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Global Mycobacterium chimaera outbreak linked to heater-cooler devices used in cardiac surgery

A global outbreak of Mycobacterium chimaera, an invasive, slow-growing bacterium, is linked to heater-cooler devices (HCD) used in cardiac surgery, according to a study published today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.

14 Nov 2016

ROAR experts share tips about appropriate use of antibiotics

The discovery of antibiotics remains one of the most important medical advances to date, but overuse and inappropriate use of antibiotics has led to many infections becoming resistant to treatment.

11 Nov 2016

Zipnosis to launch virtual care service lines to prevent spread of germs during cold and flu season

Zipnosis is getting the word out about an incredibly effective means of avoiding the spread of germs this cold and flu season: Use virtual care.

2 Nov 2016

Social media platforms offer effective method to reinforce antimicrobial stewardship programs

A new study from the University of Chicago Medicine examines the use of social media platforms to inform young physicians about proper use of antimicrobial agents such as antibiotics.

1 Nov 2016

Complete removal of contamination from robotic surgical instruments may be unattainable, study shows

It is virtually impossible to remove all contamination from robotic surgical instruments, even after multiple cleanings, according to a study published today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.

1 Nov 2016

Study estimates prevalence of self-reported immunosuppressed adults in the U.S.

In a study published online by JAMA, Rafael Harpaz, M.D., M.P.H., of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, and colleagues analyzed data from the 2013 National Health Interview Survey to estimate the prevalence of self-reported immunosuppressed adults in the United States.

31 Oct 2016

Study yields insights into shifts in epidemiology of multi-drug resistant organisms

A first-of-its-kind study of 900,000 hospital admissions from an integrated health system has yielded insights into shifts in the epidemiology of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs) in the community.

27 Oct 2016

Bad bugs spread from ICU patients to nurses' scrubs, research shows

Bad bugs readily spread from patients in the intensive care unit to nurses' scrubs and the room, according to research being presented at IDWeek 2016. The sleeves and pockets of the scrubs and the bed railing were the most likely to be contaminated.

27 Oct 2016

Tackling antimicrobial resistance by turning ideas into action

“This is our moment to tackle antimicrobial resistance (AMR),” declared Ed Whiting, Head of Policy and Chief of Staff, Wellcome Trust, London at Antibiotic Research UK’s inaugural lecture held at Portcullis House, Westminster today. Ed’s pragmatic discussion mirrored the theme of the event: turning ideas in action.

24 Oct 2016

Antimicrobial copper touch surfaces may help fight global threat of antibiotic resistance

A key presentation at the Infection Control show within the Patient First conference on 22 November will look at a simple engineering solution to help fight the global threat of antibiotic resistance: antimicrobial copper touch surfaces.

21 Oct 2016

UV disinfection device effectively reduces risk of C. difficile infections

Ultraviolet C light disinfection to clean unoccupied patient rooms significantly reduced C. difficile infections (CDI) in high-risk patients who later occupied those rooms, according to a study published today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.

6 Oct 2016

Parents do not perceive need to vaccinate children against influenza, study finds

Despite the fact that influenza leads to more hospitalizations and deaths among children than any other vaccine-preventable disease, parents frequently decline vaccinating their children against influenza because they don't perceive the need, according to a new case-control study published in the October issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

30 Sep 2016

Cepheid’s GeneXpert System offers rapid molecular diagnostic testing for virulent infections

Cepheid’s updated Winter Care Bundle of Xpert molecular diagnostic tests is an essential tool kit in the battle against virulent infections.

24 Sep 2016

Gut bacteria may play role in immune recovery of HIV patients

An international study coordinated by Spanish research institutes has found that gut bacteria also play their role in the immune recovery of HIV patients.

5 Sep 2016

New study details design and validation of accurate screening test for detecting deadly HAIs

A new study by the Translational Genomics Research Institute details the design and validation of a low-cost, rapid and highly accurate screening tool -- known as KlebSeq -- for potentially deadly healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs), such as Klebsiella pneumoniae.

2 Sep 2016

Edinburgh Research & Innovation announces new AIMday programme to tackle challenges of infectious diseases

With viruses such as Ebola, MERS-CoV and Zika making global headlines, and the progressive development of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) worldwide, Edinburgh Research & Innovation (ERI), the commercialisation arm of the University of Edinburgh, has announced a new AIMday (Academic Industry Meeting day) for companies looking to find expertise and innovative solutions to dealing with the challenges of microbial infection.

2 Sep 2016

Household transmission of C. difficile to children, pets may be cause for community-related infections

Household transmission of Clostridium difficile to pets and children may be a source of community-associated C. difficile infections according to findings from a new study published today in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, the journal of the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America.

30 Aug 2016

Common practice of storing patient's used respiratory devices in plastic bags results in infections

Infection Prevention Products Inc. releases lab results and test studies that prove the common practice of storing a patient's used respiratory devices in plastic bags is spreading pathogens and resulting in respiratory infections throughout thousands of nursing homes in the U.S.

27 Aug 2016

ESCMID releases new guidelines on best practices to detect C. difficile infections

The European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases has just released new guidelines on best practice methods to diagnose Clostridium difficile infection (CDI).

26 Aug 2016

Distraction techniques can help calm children from shot-related anxiety during flu season

A typical visit to the pediatrician when it is time for a child to get a shot can include tears, tantrums and might not seem worth the trouble.

10 Aug 2016