Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
S. B. Rodrigues, R. Q. de Souza, K. U. Graziano, G. S. Erzinger, O. Souza
Summary: The study evaluated the performance of different indicators in monitoring the presence of non-condensable gases (NCGs) during the sterilization process, finding that the integrated air detector can be considered as an option for detecting NCGs in each cycle. However, biological, physical or chemical indicators were unable to effectively detect small amounts of NCGs.
JOURNAL OF HOSPITAL INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Kate Shapiro, Shane J. Cross, Ted H. Morton, Hiroto Inaba, Ashley Holland, Francisca R. Fasipe, Elisabeth E. Adderson
Summary: This article summarizes a case of catheter-related M. neoaurum bacteremia in a child with leukemia and 36 previously reported cases of M. neoaurum infection. Most infections occurred in young to middle-aged adults with serious underlying medical conditions and commonly involved medical devices. Overall, infections were generally not severe and responded well to treatment.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
Ines Ferreira, Ana Camila Marques, Paulo Cardoso Costa, Maria Helena Amaral
Summary: Hydrogels based on stimuli-responsive polymers can change their characteristics in response to small variations in environmental conditions. This study aimed to investigate the effect of steam sterilization on the properties of hydrogels based on Carbopol((R)) 940, Pluronic((R)) F-127, and sodium alginate. The results showed that steam sterilization is suitable for Carbopol((R)) 940 hydrogels but not for sodium alginate or Pluronic((R)) F-127 hydrogels.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ana Hoxha, Els Duysburgh, Laure Mortgat
Summary: The study aims to develop a definition of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) in home healthcare (HHC), examine associated risk factors, and provide recommendations for infection prevention and control (IPC). The findings emphasize the importance of hand hygiene, training for patients and caregivers, patient hygiene, and the management of invasive devices in preventing HAI. It suggests adapting and standardizing existing IPC guidelines for HHC and conducting a national prevalence study to measure the burden of HAI in this setting.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Curtis J. Donskey
Summary: In recent years, there has been increasing interest in empowering patients to participate in the prevention of healthcare-associated infections. However, patients often lack awareness of the risk of acquiring and spreading healthcare-associated pathogens, and have limited information on how they can contribute to infection prevention efforts. This review highlights areas where patient empowerment initiatives in infection control and antimicrobial stewardship can be beneficial, and provides evidence for their effectiveness.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF INFECTION CONTROL
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Le Khanh Ngan Nguyen, Itamar Megiddo, Susan Howick
Summary: This report discusses the benefits and challenges of using hybrid simulation models for modeling HAIs, highlighting the complementary views and deeper insights this approach can provide, while also addressing some issues that may arise during the modeling process.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Paul A. Akinduti, Onome W. George, Hannah U. Ohore, Olusegun E. Ariyo, Samuel T. Popoola, Adenike I. Adeleye, Kazeem S. Akinwande, Jacob O. Popoola, Solomon O. Rotimi, Fredrick O. Olufemi, Conrad A. Omonhinmin, Grace I. Olasehinde
Summary: This study explores the role of biofilm and efflux pump activities in high-level resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains in clinical infection. It finds that biofilm formers and strains with high efflux pump activity are associated with multidrug resistance. Furthermore, the study identifies specific risk factors for MDR-P. aeruginosa infection. The findings highlight the importance of addressing biofilm formation and efflux pump activity for clinical management and infection control.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Faisal Alsheddi, Tabish Humayun, Manar Alsaffar, Yvonne Suzette Aldecoa, Wafa H. Alshammari, Fayez Z. Aldalbehi, Hind Alanazi, Mohammed Alqahtani, Aiman El-Saed, Abdulmajid M. Almutairi, Khalid H. Alanazi
Summary: This study aimed to present the current rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) and device utilization ratios (DUR) among Saudi Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals. The results showed the rates of various infections and device utilization ratios, which can serve as a national benchmark for MOH hospitals and a regional benchmark for similar hospitals in the region.
JOURNAL OF INFECTION AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Flora Cruz-Lopez, Adrian Martinez-Melendez, Elvira Garza-Gonzalez
Summary: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a global public health concern and are associated with high mortality and antimicrobial resistance. The hospital environment serves as a potential reservoir for pathogenic microbial strains, which can persist on medical equipment surfaces, patient surroundings, and patient and healthcare worker surfaces. Understanding the hospital microbiota can provide knowledge on the relationship between commensal and pathogenic microorganisms, their role in HAI development, and the environmental conditions that promote their proliferation.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
M. J. Lydeamore, B. G. Mitchell, T. Bucknall, A. C. Cheng, P. L. Russo, A. J. Stewardson
Summary: This study estimates the burden of healthcare associated infections (HAIs) in Australian public hospitals using a standard international framework. The results show that there are approximately 170,574 HAIs occurring in adults admitted to public hospitals in Australia annually, resulting in 7583 deaths. Hospital acquired pneumonia is the most frequent HAI, followed by surgical site infections and urinary tract infections. The study highlights the high burden of HAIs in Australia and the need for continued investment in prevention efforts.
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE AND INFECTION CONTROL
(2022)
Review
Infectious Diseases
Ronan F. O'Toole
Summary: Recent data indicate the occurrence of hospital-onset bacterial infections, including antibiotic-resistant isolates, in COVID-19 patients. COVID-19 has impacted bacterial healthcare-associated infections in several ways, with recommended guidelines focusing on minimizing broad-spectrum antibiotic use in patient treatment.
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
David E. White, Jim Bartley, Christopher Whittington, Lorenzo Garcia, Kaushik Chand, Celine Turangi
Summary: Despite sterilization protocols, patients still contract infections in hospitals. This study finds biological materials in surgical tools, and the relationship between lack of sharpness and cross-contamination. The study also evaluates the influence of surface coating as a preventive measure.
Review
Immunology
Emily J. Curren, Joseph D. Lutgring, Sarah Kabbani, Daniel J. Diekema, Steven Gitterman, Ebbing Lautenbach, Daniel J. Morgan, Clare Rock, Reynolds M. Salerno, L. Clifford McDonald
Summary: Diagnostic stewardship is the practice of ordering appropriate tests for the right patient at the right time in order to optimize antibiotic use and improve patient outcomes. A meeting hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focused on patient safety through diagnostic stewardship, identifying emerging issues, raising awareness among stakeholders, and discussing strategies and interventions to address these issues.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Review
Anesthesiology
Michael Mazzeffi, Samuel Galvagno, Clare Rock
Summary: Healthcare-associated infections are a major concern for intensive care unit patients, and understanding evidence-based prevention strategies is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Chen-Hua Hsu, Antoine Venault, Haozhe Zheng, Chen-Tsyr Lo, Cheng-Chen Yang, Yung Chang
Summary: This study demonstrates that copolymers with SBMA units are ineffective in providing antifouling properties to PVDF membranes after steam sterilization, while copolymers with SBAA units remain unaffected. It is concluded that using SBAA derivatives is preferable for improving membrane fouling resistance in scenarios where steam sterilization is necessary.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gopal Panta, Ann K. Richardson, Ian C. Shaw, Stephen Chambers, Patricia A. Coope
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Gopal Panta, Ann K. Richardson, Ian C. Shaw, Patricia A. Coope
BMC HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
(2020)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gopal Panta, Ann K. Richardson, Ian C. Shaw
Summary: This study found variations in water quality parameters used for medical device reprocessing in public hospitals in Nepal, with some hospitals having water hardness levels exceeding recommended values for cleaning medical devices. It is recommended that hospitals implement appropriate water treatment systems to ensure water quality meets the standards.
JOURNAL OF WATER AND HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Gopal Panta, Ann K. Richardson, Ian C. Shaw, Patricia A. Coope
Summary: Healthcare workers in Nepal have correct knowledge and positive attitudes towards most areas of sterilization and reuse of medical devices, but they still need proper education and training in certain areas.