Prevention

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending October 15, 2023.

A study in Maryland from June 2019 to December 2021 analyzed 140 Candida auris cases, revealing that patients often resided in disadvantaged neighborhoods with higher crowding, uninsured rates, and racial diversity. ICT speaks to the lead author.

A phase 3 trial presented at IDWeek 2023 shows that sulbactam-durlobactam (SUL-DUR) reduces mortality and improves outcomes in hospital-acquired Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex infections compared to colistin, offering a promising treatment option.

Infection Intel is a new column for Infection Control Today® (ICT®) that will cover the latest news, including updates on product developments, mergers, and more from companies in the infection control and prevention field.

Dr. Isaac Kohane explores AI's rapid medical evolution and the challenges of accuracy, updating, and education in infectious diseases at IDWeek 2023.

BiomX Develops BX004-A, a Phage Therapy, for Cystic Fibrosis Patients with Pseudomonas Infections. A phase 1b/2a study presents promising results at IDWeek 2023.

Wastewater-based surveillance can accurately monitor influenza A and B and RSV at the population level. This makes it an objective tool to inform public response to common seasonal illnesses.

The investigational mRNA-1647 vaccine discussed at IDWeek 2023 shows great promise in the fight against cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Developed using messenger RNA technology, it incorporates essential CMV antigens and has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in clinical evaluations.

This edition of Infection Intel from Infection Control Today covers infection control and prevention company news out of IDWeek, being held in Boston, Massachusetts, from October 11 to 15, 2023.

An 18-month trial with 801,668 ICU admissions showed that mupirocin nasal ointment effectively reduces Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA infections by 18% and 15% respectively, offering hope in ICU infection prevention.

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy demonstrates promise for rapid strain typing of yeast and bacteria, which could help improve proactive infection control strategies in health care settings.

The article discusses the increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus (WNV), in the US due to climate change. It explores the transmission, clinical aspects, and prevention measures of WNV, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and action in mitigating the impact of these diseases.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending October 8, 2023.

This personal narrative highlights the career path of an individual who transitioned from a passion for microbiology to becoming an infection preventionist. She overcame obstacles through education, internships, and determination and held a crucial role in health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the transformative power of education and dedication.

Infection Control Today's® Product Locator is a monthly column highlighting some of the latest advanced technology in the infection prevention field.

In the delicate world of neonatal care, every precaution is taken to protect premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It's crucial to acknowledge the strides made in safeguarding these vulnerable infants, whose wellbeing hinges on the meticulous efforts of health care professionals and evolving best practices.

Many infection preventionists (IPs) disagree on the minimum requirement to have the IP position. Let Infection Control Today know your opinion. Answer this poll, and send your thoughts to Senior Editor Tori Whitacre Martonicz at tmartonicz@mjhlifesciences.com.

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are vital for maintaining air quality in health care facilities. They play a crucial role in reducing disease transmission by regulating air quality. Proper HVAC systems decrease risk through ventilation, filtration, and airflow control.

Fibi Attia, MD, MP, CIC, and her colleagues conducted a study on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) linked to COVID-19. The study focused on the characteristics, implications, and outcomes of MIS-C cases, particularly cardiac dysfunction. The interview discusses the study's goals and key findings, stressing the importance of detecting MIS-C cases and the need for more research on COVID-19 vaccines.

Medical investigators are concerned about a triple threat this winter with COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Vaccination is crucial, but distribution challenges remain. Wearing masks, hand hygiene, and ventilation is important to prevent infections. Hospitals need comprehensive plans to respond efficiently.

Eco-friendly cleaners and disinfectants are important for sustainability in health care settings. They are biodegradable, have a reduced impact on ecosystems, and promote cleaner indoor air quality, all of which are especially important to the younger generations.

Cases of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza are expected to rise this fall and winter season; yet, the number of people who plan on getting the vaccines for each of the infections remains low, according to the NFID announcement today.

As COVID-19 restrictions eased up, other respiratory viruses began circulating alongside SARS-CoV-2. It's crucial to identify cases and understand the symptoms of these infections to track the evolution of the virus and what health care workers should look out for.

Infection preventionists (IP) can come from many different backgrounds. This is 1 opinion from 1 very successful IP who doesn't have an RN or a BSN and the bullying that sometimes occurs.

The interaction between the respiratory viruses SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and RSV, poses ongoing challenges. Personal protective measures, testing, and vaccination are critical components of our strategy to mitigate the impact of these viruses.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending September 24, 2023.

Deborah Birx, MD, highlights concerns about the lack of data-driven action in the fight against COVID-19. She emphasizes the need for timely alerts and empowering communities to protect vulnerable individuals.

Deborah Birx, MD, discusses the significance of collaboration, innovation, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement in public health. Her insights underscore the need for trust-building and adaptability in pandemic response.

Doe Kley, MPH, RN, T-CHEST, LTC-CIP, CIC, speaks to Infection Control Today about her presentation and other exceptional presentations at the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) Exchange Conference & Solution Center

A new preventative vaccine has been developed incorporating technology funded by the NIH since 2004. The trials will be conducted in the United States and South Africa.