An unexplained death at a Russian plague research institute has prompted international scrutiny. The incident raises questions about laboratory safety, transparent reporting, and infection prevention preparedness while the cause remains unconfirmed.
|Articles|December 17, 2009
Pomegranate Latest Weapon to Fight MRSA
Scientists have discovered that pomegranate rinds combined with two natural products can be turned into an ointment for treating MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and other common hospital infections.
Advertisement
KINGSTON, United Kingdom—Scientists have discovered that pomegranate rinds combined with two natural products can be turned into an ointment for treating MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and other common hospital infections.
Researchers from the University of Kingston’s School of Life Sciences discovered that the infection-fighting properties of pomegranate were greatly enhanced by combining the rind of the fruit with metal salts and vitamin C. Pomegranate rind combined with metal salts was the most effective combination for treating MRSA, while other common hospital infections were better dealt with by all three components—pomegranate rind, metal salts and vitamin C.
"We have developed a topical ointment that can successfully attack a range of drug resistant microbes. It's a significant breakthrough and a striking example of the effectiveness of adding more components to create a more active product," Professor Declan Naughton said. "It shows that nature still has a few tricks up its sleeve. The idea of using a foodstuff is unusual and means that the body should be able to cope more easily with its application; patients are less likely to experience any major side-effects."
Advertisement
Related to this article
Behind every landmark in infection prevention, from antimicrobial stewardship guidelines to the COVID-19 town halls that reached flight attendants and teachers, is a generation of physician-scientists who led SHEA through crises, organizational change, and scientific breakthroughs. Infection Control Today traces 30 years of SHEA presidents and the lasting mark they left on the field.
Missing instruments and processing delays can strain OR–SPD relationships. At AORN 2026, John Kimsey, vice president of processing optimization and customer success for STERIS, discusses understanding root causes, exploring off-site reprocessing for ambulatory surgical centers, and using hands-on simulation to help surgical teams see sterile processing from a different perspective.
This week's coverage in Infection Control Today centered on a common thread: the systems, partnerships, and data that let infection prevention teams catch problems before patients are harmed.
UPMC’s genomic surveillance initiative earned national recognition for patient safety. Alexander Sundermann, DrPH, CIC, FAPIC, AL-CIP, explains how the award could help infection preventionists secure leadership support and sustainable funding for earlier outbreak detection.
Knowing the protocol is only the beginning. In The Clean Bite, Sherrie Busby explores how explaining the why, addressing staff concerns, and creating clear procedures can help dental teams make infection control part of everyday practice.
What might infection prevention rounds miss when visible conditions dominate the conversation? Tommy Davis, PhD, CMIP, a member of ICT's executive advisory board, makes the case for structured observations of clinical workflows, shared accountability, and greater attention to environmental services staff’s insights.
A proposed $27.7 million reduction in AHRQ funding raises questions about support for infection prevention research and implementation. Here is what the September 25 announcement identifies, as well as what remains unknown about specific IPC programs.
Advertisement
Advertisement