MOVING ANNOUNCEMENT
We have moved our hand hygiene blog to another location. Our new site will give the chance to comment our posts and search older posts easier. We hope that these changes will bring us closer.
Hospital Water Taps Contaminated With Bacteria
2014.01.20.
Researchers from the University of Genova in Italy and collaborating universities studied cold and hot water samples at two tertiary care hospitals for a year from faucets used by healthcare professionals for handwashing, surgical washing, and washing of medical equipment. Read more
Handwashing effect on elementary school absenteeism
2014.01.17.
Absenteeism due to infection is a major problem in both public and private educational institutions, especially at the elementary level. Hands are the primary mode of transmission of many infectious diseases, particularly among school-aged children. Read more
Using soap vs. plain water
2014.01.13.
Handwashing is thought to be effective for the prevention of transmission of diarrhea pathogens. However it is not conclusive that handwashing with soap is more effective at reducing contamination with bacteria associated with diarrhea than using water only. In this study 20 volunteers contaminated their hands deliberately by touching door handles and railings in public spaces. Read more
Global epidemiology of MRSA
2014.01.10.
In the pre-antibiotic era, S. aureus bacteraemia was usually fatal. In a review of cases in the early 1940s, mortality amongst 122 consecutive patients was 82%, and was 98% in those aged >50 years. In the modern era, it is estimated that 25–35% of healthy human individuals carry S. aureus on the skin or mucous membranes. Read more
The ideal biocide
2014.01.06.
In the last twenty or more years chlorine dioxide (ClO2) emerged as a new and popular inorganic disinfectant. It is often referred to as „the ideal biocide” because of its advantageous properties. In spite of that, as far as we know, ClO2 solutions are not frequently used as antiseptic. Read more
Action to reduce antibiotic use in livestock
2013.12.13.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced changes in farm use of antibiotics designed to safeguard the drugs for medical use. Shockingly, farmers administer more than 70% of the antibiotics used in the United States to improve health and promote the growth of livestock and poultry. Read more
Prevention in the cold season
2013.12.07.
The cold and flu season normally begins as early as October, and can result in severe illnesses, particularly amongst children. Although people in the Arab regions tend to think that cold and flu season does not exist due to the hot climate in the region, the World Health Organization has proven through research that during this time seasonal viruses actually exist there and can cause illnesses and infections. Read more