Tori Whitacre Martonicz, MA, is the lead editor of Infection Control Today. She has been a writer and editor for over 30 years and has an MA and BA in English Composition/Literature from the University of Akron in Akron, OH. She lives in Ohio with her husband, Eric; son, Drake; 2 tiny dogs, Selena Brigid Sophia and Doctor Danger Dog; and a big black cat, Freya. She loves reading, writing, gardening, and spending time with her loved ones.
Contact her through her email: tmartonicz@mjhlifesciences.com.
A study in Maryland from June 2019 to December 2021 analyzed 140 Candida auris cases, revealing that patients often resided in disadvantaged neighborhoods with higher crowding, uninsured rates, and racial diversity. ICT speaks to the lead author.
Dr. Isaac Kohane explores AI's rapid medical evolution and the challenges of accuracy, updating, and education in infectious diseases at IDWeek 2023.
BiomX Develops BX004-A, a Phage Therapy, for Cystic Fibrosis Patients with Pseudomonas Infections. A phase 1b/2a study presents promising results at IDWeek 2023.
The investigational mRNA-1647 vaccine discussed at IDWeek 2023 shows great promise in the fight against cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Developed using messenger RNA technology, it incorporates essential CMV antigens and has demonstrated safety and effectiveness in clinical evaluations.
An 18-month trial with 801,668 ICU admissions showed that mupirocin nasal ointment effectively reduces Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA infections by 18% and 15% respectively, offering hope in ICU infection prevention.
Fibi Attia, MD, MP, CIC, and her colleagues conducted a study on multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) linked to COVID-19. The study focused on the characteristics, implications, and outcomes of MIS-C cases, particularly cardiac dysfunction. The interview discusses the study's goals and key findings, stressing the importance of detecting MIS-C cases and the need for more research on COVID-19 vaccines.
Eco-friendly cleaners and disinfectants are important for sustainability in health care settings. They are biodegradable, have a reduced impact on ecosystems, and promote cleaner indoor air quality, all of which are especially important to the younger generations.
As COVID-19 restrictions eased up, other respiratory viruses began circulating alongside SARS-CoV-2. It's crucial to identify cases and understand the symptoms of these infections to track the evolution of the virus and what health care workers should look out for.
Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending September 24, 2023.
Deborah Birx, MD, highlights concerns about the lack of data-driven action in the fight against COVID-19. She emphasizes the need for timely alerts and empowering communities to protect vulnerable individuals.
Deborah Birx, MD, discusses the significance of collaboration, innovation, data-driven decision-making, and community engagement in public health. Her insights underscore the need for trust-building and adaptability in pandemic response.
Doe Kley, MPH, RN, T-CHEST, LTC-CIP, CIC, speaks to Infection Control Today about her presentation and other exceptional presentations at the Association for the Health Care Environment (AHE) Exchange Conference & Solution Center
A new preventative vaccine has been developed incorporating technology funded by the NIH since 2004. The trials will be conducted in the United States and South Africa.
The AHE Exchange Conference in Dallas focused on emerging pathogens and the role of environmental services. Doe Kley, MPH, RN, T-CHEST, LTC-CIP, CIC, discusses hers and other exceptional presentations with Infection Control Today.
Ambassador Deborah Birx, MD, discusses whether students should be required to wear masks to protect themselves and others and what the public should know about the newest COVID-19 variant, B.A.2.86.
The Healthy People 2030 initiative aims to improve the health of the United States’ population through research and developmental objectives through the end of the decade.
Ambassador Deborah Birx, MD, answers the persistent question of whether mRNA technology is safe in the long term.
“Once people started to get infected and reinfected despite being vaccinated, their interpretation then is this vaccine doesn't work…. But [the COVID-19 vaccine] was never designed, studied, tested, or released to protect against infection.” --Ambassador Deborah Birx, MD
The updated vaccines are projected to offer strong defense against the presently circulating COVID-19 variants. Who should be vaccinated?
The "Strategies to Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infections" document has been updated by the Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Health Care-Associated Infections. It is sponsored by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology and developed by over 100 experts from various organizations.
September is Sepsis Awareness Month, and a recently published study examines what patients and health care workers know—and fear—about sepsis.
A recent survey aimed to understand Americans' concerns and knowledge about hospitalization. Infection Control Today speaks to 2 of the authors.
Assisted living facilities face distinct challenges when it comes to infection prevention and control due to their unique nature.
This guide aims to assist hospitals in identifying and managing sepsis at an earlier stage. ICT interviews 1 of the authors.
With malaria making headlines, infection prevention specialists and other IPC professionals seek answers. To provide clarity, ICT® has consulted with 2 experts in the field.
Visible-light continuous environmental disinfection system reduces microbial contamination and surgical site infections, as noted in an AJIC study. Experts explain the study and the technology.
Neal Buchalter, MBA, president of Parker Laboratories, spoke with Infection Control Today® in an exclusive interview about the product, the companies involved, and how it came to the US market.
As an oversight agency for the Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Inspector General is responsible for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of Medicare and Medicaid programs, with a huge priority being patient care. These toolkits provide additional guidance on how to avoid patient injury.
A relatively new threat, the Candida auris fungus has become a dangerous agent due to its ability to form biofilms, which help it survive and spread infections within the environment.
Experts discuss how implementation science integrates research findings and evidence-based guidelines into health care services to improve quality and effectiveness.