspected CLBK between October 2015 to September 2022 (a 7-year period) was performed. Relevant data on demographic factors, CL wear behaviour, causes, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were analysed. Results We included 138 patients with CLBK; the mean age was 42.0 ± 17.8 years and 74 (53.6%) patients were male. Most CLBK were related to soft CL wear (94.5%), particularly monthly disposable (42.5%) and daily disposable (24.4%) CLs. Poor CL wear behaviour/hygiene was documented in 57.1% cases. Among the 64 (46.4%) microbiological-positive cases (n = 73 organisms), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (36, 49.3%) and Staphylococcus spp. (16, 21.9%) were most commonly identified. Six (4.3%) cases were polymicrobial. Most (97.0%) patients were successfully treated with topical antibiotics alone, with 80.6% achieving good final corrected-distance-visual-acuity (CDVA) of ≥ 0.30 logMAR. Poor visual outcome (final CDVA < 0.30 logMAR) was significantly associated with presenting CDVA < 0.6 logMAR (p = 0.002) and central ulcer (p = 0.004). Poor corneal healing (complete healing of > 30 days from initial presentation) was significantly associated with age > 50 years (p = 0.028), female gender (p = 0.020), and infiltrate size >3 mm (p = 0.031). Conclusions Poor CL wear behaviour/hygiene is commonly observed in CLBK, highlighting the importance of improved counselling and awareness regarding CL use and hygiene. When presented early and managed appropriately, most patients are able to achieve good clinical outcomes with medical treatment alone.
  • Short-term COVID-19 vaccine adverse effects among adults in Ekiti State, Nigeria

    Adesokan, Adedapo
    Background: The safety of the COVID-19 vaccines has been a topic of concern globally. This issue of safety is associated with vaccine hesitancy due to concerns about the adverse effects of the vaccines. Consequently, this study determined the short-term safety profile of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in Ekiti State, Nigeria. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted between May and July 2021 among individuals who had received the first dose of the first batch of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH), Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. A Google form was used to collect data on the adverse effects of the vaccine. Results: Out of over 1,000 individuals who were approached, 758 respondents completed the study. A large percentage (57.4%) of those who received the vaccines were healthcare workers. Adverse effects were reported in 70.8% of the participants with most manifesting on the first day of the vaccination. The predominant adverse effects were injection site soreness (28.5%), followed by fatigue (18.7%) and muscle pain (8.6%). There was no report of severe adverse effects such as anaphylactic reactions, thrombosis, myocarditis, transient myelitis, or Guillen-Barre syndrome. Conclusion: This study found that self-reported adverse effects of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine were mild and short in duration. This outcome has promising implications for improving COVID-19 vaccine uptake in the immediate environment and Nigeria.
  • The Molecular Epidemiology of Clostridioides difficile Infection in Central India: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

    Ambalkar, Shrikant (Microbiology Research, 2023-09)
    This prospective observational cohort study aimed to establish and compare baseline rates of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) in community and hospitalized patients in Nagpur and rural Melghat Maharashtra, including adults aged ≥18 years with a diagnosis of diarrhoea as defined as 3 or more loose stools in a 24 h period. All diarrhoeal samples were tested for CDI using the C. diff Quik Chek Complete enzyme immunoassay. C. difficile-positive stool samples were characterised by toxigenic culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PCR ribotyping. C. difficile testing was performed on 1683 patients with acute diarrhoea. A total of 54 patients (3.21%; 95% CI: 2.42–4.17) tested positive for both the GDH antigen and free toxin. The risk factors for CDI included the presence of co-morbidities, antibiotic usage, and immunosuppression. The detected PCR ribotypes included 053-16, 017, 313, 001, 107, and 216. Our findings show that toxigenic C. difficile is an important but neglected aetiologic agent of infective diarrhoea in Central India. These results underscore the need to enhance the awareness and testing of patients with diarrhoea in India regarding the presence of toxigenic C. difficile, particularly in high-risk individuals with multiple co-morbidities, immunosuppression, and recent or ongoing antibiotic exposure or hospitalization.
  • A surgeon's trial success of curing pedal eumycetoma

    Mitchell, James (BMJ Case Reports, 2023-07)
    Mycetoma is a chronic infection of underlying fungal (eumycetoma) or bacterial (actinomycetoma) origin. It is characterised by a clinical triad of tumour-like swelling, actively draining sinuses and macroscopic grains of characteristic colours. We the case of a 66-year-old woman on immunosuppressive therapy presenting with eumycetoma of the foot (Madura foot). The fungal organism cultured was Acrophialophora fusispora. This case was managed with a combination of extensive surgical debridement, and packing with calcium sulfate (Stimulan) beads impregnated with vancomycin and voriconazole. As far as the authors are aware, this is a novel adjunct to the surgical treatment of deep fungal infection in the foot. Eumycetoma treated with surgery and oral antifungal therapy leads to cure rates of 25%–35%. This novel treatment seems to bear further investigation for the potential to improve cure rates. At 8 months follow-up, our patient appears to be making good progress with no current signs of recurrence.
  • Waterborne infections in haemato-oncology units - a narrative review.

    Weinbren, Michael
    Bone marrow transplant and haemato-oncology patients are at risk of healthcare associated infections due to waterborne pathogens. We undertook a narrative review of waterborne outbreaks in haemato-oncology patients from 2000-2022. Databases searched included Pubmed, DARE and CDSR and were undertaken by two authors. We analysed the organisms implicated, sources identified and infection prevention and control strategies implemented. The most commonly implicated pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, non-tuberculous mycobacteria and Legionella pneumophila. Bloodstream infection was the most common clinical presentation. The majority of incidents employed multimodal strategies to achieve control, addressing both the water source and routes of transmission. This review highlights the risk to haemato-oncology patients from waterborne pathogens and discusses future preventative strategies and the requirement for new UK guidance for haemato-oncology units.
  • Implementing changes to reduce infections in ICU patients. Water services and waste systems.

    Weinbren, Michael
    Evidence linking the role of water services in transmission of infection to patients in ICUs has increased in recent years.This research based commentary set out to identify potential solutions for water and wastewater systems in ICU settings.Databases and open source information was used to obtain data on approaches to water and wastewater-related issues in ICU settings. This and the authors experiences have been used to describe approaches to these problems.The lack of updated guidance has required some ICUs to develop unique responses, including ‘water free’ patient care combined with reduction in water services. The options consider guidance, compliance, training and education as key factors to successful outcomes and protecting vulnerable patients in ICU.The authors found a number of problems with water and wastewater systems in ICU to which there has not been a cohesive response in terms of guidance to support users and designers. The resultant void permits new projects to proceed with suboptimal and designs which place patients and staff at risk. As an interim measure a series of solutions suitable for existing units and new builds need to be considered.
  • Factors to consider in the safe design of intensive care units - Part 1: historical aspects and ventilation systems.

    Weinbren, Michael
    Evidence linking the role of ventilation systems in transmission of infection to patients in intensive care units has increased in recent years.This research-based commentary set out to identify the historical aspect of intensive care unit design, current problems and some potential solutions with respect to ventilation systems.Databases and open source information was used to obtain data on the historical aspects and current guidance in ICU, and the authors experiences have been used to suggest potential solutions to ventilation problems in ICU.The authors found a number of problems with ventilation in ICU to which there has not been a cohesive response in terms of guidance to support users and designers. The resultant void permits new projects to proceed with suboptimal and designs which place patients and staff at risk.The NHS is now at the start of major new investments in healthcare facilities in England and this together with the end of the antibiotic era mandates new guidance to address these major concerns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
  • Aspects and problems associated with the water services to be considered in intensive care units

    Weinbren, Michael
    Water is a product taken for granted and assumed to be a safe commodity in intensive care units (ICU). Biofilm readily becomes established in complex water services presenting a risk to vulnerable patients. Harboured within biofilms are opportunistic pathogens which can be transmitted via hand contact, splashing, aerosol and indirect contact through medical equipment. Evidence linking the role of water services in transmission of infection to patients in ICUs has increased in recent years.This research based commentary set out to identify current problems with water and wastewater systems in ICU settings.Databases and open source information was used to obtain data on current water and wastewater-related issues in ICU settings. This and the authors experiences have been used to describe current challenges.the authors found a number of problems with water systems in ICU to which there has not been a cohesive response in terms of guidance to support users and designers. The resultant void permits new projects to proceed with suboptimal and designs which place patients and staff at risk.Hand hygiene stations are frequently misused or close enough to patients such that splashing poses a transmission risk. The wastewater system (drain) also presents a risk, from where Gram-negative antibiotic resistant organisms may be dispersed resulting in untreatable patient infections. The water and wastewater system provide a superhighway for the movement of pathogenic microorganisms and these risks need to be addressed if we are to safeguard vulnerable users in ICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
  • Presymptomatic, asymptomatic and post-symptomatic transmission of SARS-CoV-2: joint British Infection Association (BIA), Healthcare Infection Society (HIS), Infection Prevention Society (IPS) and Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath) guidance

    Weinbren, Michael (BMC Infectious Diseases, 2022-05)
    This is the second of two guidance articles produced by the British Infection Association (BIA), the Healthcare Infection Society (HIS), the Infection Prevention Society (IPS) and the Royal College of Pathologists (RCPath). Both articles refer to the pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Using evidence that emerged during the first wave of the pandemic, the articles summarise aspects of the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and provide guidance on how to reduce the risk of transmission. This article focuses on the risks of presymptomatic, asymptomatic and post-symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 transmission, allowing healthcare workers and the public to understand how transmission occurs and to take action to protect themselves and others. The guidance recognises further waves of the pandemic, the possibility of reinfection, the emergence of new variants of the virus and ongoing immunisation programmes.
  • Pseudomonas water testing and ISO standards in UK and Germany.

    Weinbren, Michael (Journal of Hospital Infection, 2018-11)
    In the UK, HTM 04-01 recommends microbiological testing of water for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) as part of the strategy to control water supply-related risks in hospitals. The guidance states that ‘All microbiological measurements should be by approved methods and/or be carried out by United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS)-accredited laboratories for the method being used.’
  • Water, Life and Death

    Weinbren, Michael (2019-02)
  • A two-centre study assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on orthodontic patients in secondary care.

    Flett, Andrew
    Objective: To evaluate the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on patients in active orthodontic treatment. Design: Digital online survey. Setting: Two secondary care orthodontic departments in the United Kingdom. Participants: A prospective convenience sample of 103 patients in active orthodontic treatment. Methods: A 12-item questionnaire developed using the platform SurveyMonkey was used to assess the following: (1) patient's feelings towards attending their orthodontic appointments; (2) their desire to continue with their treatment; (3) how many patients encountered problems with their appliance during the lockdown; (4) how patients sought help during the first national lockdown period; and (5) any other concerns regarding impact on their orthodontic treatment. Results: A total of 103 participants responses were collected over a four-week period across two departments. Of them, 45% required a face-to-face appointment to solve a problem with their appliance; 45% of patients who had problems with their orthodontic appliance were able to resolve the issue through digital means either via telephone/email advice from their provider or from accessing help via the Internet; and 99% of patients wanted to continue with their orthodontic treatment. Conclusion: Our study has shown that a significantly higher percentage of patients are more concerned regarding attending face-to-face appointments after the first national lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. Providers of orthodontic care should ensure they support their patients by providing digital support and adopt virtual means of managing emergency cases patients in the event of any further imposed national or local lockdowns. Furthermore, access and availability of emergency face-to-face orthodontic care is necessary for many patients in active orthodontic treatment.
  • Role of the kitchen environment

    Weinbren, Michael (2021-06)
  • Reducing catheter-associated urinary tract infections through best practice: Sherwood Forest Hospitals' experience.

    Palmer, Sally; Dixon, Rosie (2019-01)
    A programme to standardise catheterisation practice was introduced in Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Trust in 2016, with the aim of reducing the incidence of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). The initiative involved the use of a catheterisation pack (Bard®Tray). Within the first year following its introduction, the CAUTI rate had been reduced from 13.3% to 2.1% (between July 2016 and June 2017), which is a reduction of more than 80%. Standardisation has also brought cost savings for the Trust of about £33 000 a year. The Trust has maintained its standardisation approach and CAUTI rates remain at around 2%.
  • Sepsis... [including commentary by Julian Newell]

    Dean, Erin (2016-09)
    Sepsis, a clinical syndrome caused by the body’s immune and coagulation systems being switched on by an infection, is believed to cause about 44,000 deaths a year. If not recognised early and treated promptly, sepsis can lead to shock, multiple organ failure and death. Major reports (UK parliamentary and health service ombudsman enquiry in 2013 and the UK National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death in 2015) have highlighted sepsis as being a leading cause of avoidable death that kills more people than breast, bowel and prostate cancer combined.