American journal of infection control
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Am J Infect Control · Dec 2014
ReviewMiddle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus: implications for health care facilities.
Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is a novel coronavirus that causes a severe respiratory disease with high case fatality rate. Starting in March 2014, a dramatic increase of cases has occurred in the Arabian Peninsula, many of which were acquired in health care settings. As of May 9, 2014, 536 laboratory-confirmed cases and 145 deaths have been reported globally. ⋯ There is a need to increase infection control capacity in affected areas and areas at increased risk of being affected to prevent transmission in health care settings. Vaccines and antiviral agents are urgently needed. Overall, our knowledge about the epidemiologic characteristics of MERS-CoV that impact health care transmission is very limited. As the MERS-CoV epidemic continues to evolve, issues concerning best infection control measures will arise, and studies to better define their effectiveness in real life are needed.
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Am J Infect Control · Dec 2014
Trends in ventilator-associated pneumonia: impact of a ventilator care bundle in an Italian tertiary care hospital intensive care unit.
The impact on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) occurrence of a multifaceted program, including progressive strategies for VAP prevention, implemented in an Italian intensive care unit (ICU) is reported. ⋯ The implementation of a standardized approach to patient care, including a number of key reduction interventions, was associated with a significant reduction in the risk of developing VAP.
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Am J Infect Control · Dec 2014
Impact of universal disinfectant cap implementation on central line-associated bloodstream infections.
Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) result in increased length of stay, cost, and patient morbidity and mortality. One CLABSI prevention method is disinfection of intravenous access points. The literature suggests that placing disinfectant caps over needleless connectors decreases CLABSI risk. ⋯ Use of a disinfectant cap on IV needleless connectors in addition to an existing standard central line bundle was associated with decreased CLABSI and costs.