Bloodstream Infections

Study Shows hVISA Linked to High Mortality

A MRSA infection with a reduced susceptibility to the potent antibiotic drug vancomycin is linked to high mortality, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study. Researchers found that patients who contracted a MRSA infection with heteroresistance, called hVISA, stayed in the ...More
September 13, 2010
Posted in News
Hospital System Reduces Sepsis Mortality by 33 Percent in Three Years

Catholic Healthcare West (CHW), the nation's eighth largest health system, announces that its severe sepsis prevention initiative has saved an additional 991 lives and reduced severe sepsis inpatient mortality rate by 33 percent at the end of three years. "A core tenant of ...More
September 9, 2010
Posted in News
Collaboration Fuels Multifaceted Approach to Early Treatment Decisions for Patients With BSIs

Early decisions regarding treatment for patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs) made by properly trained and accredited clinicians with timely access to the most up-to-date laboratory data is essential, writes Alida Fe Talento, MD, of the Department of Microbiology at ...More
August 30, 2010
Posted in News
FDA Raises Concerns About Positive-Displacement Needleless Connectors

In a letter to infection preventionists, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is informing them about positive displacement needleless connectors and the possible link to several patient deaths associated with bloodstream infections (BSIs). ...More
August 2, 2010
Posted in News
Choosing the Best Design for Intravenous Needleless Connectors to Prevent Bloodstream Infections

Healthcare-associated catheter-related bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs) remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. ...More
July 28, 2010
Posted in Articles
Lessons From Efforts to Halt HAIs

Johns Hopkins researcher argues that arrogance, lack of transparency stand in way of saving lives. ...More
July 13, 2010
Posted in News
Oregon Announces First HAI Report

The Office of Oregon Health Policy Research (OHPR) has released a new report that compares healthcare-acquired infection (HAI) rates at 58 healthcare facilities statewide. According to the report, an analysis conducted on Oregon hospitals from 2003 through 2005 estimated ...More
June 30, 2010
Posted in News
Pennsylvania HAI Report Showing Marked Improvements

Pennsylvania’s ongoing efforts to protect patients from unnecessary infections in healthcare settings are bringing measurable results, said Gov. Edward G. Rendell as he released a report showing marked improvements in the number of healthcare-acquired infections ...More
June 29, 2010
Posted in News
Facility Recognized for Efforts to Reduce CAUTIs

The Stern Family Center for Extended Care and Rehabilitation (CECR) of North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. was recently recognized by the Healthcare Association of New York State (HANYS) for its efforts in significantly reducing catheter-associated urinary ...More
June 24, 2010
Posted in News
Researcher Awarded Grant to Study Meningitis Mechanism

A white blood cell that normally removes bacteria from the bloodstream helps Escherichia coli (E. coli) accumulate in the blood and enter the brain resulting in the deadly infection known as meningitis. Prasadarao V. Nemani, PhD, a scientist at The Saban Research Institute ...More
June 24, 2010
Posted in News