Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is categorized as a commensal bacterium because it is able to gain benefits from living with a host but does not typically cause any harm or provide any benefits for the host. The bacteria colonize inside of the nose (the nasal vestibule) and interact with nasal epithelial cells that line the […]

Nearly 1.4 million American seniors permanently reside in nursing homes and an additional 4 million seniors receive short-term care in nursing home facilities1,2.  Unfortunately, the combination of a high population density in nursing homes, the likelihood of immunosenescence in the elderly, and a regular influx of patients and staff from hospital settings leaves seniors at […]

Ever since Ignaz Semmelweis’s discovery, in 1847, that handwashing with a chlorine solution significantly reduced maternal mortality, the medical profession has been making incremental strides in the theory of infection prevention1. In the 20th century, the focus was on pathogen vectors; sanitizing and sterilizing contaminated surfaces, blocking airborne transmission, and handwashing were instrumental in reducing […]

What is Isolation? In the hospital setting, isolation refers to additional precautions taken to prevent transmission of infectious agents, such as bacteria or viruses, between people. When a patient is placed in hospital isolation, precautions are followed by healthcare staff and visitors to help protect the patient, individuals that have contact with them, and other […]

Mixed martial artists aren’t averse to risk or to pain. Cuts, bruises, and occasional broken bones are the price they willingly pay for a sport they love. However, injuries aren’t the only concern in such a close contact sport. In mixed martial arts (MMA), staph infections can often pose a greater threat. Even in the […]

One of the first known “superbugs,” MRSA has been making headlines since the 1960s. Today, as the list of antibiotic-resistant bacteria grows, MRSA is still a major concern for healthcare providers and communities alike.  MRSA’s infamous reputation shouldn’t give the impression that MSSA is a kinder, gentler strain of staph infection. The Centers for Disease […]

One of the first “superbugs,” MRSA has been a major concern for hospitals for nearly 60 years. MRSA is a common bacterium that can cause deadly infections, but its antibiotic-resistant nature makes those infections difficult to treat — especially in healthcare environments with vulnerable patient populations. Thanks to better screening and prevention, hospital-acquired MRSA infections […]

If you work in healthcare, you already have a good idea of how to prevent staph infection, but is your organization doing enough to minimize the risks? Thanks to better screening and prevention protocols, Staphylococcus aureus (staph) infection rates were on a steady decline in the US the last 15 years. […]

Clean hands, don gloves, gown and mask.  Treat the patient. Discard gloves, gown and mask using correct process and sequence to avoid hand and clothing contamination. Exit room.  The same patient rings the call bell.  EXHALE.  Re-enter the room.  Repeat the procedure. Anyone experienced with contact precautions (isolation) understands the importance of preventing transmission.  Unfortunately, […]

Infection Prevention Bundles with Nasal DecolonizationA bundle approach has been used to support prevention of many types of healthcare associated infections including CLABSI, CAUTI, VAP, and SSI.  Over the past few years, nasal decolonization has been added as a bundle element with increasing frequency, to reduce the risk of all of these types of infections.  […]