Tag: Infection transmission

Study: Preventing antibiotic-resistant infection surge could save millions

Editor's Note Research shows antibiotic-resistant infections could lead to 8.2 million deaths annually by 2050, representing a 75% increase from current rates, according to a September 17 article in HealthDay. Published in the Lancet, the new study highlights the growing threat of growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), predicting that…

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By: Matt Danford
September 19, 2024
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Study reveals how OR ventilation, patient positioning impact surgical site infection risk

Editor's Note Optimizing patient positioning can help reduce the risk of surgical site infections due to airborne contaminants in positive-pressure ORs, according to a study published August 12 in Nature: Scientific Reports. Maintaining higher pressure than adjacent spaces prevents entry of contaminants from environments external to the OR. For this…

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By: Matt Danford
August 12, 2024
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Risks of animal-to-human disease jump remain high despite pandemic lessons

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Editor's Note New findings highlight an urgent need to improve preventive measures against animal-borne diseases jumping to humans and potentially causing another global pandemic, US Today reported on July 21. The article details a study from  Harvard Law School and New York University that examined animal-human interactions in 15 countries,…

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By: Matt Danford
July 22, 2024
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WHO sounds alarm on potential spread of bird flu

Editor's Note The World Health Organization (WHO) is sounding the alarm about the rise of the bird flu virus—H5N1—and the threat it poses to humans, Medical Xpress reported on April 18. Experts are concerned because the bird flu has recently spread from wild birds and poultry to cows and goats…

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By: Brita Belli
April 19, 2024
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FDA approves new antibiotic for staph, other infections

Editor's Note The US Food and Drug administration approved Zevtera for treating Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) bloodstream infections, which are often acquired in healthcare settings. In the April 3 announcement, the agency notes the new antibiotic Zevtera (ceftobiprole medocaril sodium for injection) is effective for SAB-infected patients with right-sided infective…

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By: Matt Danford
April 4, 2024
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Blood test could help identify risk of sepsis, organ failure in children

Editor's Note Measuring gene activity in blood samples could help determine whether a child is at risk of sepsis and organ failure, according to findings published March 18 in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.  It is often difficult for clinicians to diagnose sepsis because the symptoms are similar to…

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By: Brita Belli
March 29, 2024
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Forced-air device outperforms standard endoscope drying practices, study shows

Editor's Note Authors of a recent study evaluating the effectiveness of a forced-air drying system for endoscopes argue that the results reinforce the need to re-evaluate standard drying practices. Findings were published February 24 in the American Journal of Infection Control. Wet environments resulting from inadequate drying practices can result…

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By: Matt Danford
March 25, 2024
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Surgical scrub evolution and the future of smart medical attire

For surgeons and other medical professionals, what to wear to work is more than just an afterthought. Over the decades, surgical scrubs have undergone a significant transformation, evolving from simple, functional garments to sophisticated attire that prioritizes both comfort and infection control. They are not merely clothing but a vital…

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By: Steven John Cumper, B.App.Sc. (Osteo), M.Ost.
March 22, 2024
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Study: Hospital surfaces ridden with bacteria despite disinfection protocols

Editor's Note:  Adherence to routine disinfection procedures may not be enough to prevent potentially harmful bacterial contamination of high-touch hospital surfaces, according to findings published January 10 in the American Journal of Infection Control. Manikins, bed rails, and workstations-on-wheels were the most contaminated surfaces. The study involved sampling and culturing…

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By: Matt Danford
January 22, 2024
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Moderna mRNA RSV vaccine proves effective for older adults

Editor’s note Moderna’s mRNA-based RSV vaccine is effective in preventing RSV-associated lower-respiratory tract disease in adults aged 60 an older, according to randomized phase II-III trial results published December 14 in The New England Journal of Medicine. Results also confirmed the safety of a single dose of the vaccine, researchers…

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By: Matt Danford
December 22, 2023
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