http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/RSS-Feeds/news-and-articles.aspx Thu, 15 Feb 2018 15:29:52 GMT Wed, 14 Feb 2018 18:45:00 GMT en Copyright © 2009 Virgo Publishing, Inc. Sitecore CMS: http://www.sitecore.net. Sitecore RSS module: Sitecore.Modules.RSS, Version=1.3.2.33357, Culture=neutral, PublicKeyToken=null Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) is a treatment strategy for illnesses like Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and some other infectious or autoimmune diseases affecting the gut. During FMT, stool from a healthy donor is transferred to a recipient. To be successful, donor bacteria must attach, or engraft, to the recipient's gut, but the forces http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/model-of-fecal-transplantation-predicts-which-bacteria-will-flourish.aspx Wed, 14 Feb 2018 18:45:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/model-of-fecal-transplantation-predicts-which-bacteria-will-flourish.aspx This is a larva of the parasite helminth Strongyloides stercoralis. Courtesy of the CDC Chagas disease (caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi) and strongyloidiasis (caused by the helminth S. stercoralis) are neglected tropical diseases that share a similar epidemiological burden and result in chronic infections with high morbidity and http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/patients-with-chagas-disease-are-often-infected-with-an-intestinal-parasite.aspx Wed, 14 Feb 2018 18:23:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/patients-with-chagas-disease-are-often-infected-with-an-intestinal-parasite.aspx Primary hepatocytes grown in 3-D microfluidic "liver-on-a-chip" platform following infection with hepatitis B virus. Courtesy of Marcus Dorner/Imperial College London Scientists at Imperial College London have become the first in the world to test how pathogens interact with artificial human organs. Artificial human organs, or organ-on-chip http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/organonchip-technology-enters-next-stage-as-experts-test-hepatitis-b-virus.aspx Wed, 14 Feb 2018 18:05:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/organonchip-technology-enters-next-stage-as-experts-test-hepatitis-b-virus.aspx A new clinical trial sponsored by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, aims to determine whether low blood levels of the protein procalcitonin can reliably indicate whether a person’s lower respiratory tract infection will improve with antibiotic treatment. Lower http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/biomarker-as-indicator-of-lower-respiratory-tract-infections-improving-with-antibiotic-treatment.aspx Wed, 14 Feb 2018 16:53:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/biomarker-as-indicator-of-lower-respiratory-tract-infections-improving-with-antibiotic-treatment.aspx Infection prevention practices centered on hand hygiene (HH) protocols can save lives across all healthcare facilities, not just hospital settings. This includes nursing homes, according to a new study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control. Researchers reviewed the impact of implementing a multicomponent HH http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/hand-hygiene-can-lower-mortality-antibiotic-prescription-rates-in-nursing-homes.aspx Wed, 14 Feb 2018 16:26:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/hand-hygiene-can-lower-mortality-antibiotic-prescription-rates-in-nursing-homes.aspx In addition to tragic loss of life, the next global infectious disease outbreak could harm the U.S. export economy and threaten U.S. jobs—even if the disease never reaches our shores. Two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) articles published in Health Security analyze the risks and show potential losses to the American export http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/is-the-us-export-economy-at-risk-from-global-infectious-outbreaks.aspx Wed, 14 Feb 2018 15:47:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/is-the-us-export-economy-at-risk-from-global-infectious-outbreaks.aspx The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) says it is alarmed by the proposed funding for critical programs needed to prevent, treat, and contain infectious diseases included in the President’s Budget Request. The recommended funding levels suggest an under-appreciation for the wide-ranging and life-saving programs coordinated http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/infectious-diseases-experts-concerned-with-presidents-budget-request.aspx Wed, 14 Feb 2018 15:21:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/infectious-diseases-experts-concerned-with-presidents-budget-request.aspx Closing a critical gap in knowledge, Harvard Medical School scientists have unraveled the immune cascade that fuels tissue damage and disease development in chlamydia infection—the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. Physicians have long known that complications of chlamydia are not caused by the bacterium itself http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/scientists-identify-immune-cascade-that-fuels-complications-tissue-damage-in-chlamydia-infections.aspx Tue, 13 Feb 2018 18:01:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/scientists-identify-immune-cascade-that-fuels-complications-tissue-damage-in-chlamydia-infections.aspx Thelazia gulosa in situ on the surface of a patient’s conjunctiva (circle). Courtesy of the CDC An August 2016 call to an infectious disease hotline OHSU runs for Northwest physicians ended up being one for the record books. Erin Bonura, MD, assistant professor of medicine in infectious disease at the OHSU School of Medicine, heard this on http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/ohsu-cdc-unravel-mysterious-eye-infection.aspx Tue, 13 Feb 2018 14:54:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/ohsu-cdc-unravel-mysterious-eye-infection.aspx Opioid users have a significantly increased risk of infections severe enough to require treatment at the hospital, such as pneumonia and meningitis, as compared to people who don’t use opioids. The Vanderbilt University Medical Center study, released today by the Annals of Internal Medicine, found that people who use opioids have a 1.62 http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/opioid-use-increases-risk-of-serious-infections.aspx Mon, 12 Feb 2018 23:32:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/opioid-use-increases-risk-of-serious-infections.aspx The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reporting that Pentax has issued an Urgent Medical Device Correction and Removal notification informing customers of its voluntary recall of all ED-3490TK duodenoscopes in order to replace the forceps elevator mechanism, O-ring seal and distal end cap, and to update the Operation Manual to recommend annual http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/fda-issues-safety-alert-on-pentax-medical-duodenoscope.aspx Mon, 12 Feb 2018 20:13:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/fda-issues-safety-alert-on-pentax-medical-duodenoscope.aspx Bed bug histamines are substantial and persistent in infested homes. Courtesy of Matt Bertone, NC State University New research findings could turn perceptions of the already despised bed bug from nuisance pest into medically important threat. A study from North Carolina State University shows that histamine levels are substantially higher in http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/bed-bug-histamines-are-substantial-persistent-in-infested-homes.aspx Mon, 12 Feb 2018 19:41:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/bed-bug-histamines-are-substantial-persistent-in-infested-homes.aspx A paper published in Clinical Infectious Diseases today describes how infectious diseases physicians are uniquely positioned to lead programs guiding the use of antimicrobial medicines. The increasingly critical challenge of antimicrobial resistance threatens both individual and public health. Multiple studies examining infectious diseases http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/report-makes-the-case-for-id-physician-leadership-in-cutting-unnecessary-antimicrobial-use.aspx Mon, 12 Feb 2018 18:06:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/report-makes-the-case-for-id-physician-leadership-in-cutting-unnecessary-antimicrobial-use.aspx For the purposes of the R&D Blueprint, the World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a special tool for determining which diseases and pathogens to prioritize for research and development in public health emergency contexts. This tool seeks to identify those diseases that pose a public health risk because of their epidemic potential and http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/who-issues-list-of-top-epidemicprone-diseases-without-sufficient-countermeasures.aspx Mon, 12 Feb 2018 16:00:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/who-issues-list-of-top-epidemicprone-diseases-without-sufficient-countermeasures.aspx In the largest study to date on children in a low/middle income country, new research in Ghana finds that the timing of a measles vaccine in an overall vaccination schedule can have a profound impact on child survival rates beyond protecting against measles infection. The findings, published today in open access journal Frontiers in Public Health, http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/measles-vaccine-increases-child-survival-beyond-protecting-against-measles.aspx Mon, 12 Feb 2018 14:48:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/measles-vaccine-increases-child-survival-beyond-protecting-against-measles.aspx Influenza activity increased again according to the latest FluView report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). All U.S. states but Hawaii and Oregon continue to report widespread flu activity and the number of states experiencing high influenza-like illness (ILI) activity increased from 42 states plus New York City and the http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/cdc-flu-update-widespread-activity-continues.aspx Mon, 12 Feb 2018 14:00:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/cdc-flu-update-widespread-activity-continues.aspx February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. An important part of a successful dental visit is http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/cdc-offers-app-for-infection-prevention-in-dental-settings.aspx Fri, 09 Feb 2018 17:55:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/cdc-offers-app-for-infection-prevention-in-dental-settings.aspx Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a bacterial pathogen resistance to antibiotics including methicillin. The resistance first emerged in 1960 in a healthcare setting only after two years of using methicillin as a viable treatment for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA leads to infections in different parts of http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/transmission-dynamics-for-mrsa-with-injection-drug-users.aspx Fri, 09 Feb 2018 17:15:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/transmission-dynamics-for-mrsa-with-injection-drug-users.aspx New research in Pediatric Dermatology reports several cases of shingles that developed at the original vaccination site in healthy children after they were immunized against chickenpox. Most of these cases were initially misdiagnosed as other skin rashes. While some of these patients underwent tests to help make the diagnosis, all of the children http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/chickenpox-vaccine-linked-with-shingles-at-the-vaccination-site-in-some-children.aspx Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:22:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/chickenpox-vaccine-linked-with-shingles-at-the-vaccination-site-in-some-children.aspx Continuous low doses of far ultraviolet C (far-UVC) light can kill airborne flu viruses without harming human tissues, according to a new study at the Center for Radiological Research at Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC). The findings suggest that use of overhead far-UVC light in hospitals, doctors' offices, schools, airports, http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/faruvc-light-safely-kills-airborne-flu-virus-study-finds.aspx Fri, 09 Feb 2018 15:12:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/faruvc-light-safely-kills-airborne-flu-virus-study-finds.aspx A number of visitors to a New York City amusement park were found to have common respiratory viruses, according to a new study conducted by researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health. The results showed that 7 percent of people visiting this attraction tested positive for two types of respiratory virus. Findings http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/respiratory-viruses-easily-spread-at-tourist-attraction.aspx Fri, 09 Feb 2018 14:30:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/respiratory-viruses-easily-spread-at-tourist-attraction.aspx The XXIII Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will take place in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea Feb. 9-25, 2018 and Feb. 9-18, 2018, respectively. Nearby Gangneung will also host events such as curling, hockey and ice skating. The following recommendations are intended to advise national health authorities, healthcare providers and individuals http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/who-republic-of-korea-issue-health-advice-for-travelers-to-the-2018-olympic-winter-games.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2018 20:46:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/who-republic-of-korea-issue-health-advice-for-travelers-to-the-2018-olympic-winter-games.aspx UConn Health researchers led by postdoctoral fellow Ashley Groshong, shown here in UConn Health's Spirochete Research Lab, are advancing understanding of how the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi transmits Lyme disease, pointing to the potential for ultimately developing therapeutics to target this system. Courtesy of UConn Office of the Vice http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/what-makes-the-bacteria-behind-lyme-disease-tick.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2018 20:03:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/what-makes-the-bacteria-behind-lyme-disease-tick.aspx A new study found that impairing a rare group of cells (Paneth cells) in the small intestine allows gut bacteria to invade the organ and cause major inflammation. The study was conducted in mice, but has implications for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In the image, Paneth cells (red) secrete antimicrobial peptides (green) into http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/gut-bacteria-can-be-good-and-bad-for-health.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2018 19:43:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/gut-bacteria-can-be-good-and-bad-for-health.aspx A new approach tested by researchers at the University of Iowa shows that de-identified data from a "smart thermometer" connected to a mobile phone app can track flu activity in real time at both population and individual levels and the data can be used to significantly improve flu forecasting. The findings are published online Feb. 8 in the http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/smart-thermometer-improves-flu-forecasting.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2018 17:56:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/smart-thermometer-improves-flu-forecasting.aspx The Veterans Health Administration, the largest integrated healthcare system in the United States, is leading efforts to prevent the spread of dangerous multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), as detailed in a series of articles published in the February issue of Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology. The articles, authored by experts in http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/veterans-health-administration-outlines-recommendations-to-combat-mdro-crisis.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2018 16:30:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/veterans-health-administration-outlines-recommendations-to-combat-mdro-crisis.aspx Colorized transmission electron micrograph of the ovary from a nonhuman primate infected with Ebola virus. Characteristic filamentous Ebola virus particles are present between cells (bright red). Intracytoplasmic Ebola virus inclusion bodies forming crystalline arrays can be seen within ovarian stromal cells (darker red). Courtesy of NIAID Ebola http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/ebola-virus-infects-reproductive-organs.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2018 16:03:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/ebola-virus-infects-reproductive-organs.aspx Bacterial infections have been considered as one of the greatest threats to human health. However, due to the increasing spread of multidrug-resistant bacteria, the current antibiotic reservoir appears to be insufficient, thereby necessitating the exploration of novel antibacterial agents. Nano-antibacterial agents represent a novel strategy for http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/antibacterial-applications-of-graphene-oxides.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2018 15:51:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/antibacterial-applications-of-graphene-oxides.aspx Associate professor Alyssa Barry. Courtesy of Walter and Eliza Hall Institute Despite efforts the elimination of yaws in a high-endemic community in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is yet to be achieved. The research identifies relapsing, untreated infections and the emergence of antibiotic resistance as contributing to ongoing yaws infection in the http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/study-identifies-how-to-improve-who-eradication-strategy-for-skin-disease.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2018 15:28:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/study-identifies-how-to-improve-who-eradication-strategy-for-skin-disease.aspx A new blood test seems to perform as well as, if not better than, traditional blood cultures at detecting a type of fungal yeast infection that commonly strikes hospital patients, according to an analysis led by University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPMC). The T2Candida Panel is the first diagnostic test for candidemia -- a type of http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/blood-test-cuts-time-to-diagnosis-for-deadly-yeast-infection-national-trial-shows.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2018 15:07:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/blood-test-cuts-time-to-diagnosis-for-deadly-yeast-infection-national-trial-shows.aspx GM-CSF, a protein that modifies the immune response to the flu, may also help reduce lung inflammation and improve survival during influenza, according to Penn State researchers. The researchers studied the survival and lung function of mice with influenza in the lab. They found that the mice that had been given large amounts of a special cytokine http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/specific-protein-may-reduce-inflammation-improve-survival-during-the-flu.aspx Thu, 08 Feb 2018 14:30:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/specific-protein-may-reduce-inflammation-improve-survival-during-the-flu.aspx The Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) says it is alarmed by the continuing resolution passed by the House of Representatives’ that would initiate a series of cuts to the Prevention and Public Health Fund in FY2021. These funding reductions would result in a net cut of $2.85 billion by 2027. “In Congress’s http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/infectious-diseases-experts-concerned-by-cuts-to-prevention-and-public-health-fund.aspx Wed, 07 Feb 2018 19:07:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/infectious-diseases-experts-concerned-by-cuts-to-prevention-and-public-health-fund.aspx This image shows foragers of the desert fire ant, Solenopsis xyloni, collecting flower nectar. A recent article by Penick, et al., found that ants in this genus produce some of the strongest antimicrobials measured in social insects. But contrary to popular theory, not all ants seem to invest in potent antimicrobials. Courtesy of Clint Penick http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/study-sheds-new-light-on-antibiotics-produced-by-ants.aspx Wed, 07 Feb 2018 17:28:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/study-sheds-new-light-on-antibiotics-produced-by-ants.aspx Influenza vaccination coverage among high-risk groups has dropped in the European Region over the last seven years, and half the countries report a decrease in the number of vaccine doses available. These are the results of the first comprehensive overview of seasonal influenza vaccine coverage in the European Region of the World Health http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/low-uptake-of-flu-vaccine-in-europe-may-jeopardize-capacity-to-protect-people-in-next-pandemic.aspx Wed, 07 Feb 2018 16:15:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/low-uptake-of-flu-vaccine-in-europe-may-jeopardize-capacity-to-protect-people-in-next-pandemic.aspx The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has signed a five-year cooperative agreement worth up to $28 million with Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) to develop methods for preventing the global spread of viruses like chikungunya and Zika. The goal of DARPA’s Pandemic Protection Platform (P3) program is to develop http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/vanderbilt-signs-agreement-to-develop-methods-for-preventing-global-spread-of-deadly-viruses.aspx Wed, 07 Feb 2018 16:03:00 GMT http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2018/02/vanderbilt-signs-agreement-to-develop-methods-for-preventing-global-spread-of-deadly-viruses.aspx