514. Shedding of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli by Colonized Patients during Procedures and Patient Care Activities

Background Contaminated environmental surfaces contribute to transmission of healthcare-associated pathogens such as multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli. We hypothesized that medical procedures and patient care activities facilitate environmental dissemination of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli in hospitalized patients. Methods We conducted a cohort study of hospitalized patients in contact precautions for carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing or carbapenem-resistant gram-negative bacilli (CR-GNB) to determine the frequency of environmental shedding during procedures and care activities. Perirectal, wound, and skin were cultured for the gram-negative bacilli of interest. Prior to each procedure or activity, surfaces in the room and portable equipment used for procedures were disinfected. After procedures, high-touch surfaces and portable equipment were cultured; negative control cultures were collected after 1 hour in the absence of a procedure. Results Of 60 participants, 38 (63%) were in contact precautions for ESBL-producing gram-negative bacilli and 22 (37%) for CR-GNB. Thirty-four (57%) participants had positive perirectal, wound, or skin cultures. Contamination of surfaces with the colonizing multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli occurred frequently during procedures and activities such as wound care, assistance with meals, and urinary catheter or colostomy care (11% to 29% of procedures/activities), whereas contamination was rare in the absence of a procedure (1%). Contamination was recovered from 6 of 56 (10%) portable devices used for procedures. Conclusion Environmental shedding of multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli occurs frequently during medical and non-medical procedures in hospitalized patients. Our results suggest that there is a need for effective strategies to disinfect surfaces and equipment after procedures. Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.