Real-time PCR (rt-PCR) is a widely used molecular method for detection of Neisseria meningitidis (Nm). Several rt-PCR assays for Nm target the capsule transport gene, ctrA. However, over 16% of meningococcal carriage isolates lack ctrA, rendering this target gene ineffective at identification of this sub-population of meningococcal isolates. The Cu-Zn superoxide dismutase gene, sodC, is found in Nm but not in other Neisseria species. To better identify Nm, regardless of capsule genotype or expression status, a sodC-based TaqMan rt-PCR assay was developed and validated. Standard curves revealed an average lower limit of detection of 73 genomes per reaction at cycle threshold (Ct) value of 35, with 100% average reaction efficiency and an average R2 of 0.9925. 99.7% (624/626) of Nm isolates tested were sodC-positive, with a range of average Ct values from 13.0 to 29.5. The mean sodC Ct value of these Nm isolates was 17.6±2.2 (±SD). Of the 626 Nm tested, 178 were nongroupable (NG) ctrA-negative Nm isolates, and 98.9% (176/178) of these were detected by sodC rt-PCR. The assay was 100% specific, with all 244 non-Nm isolates testing negative. Of 157 clinical specimens tested, sodC detected 25/157 Nm or 4 additional specimens compared to ctrA and 24 more than culture. Among 582 carriage specimens, sodC detected Nm in 1 more than ctrA and in 4 more than culture. This sodC rt-PCR assay is a highly sensitive and specific method for detection of Nm, especially in carriage studies where many meningococcal isolates lack capsule genes.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to examine community-associated methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) carriage and infections and determine risk factors associated specifically with MRSA USA300. METHODS: We conducted a case control study in a pediatric emergency department. Nasal and axillary swabs were collected, and participants were interviewed for risk factors. The primary outcome was the proportion of S. aureus carriers among those presenting with and without a skin and soft tissue infection (SSTI). We further categorized S. aureus carriers into MRSA USA300 carriers or non-MRSA USA300 carriers. RESULTS: We found the MRSA USA300 carriage rate was higher in children less than two years of age, those with an SSTI, children with recent antibiotic use, and those with a family history of SSTI. MRSA USA300 carriers were also more likely to have lower income compared to non-MRSA USA300 carriers and no S. aureus carriers. Rates of Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) genes were higher in MRSA carriage isolates with an SSTI, compared to MRSA carriage isolates of patients without an SSTI. There was an association between MRSA USA300 carriage and presence of PVL in those diagnosed with an abscess. CONCLUSION: Children younger than two years were at highest risk for MRSA USA300 carriage. Lower income, recent antibiotic use, and previous or family history of SSTI were risk factors for MRSA USA300 carriage. There is a high association between MRSA USA300 nasal/axillary carriage and presence of PVL in those with abscesses.

Introduction Maintenance intravenous fluids (IVFs) are commonly used in children in the hospital setting, including in the Emergency Department (ED). Hypotonic IVFs have been the standard of care in pediatrics, but concerns about the high incidence of hyponatremia have been raised. Our institution had already been discussing switching to isotonic maintenance IVFs when the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a clinical practice guideline (CPG) in December 2018. The AAP CPG recommends patients 28 days to 18 years of age requiring maintenance IVFs receive isotonic solutions with appropriate potassium chloride (KCl) and dextrose. Objective In ED patients who are being admitted with maintenance IVFs to the inpatient ward, we aimed to increase use of isotonic fluids to >80% by Dec 2019. Methods Setting: 3 pediatric EDs in a large tertiary care pediatric healthcare system. A review of patients who had maintenance fluids ordered (defined as D5NS, D51/2NS, D51/4NS (each with or without KCl) at a rate of >10 ml/hr) prior to and after a QI intervention was performed. QI interventions included (1) institutional discussions on use of isotonic maintenance IVFs based on literature review, (2) education on isotonic maintenance fluids in accordance with the AAP CPG, (3) electronic medical record (EPIC) changes to encourage use of isotonic maintenance IVFs, (4) group practice review and individual feedback to outlier providers on their isotonic IVF use. Balancing measures included monitoring for increased frequency of serum electrolyte check within 24 hours of admission from the ED and incidence of hypernatremia. Data were analyzed using a run chart with Jan-Nov 2018 as baseline. Results Between Jan 2018 and Dec 2019, a mean of 115 patients/month meeting inclusion criteria had maintenance fluids ordered. The annotated run chart depicts isotonic fluid use over time. Centerlines were recalculated using accepted rules for differentiating common vs. special cause variation. By September of 2019, 80% of children received isotonic fluids, but more data points are needed to determine if this increase represents another sustained special cause variation. Measurement of performance on balancing measures is ongoing. Conclusion We were able to quickly increase use of isotonic maintenance fluids in ED patients being admitted to the inpatient setting. This rapid implementation of AAP recommendations may have been successful in part because of institutional readiness for change at the time the CPG was released. Additionally, hardwiring the preferred fluids via electronic medical record changes was a key intervention.

Introduction: Rotavirus remains the leading cause of severe diarrhea in children under 5 years worldwide. In the US, Rotarix® (RV1) and RotaTeq® (RV5), have been associated with reductions in and severity of rotavirus disease. Studies have evaluated the impact of RV1 or RV5 but little is known about the impact of incomplete or mixed vaccination upon vaccine effectiveness. Methods: Case control study to examine association of combined RV1 and RV5 and rotavirus acute gastroenteritis, factoring severity of diarrheal disease. Children born after March 1, 2009 with acute gastroenteritis from three pediatric hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia were approached for enrollment. Survey was administered, stool specimen was collected, and vaccination records were obtained. Results: 891 of 1127 children with acute gastroenteritis were enrolled. Stool specimens were collected from 708 for rotavirus testing; 215 stool samples tested positively for rotavirus. Children >12 months of age were more likely to have rotavirus. Children categorized with Vesikari score of >11 were almost twice as likely to be rotavirus positive. Prior rotavirus vaccination decreased the mean Vesikari score, p<. 0.0001. Children with complete single type vaccination were protected against rotavirus (OR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.14-0.31, p<. 0.0001). Conclusion: Complete rotavirus vaccination with a single vaccine type resulted in protection against rotavirus diarrhea and decrease in severity of rotavirus gastroenteritis. Incomplete rotavirus vaccination either with a single vaccine or mixed vaccination types also provided some protection.

Staphylococcus aureus colonization rates in pediatric health care workers from different types of outpatient settings were determined from December 2008 through May 2010. Colonization rates for Staphylococcus aureus and, specifically, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) rates were similar to the rates that have been reported for the general population. The predominant MRSA pulsed-field gel electrophoresis type associated with colonization in these health care workers is not MRSA USA300.

Objective: Rotavirus (RV) is one of the most common diarrheal diseases affecting children less than 5 years of age. RV vaccines have greatly reduced this burden in the United States. The purpose of this study was to determine possible disparities and socio-economic differences in RV vaccination rates. Design: Children with acute gastroenteritis were enrolled. Stool was tested for presence of rotavirus using an enzyme immunoassay kit. Vaccination records were abstracted from the state immunization registry and healthcare providers to examine complete and incomplete vaccination status. Cases were identified as children receiving a complete RV dose series and controls were identified as children with incomplete RV doses. A logistic regression model was used to determine disparities seen amongst children with incomplete vaccination status. Results: Racial differences between Black and white infants for RV vaccination rates were not significant when controlling for covariates (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.74–1.78); however ethnicity (p-value.0230), age at onset of illness (p-value.0004), birth year (p-value <.0001), and DTaP vaccination status (p-value <.0001) were all significant in determining vaccination status for children. Conclusions: Racial disparities and socio-economic differences are not determinants in rotavirus vaccination rates; however, age and ethnicity have an effect on RV vaccine status.

Objective Using case-control methodology, we measured the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the 2-dose monovalent rotavirus vaccine (RV1) and 3-dose pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5) series given in infancy against rotavirus disease resulting in hospital emergency department or inpatient care. Study design Children were eligible for enrollment if they presented to any 1 of 3 hospitals in Atlanta, Georgia with diarrhea ≤10 days duration during January-June 2013 and were born after RV1 introduction. Stool samples were tested for rotavirus by enzyme immunoassay and immunization records were obtained from providers and the state electronic immunization information system. Case-subjects (children testing rotavirus antigen-positive) were compared with children testing rotavirus antigen-negative. Results Overall, 98 rotavirus-case subjects and 175 rotavirus-negative controls were enrolled. Genotype G12P[8] predominated (n = 87, 89%). The VE of 2 RV1 doses was 84% (95% CI 38, 96) among children aged 8-23 months and 82% (95% CI 41, 95) among children aged ≥24 months. For the same age groups, the VE of 3 RV5 doses was 80% (95% CI 27, 95) and 87% (95% CI 22, 98), respectively. Conclusions Under routine use, the RV1 and RV5 series were both effective against moderate-to-severe rotavirus disease during a G12P[8] season, and both vaccines demonstrated sustained protection beyond the first 2 years of life.