499. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)-associated Infections and Prolonged Colonization among Hospitalized Patients Colonized by CRE

BACKGROUND: This study aims to determine rates of subsequent carbapenem-resistance Enterobacteriaceae (CRE)-associated infections and prolonged colonization among patients colonized by CRE and to identify risk factors of such conditions. METHODS: This study was conducted among a cohort of hospitalized adult patients colonized by CRE at any sites from June 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018. The patients had been prospectively identified by the Infection Control (IC) Division of a Thai tertiary-care hospital. According to the hospital’s IC protocol, patients with CRE colonization/infections were isolated and underwent CRE cultured at the colonized/infected sites every week until the cultures have turned negative for 2 consecutive times. Prolonged colonization was defined as having CRE colonization more than 30 days. RESULTS: Of the 125 patients identified, 25 were excluded due to death, being transferred, or discharged within 48 hours of CRE colonization detected. The final cohort included 100 patients, the median age was 74 years, 48% were male, the most common colonized site was rectum (37%) and 20 patients (20%) developed subsequent CRE-associated infections. The median time from colonization to infection was 13 days and the most common site of infection was bloodstream (45%). Independent factors associated with subsequent CRE-associated infections were the number of colonization sites [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 7.98, P < 0.001)], central line insertion during admission (aOR 7.97, P = 0.009) and receipt of vancomycin during admission (aOR 24.77, P = 0.02). Prolonged colonization was observed in 13 of 77 evaluable patients (17%). There were trends toward significance that the length of hospital stay and duration of antibiotic prior to colonization were associated with prolonged colonization (P < 0.10). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest high rates of subsequent CRE-associated infections and prolonged colonization among the study population. Patients with risk factors for subsequent infections should be closely monitored and empirically-treated with antibiotics active against CRE while those with risk factors for prolonged colonization should receive continued surveillance and isolation to prevent CRE transmission. DISCLOSURES: All authors: No reported disclosures.