Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI)

Studies that do not consider time of infection may overestimate the impact of hospital-acquired infections on patient outcomes, according to the results of a new study.

A novel study from Seddon and colleagues adds to the body of evidence that supports what antimicrobial stewardship programs are so often challenged to do, early de-escalation.

SHEA released new guidance to help increase infection control in the operating room.

Is it time to screen for these bacteria and modify colorectal surgical prophylaxis?

Invasive aspergillosis affects up to 13% of immunocompromised patients who are in the hospital.

The Center for Devices and Radiological Health of the US FDA has issued clearance for the Thermo Scientific QMS Plazomicin Immunoassay.

A new study sheds light on sources of Staphylococcus aureus transmission in the operating room.

Although decontamination strategies are thought to generally slash the rate of infection in ICUs, a new study finds that the use oral and digestive tract decontaminants in ventilated ICU patients is not associated with a reduction in antibiotic-resistant bloodstream infections.

Pharmacokinetic analyses provide evidence to support once-weekly dosing of rezafungin to prevent Aspergillus fumigatus in bone marrow transplant recipients.

Are we investing in infection prevention programs like we should or are competing interests pulling resources?

As of October 31, 2018, the CDC has reported 457 clinical cases of confirmed C auris infection with a majority in New York (>50%), New Jersey, and Illinois.

Secondary analyses indicate that bezlotoxumab is more effective in reducing C diff recurrence in patients with pre-specified risk factors.

A new study finds that despite CDC standards, stethoscopes aren't being disinfected.

A new study evaluated the use of red boxes in patient rooms to help encourage patient care while in isolation.

Additionally, its use is associated with colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by lower relative quantities of some potentially protective bacterial organisms.

New research finds it is safe to use gentamicin to treat bacteremia, provided it is used for a short term and only given once per day.

Sahil Khanna, MBBS, MS, discusses the efficacy of fecal transplants and new investigational candidates that are being evaluated in clinical trials.

Maureen Spencer, RN, M.Ed., discusses how rapid molecular diagnostics are changing the treatment timeline for sepsis and Clostridium difficile (C diff).

The latest report from WHO highlights trends in antimicrobial consumption and use across the world, underscoring the need for international antimicrobial stewardship programs.

As antimicrobial therapies become less effective, more people are at risk for infections that can progress to sepsis.

A new study reveals that the type of surgery performed to treat these infections plays a more significant role in outcomes than other factors.

Glenn Tillotson, PhD discusses the development of new antibiotics and therapies for C diff during an era when antibiotic resistance is a serious global health threat.

Clostridium difficile infection leads to higher rates of overall mortality among patients with cirrhosis compared to those who do not, according to a new study.

Is the use of piperacillin/tazobactam for bacteremia caused by ceftriaxone-nonsusceptible Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae an obsolete practice?

As clinicians and health care executives work to strike a balance between reducing costs and improving clinical outcomes, the importance of sepsis identification and treatment cannot be underscored enough, and starts with evaluating current practices for infection management.

Edmund A. Hooker, MD, DrPH, discussed the gaps in disinfection in the hospital and how hospital beds can be properly sanitized to prevent the spread healthcare-associatedted infections.

Vascular graft infections are serious complications of reconstructive vascular surgery that may increase patients’ morbidity and mortality.

C diff and pneumonia still pose significant threats, according to the hospital survey.

A new study on a novel experimental nanotechnology-based organ transplant acceptance therapy offers hope for reduced organ rejection without immune suppression.

Despite concerning findings and warnings, fluoroquinolones have remained one of the world’s most commonly prescribed antibiotic classes, with the United States accounting for more than 32 million prescriptions in 2015 alone.