Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) may be considered contaminants when isolated from clinical specimens but may also be a cause of true infection. This study aimed to compare the clonality and SCCmec type of a collection of CoNS isolated from blood cultures of inpatients, nasal swabs of healthy individuals, and patients with chronic wounds, all from the same community, using SCCmec typing, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and MLST. Staphylococcus epidermidis, exhibited high clonal diversity, but hospital and community clusters were observed. Nosocomial S. epidermidis clones belonged to sequence types ST2, ST6, and ST23. Some Staphylococcus haemolyticus clones were found to circulate in the hospital and community, while Staphylococcus saprophyticus exhibited very high clonal diversity. Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Staphylococcus warneri, and Staphylococcus capitis revealed several isolates belonging to the same clone in the hospital and community. The detection of different SCCmec types within the same cluster indicated high diversity. S. epidermidis was associated with SCCmec I and III, S. haemolyticus with I and II, S. capitis with type V, Staphylococcus hominis with mec complex type A and ccr1, and S. warneri and S. saprophyticus with SCCmec I. The generation of elements and new combinations of cassette genes were highly associated with CoNS isolates, suggesting that SCCmec may not be a good marker of clonality in these bacteria.

According to World Health Organization, the Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) across humans and animals is one of the top ten threats to global health. The estimates suggest that by 2050, up to 10 million deaths could occur annually affecting the economies and directing even more people into situations of poverty(¹ 1. United Nations Environment Programme. (2023). Bracing for Superbugs: Strengthening environmental action in the One Health response to antimicrobial resistance. Geneva: UNEP. ).

Objective: To report on the adaptations made to the original Nominal Group Technique (NGT), allowing it to be applied to the virtual format, preserving all its key elements. Method: An experience report on the adaptations and adjustments made to the original NGT to the virtual format using Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), using digital tools that are available free of charge or are low cost and easy to use. Results: The NGT was carried out entirely virtually and underwent adaptations in each of its four stages through the incorporation of specific digital resources. It was possible to present the most voted ideas and obtain final approval from the participants. The participants had no difficulty in using the virtual resources provided and, based on the reaction evaluation, they were satisfied with the tools provided. Conclusion: The adapted NGT proved to be an effective method when used in a virtual setting, capable of producing a significant number of ideas and developing consensus. The adapted tool can be used by other researchers in countries with similar resources or dimensions to Brazil.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever a ocorrência de infecções relacionadas à assistência em saúde nas primeira e segunda ondas da pandemia da COVID-19 e analisar suas relações com os indicadores gerenciais em uma unidade de terapia intensiva. Métodos: Estudo documental retrospectivo, realizado durante as fases epidemiológicas da pandemia de COVID-19 utilizando a base de dados dos pacientes internados na unidade de terapia intensiva de um hospital da iniciativa privada em São Paulo. Os critérios de inclusão foram os pacientes internados no período de março de 2020 a agosto de 2021, com idade acima de 18 anos, diagnóstico de COVID-19 e apresentaram infecções relacionadas à assistência. Foram realizados análise descritiva para as variáveis demográficas e clínicas e testes de Qui-quadrado de Pearson e exato de Fisher para as associações. As análises consideraram o nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Destacamos a pneumonia associada à ventilação mecânica como a topografia mais prevalente entre as infecções. Foram também observados considerável aumento nos índices de infecção e uso de dispositivos invasivos desde a primeira à segunda ondas e uma correlação positiva das infecções com os indicadores de ocupação leitos/dia e pacientes/dia. Conclusão: Aumentaram as infecções e uso de dispositivos invasivos da primeira para a segunda ondas da COVID-19 com elevação na ocorrência de eventos adversos relacionados à assistência entre os períodos observados. O aumento nos números de leitos, internações e ocupação também mostrou um impacto positivo no aumento das infecções na unidade.

RESUMO Objetivo: Relatar as adaptações realizadas na Técnica de Grupo Nominal (TGN) original, permitindo sua aplicação ao formato virtual, preservando todos os seus elementos-chave. Método: Relato de experiência sobre as adaptações e adequações realizadas na TGN original ao formato virtual aplicando as Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TIC), por meio de ferramentas digitais disponibilizadas gratuitamente ou de baixo custo e de fácil manejo. Resultados: A TGN foi realizada integralmente de forma virtual e sofreu adaptações em cada uma das suas quatro etapas através da incorporação de recursos digitais específicos. Foi possível apresentar as ideias mais votadas e obter a aprovação final dos participantes. Os participantes não apresentaram dificuldade para utilizar os recursos virtuais disponibilizados, e, partir da avaliação de reação, mostram-se satisfeitos com as ferramentas disponibilizadas. Conclusão: A TGN adaptada mostrou-se um método efetivo quando utilizada em cenário virtual, sendo capaz de produzir um significativo número de ideias e desenvolver consenso. A ferramenta adaptada pode ser usada por outros pesquisadores em países com recursos ou dimensões semelhantes ao Brasil.

Objective: To describe the occurrence of healthcare-associated infections in the first and second waves of the COVID-19 pandemic and analyze their correlations with management indicators in an intensive care unit. Methods: Retrospective documentary study conducted during the epidemiological waves of the COVID-19 pandemic using the database of patients admitted to the intensive care unit of a private hospital in São Paulo. Inclusion criteria comprised patients admitted between March 2020 and August 2021, aged over 18 years, diagnosed with COVID-19, and presenting healthcare-associated infections. Descriptive analysis was performed for demographic and clinical variables, and Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were used for associations. A significance level of 5% was considered in the analyzes. Results: Ventilator-associated pneumonia is highlighted as the most prevalent topography among infections. A considerable increase in infection rates and use of invasive devices were also observed from the first to the second wave, as well as a positive correlation between infections and bed/day and patient/day occupancy indicators. Conclusion: Infections and the use of invasive devices increased from the first to the second wave of COVID-19, as well as the occurrence of adverse events related to care between the periods. The increase in the number of beds, hospitalizations and occupancy also showed a positive impact on the increase in infections in the unit.