Pathogen Persistence, Transmission and Cross-Contamination Prevention
A plethora of studies in the medical literature has demonstrated that nearly everything in the healthcare setting from surfaces, to healthcare workers' hands, to medical equipment and everything in between can serve as a reservoir and a vector for opportunistic pathogenic organisms.
The acquisition of infections in the healthcare facility is aided by a number of important factors, including the persistence of some bacteria and viruses on inanimate objects and surfaces for weeks and months; the lack of hand hygiene and sanitation in healthcare facilities; breaches in evidence-based infection prevention practices; the growing volume of patients admitted in acute-care hospitals and increasing clinical acuity of patients; and the growing shortage of healthcare professionals and the tendency to cut corners by staff members.
This special digital issue reviews what the medical literature reports on vectors for disease transmission and provides suggestions for cross-contamination prevention.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
