American Journal of Infection Control (@ajicjournal) Bsky

📢 AJIC Spotlight

CRE bacteremia remains a major threat.

🦠 This study shows:
• Higher 30-day & 1-year mortality vs non-CRE
• Worse outcomes in CP-CRE
• Targeted therapy improves survival

📄 Read more: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionControl #AMR #PatientSafety

1 week ago 2 0 0 0

Perception of the hospitalization process among survivors of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii bacteremia: A qualitative study Survivors of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) bacteremia endure complex hospitalizations; their perspectives remain underexplored.

📢 AJIC Spotlight

Do patients understand their infections?

🗣️ Patient engagement is an untapped tool for infection prevention.

📄 Read more: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionControl #PatientSafety #HealthCommunication

1 week ago 0 0 0 0

Enhancing surgical instrument assembly training through virtual reality: A case study on laparoscopic forceps Proper reprocessing of surgical instruments is essential for patient safety and infection prevention. Inadequate assembly can compromise sterilization, delay procedures, and increase the risk of health care-associated infections. Existing training methods for sterilization staff are often informal and lack standardization. The aim is to design and validate a virtual reality (VR) training system to improve the assembly and disassembly skills of laparoscopic forceps among health care professionals.

📢What if sterile processing training moved into virtual reality?

🕶️ This study shows:
• High usability & realism ratings
• Improved understanding of instrument assembly
• Potential to standardize training
📄 Read more: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionControl #SterileProcessing

1 week ago 1 0 0 0

Impact of ventilator-associated events on clinical outcomes in mechanically ventilated patients: A retrospective cohort study from a Brazilian ICU Mechanical ventilation is a widely used intervention for critically ill patients in intensive care units. However, it is associated with various complications. The most up-to-date method for monitoring ventilation-related complications is through ventilator-associated events (VAE). The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence of VAE and their impact on major clinical outcomes in patients admitted to the intensive care units.

📢 AJIC Update

VAE may be relatively uncommon—but the impact is significant.

🫁 This study finds:
• VAE in 5.6% of ventilated patients
• Longer ventilation & hospital stays
• Worse overall outcomes

📄 Read more: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionControl #ICU #PatientSafety

1 week ago 0 0 0 0

The neglected 4th catheter: An suspected outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in a kidney transplant ward Carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) is one of the important opportunistic pathogens causing nosocomial infections. This study aims to investigate a suspected outbreak of CRPA in a kidney transplant ward.

📢 AJIC Spotlight

Are we overlooking a key infection risk?

🚨 CRPA outbreak in a transplant ward linked to:
• Drainage catheter contamination
• Protocol lapses
• Clonal transmission (WGS confirmed)

📄 Read more: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionControl #AMR #PatientSafety

1 week ago 1 0 0 0

Reducing CAUTI incidence: A multimodal and multidisciplinary approach for improved prevention and patient outcomes Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common health care-associated infections and a key quality metric tied to patient safety. Although the standardized utilization ratio (SUR) de...

📢 AJIC Update

Can a multimodal approach reduce CAUTI?

📉 This study shows:
• Strong multidisciplinary collaboration
• Improved catheter care compliance
• Major drop in infection rates (SIR ↓ to 0.168)

📄 Read more: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionControl #CAUTI #PatientSafety

1 week ago 0 0 0 0

Assessment of bacterial contamination on antimicrobial disposable curtains compared to fabric curtains in intensive care unit patients at a university hospital setting Hospital privacy curtains represent high-touch surfaces frequently implicated in the transmission of health care-associated pathogens. This study aimed to evaluate the microbiological efficacy and cost-effectiveness of antimicrobial disposable curtains compared to conventional polyester fabric curtains in an intensive care unit setting.

📢 Hospital curtains can harbor pathogens—but what if we rethink them?

🦠 This study shows antimicrobial disposable curtains:
• Lower bacterial contamination
• Stay below safety thresholds
• Cut costs by ~60%

📄 Read more: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionControl #HAI #PatientSafety

1 week ago 0 0 0 0

Managing pediatric CLABSI is complex—should you remove or salvage the catheter?

📄 Read more: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionControl #CLABSI #Pediatrics

1 week ago 0 0 0 0

Limiting central venous catheter access for blood sampling and its impact on central line-associated bloodstream infection: A scoping review Central venous catheters (CVCs) pose a risk of infection through fluid infusion, medication administration, and blood draws. We conducted a scoping review evaluating the risk of accessing a CVC and ai...

📢 New in AJIC!

Limiting CVC access for blood draws may reduce CLABSI risk.

Small practice changes = big patient safety impact.

📄 Read more: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionControl #CLABSI #PatientSafety

1 week ago 0 0 0 0

Leveraging data to advance infection prevention programs Infection prevention (IP) is central to patient safety and quality, underpinned by evidence-based practices and regulatory standards.1-4 Core activities span clinical and operational domains, includin...

📢 New in AJIC!
Data is transforming infection prevention—helping teams target risks, improve surveillance, and guide interventions. Strong analytics = stronger IP programs.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #DataDrivenCare #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

An approach to Candidozyma auris surveillance in a low prevalence setting Candidozyma auris (C auris) is a multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen of increasing global concern. We describe the development and validation of an active surveillance program for patients at high ris...

📢 New in AJIC!
A practical framework for Candidozyma auris surveillance in low‑prevalence hospitals—targeted screening + strong lab–IPC coordination to detect early and prevent spread.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #AMR #AJIC

1 month ago 1 1 0 0

Urinary tract infection and bacteremia due to Staphylococcus epidermidis after transperineal prostate biopsy: A case report with implications for infection prevention Infectious complications are rare after transperineal prostate biopsy, and antibiotic prophylaxis may not be needed for most procedures. We report a case of Staphylococcus epidermidis urinary tract in...

📢 New in AJIC!
A rare Staphylococcus epidermidis UTI + bacteremia occurred after a transperineal prostate biopsy—showing even low‑risk procedures need strong post‑procedure vigilance.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #PatientSafety #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 1

Comparison of two different scabies outbreaks in health care workers: An observational study in an Italian University Hospital The reapplication of an ad hoc prevention protocol during a scabies outbreak at a University Hospital in 2024 resulted in a substantial reduction in scabies cases and limited the spread, compared to t...

📢 New in AJIC!
Two scabies outbreaks among HCWs showed how delayed detection and inconsistent practices can drive spread. Early recognition + strong IPC measures are key.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #OccupationalHealth #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Exploring the role of nursing care interventions in the prevention of non-device-associated healthcare-associated infections: A scoping review Healthcare-associated infections remain a major patient safety threat, yet prevention efforts to date mainly focus on device-associated infections, neglecting the burden of non--device-associated HAIs...

📢 New in AJIC!
A scoping review of 159 studies found limited high‑quality evidence on how fundamental nursing care prevents non‑device‑associated HAIs—highlighting a major gap in infection‑prevention research.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #Nursing #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

A systematic review of knowledge assessment instruments for isolation precautions among health care personnel Health care personnel (HCP) knowledge of isolation precautions (IPs) is essential for preventing health care-associated infections. HCP adherence to IP guidelines remains suboptimal worldwide, often d...

📢 New in AJIC!
A review of 27 studies shows major gaps in tools assessing HCP knowledge of isolation precautions—especially transmission-based measures. Stronger, standardized instruments are urgently needed.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Identifying sterilization practice gaps at five early implementation hospitals in Cambodia: An observational study Effective sterilization of devices used for medical procedures is essential for reducing the risk of healthcare-associated infections. Limited data are available from lower-middle-income countries on ...

📢 New in AJIC!
Assessment at 5 Cambodian hospitals revealed major sterilization practice gaps—but locally adapted tools helped teams identify solutions and drive improvement.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #PatientSafety #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Occupational exposure intensity trends in health care workers: Joinpoint Regression identifies COVID-19 associated inflection point (2017-2024) Health care workers (HCWs) globally face substantial risks from occupational blood and body fluids (BBFs) exposure, with disparities heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. China’s health care system, ch...

📢 New in AJIC!
A 7‑year analysis shows BBF exposures rose pre‑COVID but dropped sharply after 2021. Junior HCWs made up most incidents, and needlesticks were the top cause.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #OccupationalHealth #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Long term impact of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic on the acquisition rate of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a medical intensive care unit The COVID-19 pandemic led to major changes in patient care, with enhanced hygiene possibly reducing multidrug resistant bacteria transmission, while increased nursing workload and antibiotic use may h...

📢 New in AJIC!
ESBL‑E acquisition in a medical ICU rose 57% during COVID‑19, linked to longer stays, mechanical ventilation, and hemodialysis. Highlights the pandemic’s lasting impact on AMR.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #AMR #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Impact of local COVID-19 incidence on health care personnel risk perception and social activity Risk perceptions and social activities shaped SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, most related studies are cross-sectional, often neglecting correlated outcomes and dropout bias. We assessed relationshi...

📢 New in AJIC!
During high COVID‑19 incidence, HCP perceived greater infection risk and reported fewer social activities—highlighting adaptive behavior during Omicron.
#InfectionPrevention #COVID19 #AJIC
www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus outbreaks in an NICU: Integrating POT and whole-genome sequencing Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) continue to pose serious challenges. Despite the importance of active surveillance, molecular typi...

📢 New in AJIC!
In NICU MRSA outbreaks, WGS outperformed POT—confirming transmission routes and identifying hidden links. Best approach? Use POT for routine screening and WGS during outbreaks.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #MRSA #AJIC @APIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Improving toy hygiene in pediatric hospital settings through maternal education: A randomized controlled study Toys, while integral to children’s development and well-being, can serve as significant vectors of infection, especially in hospital settings. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of toy hygie...

📢 New in AJIC!
Teaching mothers about toy hygiene in pediatric units improved knowledge and significantly reduced toy contamination by day 3. A simple, effective infection‑prevention boost.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #Pediatrics #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Risk factors for OXA-carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales acquisition in Israel: A retrospective case control study OXA-producing carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (OXA-CPE) are challenging hospital-centered screening approaches. This study aimed to identify risk-factors for CPE acquisition, focusing on OXA-...

📢 New in AJIC!
A large case‑control study found chronic illness, repeated hospitalizations, and recent antibiotics drive CPE risk—while OXA‑CPE showed a unique link with Arab ethnicity.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #AntibioticResistance #AJIC @APIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Aerosol-based exposure to opportunistic pathogens originating from hospital sink drains Hospital room sink drains contain biofilms that harbor opportunistic pathogens. Exposures to these pathogens may occur from aerosolization and droplet dispersion into patient rooms during sink use. Th...

📢 New in AJIC!
Hospital sink drains can aerosolize opportunistic pathogens—sending microbes into patient rooms during routine sink use. Genomic evidence confirms sink-to-air transmission.
#InfectionPrevention #HAIs #AJIC

www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

1 month ago 0 1 0 1

Utilizing the antibiotic spectrum index to assess hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection in treating adults with community-onset bloodstream infections Antimicrobial therapy is the management cornerstone of patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs). We aimed to investigate the application of an antibiotic spectrum index (ASI) to assess hospital-ons...

📢 New in AJIC!
Higher antibiotic spectrum index scores strongly predicted hospital-onset C. difficile in patients with community-onset BSIs—outperforming treatment duration alone. A promising tool for stewardship.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #Cdiff #AJIC @APIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Demographic and regional trends in Clostridioides difficile-related mortality among adults in the United States from 1999 to 2023 Clostridium difficile is a leading cause of health care-associated infections and a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. This study examines demographic and geograp...

📢 New in AJIC!
C. difficile–related mortality has risen since 1999, with highest rates in nonmetropolitan areas and among non-Hispanic Whites. Findings highlight persistent disparities and the need for targeted prevention.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #Cdiff #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Health care worker experiences with a universal gloving intervention to prevent Clostridioides difficile infection: A qualitative study Universal gloving (health care worker [HCW] gloving for all patient contact, regardless of activity or patient condition) may prevent Clostridioides difficile transmission in health care settings. How...

📢 New in AJIC!
HCWs say universal gloving is doable—but adds workload, workflow challenges, and communication needs. Human‑factors approaches could help make implementation smoother.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #Cdiff #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

A survey to assess patients’ beliefs and perceptions of their participation to improve health care workers’ compliance with hand hygiene Hospital acquired infection (HAIs) remain a major global health challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Although hand hygiene (HH) is one of the most effective measures to...

Many patients believe they should remind staff about hand hygiene—but few actually do. Hierarchy, fear, and assumptions hold them back. Stronger education + support could boost patient engagement.

🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #AJIC

1 month ago 0 1 0 0

Comparing observed with self-reported hand hygiene adherence among bedside nurses and physicians at two hospitals in the United States Hand hygiene is a core component of infection prevention in healthcare settings. One potential reason for lack of adherence to recommended hand hygiene practices is erroneous self-perception. We aimed...

📢 New in AJIC!
Observed hand hygiene was far lower than self‑reported rates among nurses and physicians—revealing a major perception gap that could impact infection prevention.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #HandHygiene #AJIC

1 month ago 0 2 0 0

A tale of two APIC chapters: A pilot study measuring burnout in infection preventionists using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) Infection preventionists’ (IPs) role can be jeopardized by imbalance between expanding responsibilities and limited resources. Challenges of stress and burnout among IPs can lead to turnover and strug...

🔥 AJIC: Infection preventionists report high burnout levels.
Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory increased awareness — but organizations must invest in prevention & support.

Read: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #HealthcareWorkforce #Burnout

2 months ago 1 1 0 0

Variability in orientation and training among Texas infection preventionists and its impact on CIC preparedness Infection preventionists (IPs) are critical to reducing healthcare-associated infections, yet orientation and training remain inconsistent. CIC is the professional standard, but variability in trainin...

👩‍⚕️ AJIC: Training for infection preventionists varies widely — and gaps affect CIC certification readiness.
Rural IPs were significantly less likely to be certified.

Standardized training matters for workforce strength.

Read: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #CIC

2 months ago 0 1 0 0

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