Contact isolation versus standard precautions to decrease acquisition of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales in non-critical care wards: a cluster-randomised crossover trial
Multicentre European RCT (20 wards, n=38,357) found that contact isolation showed no benefit when added to standard precautions for controlling the spread of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Enterobacterales on non-critical care wards with extensive surveillance screening.
Source:
The Lancet Infectious Diseases
SPS commentary:
The researchers note their findings support previous observational data that current real-life practice in many countries, including the targeted identification of carriers and expanded use of contact isolation, is ineffective in preventing the spread of ESBL-E in endemic settings.
According to a commentary, considering the known adverse effects and the limited resources for contact precautions, the comprehensive body of evidence now available should prompt infection control policy makers worldwide to omit contact precautions for extended-spectrum β-lactamase -producing E coli.