Prevention

This 6-part series chronicles the journey of 2 infection prevention leaders, Brenna Doran and Jessica Swain, who partnered to research and shed light on the critical issue of IP staffing in the current health care landscape. The fourth article in the series will focus on the impact of geographic variations and staffing models on the support for infection prevention programs.

Johns Hopkins experts warn malaria remains a global threat despite vaccine progress. Drug resistance, climate change, and funding cuts could reverse gains, highlighting the need for sustained investment, surveillance, and layered prevention strategies.

The 2026 HSPA Annual Conference offers sterile processing professionals education, networking, and real-world insights, with leaders like Leslie Kronstedt highlighting challenges, mentorship, and opportunities across health care settings.

The cohosts of Contagious Conversation speak with Tori Whitacre Martonicz, lead editor of Infection Control Today, about her presentation at the SoCal SPA Spring Conference, and how the conference speakers emphasized leadership beyond titles, urging SPD professionals to share knowledge, speak up, and turn everyday insights into safer patient care practices.

Childhood vaccination coverage is declining, with sharp drops in influenza uptake and widening disparities by race, income, and access. CDC data warn that these trends increase outbreak risk and underscore the urgent need for targeted vaccination efforts.

What is surgical smoke? Why is it dangerous? Vangie Dennis, MSN, RN, CNOR, CMLSO, FAORN, FAAN, a member of Infection Control Today's editorial advisory board, explains.

A new global study reveals meningitis caused 259,000 deaths in 2023, with children most affected, highlighting stalled progress, vaccine gaps, and the need for stronger surveillance and prevention strategies.

Antimicrobial resistance threatens all of modern medicine. Infectious disease expert Amesh Adalja, MD, FIDSA, senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, warns that health care workers face occupational exposure to drug-resistant bacteria. Judicious antibiotic use and policy reforms like the PASTEUR Act are critical solutions.

HSPA President Arlene Bush, CRCST, CER, CIS, CHL, SME, DSMD, CRMST, discusses certification advocacy, Capitol Hill efforts, workforce challenges, and why sterile processing is essential to patient safety, urging leaders to recognize and support the professionals behind every successful surgical outcome.

Health care–associated infections (HAIs) remain underestimated, driven by evolving pathogens, environmental reservoirs, and biofilm persistence. Experts argue outdated data and overreliance on hand hygiene obscure the true, growing burden of preventable infections.

Phase 3b ENCORE data show ARIKAYCE improves symptoms and culture conversion in newly diagnosed MAC lung disease, supporting earlier use. Findings suggest potential to shift treatment earlier and improve outcomes in this difficult-to-treat infection.

AI and agentic systems are transforming infection prevention by enabling real-time surveillance, predictive risk modeling, and earlier intervention, shifting health care from reactive response to proactive prevention and improving patient safety outcomes.

A former infection prevention professional shares his battle with MRSA and sepsis, revealing the lasting impact of health care–associated infections and why vigilance, accountability, and patient advocacy matter more than ever.

New research shows the Marburg virus enters human cells far more efficiently than Ebola, highlighting increased outbreak risk and underscoring the need for rapid detection, strict infection control, and novel antiviral development.

A national recruiter shares insights on infection prevention hiring trends, highlighting evolving background requirements, persistent RN bias, salary disparities, and the growing role of advocacy and data in shaping a more inclusive, competitive IPC workforce.

The global medical waste management market is rapidly growing, driven by healthcare expansion, regulations, and sustainability demands, transforming waste handling into a strategic priority for safer, more efficient, and environmentally responsible health care systems.

Tuberculosis affects 10.7 million annually. IPC professionals prevent health care-associated TB through respiratory isolation, staff screening, and contact investigation. World TB Day 2026 affirms TB elimination is achievable through dedicated infection prevention.

Sherrie Busby, steps out of dental IPC to highlight infection control risks in Alzheimers care, including UTIs, C difficile, and hygiene practices. Practical tips on handwashing, PPE, and environmental cleaning emphasize protecting vulnerable patients while supporting caregivers’ health and resilience in home settings and safety outcomes.

Peptilogics' PLG0206 represents a breakthrough innovation in infectious disease. First drug designed specifically to penetrate and kill biofilm-protected bacteria. RETAIN Phase 2/3 trial now enrolling patients with prosthetic joint infection. The previous phase showed 93% infection-free rate. It could revolutionize the treatment of medical device-related infections.

Ill-fitting PPE exposes women health care workers to infection risks, regulatory liability, and reduced performance. Wyatt Bradbury, MEng, CSP, CHST, CIT, TSSP, urges infection prevention leaders to assess fit, engage staff, and improve procurement practices to ensure safety, compliance, and equitable protection across clinical environments.

Federal court halts vaccine schedule changes, upholding evidence-based immunization practices. ICT reached out to key opinion leaders to find out their thoughts

Stethoscopes remain an overlooked vector for health care–associated infections. Infection prevention experts say inconsistent cleaning, workflow pressures, and cultural gaps contribute to contamination risks, especially for vulnerable patients such as those in oncology and emergency settings.

How IPC programs are shifting away from punitive audits toward human-centered coaching models. Include peer-to-peer observation, quiet feedback moments, and psychological safety as drivers of long-term adherence.