Prophylaxis guidelines
HIV post-exposure prophylaxis
Sunnybrook’s policy and procedures for management of exposure to HIV can be found on Sunnynet by searching Sunnynet with the keywords “HIV” or “PEP” or “bloodborne.” It can also be accessed by using the following series of links from the home page:
Policies & Standards > Infection Prevention & Control > Safety Policies for Staff > Bloodborne Pathogens
Following an occupational exposure, chemoprophylaxis with antiretroviral agents may be offered or recommended based on an evaluation of risk following assessment of the type of exposure, the source material, and the HIV status of the source patient (see below).
» Is chemoprophylaxis recommended?
For percutaneous injury or mucosal surface of non-intact skin (dermatitis, abrasion or open wound)
- If the source patient is HIV positive: Recommend PEP
- If the source patient is of unknown HIV status: PEP generally not indicated. If source has HIV risk factors, consider PEP.
- If the source patient is unknown: PEP generally not indicated. If exposure to HIV-infected persons is likely, consider PEP.
- Patients with exposures requiring PEP should receive Truvada® (emtracitabine 200 mg + tenofovir 300 mg) taken as 1 tablet once daily with raltegravir (Isentress®) 400 mg twice daily.
- The usual duration of HIV PEP is one month.
» Access to HIV PEP medications
- Please view information on Sunnybrook Intranet webpages under Pharmacy Resources
» Contents of the HIV post-exposure prophylaxis
- 5 Truvada® tablets (emtracitabine 200 mg + tenofovir 300 mg)
- 10 raltegravir (Isentress®) 400 mg tablets
- Instruction sheet “Provision of HIV PEP Meds”
- “Discharge” Prescription Form with preprinted label
- Fact Sheets for Truvada® and raltegravir for exposed individual
- List of Drug Interactions to be used to screen concurrent medications for potential issues
Immunization for asplenic patients
Individuals with anatomical or functional asplenia are at risk for serious infection caused by ubiquitous encapsulated bacteria such as pneumococci (Streptococcus pneumoniae), meningococci (Neisseria meningitidis) and Haemophilus influenzae type b (“Hib”).
The lifetime risk of overwhelming infection is 5% and mortality is 50 – 80%.
These individuals should therefore be vaccinated against these organisms and they should also receive annual influenza virus vaccination.
NOTE: All of the vaccines recommended above can be administered at the same time, provided that each product is injected at distinct body sites using a separate syringe.
VACCINE |
INITIAL*^^ |
8-WEEK (MINIMAL) BOOSTER |
5-YEAR BOOSTER(S) |
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Act-HIB® or Hiberix®) |
✓ |
||
Meningococcal C-ACYW (Menactra® or Menveo®) |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
Meningococcal B (Bexsero®)+ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
Pneumococcal ^ (Prevnar® 20) |
✓ |
|
|
Influenza Virus |
✓ Every year before each flu season (October – April) |
* For ELECTIVE SPLENECTOMY
- Give all necessary vaccines as soon as possible, at least 2 weeks before surgery.
- If pre-op splenectomy immunization is missed and patient is within 2 weeks from planned surgery, an emergency splenectomy immunization schedule should be followed.
^^ For EMERGENCY SPLENECTOMY
- Initial vaccines are best given 2 weeks after the splenectomy for optimal response. If a person is discharged earlier and there is a concern that she or he might not return, vaccines should be given before discharge.
^ Pneumococcal vaccination
- If patient previously received Prevnar® 13 (initial) and Pneumovax® 23 (8 week booster) as the initial series, the next required dose would be Prevnar ® 20 at least 1 year after last pneumococcal vaccine.
+ Meningococcal Vaccination
- Bexsero contains latex in tip cap of syringe. In those with non-severe latex allergy, it can be given with close monitoring afterwards. Bexsero should be avoided in those reporting anaphylaxis to latex.
Endocartis prophylaxis
The 2007 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for Prevention of Infective Endocarditis have been endorsed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).
Endocarditis prophylaxis is only recommended for those patients with the specific cardiac conditions listed below AND undergoing one of the selected procedures listed below that warrants prophylaxis.
CARDIAC CONDITIONS
» Prophylaxis recommended
- Prosthetic cardiac valve
- Previous infective endocarditis
- Cardiac transplantation recipients who develop cardiac valvulopathy
- Congenital heart disease (CHD)*
- Unrepaired cyanogenic CHD, including palliative shunts and conduits
- Completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first 6 months after the procedure**
- Repaired CHD with residual defects at the site, or adjacent to the site, of a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device (which inhibit endothelialization)
* Except for the conditions listed above, antibiotic prophylaxis is no longer recommended for any other form of congenital heart disease
** Prophylaxis is recommended because endothelialization of prosthetic material occurs within 6 months after the procedure
» Prophylaxis not recommended
- Mitral valve prolapse
- Rheumatic heart disease
- Bicuspid valve disease
- Calcified aortic stenosis
- Congenital heart conditions such as:
- Ventricular septal defect
- Atrial septal defect
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
TYPE OF PROCEDURE (in patients with specific cardiac conditions above)
» Dental
Prophylaxis is recommended for dental procedures that involve manipulation of gingival tissue or the periapical region of teeth or perforation of the oral mucosa. This includes:
- Routine cleanings
- Dental extractions
- Biopsies
- Suture removal
- Placement of orthodontic bands
Prophylaxis is not recommended for the following procedures or events:
- Routine anesthetic injections through non-infected tissue
- Taking dental radiographs
- Placement of removable prosthodontic or orthodontic appliances
- Adjustment of orthodontic appliances
- Placement of orthodontic brackets
- Shedding of deciduous teeth
- Bleeding from trauma to the lips or oral mucosa
» Respiratory tract
- Prophylaxis is recommended for invasive procedures that involve incision or biopsy of the respiratory mucosa such as tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Use the same regimen as for dental procedures.
- Prophylaxis is not recommended for endotracheal intubation, or for bronchoscopy unless the procedure involves incision of the respiratory tract.
NOTE: For patients who undergo an invasive respiratory tract procedure to treat and infection, the antibiotic regimen should contain an agent recommended as prophylaxis for dental procedures (see below).
» Gastrointestinal tract or genitourinary tract
Prophylaxis solely for the purpose of preventing infective endocarditis is not recommended for any GI or GU procedures, including:
- Esophagogastro-duodenoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Caesarean section
- Circumcision
- Hysterectomy
- Insertion or removal of intrauterine devices
- Therapeutic abortion
- Uterine dilatation and curettage
- Vaginal delivery
- NOTE: For patients undergoing an elective cystoscopy or other urinary tract manipulation who have an enterococcal urinary tract infection or colonization, antibiotic therapy to eradicate enterococci from the urine before the procedure may be reasonable.
- If the procedure is not elective, it may be reasonable that the antimicrobial regimen administered contain an agent effective against enterococci. Amoxicillin or ampicillin is the preferred agent, and vancomcyin may be used for patients unable to tolerate ampicillin.
» Procedures on infected skin, skin structure, or musculoskeletal tissue
It is reasonable that the antimicrobial regimen administered for treatment of the infection contain an agent active against staphylococci and beta-hemolytic streptococci
- i.e., cefazolin or cloxacillin, OR
- vancomycin or clindamycin for patients with beta-lactam allergy
If MRSA is suspected, vancomycin should be used.
» Miscellaneous
Prophylaxis is not recommended for:
- previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery
- cardiac catheterization (including balloon angioplasty)
- implanted cardiac pacemakers or defibrillators
- coronary artery stents
- incision or biopsy of surgically scrubbed skin
- ear/body piercing or tattooing
PROPHYLACTIC ANTIBIOTIC REGIMENS (only for patients with specific cardiac conditions undergoing selected procedures above)
» 1. No allergy
Oral options
- Single dose 30 – 60 minutes prior to procedure
- Adults: Amoxicillin 2 g PO
- Children: Amoxicillin 50 mg/kg PO
Parenteral options
- For patients unable to take oral medication
- Single dose 30 – 60 minutes prior to procedure
Adults:
- Ampicillin 2 g IM or IV, OR
- Cefazolin* or Ceftriaxone* 1 g IM or IV
Children:
- Ampicillin 50 mg/kg IM or IV, OR
- Cefazolin* or Ceftriaxone* 50 mg/kg IM or IV
*Cephalosporins should not be used in an individual with a history of anaphylaxis, angioedema or urticaria with penicillins or ampicillin.
» 2. Allergy
Oral options
- Single dose 30 – 60 minutes prior to procedure
Adults:
- Cephalexin* 2 g PO, OR
- Clindamycin 600 mg PO, OR
- Azithromycin or Clarithromycin 500 mg PO
Children:
- Cephalexin* 50 mg/kg PO, OR
- Clindamycin 20 mg/kg PO, OR
- Azithromycin or Clarithromycin 15 mg/kg PO
Parenteral options
- For patients unable to take oral medication
- Single dose 30 – 60 minutes prior to procedure
Adults:
- Cefazolin* or Ceftriaxone* 1 g IM or IV, OR
- Clindamycin 600 mg IM or IV
Children:
- Cefazolin* or Ceftriaxone* 50 mg/kg IM or IV, OR
- Clindamycin 20 mg/kg IM or IV
*Cephalosporins should not be used in an individual with a history of anaphylaxis, angioedema or urticaria with penicillins or ampicillin.
Last updated: April 24, 2017
Prophylaxis in complex malignant hematology
AML (3+7) »
Induction | Consolidation | |
---|---|---|
Antibiotic Prophylaxis1,2 | None | Ciprofloxacin 500 mg PO BID starting day 8, until recovery (ANC > 0.5) [dispense: 21 days] |
Antifungal Prophylaxis | Posaconazole 300 mg PO once daily starting day 4, until recovery (ANC > 0.5) |
Posaconazole (or fluconazole if cost prohibitive) starting day 8, until recovery (ANC > 0.5) [dispense: 21 days] |
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily stating day 1 and continued until completion of all chemotherapy |
1 Gafter-Gvili A et al. Antibiotic prophylaxis for bacterial infections in afebrile neutropenic patients following chemotherapy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2012, Issue 1.
2 Mikulska M et al. Fluoroquinolone prophylaxis in haematological cancer patients with neutropenia: ECIL critical appraisal of previous guidelines. J Infect. 2018 Jan;76(1):20-37.
AML (3+7 + Midostaurin) »
Induction | Consolidation | |
---|---|---|
Antibiotic Prophylaxis | None |
Ciprofloxacin 500 mg PO BID starting day 8, until recovery (ANC > 0.5) [dispense: 21 days] Alternative: TMP/SMX i DS PO BID starting day 8, until recovery (ANC > 0.5) [dispense: 21 days] |
Antifungal Prophylaxis | Caspofungin 50 mg IV daily starting day 4, until recovery (ANC > 0.5) |
None |
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily starting day 1 and continued throughout |
AML (FLAG-IDA) »
Induction | Consolidation | |
---|---|---|
Antibiotic Prophylaxis | None | Ciprofloxacin 500 mg PO BID starting day 8, until recovery (ANC > 0.5) [dispense: 21 days] |
Antifungal Prophylaxis1 |
Posaconazole 300 mg PO once daily starting day 4, until recovery (ANC > 0.5) |
Posaconazole (or fluconazole if cost prohibitive) starting day 8, until recovery (ANC > 0.5) [dispense: 21 days] |
AND: TMP/SMX i DS PO qMWF starting day 1 and continued for 6 months after completion of chemotherapy |
||
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) |
AML (Azacitidine + Venetoclax) »
Antibiotic Prophylaxis | None |
---|---|
Antifungal Prophylaxis |
Posaconazole 300 mg PO once daily (or voriconazole if cost prohibitive) starting on day 2* |
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily |
* Patients receiving voriconazole or posaconazole prophylaxis require a dose reduction of venetoclax
ALL (Dana-Farber Protocol Age < 60, Ph - ) »
Induction | CNS Phase | Intensification | Continuation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Antibiotic Prophylaxis | None | None | ||
Antifungal Prophylaxis |
Fluconazole 400 mg PO daily starting day 4, until neutrophil recovery (ANC > 0.5) |
None |
||
AND: TMP/SMX i DS PO qMWF starting day 7 of induction (provided methotrexate has cleared) and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) |
||||
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) |
ALL (Dana-Farber Protocol Age < 60, Ph + ) »
Induction | CNS Phase | Intensification | Continuation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Antibiotic Prophylaxis | None | None | ||
Antifungal Prophylaxis |
Fluconazole 400 mg PO daily starting day 4, until neutrophil recovery (ANC > 0.5) |
None |
||
AND: TMP/SMX i DS PO qMWF starting day 7 of induction (provided methotrexate has cleared) and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) |
||||
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) |
ALL (Dana-Farber Protocol Age > 60, Ph - ) »
Induction | CNS Phase | Intensification | Continuation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Antibiotic Prophylaxis | None | None | ||
Antifungal Prophylaxis |
Fluconazole 400 mg PO daily starting day 4, until neutrophil recovery (ANC > 0.5) If neutropenia (ANC < 0.5) does not develop by day 14, stop fluconazole |
None |
||
AND: TMP/SMX i DS PO qMWF starting day 7 of induction (provided methotrexate has cleared) and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) |
||||
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) |
ALL (Dana-Farber Protocol Age > 60, Ph + ) »
Induction | CNS Phase | Intensification | Continuation | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Antibiotic Prophylaxis | None | None | ||
Antifungal Prophylaxis |
Fluconazole 400 mg PO daily starting day 4, until neutrophil recovery (ANC > 0.5) If neutropenia (ANC < 0.5) does not develop by day 14, stop fluconazole |
None |
||
AND: TMP/SMX i DS PO qMWF starting day 7 of induction (provided methotrexate has cleared) and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) |
||||
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) |
ALL (HyperCVAD) »
Part A | Part B | |
---|---|---|
Antibiotic Prophylaxis | None | None |
Antifungal Prophylaxis |
Fluconazole 400 mg PO daily starting day 6, and continued until the end of chemotherapy |
|
AND: |
AND: |
|
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) |
ALL (Blinatumomab) »
First Cycle | Subsequent | |
---|---|---|
Antibiotic Prophylaxis | None | |
Antifungal Prophylaxis |
TMP/SMX i DS PO qMWF starting day 1 continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) – re-assessment needed if allogeneic bone marrow transplantation pursued. |
|
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy (including corticosteroids) |
APL – Low and High Risk »
Induction | Consolidation | |
---|---|---|
Antibiotic Prophylaxis | None | |
Antifungal Prophylaxis |
Only for high-risk patients (defined as WBC > 10 x 109/L) receiving idarubicin: Caspofungin 50 mg IV daily starting day 4, until recovery (ANC > 1.0) |
|
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily and continued until completion of chemotherapy. |
Aplastic Anemia (in patients receiving ATG treatment) »
Antibiotic Prophylaxis | None | |
---|---|---|
Antifungal Prophylaxis |
Voriconazole 200 mg PO BID orally twice daily starting on day 1 of ATG Alternative: Duration: Until neutrophil recovery (ANC > 0.5) TMP/SMX i DS PO qMWF starting day 6 continued for a minimum of 6 months from starting ATG, to be re-assessed at the time based on ongoing treatment |
|
Antiviral Prophylaxis | Valacyclovir 500 mg PO daily and continued until 2 months after stopping chemotherapy. |
Last updated: July 13, 2023
The 2016 Consensus Statement on Dental Patients with Total Joint Replacement has been endorsed by the Canadian Orthopedic Association (COA), the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and the Association of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Disease (AMMI) Canada. The current best available evidence on the effectiveness of dental antibiotic prophylaxis in the reduction of orthopedic prosthetic joint infections was reviewed, in the context of the issue of emerging antimicrobial resistance.
Recommendations regarding antibiotic prophylaxis:
- Routine antibiotic prophylaxis is NOT indicated for dental procedures in patients with total joint replacements or orthopedic pins, plates and screws.
- Patients should be in optimal oral health prior to having total joint replacement and should maintain good oral hygiene and oral health following surgery.
- Orofacial infections in all patients, including those with total joint prostheses, should be treated to eliminate the source of infection and prevent its spread.
Last updated: December 12, 2022
Guiding principles for open fracture management
- An open fracture typically involves the long joints (excluding the digits), resulting in soft tissue injury and communication with the outside environment. Open lower extremity fractures (particularly tibial shaft) are associated with a higher risk of infection compared to open fractures of the skull, face, hands, or upper extremities.
- Prophylactic antibiotic therapy is one component of open wound fracture management which includes tetanus immunization, wound irrigation, and surgical intervention.
- American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Plan recommends initiation of antibiotics within 1 hour of presentation to reduce risk of infection.
Recommended prophylaxis based on clinical grading
Clinical grading | Etiology | Prophylaxis | Alternative* | Duration |
Grade I (wound <1 cm, clean, simple fracture pattern) | Gram positive cocci (S. epidermidis, S. aureus, β-hemolytic streptococci) +/- Gram negative bacilli |
Cefazolin |
Clindamycin 450mg PO Q6H | Discontinue 24 hours following soft tissue closure |
Grade II (wound >1 cm, no extensive tissue damage, simple fracture pattern) | Gram positive cocci (S. epidermidis, S. aureus, β-hemolytic streptococci) +/- Gram negative bacilli |
Cefazolin |
Clindamycin 450mg PO Q6H | Discontinue 24 hours following soft tissue closure |
Grade IIIA (high energy mechanism, extensive soft tissue damage with adequate coverage) | Gram positive cocci (S. epidermidis, S. aureus, β-hemolytic streptococci) + Gram-negative bacilli |
Ceftriaxone |
Clindamycin 450mg PO Q6H + Tobramycin or Gentamicin |
Up to 72 hours after injury but not greater than 24 hr following soft tissue closure |
Grade IIIB (Grade IIIA with inadequate coverage, wound contamination) Grade IIIC (Grade IIIB with arterial injury requiring repair, concerns for limb preservation) |
Ceftriaxone OR Cefazolin |
Clindamycin |
Up to 72 hours after injury but not greater than 24 hr following soft tissue closure If closure is not achieved within 72 hours of injury: use Ceftriaxone to reduce risk of toxicity associated with aminoglycosides |
*only If severe non-IgE-mediated reaction (e.g. Steven-Johnson Syndrome) to beta-lactams OR anaphylaxis/urticaria to cefazolin.
ǂ for patient with severe hemorrhage requiring multiple blood transfusions, re-dosing ceftriaxone 1g IV post-operatively is recommended ABW=Actual Body Weight
Recommended prophylaxis based additional circumstances
Clinical grading | Etiology | Prophylaxis | Alternative* | Duration |
Contamination/ farm related injury | Addition of anaerobic bacteria (Clostridial species) |
Grade-guided antibiotics + Penicillin G |
Clindamycin |
Duration as per Grade |
Freshwater contamination |
Addition of Aeromonas hydrophila, Pseudomonas and Plesiomonas species, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Mycobacterium marinum, and other microbes |
Doxycycline OR If unable to take PO meds: |
Clindamycin |
Duration as per Grade |
Saltwater contamination | Addition of Vibrio species |
Doxycycline OR If unable to take PO meds: |
Clindamycin |
Duration as per Grade |
Risk factors for MRSA^ | MRSA |
Grade-guided antibiotics + Vancomycin |
Duration as per Grade |
* only if severe Ig-E mediated reaction to penicillin or severe non-IgE-mediated reaction (e.g. Steven-Johnson Syndrome) to any beta-lactam
^prior MRSA infection, prior MRSA nasal carriage, wound(s), living in shelter or communal setting, recent prolonged health care exposure.
References
- Abubaker AO, Rollert MK. Postoperative antibiotic prophylaxis in mandibular fractures: a preliminary randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled clinical study. J Oral Maxillofac Surg 2001;59:1415-1419.
- Carsenti-Etesse H, Doyon F, Desplaces N, et al. Epidemiology of bacterial infection during management of open leg fractures. Eur J Clin Microbiol Infect Dis 1999;18:315-23.
- Gustilo RB, Mendoza RM, Williams DN. Problems in the management of type 3 (severe) open fractures: a new classification of type 3 open fractures. J Trauma.1984; 24: 742-746
- Jager M, Maier D, Kern WV, Sudkamp NP. Surgical Infection Society guidelines. Prophylatic antibiotic in open fracture: an evidence based guideline. Surg Infect 2006; 7: 379-405.
- Lee J. Efficacy of cultures in the management of open fractures. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1997;339:71-5.
- Noonburg G. Management of Extremity Trauma and Related Infections Occuring in the Aquatic Environment. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2005;13(4):243-253.
- Olson SA, Finkemeier CG, Moehring ND. Open Fractures. In: Bucholz RW, Heckman JD, editors. Rockwood and Greene’s fractures in adults. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins 2001; pp. 285-318.
- Peacock KC, Hanna DP, Kirkpatrick K, Breidenbach WC, Lister GD, Firrell J. Efficacy of perioperative cefamandole with postoperative cephalexin in the primary outpatient treatment of open wounds of the hand. J Hand Surg Am 1988;13:960-964.
- Ribeiro N, Heath C, Kierath J, Rea S, Duncan-Smith M, Wood F. Burn wounds infected by contaminated water: Case reports, review of the literature and recommendation for treatment. Burns 2010;36:9-22.
- Rodriguez L, Jung HS, Goulet JA, Cicalo A, Machado-Aranda DA, Napolitano LM. Evidence-based protocol for prophylactic antibiotics in open fractures: Improved antibiotic stewardship with no increase in infection rates. The Journal of Trauma and Acute Care Surgery 2014;77(3):400-408.
- Templeman DC, Gulli B, Tsukayama DT Gustilo RB. Update on the management of open fractures of the tibial shaft. Clin Orthop 1998; 350: 18-25.
- Zalavras CG, Patzakis MJ, Holtom PD, Sherman R. Management of open fractures. Infect Dis Clin North Am 2005;19:915-29.
Last Updated: November 11, 2019