Uncover why hand sanitizers may not be your best defense and explore smarter, more effective ways to keep your hands truly clean.

Although Candida auris and Clostridioides difficile continue to be dangerous for patients, research published throughout this year has highlighted strides made in outbreak prevention and understanding nosocomial infections.

Clostridioides difficile is a spore-forming pathogen capable of causing severe disease in humans. Critical stages in the biological cycle of this microorganism include sporogenesis/germination and toxin production by vegetative cells. Antagonizing these pivotal events could aid in prevention and tre …

PDF | Background Several studies revealed the beneficial effects of probiotics against the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea of hospitalized... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate

Background Several studies revealed the beneficial effects of probiotics against the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea of hospitalized patients but it is rarely to assess the nutrition status. This study investigated the effects of probiotics in elderly hospitalized tube-fed patients with antibiotics use and is the first study that concerns the nutritional status among these patients. Methods Elderly hospitalized tube-fed patients who were using antibiotics were recruited. Probiotics were given within 48 h after their first antibiotic therapy, and then twice daily 2 h after consuming antibiotics and a meal; the probiotics were continued to use for an additional 7 days after completion of antibiotics therapy. Anthropometric data, laboratory data, medication records, nutritional status, nutrition intake and data on stool form were collected. Results Twenty-nine patients served as probiotic group. 11 patients completed the study in both groups. In probiotic group, the stool form was found to exhibit no significant differences between the beginning and end of antibiotics therapy (5.5 ± 0.8 vs 5.1 ± 1.1, p = 0.21), but the stool frequency significantly decreased (2.0 ± 1.0 vs 1.6 ± 0.7, p = 0.05). In control group, the stool form between the beginning and end of antibiotics therapy exhibited significant improvement (5.6 ± 1.4 vs 4.5 ± 1.4, p = 0.01), but not in the frequency (2.7 ± 2.1 vs 2.4 ± 1.5, p = 0.1). The initial NRS 2002 score of the probiotic and control groups were similar. (3.6 ± 1.7 vs 3.7 ± 1.8, p = 1.00), and their nutrition status both significantly improved during the last visit before discharged (2.6 ± 0.9 vs 2.9 ± 1.3). Conclusion Probiotic supplementation in elderly hospitalized tube-fed patients significantly reduced stool frequency during antibiotic treatment. Improvements in stool form were observed only during the follow-up period. Nutritional status remained stable, with patients' nutritional needs adequately met throughout the study.

Researchers find probiotics can mitigate some effects of antibiotics but lack conclusive evidence for fully restoring the gut microbiome. Benefits exist, but proof is limited.

Copper coupons can substantially reduce C. difficile spores after 4 hours, but results vary depending on the initial spore concentration and presence or absence of organic material. Higher initial spore loads or excess organic material may prevent spores from contact with copper surfaces, thu …

This simple prediction score enables early medical intervention and modification of treatment plans to reduce the risk of developing primary hospital-onset CDI.

Antibiotics are important clinical tools for treating bacterial infections, yet we recognize that an important side effect of antibiotic use is

OROVILLE — In a nonprofit’s report released this week grading hospitals across the nation on overall performance in keeping patients safe from preventable harm and medical errors, Oroville Hospital received a D. The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit health care watchdog organization established in 2000, annually grades health care facilities on a scale from A to F, with A ...

Japan has experienced several large earthquakes in the past 30 years. Emergency evacuation shelters become overcrowded immediately after disasters. Deteriorating sanitary conditions in toilets are associated with a higher risk of infectious pathogen transmission. "Ho!Toilet" is a toilet sanitary goo …

The disruptive effect of antibiotics on the composition and function of the human microbiota is well established. However, the hypothesis that probiotics can help restore the antibiotic-disrupted microbiota has been advanced, with little consideration of the strength of evidence supporting it. Some …

We report a comprehensive evaluation of the toxin B (TcdB) vaccine adjuvanted with a dual Toll-like receptor ligand liposome adjuvant for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). The vaccine completely protected mice from a lethal infection. Compared to alum adjuvanted TcdB, it generated fun …

Trinity Guardion, a leader in hospital bed hygiene solutions, announced the completion of a $6 million financing, including new funding of $3.5 million in a Series B funding round. This investment is aimed at accelerating the production and commercialization of the innovative Soteria Bed Barrier System. Queen City Angels led this funding round, and other investors included Tamiami Angel Fund, Market Street Ventures, and RKCA.

On November 20, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the release of its draft guidance for public comment to support registration and evaluation of efficacy claims for pre-saturated antimicrobial towelettes on hard non-porous surfaces such as stainless steel, metal, glass, hard plastic, or sealed wood, commonly seen in the market as “disinfecting wipes,” using a recently approved standard test method.

The COVID-19 pandemic, instigated by SARS-CoV-2, has initiated a transformative shift in hospital and laboratory environments worldwide. Airborne precautions have become as crucial as universal blood and body fluid precautions, prompting the normalization of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) usage, including surgical masks or N95FFR. However, this surge in demand has led to shortages among healthcare workers.

Patients' positive perception of gloving may facilitate universal gloving as an infection prevention and control strategy.

Clostridioides difficile is widely recognised as one of the most common causes of healthcare-associated C. difficile infections due to the ability of spores to survive for prolonged periods in the hospital environment. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of UV-C 254 nm light in t …

The trillions of microbes that constitute the human gut microbiome play a crucial role in digestive health, immune response regulation, and psychological wellness. Maintaining gut microbiota is essential as metabolic diseases are associated with it. Functional food ingredients potentially improving …

For November’s Clostridioides difficile Awareness Month, the Peggy Lillis Foundation has launched a “See C. diff diagnosed” campaign to educate the public on the most common health care-associated infection, according to a press release.Despite that C. difficile causes about half a million infections in the U.S. every year, only about 30% of Americans have heard of the illness,

ClO2 production rate of the photoClO2 system was influenced by light distribution, while disinfection efficacy was affected by light intensity, surface characteristics, and target microorganisms. PhotoClO2 was efficacious in inactivating both human norovirus surrogates on stainless steel and nylon c …

Reduction of in-hospital rate of C difficile infection from 11% to 4%, with no increased risk of infection following treatment.

In recognition of C difficile Awareness Month this November, the CDC's 2023 HAI Progress Report highlights continued progress in reducing CDIs across US healthcare settings.

The system was effective for targeted disinfection and may be used for high touch surfaces and equipment. The short cycle times allow operation in areas with minimal turnaround time such as operating theatres and anaesthetic rooms.

CDI in Germany is associated with a high clinical and economic burden, including significantly higher mortality, costs, and healthcare resource utilization, in patients with CDI versus their matched patients without CDI. This has important implications for patients, healthcare providers, and the hea …

The system was effective for targeted disinfection and may be used for high touch surfaces and equipment. The short cycle times allow operation in areas with minimal turnaround time such as operating theatres and anaesthetic rooms.

Clostridioides difficile infections burden US healthcare. Electronic Hand Hygiene Monitoring (EHHMS) systems remind for soap and water. This study evaluates EHHMS effectiveness by comparing C difficile cases in 10 hospitals with CMS data, linking EHHMS use to reduced cases.

UV-C emitter configuration impacts efficacy in attenuating C. difficile.

A dive into microbiome-focused skincare