Infection control and hospital epidemiology : the official journal of the Society of Hospital Epidemiologists of America
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Jan 2015
Case ReportsInfection control preparedness for human infection with influenza A H7N9 in Hong Kong.
OBJECTIVE To assess the effectiveness of infection control preparedness for human infection with influenza A H7N9 in Hong Kong. DESIGN A descriptive study of responses to the emergence of influenza A H7N9. SETTING A university-affiliated teaching hospital. ⋯ Ten (14.3%) of 70 HCWs developed influenza-like illness during medical surveillance, but none had positive results by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Paired sera was available from 33 of 70 HCWs with unprotected exposure, and none showed seroconversion against H7N9. CONCLUSIONS Despite the delay in airborne precautions implementation, no patient-to-HCW transmission of influenza A H7N9 was demonstrated.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Jan 2015
Cost-benefit analysis from the hospital perspective of universal active screening followed by contact precautions for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus carriers.
OBJECTIVE To explore the economic impact to a hospital of universal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) screening. METHODS We used a decision tree model to estimate the direct economic impact to an individual hospital of starting universal MRSA screening and contact precautions. Projected costs and benefits were based on literature-derived data. ⋯ Non-nares screening and polymerase chain reaction-based testing, both of which identified more MRSA-colonized persons, resulted in more MRSA infections averted but increased economic costs of the screening program. CONCLUSIONS We found that universal MRSA screening, although providing potential benefit in preventing MRSA infection, is relatively costly and may be economically burdensome for a hospital. Policy makers should consider the economic burden of MRSA screening and contact precautions in relation to other interventions when choosing programs to improve patient safety and outcomes.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Dec 2014
Multicenter Study Comparative StudyEpidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia in community hospitals.
Describe the epidemiology of healthcare-related (ie, healthcare-associated and hospital-acquired) pneumonia due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among hospitalized patients in community hospitals. ⋯ From 2008 through 2012, the incidence of healthcare-related MRSA pneumonia among patients who were admitted to a large network of community hospitals increased, despite the decreasing incidence of invasive MRSA infections nationwide. Additional study is warranted to evaluate trends in this important and potentially modifiable public health problem.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Dec 2014
Evaluating use of neutral electrolyzed water for cleaning near-patient surfaces.
This study aimed to monitor the microbiological effect of cleaning near-patient sites over a 48-hour period with a novel disinfectant, electrolyzed water. ⋯ Cleaning with electrolyzed water reduced ACC and staphylococci on surfaces beside patients. ACC remained below precleaning levels at 48 hours, but MSSA/MRSA counts exceeded original levels at 24 hours after cleaning. Although disinfectant cleaning quickly reduces bioburden, additional investigation is required to clarify the reasons for rebound contamination of pathogens at near-patient sites.
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Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol · Dec 2014
Risk of cross transmission with point-of-care ultrasound system: effect of a glass-sealed control panel on microbial contamination.
Contamination of a point-of-care ultrasound system (POCUS) mainly involved electrocardiography accessories and included pathogenic microorganisms. The use of a glass-sealed control panel significantly facilitated its cleaning and reduced its bacterial contamination compared with a standard control panel. Overall hand hygiene compliance during examinations with POCUS was poor.