Top 14 Insights: Infection Control Today's 2023 Highlights

Infection Control Today^® (ICT^®) has been at the forefront of delivering essential information on infection prevention and control for health care professionals, researchers, and policymakers. As we step into 2023, we reflect on the top 14 articles that have shaped the landscape of infection control this year. From groundbreaking research to innovative strategies and the latest advancements in technology, these articles have provided valuable insights and guidance for tackling infectious diseases effectively. Join us on this journey as we highlight the most impactful and informative pieces from ICT’s 2023 collection, offering a glimpse into the evolving world of infection prevention and control.

1. COVID-19: Study Suggests Long-term Damage to Immune System

NIH News Release: "...findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 infection damages the CD8+ T cell response, an effect akin to that observed in earlier studies showing long-term damage to the immune system after infection with viruses such as hepatitis C or HIV."

2. Human Metapneumovirus: What Is it and What Is Being Done About It? Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is not as well-known as its relative, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), so here is the information that infection control and prevention personnel need to know about this respiratory virus.

3. Expert Perspectives on Personal Protection Guidelines and Standardization Practices

In this ICView, a panel of infection preventionists will discuss considerations and clinical implications of personal protective equipment in the healthcare environment, focusing on overarching guidelines and optimal practices.

4. FDA Announces Warnings on 2 More Eye Drops Products Contaminated eye drops can cause infections ranging from minor to life-threatening.

5. Arcturus COVID-19 Variant: What Is Different From Past Variants
Yet another subvariant. But what makes this one different? Should we be more concerned?

6. Is the Rise in RSV Infections Associated With Immune Debt or SARS-CoV-2 Immune Dysfunction? Post-COVID-19 immune dysfunction is supported by epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory evidence. Attributing, with little to no evidence, that masking and lack of exposure are the primary drivers of increases in bacterial and viral infections discourages critical interventions needed to stop the spread of disease.

7. Norovirus: What Experts Say About the 2022-2023 Season Are norovirus cases going to skyrocket, or will the pandemic slowdown of this infectious disease continue?

8. Surgical Site Infection Surveillance SSI surveillance tracks infections that occur after surgery in the area where it was performed. How can facilities help prevent these infections?

9. Ultrasound in Percutaneous Procedures: One Size Does Not Fit All for Reprocessing Accurate device information and proper sterilization or disinfection are crucial to ensure safety during ultrasound procedures.

10. CDC Discusses Candida auris With ICT: What Makes It So Dangerous? To ensure the accuracy of the information concerning Candida auris, Infection Control Today has spoken with 2 medical scientists from the CDC.

11. Best Practices for Flexible Endoscopes Storage

What are the recommendations for storing endoscopes clean, safe, and intact?

12. Bug of the Month: Itchy, Itchy Bug of the Month helps educate readers about existing and emerging pathogens of clinical importance in health care facilities today.

13. Preparing for a Candida auris Outbreak in Long-Term Care

As more and more residents in long-term care facilities get Candida auris, infection preventionists must know how to prevent, prepare for, and control a C auris outbreak. An expert explains how.

14. What You Should Know About The Joint Commission

With all the misinformation and confusion about what The Joint Commission (TJC) does and doesn't do, ICT went to TJC to find out. Listen to the detailed interview to find out what health care workers need to know.