Prevention

A recent American Journal of Infection Control study, led by Katharine Hoffman, MPH, CIC, LSSGB, and Lisa Waldowski, DNP, RN, CIC, applies Lean Six Sigma to improve eye device reprocessing. The research highlights the challenges, emphasizes adherence to manufacturer instructions, and promotes best practices for patient safety.

Benjamin Chen, MD, MPH, speaks about how a journal watch in infection prevention keeps professionals updated on research, fosters evidence-based practices, and supports education and quality improvement efforts.

ICT speaks with Christopher Reid, PhD, a biological and biomedical Sciences professor, delving into his investigations on antibiotics and fungicides and how his team's investigations will "provide an extra tool in a clinician's" toolbox for treating bacterial fungal infections."

“Celebrate Clean Hospitals Day with us. We're an association that is trying to get out there and make people's lives a bit safer and better. Join us!” Alexandra Peters, PhD

The Executive Director of the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC) addresses the eligibility guidelines for the Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) examination. While designed for success, these guidelines are not requirements, ensuring inclusivity for candidates from diverse infection prevention backgrounds. The CBIC emphasizes readiness and offers support to prospective CIC candidates.

Recent INFORM and EPOCH studies shed light on the significant risk and poor outcomes faced by immunocompromised individuals due to COVID-19, emphasizing the need for tailored prevention strategies.

Infection Control Today analyzes the surprising findings from its recent informal survey on the minimum educational requirement for infection preventionists.

At IDWeek 2023, a presenter uses HIV as a model to understand the post-acute sequelae of viral infections.

At IDWeek 2023, a session illuminates the importance of accurate diagnosis, current treatments, and what is on the horizon for HSV.

International Infection Prevention and Control Week highlights the importance of preventing infections in health care and other settings. Share this poem to help educate others about IPC.

Building Information Modeling (BIM) plays a pivotal role in designing health care facilities that minimize infection risks, promoting efficient planning, and coordination while reducing construction challenges.

The latest news on CLABSIs in the pediatric population is presented at IDWeek 2023.

At IDWeek 2023, a look into managing VAIs in children.

An immunocompromised keynote speaker, Kevin Kavanagh, MD, shares strategies for safe air travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing mask usage, vaccinations, and air quality monitoring, with mixed observations throughout the journey.

A study of 28 nursing homes and nearly 29,000 residents reveals that universal decolonization significantly lowered infection-related hospitalizations, offering hope for improved healthcare outcomes.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending October 15, 2023.

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.

A phase 3 trial presented at IDWeek 2023 shows that sulbactam-durlobactam (SUL-DUR) reduces mortality and improves outcomes in hospital-acquired Acinetobacter baumannii-calcoaceticus complex infections compared to colistin, offering a promising treatment option.

Infection Intel is a new column for Infection Control Today® (ICT®) that will cover the latest news, including updates on product developments, mergers, and more from companies in the infection control and prevention field.

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.

Wastewater-based surveillance can accurately monitor influenza A and B and RSV at the population level. This makes it an objective tool to inform public response to common seasonal illnesses.

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.

This edition of Infection Intel from Infection Control Today covers infection control and prevention company news out of IDWeek, being held in Boston, Massachusetts, from October 11 to 15, 2023.

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.

Infrared (IR) spectroscopy demonstrates promise for rapid strain typing of yeast and bacteria, which could help improve proactive infection control strategies in health care settings.

The article discusses the increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases, such as West Nile Virus (WNV), in the US due to climate change. It explores the transmission, clinical aspects, and prevention measures of WNV, emphasizing the importance of public awareness and action in mitigating the impact of these diseases.

Take 5 minutes to catch up on Infection Control Today®’s highlights for the week ending October 8, 2023.

This personal narrative highlights the career path of an individual who transitioned from a passion for microbiology to becoming an infection preventionist. She overcame obstacles through education, internships, and determination and held a crucial role in health care during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing the transformative power of education and dedication.

Infection Control Today's® Product Locator is a monthly column highlighting some of the latest advanced technology in the infection prevention field.