Top in ID: Hand-washing guidelines; probiotic reduces S. aureus colonization
Updated guidelines for hand-washing in medical facilities emphasize healthy skin and nails and easy access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers to reduce health care-associated infections.
The guidelines were developed through a collaborative effort led by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, the American Hospital Association and The Joint Commission. A review of the updated guidance was the top story in infectious disease last week.
Another top story was about a probiotic that safely reduced Staphylococcus aureus colonization without harming other gut microbiota. Results from a phase 2 study suggest that the probiotic may help prevent S. aureus infection without antibiotics.
Read these and more top stories in infectious disease below:
New hand-washing guidelines emphasize healthy nails, easy access to sanitizers
New guidelines for hand-washing in medical facilities, aimed at reducing health care- associated infections, focus on healthy skin and nails, as well as easy access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers and improved training. Read more.
Probiotic safely reduces S. aureus colonization in human trial
A probiotic safely reduced S. aureus colonization in a phase 2 human trial without harming other gut microbiota, suggesting a potential approach to preventing infection without using antibiotics. Read more.
Long COVID more common in pre-delta period compared with delta, omicron
Prolonged COVID-19 symptoms, including severe fatigue, were more common among patients infected during the pre-delta period compared with the later delta and omicron periods, researchers found. Read more.
Study uncovers disparity in hemodialysis-associated S. aureus infections
Adults on dialysis for end-stage kidney disease are 100 times more likely to have a S. aureus bloodstream infection than those not on dialysis, according to a new report, which uncovered disparities in the rates of infection. Read more.
Rapid influenza tests may reduce antibiotic prescriptions, improve patient outcomes
Using rapid influenza diagnostic tests for patients presenting with acute respiratory infections may lead clinicians to prescribe fewer unnecessary antibiotics, which could improve patient outcomes and decrease the threat of resistance, researchers found. Read more.