scholarly journals Broad spectrum antimicrobial PDMS-based biomaterial for catheter fabrication

2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Arunmozhiarasi Armugam ◽  
Siew Ping Teong ◽  
Diane S. W. Lim ◽  
Shook Pui Chan ◽  
Guangshun Yi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Room Temperature ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Organic Polymer ◽  
Antimicrobial Compound ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Abstract Background In addition to the widespread use of antibiotics in healthcare settings, the current COVID-19 pandemic has escalated the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Nosocomial infections among hospitalized patients is a leading site for such resistant microbial colonization due to prolonged use of invasive devices and antibiotics in therapies. Invasive medical devices, especially catheters, are prone to infections that could accelerate the development of resistant microbes. Often, catheters - particularly urinary catheters - are prone to high infection rates. Antibiotic-coated catheters can reduce infection rates and although commercially available, are limited in efficacy and choices. Methods Herein, a novel and facile method to fabricate PMDS-based biomaterial for the development of antimicrobial eluting catheters is presented. Silicone based organic polymer polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was used to prepare a biomaterial containing novel polymeric imidazolium antimicrobial compound. Results It was found that the PDMS-based biomaterials could eradicate microbial colonization even after 60 days in culture with continuous microbial challenge, be recycled over multiple uses, stored at room temperature for long-term usage and importantly is biocompatible. Conclusion The PDMS-based biomaterial displayed biocidal functionality on microbes of clinical origin, which form major threats in hospital acquired infections. Graphical Abstract

scholarly journals Novel Detection of Nasty Bugs, Prevention Is Better than Cure

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 149
Author(s):  
Mia Strom ◽  
Tamsyn Crowley ◽  
Sarah Shigdar
Keyword(s):  
Protective Film ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
False Negatives ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Economic Threat ◽  
Hospital Patients ◽  
Simple Detection ◽  
Hospital Acquired ◽  
Better Than

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a growing concern around the world. They contribute to increasing mortality and morbidity rates and are an economic threat. All hospital patients have the potential to contract an HAI, but those with weakened or inferior immune systems are at highest risk. Most hospital patients will contract at least one HAI, but many will contract multiple ones. Bacteria are the most common cause of HAIs and contribute to 80–90% of all HAIs, with Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium difficile, Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae accounting for the majority. Each of these bacteria are highly resistant to antibiotics and can produce a protective film, known as a biofilm, to further prevent their eradication. It has been shown that by detecting and eradicating bacteria in the environment, infection rates can be reduced. The current methods for detecting bacteria are time consuming, non-specific, and prone to false negatives or false positives. Aptamer-based biosensors have demonstrated specific, time-efficient and simple detection, highlighting the likelihood that they could be used in a similar way to detect HAI-causing bacteria.

Parentally deprived juvenile Owl monkeys suffer from long‐term high infection rates but not from altered hair cortisol concentrations nor from stereotypic behaviours

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahdiyah Osman ◽  
Aylin Olkun ◽  
Angela M. Maldonado ◽  
Jordi Lopez‐Tremoleda ◽  
Nofre Sanchez‐Perea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hair Cortisol ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
High Infection ◽  
Owl Monkeys

Prevalence of Hospital-Acquired Infections During Successive Surveillance Surveys Conducted at a University Hospital in The Netherlands

2007 ◽  
Vol 28 (4) ◽  
pp. 459-465 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. E. M. Hopmans ◽  
H. E. M. Blok ◽  
A. Troelstra ◽  
M. J. M. Bonten
Keyword(s):  
University Hospital ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Total Cost ◽  
Surgical Department ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Orthopedic Procedure ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Cheap Method ◽  
Control And Prevention ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Objective.To monitor hospital-wide trends in the prevalence of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) in order to identify areas where the risk of infection is increasing.Methods.Successive surveillance surveys were conducted twice yearly, from November 2001 until May 2004, to determine the prevalence of HAIs at 2 Dutch hospitals, using Centers for Disease Control and Prevention criteria.Results.In all, 340 HAIs were observed in 295 (11.1%) of 2,661 patients surveyed. The overall prevalence per survey varied from 10.2% to 15.6%, with no significant differences between successive surveys. In the surgical department, the prevalence of HAIs increased from 10.8 cases per 100 surgeries in November 2001 to 20.4 cases per 100 surgeries in May 2002. Further analysis revealed a high prevalence of surgical site infection among patients who had an orthopedic procedure performed. In the neurology-neurosurgery department, the prevalence increased from 13.0 cases per 100 patients in May 2002 to 26.6 cases per 100 patients in May 2003 and involved several types of infection. Further analysis retrieved exceptionally high incidences of infections associated with cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Specific infection control interventions were developed and implemented in both departments. The total cost of the surveys was estimated to be €9,100 per year.Conclusion.Successive performance of surveillance surveys is a simple and cheap method to monitor the prevalence of infection throughout the hospital and appeared instrumental in identifying 2 departments with increased infection rates.

scholarly journals Epidemiology and management of healthcare-associated bloodstream infections in non-neutropenic immunosuppressed patients: a review of the literature

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (6) ◽  
pp. 171-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nursel Calik Basaran ◽  
Sibel Ascioglu
Keyword(s):  
Considerable Increase ◽  
Bloodstream Infections ◽  
Hiv Infections ◽  
Healthcare Associated Infections ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Immunosuppressed Patients ◽  
Healthcare Associated ◽  
Hospital Acquired

Advancements in medicine have led to a considerable increase in the proportion of patients living with severe chronic diseases, malignancies, and HIV infections. Most of these conditions are associated with acquired immune-deficient states and treatment-related immunosuppression. Although infections as a result of neutropenia have long been recognized and strategies for management were developed, non-neutropenic immunosuppression has been overlooked. Recently, community-acquired infections in patients with frequent, significant exposure to healthcare settings and procedures have been classified as ‘healthcare-associated infections’ since they are more similar to hospital-acquired infections. Most of the non-neutropenic immunosuppressed patients have frequent contact with the healthcare system due to their chronic and severe diseases. In this review, we focus on the healthcare-associated bloodstream infections in the most common non-neutropenic immunosuppressive states and provide an update of the recent evidence for the management of these infections.

scholarly journals Brass Alloys: Copper-Bottomed Solutions against Hospital-Acquired Infections?

Antibiotics ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 286
Author(s):  
Emilie Dauvergne ◽  
Catherine Mullié
Keyword(s):  
Copper Ions ◽  
Antimicrobial Properties ◽  
Field Trials ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Dna Damages ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Healthcare Settings ◽  
Testing Field ◽  
Hospital Acquired ◽  
Antimicrobial Effectiveness

Copper has been used for its antimicrobial properties since Antiquity. Nowadays, touch surfaces made of copper-based alloys such as brasses are used in healthcare settings in an attempt to reduce the bioburden and limit environmental transmission of nosocomial pathogens. After a brief history of brass uses, the various mechanisms that are thought to be at the basis of brass antimicrobial action will be described. Evidence shows that direct contact with the surface as well as cupric and cuprous ions arising from brass surfaces are instrumental in the antimicrobial effectiveness. These copper ions can lead to oxidative stress, membrane alterations, protein malfunctions, and/or DNA damages. Laboratory studies back up a broad spectrum of activity of brass surfaces on bacteria with the possible exception of bacteria in their sporulated form. Various parameters influencing the antimicrobial activity such as relative humidity, temperature, wet/dry inoculation or wear have been identified, making it mandatory to standardize antibacterial testing. Field trials using brass and copper surfaces consistently report reductions in the bacterial bioburden but, evidence is still sparse as to a significant impact on hospital acquired infections. Further work is also needed to assess the long-term effects of chemical/physical wear on their antimicrobial effectiveness.

Impact of an automated hand hygiene monitoring system combined with a performance improvement intervention on hospital-acquired infections

2020 ◽  
Vol 41 (8) ◽  
pp. 931-937
Author(s):  
Bryan C. Knepper ◽  
Amber M. Miller ◽  
Heather L. Young
Keyword(s):  
Hand Hygiene ◽  
Performance Improvement ◽  
Safety Net ◽  
Hospital Performance ◽  
Intervention Period ◽  
Infection Rates ◽  
Interrupted Time Series Analysis ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Clostridioides Difficile ◽  
Hospital Acquired

AbstractObjective:Hand hygiene adherence has been associated with reductions in nosocomial infection. We assessed the effect of improvements in electronically measured hand hygiene adherence on the incidence of hospital-acquired infections.Methods:This quasi-experimental study was conducted in a 555-bed urban safety-net level I trauma center. The preintervention period was January 2015 through June 2016. Baseline electronic hand hygiene data collection took place from April through June 2016. The intervention period was July 2016 through December 2017. An electronic hand hygiene system was installed in 4 locations in our hospital. Performance improvement strategies were implemented that included education, troubleshooting, data dissemination, and feedback. Adherence rates were tracked over time. Rates of hospital-acquired infections were evaluated in the intervention units and in control units selected for comparison. The intervention period was subdivided into the initial and subsequent 9-month periods and were compared to the baseline period.Results:Electronically measured hand hygiene rates improved significantly from baseline to intervention, from 47% 77% adherence. Rates >70% continued to be measured 18 months after the intervention. Interrupted time series analysis indicated a significant effect of hand hygiene on healthcare facility-onset Clostridioides difficile infection rates during the first 9 months of the intervention. This trend continued during the final 9 months of the intervention but was nonsignificant. No effects were observed for other hospital-acquired infection rates.Conclusions:Implementation of electronic hand hygiene monitoring and performance improvement interventions resulted in reductions in hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection rates.

scholarly journals Medicare Non-Payment of Hospital-Acquired Infections: Infection Rates Three Years Post Implementation

2013 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. E1-E16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel Peasah ◽  
Niccie McKay ◽  
Jeffrey Harman ◽  
Mona Al-Amin ◽  
Robert Cook
Keyword(s):  
Infection Rates ◽  
Hospital Acquired Infections ◽  
Hospital Acquired
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