Chemical Engineering Researchers Identify Biofilms That Cause Infections Jun 13, 2008
12, 2008) Understanding the way bacterial cells talk to each other could lead to more effective methods for fighting the often persistent and serious infections caused by the biofilms they form, says a Texas A&M University professor of chemical engineering who not only has deciphered their language but also discovered how to quell their conversation. Examining Escherichia coli bacteria widely considered a model organism for microbiology studies Professor Thomas K. Wood of the Artie McFerrin... (Science Daily)
Acinetobacter baumannii in Intensive Care Unit: a Novel System to Study Clonal Relationship Among the Isolates. Jun 9, 2008
The nosocomial infections surveillance system must be strongly effective especially in highly critic areas, such as Intensive Care Units (ICU). These areas are frequently an epidemiological epicentre for transmission of multi-resistant pathogens, like Acinetobacter baumannii. (BioMed Central)
GlycoVaxyn Appoints Philippe Dro as CEO May 20, 2008
" Most recently, Dr Dro was Chairman and CEO of Endoart SA, a medtech company developing telemetric driven implants for cardiac disease and obesity, that was sold to Allergan, Inc. Dr Dro spearheaded the transformation of Endoart from a distressed position to one that commanded a cash price of CHF 120 million. From 1999 to 2003, Dr Dro was Chief Operating Officer (COO) and part of the founding team of AXOVAN AG, a GPCR focused drug discovery company, that grew the company to a clinical-stage... (PR Newswire)
Vancomycin Resistant MRSA Apr 6, 2008
2% of nosocomial bacteremias, bacterial infections, can be expected to be MRSA. A total of 75% of nosocomial infections are drug resistant and hospital acquired infections result in 100,000 deaths annually. More diligent hand-washing and sterilization may be able to cut the numbers. (Suite101.com)
Tips from the Journals of the American Society for Microbiology Mar 27, 2008
Enterococci are one of the most common organisms associated with nosocomial infections worldwide and are also considered a reservoir for acquisition and distribution of antibiotic resistant genes. In the study enterococci isolates were collected from an American bison (Bison bison) population on a native tall-grass prairie preserve in Kansas. (EurekAlert!)
Unintended Errors Leave Many Newborns Vulnerable Feb 1, 2008
IEs most likely to be severe were nosocomial infections -- 49 of 62 were severe (79 percent) -- and respiratory events -- 9 of 26 (35 percent] ). Of the 34 adverse drug IEs, 19 were medication errors. (Health-Finder)
MRSA: Government accused of dirty tricks Jan 31, 2008
5000 deaths per annum from nosocomial infections is an absolute disgrace. Posted by Dr Nick Ashley | 30. (Independent)
Amphibian Skin Agent May Battle Multi-drug Resistant Bacteria Jan 23, 2008
Nosocomial infections are linked to various drug-resistant bacterial strains and are commonly acquired in a hospital setting as a secondary illness. In the study researchers tested five AMPs (temporins A, B, and G, esculentin 1b, and bombinin H2) from three different frog and toad species (Rana temporaria, Rana esculenta, and Bombina variegata) for antibacterial activity against multi-drug resistant strains often associated with human nosocomial infections. (Science Daily)
Infectious Diseases after Solid-Organ Transplantation Dec 20, 2007
Nosocomial Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance. Community Infections. (New England Journal of Medicine)
A nanoplex PCR assay for the rapid detection of vancomycin and bifunctional aminoglycoside resistance genes in Enterococcus species Dec 11, 2007
Enterococci have emerged as a significant cause of nosocomial infections in many parts of the world over the last decade. The most common enterococci strains present in clinical isolates are E. faecalis and E. faecium which have acquired resistant to either gentamicin or vancomycin. (BioMed Central)
THE SOAP DISH Oct 30, 2007
" Indeed, infection control is a major concern of all hospitals. Nosocomial infections are diseases that are transmitted to a patient in a hospital or health-care facility while they're being treated for another illness. The statistics are grim: Infections contracted by patients and workers in hospitals are the fourth largest killer in America. While they're in the hospital, an estimated 2 million patients contract infections - and more than 100,000 will die from them. If these numbers weren't... (New York Post -- Entertainment)
SAMMD: Staphylococcus aureus Microarray Meta-Database Oct 3, 2007
S. aureus is one of the leading causes of nosocomial infections. Its ability to resist multiple antibiotics poses a growing public health problem. (BioMed Central)
When It Comes Fighting To C. Difficile, Try Soap And Warm Water Sep 26, 2007
Hospitals world-wide battle nosocomial infections on a daily basis ... Washing with soap and warm water also remains an excellent method to control nosocomial infections in general. (Science Daily)
When it comes fighting to C. difficile, the Palme d'Or goes to soap and warm water Sep 21, 2007
Montreal, 20 September 2007 - Hospitals world-wide battle nosocomial infections on a daily basis ... We think that alcohol eliminates the 'living bacteria but not the spores, whereas the mechanical action of washing combined with the chemical action of soap eliminates both," explained Dr. Oughton. The alcohol hand rubs remain very effective and convenient for routine hand hygiene and eliminating non-spore producing bacteria. However, the study authors recommend using soap and water whenever... (EurekAlert!)
Computers Help Docs Spot, Treat Infections Sep 13, 2007
"We were building a clinical records system capable of detecting nosocomial infections electronically and then putting in warnings," Classen said. "It was a homegrown system. Now you see this technology beginning to emerge in commercial vendors.". (Investors Business Daily)
Hospitals urged to post infection rates Sep 11, 2007
"The public has the right to know infection rates," said Christine Besson, board secretary of the Association to Defend Victims of Nosocomial Infections ... Ms. Besson of the Montreal-based Association to Defend Victims of Nosocomial Infections said it's "almost impossible to win" a malpractice case because a patient must prove negligence. (Globe and Mail)
Hospital Errors Won't Be Paid For Aug 20, 2007
nosocomial infections (infections patients catch in the hospital due to poor infection control processes) ... Nosocomial infections which will no longer be covered by Medicare are most commonly associated with urinary (Foley) catheters, IV lines and coronary bypass surgery. (Suite101.com)
Hospitals urged to exercise greater vigilance over their water systems in summer months Jun 28, 2007
Public release date: 27-Jun-2007. Contact: Marcia Katz. (EurekAlert!)
Rising Awareness of Nosocomial Infections and Increase in Surgical Procedures Drive Demand for Surgical Drapes, Gowns and Gloves Jun 27, 2007
The increase in nosocomial infections in parallel with the rise in surgical procedures ensures that there is always need for surgical drapes, gowns and gloves ... "The prohibitive costs associated with nosocomial infections, both monetarily and physically, have placed enormous emphasis on the usage of surgical drapes, gowns and gloves during surgical procedures," notes Frost van Research Analyst Ms. Sabita Ramachandran. (PR Newswire)
Biophage Pharma signs an important M.O.U. with Hygie Canada to develop phage products to combat nosocomial infections May 30, 2007
Under the terms of this M.O.U., both parties will engage in the development of an environment-friendly system that utilizes naturally occurring phages in either a liquid form or bound to plastic in order to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections ... Nosocomial infections (infections acquired in hospitals) are a major cause of health-care complications, with important socio-economic impacts such as prolonged hospital stays, increased mortality and morbidity and significant increases in... (Canada Newswire)
First comprehensive Canadian antibiotic resistance web resource launched Mar 15, 2007
Representing the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) on the CAN-R editorial board is Dr. Michael Mulvey, Chief, Antimicrobial Resistance and Nosocomial Infections, National Microbiology Laboratory. "The launch of the CAN-R website is a welcomed step forward in the fight against antimicrobial resistance," said Dr. Mulvey. (Canada Newswire)
Cleanliness is next to godliness and capitalism Jan 15, 2007
"All of the issues of nosocomial infections in hospitals, the risk of bird flu, the cruise-ship outbreaks, there's just more and more awareness of health issues," he says. But some of the resulting behavior makes no sense, Sleeper says. (Orlando Sentinel -- News)
Low-Tech Measures Slash Catheter-Related ICU Infections Dec 28, 2006
In the pioneering pilot study, which included 1,981 ICU-months of data and 375,757 catheter-days, physicians and nurses were trained about infection control, according to the guidelines of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System. Infection rates per 1,000 catheter days were measured at three-month intervals up to 18 months. (MedPage Today)
Decreasing Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections in the ICU Dec 28, 2006
Rates of infection per 1000 catheter-days were measured at 3-month intervals, according to the guidelines of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System. Results A total of 108 ICUs agreed to participate in the study, and 103 reported data. (New England Journal of Medicine)
Allen: Iraqi Health Care Dec 22, 2006
They face shortages, death threats and kidnapping, as well as inadequate supplies that increase mortality, patient suffering and nosocomial infections. . (Zmag.org)
Hospital infections` climbing cost Nov 26, 2006
HAIs, or nosocomial infections, are defined by the World Health Organization as 'infections acquired during hospital care, not present or incubating at admission. They usually occur more than 48 hours after admission. (Monsters and Critics.com)
Clean Hands Leading to Safer Health Care for Half the World's Population Nov 13, 2006
Based on the results of that study it has been estimated that the Swiss could avert 17 000 nosocomial infections each year if hospitals nationwide achieved comparable improvements. "With 33 countries committing to 'Clean Care is Safer Care' over the last year, we have proof of the global political commitment to dramatically reduce deaths and suffering from infections acquired in health care facilities. I urge countries throughout the world to follow the example of those who have already... (PR Newswire)
Patients Can Help Stop Hospital-Acquired Infections Sep 15, 2006
Hospital-acquired infections, or nosocomial infections, are the result of treatment within a hospital but are secondary to the patient's original condition. Each year, more than 100,000 people are killed by these infections. (WNBC.com, NY)
Claims made by Jewish Hospital patients are serious Jun 22, 2006
These suits add to four previously filed by patients or the families of deceased patients who also acquired serious nosocomial infections while at Jewish Hospital. There since have been more claims filed, bringing the total number of lawsuits to more than 30. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Conserved genes in a path from commensalism to pathogenicity: comparative phylogenetic profiles of Staphylococcus epidermidis RP62A and ATCC12228 May 10, 2006
Staphylococcus epidermidis, long regarded as an innocuous commensal bacterium of the human skin, is the most frequent cause of nosocomial infections associated with implanted medical devices. This conditional pathogen provides a model of choice to study genome landmarks correlated with the transition between commensalism and pathogenicity. (BioMed Central)
Genomic characterization of ribitol teichoic acid synthesis in Staphylococcus aureus: genes, genomic organization and gene duplication Apr 5, 2006
Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA (Methicillin Resistant S. aureus), is an acquired pathogen and the primary cause of nosocomial infections worldwide. In S. aureus, teichoic acid is an essential component of the cell wall, and its biosynthesis is not yet well characterized. (BioMed Central)
Clinical Study Confirms Safety and Efficacy of Novel Germicidal Device to Help Prevent Hospital-Acquired Infections Feb 23, 2006
The CDC estimated that in the U.S. in 1995, nosocomial infections cost $4 ... UVSolutions' medical infection control products provide revolutionary low-cost, non-chemical sterilization and disinfection solutions to help reduce escalating incidences and costs associated with nosocomial infections. (PR Newswire)
