In the War Against Infections.
Zyvox Becomes the Next Combatant
ROCKVILLE, MD-The first antibacterial drug in a new class of synthetic drugs, Zyvox, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for a number of uses:
1. To treat infections associated with vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREF), including cases with bloodstream infection.
2. To treat nosocomial pneumonia and complicated skin and skin structure infections, including cases due to methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
3. To treat community-acquired pneumonia and uncomplicated skin and skin structure infections.
Developed and manufactured by Pharmacia and Upjohn, Zyvox is the first drug in over 40 years to be introduced to the US market for treatment of MRSA infections. Side effects reported in the clinical studies were headache, nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting. The most important laboratory test change was a decrease in platelet counts. Zyvox may interact with other drugs that contain pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine, such as over-the-counter cold remedies, and raise a patient's blood pressure.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
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.
