Ms Shiyu Li1
1West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Biography:
Shiyu Li, Master’s Degree, Associate Chief Nurse, has been specializing in hospital infection prevention and control for 14 years. She is proficient in the prevention and control of surgical site infections, MDROs, and the management of hand hygiene.
Abstract:
Introduction
To describe the infection prevention and control (IPC) measures implemented for the first identified case of Candida auris in a rehabilitation department, highlighting key strategies to prevent nosocomial transmission.
Methods
A comprehensive IPC protocol was activated following detection of C. auris in a rehabilitation patient. This included: 1) immediate single-room isolation with contact precautions; 2)environmental samples from patient-occupied areas and healthcare worker hand screening, with all positive isolates subjected to whole-genome sequencing(WGS) alongside the patient's clinical specimens; 3)modified rehabilitation treatment process (bedside delivery with staggered scheduling);4)enhanced disinfection (1000mg/L chlorine solution 3×/day +UV robot terminal disinfection); 5)strict staff cohorting and visitor restrictions ;6)education and training. Active surveillance continued for 3 months.
Results
Among 129 environmental samples (intensive care unit=89, rehabilitation=40), 3.6% were positive (5/129). No carriage was found in 17 HCW hand swabs (intensive care unit=12, rehabilitation=5). WGS showed 4 environmental isolates matched the patient's strain, while 1 intensive care unit isolate differed. No transmission occurred during 3-month follow-up.
Conclusion
This case demonstrates that aggressive IPC measures, particularly rigorous environmental decontamination and staff management, can effectively prevent C. auris transmission in rehabilitation settings. The detection of an unrelated intensive care unit strain highlights the need for facility-wide surveillance.