In 2014, the United States witnessed its first known local transmissions of the Ebola virus disease. Two health care workers in Texas contracted the disease from a patient, prompting nationwide evaluation and enhancement of protocols for handling serious communicable diseases. This incident, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic's heightened awareness around personal protective equipment (PPE) and…
Despite advancements in malaria vaccines, global health experts from Johns Hopkins raise alarm on the persistent and complex threat posed by malaria. Factors such as funding cuts, escalating drug resistance, climate change and the evolving nature of the disease risk reversing the progress made to date. According to latest reports, child mortality rates from malaria…
Reports from a recent study presented at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Annual Meeting indicate that the volume of surgeries performed by a surgeon does not necessarily correlate with the infection risk in patients undergoing primary total knee arthroplasty. This surprising insight came from an in-depth data analysis carried out at the Hospital for…
The Sterile Processing Department (SPD) of a hospital, often operating under immense pressure, forms the backbone of many essential functions. A well-oiled SPD department, expert in managing and overcoming daily challenges seemingly effortlessly, is a vital part of any healthcare setup. However, antibiotics_preventionist_(IP) plays an increasingly critical role in identifying and mitigating hidden systemic issues…
In the continually evolving world of healthcare, it is unequivocally critical that prevention professionals are well-acquainted with emerging issues. This is particularly significant in sectors that deal with infection prevention and control, often grappling with the menacing threats posed by antimicrobial-resistant bacteria causing wound infections, especially in underdeveloped regions.
A recent study conducted over a period…
The healthcare sector is grappling with an escalating threat from an insidious germ that's proving tough to combat. Infections induced by NDM-producing carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), bacteria notorious for their ability to resist even our most potent antibiotics, have skyrocketed recently. A recent, peer-reviewed examination reveals as astounding 460 percent hike in such cases from 2019…
The Association of Professionals of Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), in its 2025 Annual Conference & Expo held in Phoenix, Arizona, served as a ground to introduce initiatives aimed at molding the future of infection prevention. Drawing from the insights of Dr. Rebecca Crapanzano-Sigafoos, Executive Director of the APIC Center for Research, Practice, and Innovation,…
Candida auris, a yeast - or fungus - that poses serious health risks due to its drug-resistant properties, has been steadily increasing its footprint in hospitals and care facilities. Specifically designed to thrive on human skin, this yeast has proven troublesome to manage due to its ability to spread rapidly, resulting in challenging outbreaks. The…
In an in-depth examination of the persistent issue of Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) colonization and infection in healthcare facilities, Bobby Warren, MPS, the lab director of the Duke Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship and Infection Prevention, highlighted some of the key contributing factors that keep these infections prevalent. The commentary was given during his presentation at…
Amid the cold winter in Kentucky, health authorities are battling an increased number of respiratory infection cases in adults and children alike. The rise in infections comes as families move indoors in greater numbers to find respite from the chill, which inadvertently heightened the potential for the spread of infectious agents. Notably, medical experts from…