[Isolation practices in patients with carbapenemase producing enterobacterales: results of a national survey].

INTRODUCTION

Carbapenemase-producing enterobacterales (CPE) pose an increasing challenge for infection control programs. Recommendations regarding the duration and criteria for contact precautions vary across guidelines and regions. This study aimed to describe current practices related to CPE isolation in Argentine healthcare institutions.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted between March and April 2025. The questionnaire was disseminated by national scientific societies to public and private institutions with active infection control programs.

RESULTS

A total of 190 valid responses from 22 jurisdictions were analyzed. The median number of beds was 128 (IQR 80-200). Almost all centers had infection control teams (96.3%) and performed active surveillance (95.3%), mainly in critical care areas. Individual-room precautions were implemented in most institutions, although only 48.9% consistently had single-room availability. Patient cohorting was used in 61.1% of hospitals, and staff cohorting in 13.7%. Adherence to hand hygiene generally ranged between 50% and 80%, with no institution reaching =90%. Criteria for discontinuing contact precautions were described by 28.4% of institutions, showing marked heterogeneity. Private facilities reported greater resource availability, broader surveillance coverage, and more frequent written protocols compared with public institutions.

CONCLUSION

Argentine healthcare centers apply contact precautions for CPE, but notable variability persists in resources, adherence, and criteria for discontinuation. These findings underscore the need for standardized national guidelines to harmonize practices and optimize infection control strategies.