In findings that are expected to set a new standard of care in intensive care units, researchers demonstrated in a large-scale trial that a combination of chlorhexidine baths and nasal mupirocin slashed bloodstream infections (BSIs) for all pathogens by a staggering 44%….
In what is getting to be a familiar, tragic refrain, the improper use of single-dose vials has resulted in pain clinic patients in Arizona and Delaware acquiring serious bacterial infections that were “completely preventable,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports. “Ultimately, ten…
What predicts death for patients with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (i.e., MSRA infection in the bloodstream as opposed to a skin and soft tissue sites)? Older age, residence in a nursing home and organ impairment are all independently associated with increased risk…
Long-term settings have limited options for isolation measures, as residents need to remain active and interact as a matter of health. Similarly, theoretical decolonization protocols raise a host of other issues, for example, possible mupirocin resistance in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus…
Patients placed in contact isolation for MRSA or other drug-resistant infections are less likely to receive all of the required process-of-care quality steps for pneumonia treatment, researchers https://www.google.com/found.(1) The study looked at the relationship between contact isolation and adherence to…
Given the bodice-ripping élan of the vampire in current culture, one may presume that other creatures feeding on precious blood by night may be afforded similar status. Alas, such is not the case for the lowly bedbug, a parasite viewed…
Infection preventionists, take a (brief) bow: Key HAIs falling, major challenges remain The needle is beginning to move. Four key healthcare associated infections (HAIs) are declining nationally as the result of unprecedented interest and action that includes everything from sweeping…
Amid recognition of all manner of excellent journalism, it is with both sincere gratitude and some surprise I report that our coverage of MRSA seemed to resonate strongly at the annual National Press Club Awards recently in Washington, DC. “MRSA…
We are honored to announce that Hospital Infection Control & Prevention has been awarded First Place in the Newsletter Journalism Award category by the National Press Club in Washington, DC, for a special report on patients infected with MRSA. This…
We seemed to have reached critical mass regarding studies finding MRSA or some other pathogen on cell phones, key boards, ties, stethoscopes, lab coats, uncooked retail meats, ad nauseam. While the role of the environment is taking on a justified…