The importance of ethanol-based hand rubs (EBHR) to prevent health care-associated infections is undisputed. However, there is a lack of meaningful data regarding the influence of EBHRs on skin microbiome.

This study sought to determine the incidence and characteristics of midline-associated bloodstream infections (MABSI) at an urban health system during the COVID-19 pandemic. A MABSI rate similar to the central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rate was found. A large number of MABSI were caused by Staphylococcus spp. and Enterococcus spp., as has previously been reported for CLABSI. Patients with MABSI had high in-hospital mortality rates.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought rapid and frequent changes to Infection Prevention and Control (IPAC) recommendations making it difficult for clinicians to stay informed of the most recent requirements and guidelines. The COVID-19 IPAC Response and Escalation Framework (IPAC Framework) was developed to provide scalable IPAC guidance during the pandemic to healthcare in New South Wales, Australia. The use of such frameworks during or outside of a pandemic has rarely been reported and evaluated here.

The duration and magnitude of SARS-CoV-2 air dispersal during nosocomial outbreaks remain uncertain. This study evaluates the impact of mobile modular high-efficiency-particulate-air filter units (MMHUs) on SARS-CoV-2 air dispersal.

Infection control measures are disrupted due to the large number of patients admitted in a very short time, in the early post-earthquake period. Inter-hospital or intra-hospital transfers can cause the spread of resistant bacteria. We reported the possible outbreak and its prevention caused by vancomycin-resistant enterococcus (VRE) strains carried by infants transferred from another unit to our neonatal intensive care unit after the earthquake. Screening cultures (rectal swab) were obtained from infants on admission and patients were kept in contact isolation. We studied the clonal analysis of VRE strains isolated from patients by Pulse Field Gel Electroforesis.

Antimicrobial stewardship supports rational antibiotic use. However, balancing access to antibiotic treatment while controlling resistance is challenging. This research used a threshold logistic modelling approach to identify targets for antibiotic usage associated with carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAb), carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumonia (CRKP), and extended-spectrum β-lactamases- producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-producing E. coli) incidence in hospitals.

Despite strong adherence to central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) infection prevention bundles, the CLABSI rate in our academic pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and pediatric cardiac intensive unit (PCICU) remained high.

The effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the rates and trends of Needlestick and sharp injuries (NSSIs) and splash injuries (SIs) among healthcare providers (HCPs) is not well defined.

Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are suitable for point-of-care testing, require no laboratory time, and give immediate results. However, are RATs useful for detecting asymptomatic COVID-19 infection when compared with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing in health care settings?

During major public health crises, the epidemiological characteristics of commonly reported infectious diseases may change. Based on routinely reported data on notifiable infectious diseases, we investigated whether the incidence and mortality of infectious diseases in China were affected by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica (E. meningoseptica) is a gram-negative bacillus. Widely distributed in nature, it poses a significant threat as a nosocomial pathogen, particularly affecting immunocompromised neonates and the elderly.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) increase clinical burdens. Identifying the high-risk patients is crucial. We aimed to develop and externally validate an explainable, prognostic prediction model of CAUTIs among hospitalized individuals receiving urinary catheterization.

Neonatal Intensive Care Units utilize incubators to sustain core temperatures associated with transepidermal water loss. High relative humidity in incubators provides an environment for fungi to grow. In August 2022, mold was identified growing in 11 (85%) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit incubators.

Candida auris (C auris) is an emerging global infectious disease threat, and screening practices for identification of C auris are inconsistent across healthcare facilities. This study describes the utility of expanding a C auris admission screening protocol at an acute care hospital to screen all patients presenting from any skilled nursing facility.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted that hand hygiene is key in preventing healthcare-associated infections. Patients and families are understudied targets for infection prevention and control practices. Previous campaigns to change hand hygiene behavior have been effective, but often face systemic challenges with implementation.

Healthcare Professionel (HCP) worldwide are subjected to various occupational hazards, including exposure to Blood and Body Fluids (BBF). However, with systematic training and supervision, the impact of such incidents can be significantly mitigated.

The relationship between pathogens in the health care environment and health care-associated infection has been well-documented in the literature. No study has been published since 2012 regarding the contamination of reusable bath basins. This brief report aims to determine if basin contamination remains a reservoir for bacteria that may contribute to the risk of spreading microorganisms to vulnerable patients. We address this question with data from multiple sites over 10years.