This issue covers some of the most significant news from August. Topics include CAUTI, sepsis, proton-pump inhibitors, eye drops, TB, vaccines and nose picking.
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Alternatives to Indwelling Urinary Catheters Help Patients Avoid Infections and Urethral Trauma — Five medical organizations led by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America issued new recommendations for the prevention of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI).
Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements — CDC released its first-ever "Hospital Sepsis Program Core Elements." The agency stated that these elements are designed to help all hospitals implement, monitor and optimize sepsis programs and improve survival rates.
PPIs Linked to Long-Term Infection in Kids — New study results were published that should serve as a good reminder to only use proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) when needed and limit their use once started.
Report Highlights Hospital Sinks as Source of Highly Resistant Pathogen — A report highlighted the role of the hospital water environment in the transmission of highly resistant, difficult-to-treat pathogens.
FDA Warns Consumers Not to Purchase or Use Certain Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Eye Drops Due to Contamination — FDA issued a new eyedrops warning due to concerns about bacterial and/or fungal contamination.
WHO Operational Handbook on Tuberculosis — The World Health Organization released a new operational handbook on tuberculosis infection prevention and control. It includes TB best practices and provides checklists and job aids.
FDA Approves First RSV Vaccine To Prevent Infections in Infants — FDA approved the first vaccine meant to prevent respiratory syncytial virus in infants. It is designed to be administered to pregnant mothers in their third trimester.
Sporicidal Disinfectants Shown More Effective Against Candida Auris — New research was published on the effectiveness of disinfectants against Candida auris. A big takeaway: Quaternary-ammonium disinfectants, which are widely used in U.S. healthcare facilities, were largely ineffective.
COVID Boosters Show Value for Those Pregnant or Trying To Conceive — Research showed the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccination with a booster for pregnant individuals.
From Blueprints to Ribbon Cutting: Infection Preventionists' Role in Construction — An Infection Control Today column discussed the importance of incorporating infection prevention and control measures throughout the entire construction process.
CDC Recommends Update to Hepatitis C Virus Screening — CDC issued new guidance recommending healthcare facilities and labs use only single-visit approaches to hepatitis C testing in the hopes of reducing incomplete testing and missed HCV diagnoses.
New Standard on Cutting Risk of Infectious Aerosol Spread Sets High Bar for Building Ventilation but Is Work in Progress — A CIDRAP column looked into the new ASHRAE standard intended to reduce the risk of infectious aerosol transmission in buildings.
Nose Picking Linked To Higher Risk of COVID, Study Shows — There are many good reasons not to pick your nose. You can add an elevated risk of contracting the coronavirus to the list.