The study aims to evaluate the impact of contact isolation on the rate of hospital-acquired transmissions of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli and the rate of colonization and infection.~Hematological and oncological wards in hospitals with a non-outbreak setting for ESBL-EC and adhering to at least the following standard of care are eligible for study participation:~Fecal screening for the presence of ESBL-EC of all patients within 72 hours of each admission by use of a rectal swab or stool sample~Follow-up fecal screening once a week and within 72 hours of discharge~Implementation of clinical standards aimed at ESBL-EC decolonization is not allowed on wards participating in this study, including in the context of clinical studies.~Sites will be grouped according to their approach regarding contact isolation (see group description).~As a control for external factors a hand hygiene program, including training and adherence assessments, will be implemented.
This study aims to evaluate the impact of contact isolation on the rate of hospital-acquired transmissions of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) and the rate of colonization and infection. On the basis of this study, it will be possible to re-evaluate the need for contact isolation for patients colonized or infected with ESBL-EC.