Hygiene News and Research

RSS

Researchers reveal surface protein alteration mechanism of mycoplasma bacteria

Pathogenic bacteria have evolved a variety of mechanisms to avoid being killed by the immune systems of the humans and animals they invade. Among the most sophisticated is that practised by mycoplasmas, which regularly change their surface proteins to confuse the immune system. Recent work in the group of Renate Rosengarten and Rohini Chopra-Dewasthaly at the University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna has revealed surprising new details of the way they do so and at the same time raised important evolutionary questions.

9 Sep 2010

Multi-resistant CNS bacteria spread in Sweden hospitals

Genetically closely related skin bacteria that have developed resistance to several different antibiotics and that can cause intractable care-related infections are found and seem to be spreading within and between hospitals in Sweden.

9 Sep 2010

Global warming may eliminate plague

While many climate experts and environmentalists explore the negative effects of global warming, a new study reveals a positive outcome of the warming of the planet: the potential elimination of the plague. Global warming affects temperatures and precipitation regimes that play a pivotal role in the lives of rodents and fleas; rodents and fleas are responsible for maintenance and spread of plague to human populations. Plague can be fatal if the symptoms are not recognized and treated within 24 hours.

8 Sep 2010

Ahead of U.N. MDG Summit, media outlets examine various aspects of goals

Ahead of the U.N. Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) Summit on September 20-22, the media examines different aspects of the MDGs.

7 Sep 2010

World Water Week kicks off with a focus on pollution, quality

A group of over 2,500 leading water experts from 130 countries gathered in Stockholm on Sunday to kick off World Water Week, where they will focus on "increasing water pollution and dwindling water quality around the globe," Agence France-Presse reports (Larson, 9/5).

7 Sep 2010

Researchers quantify effects of drying to measure bacteria after hand wash

Not drying your hands thoroughly after washing them, could increase the spread of bacteria and rubbing your hands whilst using a conventional electric hand dryer could be a contributing factor. Frequently people give up drying their hands and wipe them on their clothes instead, but hand-hygiene is a key part of infection control and drying hands after washing is a very important part of the process.

7 Sep 2010

Plaque-causing bacteria increases risk of heart attack

Plaque-causing bacteria can jailbreak from the mouth into the bloodstream and increase your risk of heart attack says a scientist at the Society for General Microbiology's autumn meeting in Nottingham.

6 Sep 2010

Different perspective on World Health Report 2000 on health systems

Martin McKee, Professor of European Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine has contributed one of three commentaries appearing today in the journal Health Policy and Planning, each of which take a different perspective on the World Health Report 2000 on health systems (WHR2000).

3 Sep 2010

Results of PHLawFlu conference to be presented at the European Parliament in Brussels

The results of a three-year research project into pandemic flu preparedness in Europe will be launched at a meeting in Brussels in September. The results of the PHLawFlu (Public Health Law Flu) conference, Pandemic Influenza Preparedness in Europe: Are National Public Health Laws Fit for Purpose? will be presented by Professor Richard Coker, Professor of Public Health at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine on 23 September at the European Parliament in Brussels.

3 Sep 2010

Fewer injuries and deaths justify cost of providing body armor to all law enforcement officers

Providing body armor to all law enforcement officers in the United States would provide enough benefit to justify the cost, according to a new RAND Corporation study.

3 Sep 2010

WFP, UNICEF heads appeal for more flood aid for Pakistan

After touring flood-hit areas in Pakistan on Tuesday, the executive directors of UNICEF and the World Food Program appealed for more flood relief aid, VOA News reports (Maroney, 8/31).

2 Sep 2010

Mandatory influenza vaccination for healthcare personnel needed

Influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel is a professional and ethical responsibility and non-compliance with healthcare facility policies regarding vaccination should not be tolerated, according to a position paper released today by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).

31 Aug 2010

Cameroon rolls out emergency cholera plan as region's outbreak continues

Cameroon will need approximately $4.8 million for its emergency response to the cholera outbreak, which has killed nearly 300 people in the northern part of the country, Agence France-Presse reports.

27 Aug 2010

'Molecular Diagnostics Europe' conference debuts at BIOTECHNICA 2010

BIOTECHNICA, Europe's Leading Exhibition for Biotechnology and Life Sciences, is broadening its portfolio to include a new conference and special display on molecular diagnostics. Produced by the Cambridge Healthtech Institute, a leading organizer of biomedical conferences in the United States, the "Molecular Diagnostics Europe" (MDxEU) conference is making its debut this year. The main focus will be on new methods for molecular diagnostics, particularly with regard to cancer and infectious diseases.

27 Aug 2010

Study finds 90% of adult population of Valencia have cavities

A research study has for the first time revealed data about dental cavities, periodontal disease, oral treatment needs, the use of dental prostheses and dental hygiene habits among the adult population in the Valencia region. The results show that 90% of people have cavities and 20-35% need prostheses.

26 Aug 2010

First online software to maintain dangerous chemicals’ database

The creation of new federal policies requiring universities to maintain detailed records about specific laboratory chemicals deemed dangerous has presents new challenges for the nation's institutions of higher education and hospitals. Fortunately, Raleigh company, EasierTech Software, has developed the solution: the country's first online database software application designed for colleges and universities that generates chemical hygiene plans, required for OSHA, and tracks the Dept. of Homeland Security's target list of chemicals.

26 Aug 2010

Diarrhea, skin diseases increase among children in flood-affected areas of Pakistan: Survey

World Vision says assessments conducted over the last few days near the towns of Muzaffar Garh and Kot Addo in Punjab paint a bleak picture of the impact of the flooding. The Christian humanitarian organization says its reports from Sukkur in the Sindh Province are equally dire. Contaminated water, cramped living conditions and a lack of sanitation are contributing to a rapid increase in cases of diarrhea and skin diseases in children.

25 Aug 2010

Parents should give their children's lunches a sugar makeover: Delta Dental Plans Association

As parents send their kids off for the first day of school, it's a good idea to put as much thought into what they're packing in their kids' lunchboxes as they do into their school supplies.

25 Aug 2010

Heart to Heart International sends shipment of aid through IMC to help flood victims in Pakistan

An estimated 20 million people in northwest Pakistan have been displaced by the worst flooding in decades. In response, Heart to Heart International has already sent an initial shipment of aid valued at $150,000 (U.S. wholesale) through its humanitarian partner, International Medical Corps (IMC), and more aid is on the way.

24 Aug 2010

Cholera outbreaks on the rise, WHO expert says

A recent increase in the number of cholera outbreaks is threatening populations in pockets of the world, Claire-Lise Chaignat, WHO's cholera group coordinator, said on Thursday, Agence France-Presse reports. "Cholera is transmitted by water but also by food that had been contaminated by unclean water," the news service writes. "It causes serious diarrhoea and vomiting, leading to dehydration. With a short incubation period, it can be fatal if not treated in time," AFP writes.

21 Aug 2010