Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)

From an infection prevention perspective, the nature of Acinetobacter baumannii makes it an organism on the radar for prevention efforts against health care-associated infections.

Agency’s annual report on healthcare-associated bugs highlights reduced incidence of CLABSI, CAUTI, and C diff.

Rates of health care facility-acquired C diff seemed to show improvement, but understanding community-acquired cases better in the future can help aid prevention efforts.

Ryan K. Shields, PharmD, MS, reacts to research presented at IDWeek 2019 on cefiderocol versus high-dose meropenem for patients with nosocomial pneumonia.

Although use of gowns and gloves in targeted settings may still be helpful in preventing health care-associated infections, contact precaution policies in VA long-term care facilities had no impact on MRSA acquisition.

A large majority of sepsis patients are pathogen-negative, yet empiric prescribing of antibiotics varies significantly from patient to patient.

Eravacycline may be an option for patients with a history of C diff or those with a history of infections who are at risk for developing the infection.

While infectious disease consultations reduced the amount of antibiotics used for patients, it only affected C diff rates at 1 of 3 hospitals in the study.

Keith S. Kaye, MD, MPH, discusses the current treatment landscape for pneumonia in the ICU setting, and previews the topline results of the phase 3 RESTORE-IMI 2 trial.

When guidelines are quickly implemented for C diff treatment recommendations, the changes are reflected quickly.

The high recurrence rates of Clostridioides difficile infection highlight the need for novel agents with unique mechanisms of action for treating the infection.

RBX2660, a microbiota-based drug, was safe and efficacious for preventing recurrent C diff infection with clinical durability to 24-months after treatment, independent of age or sex.

Investigators observed no moderate, severe, cumulative, or dose-limiting adverse events leading to discontinuation, and ACX-362E was generally well-tolerated at all dose levels.

When it came to infection prevention measures, 5 of the 9 Orange County facilities with C auris displayed hand hygiene adherence < 50%, 3 had limited access to alcohol-based hand rubs, and < 60% of assessed high-touch surfaces were clean.

Investigators assessed 90-day all-cause mortality between patients with Candida bloodstream infections who did and did not receive an infectious disease consultation.

Use of high-risk antibiotics is linked to C diff infections, but the class of antibiotics with the strongest link has changed over time underscoring the need for ongoing assessment.

Through June 2019, there were 725 confirmed cases of C auris in the New York City, New Jersey and Chicago regions, with 30 additional probable cases documented.

Can UV disinfecting lights tackle health care-associated infections?

A new study delves into the debate of N95 respirators versus surgical masks for seasonal influenza and other respiratory illnesses.

Study investigators assessed the nationwide incidence of sepsis within 42 days of delivery discharge.

A novel combination of ceftriaxone, sulbactam and disodium EDTA (CSE) was found noninferior to meropenem to treat cUTIs caused by gram-negative pathogens.

A new study using shotgun metagenomic sequencing found that FMT yielded a sustained decrease in antimicrobial resistance genes and potential pathogens in children with recurrent C diff.

A new study sheds light on the relationship between fungi and C diff infections.

Prescriptions are often given for antimicrobial treatment for asymptomatic bacteriuria despite national guidelines against it, which could lead to longer hospital stays, a new study found.

As the summer comes to a close, our editorial team is looking back at the top FDA approvals of 2019 to date and looking ahead at what is left on the docket this year.

The CDC hopes the case of a patient who was hospitalized in Maryland following a hospitalization in Kenya will help raise awareness of the importance of C auris screening.

Patients and health care professionals alike cite significant issues with education and emotion surrounding MDROs.

A UK study details a new way to prevent Legionnaires' disease and save energy.

Not all disinfectants are created equal and here's why we need to remember that.

Although conducting whole genomic sequencing creates an upfront cost in screening patients for MRSA, a new study finds that it’s a cost-effective way to prevent new infections and related deaths.