Research suggests airborne transmission is a key factor in the spread of scarlet fever, with infected individuals shedding virus even without symptoms. The study found that classroom contacts were heavily infected and shed GAS despite being symptom-free, highlighting the importance of rapid diagnosis and treatment.
A large population study found a significant association between blood infections with anaerobic bacteria and an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer. The study revealed that infections with specific bacteria, such as Clostridium septicum and Bacteroides ovatus, were linked to a substantial increased risk of CRC.
New research reveals that raw-type dog foods contain high levels of multidrug-resistant bacteria, including those resistant to last-line antibiotics. The potential transfer of such bacteria between dogs and humans is an international public health risk.
A study found the dangerous mcr-1 gene in two healthy humans and a pet dog in Portugal, providing resistance to colistin, an antibiotic of last resort. The presence of this gene in humans and animals raises concerns about potential transmission and the emergence of untreatable infections.
A new study has investigated the role of pet care in the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) among hospital patients. The research found no significant difference in pet care or closeness of contact to pets between MDRO-positive and MDRO-negative patients, with only a small percentage of pet owners and their pets infected.
A recent study found that elderly patients with pneumonia are twice as likely to die as those with hip fractures. The researchers hope that raising awareness about the severity of pneumonia will improve prevention efforts and increase vaccine uptake among aging populations.
A recent study found disease-causing E. coli in recreational waters across Ireland, including those rated excellent under EU criteria. The research highlights the limitations of current water quality assessments, which only consider total E. coli counts without accounting for pathogenic variants.
A large study found that giving antibiotics after C-section umbilical cord clamping is equally safe as before, with no increase in surgical site infections. The results challenge the current WHO recommendation of administering antibiotics before incision.
Rates of E. coli-related sepsis vary greatly between UK NHS regions and are linked to the presence of pathogenic E. coli types in sewage. The study found higher prevalence of E. coli B2 types in South Wales, which correlates with higher sepsis rates.
A recent study by European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases found that paper towels significantly reduce virus contamination compared to hand dryers. The study simulated contaminated hands using paper towels and jet air dryers, finding that paper towels reduced viral dispersal to environmental surfaces by 5 times.
A study by Professor Johannes Knobloch found that European coins made from antimicrobial metals like copper display detectable antimicrobial activity against bacteria, reducing bacterial cell counts by up to 99.5% after 24 hours. However, coins may still act as vectors for the transmission of microbes.
Research suggests that infection with measles in unvaccinated children increases their risk of other severe infectious diseases in the 2-3 years following infection. Measles can cause immune-amnesia, erasing immunity to other diseases and exposing children to re-infection. Vaccination is crucial for preventing measles-related infections.
The study highlights the devastating impact of Venezuela's socioeconomic and political crisis on public health, with a significant increase in malaria cases. The country is now facing an 'epidemic of unprecedented proportions', with diseases turning into epidemics due to the collapse of healthcare systems.
Researchers discovered a gene that enables bacteria to resist linezolid in cats and dogs at a UK animal hospital, suggesting potential transmission between animals and humans.
Measles and diphtheria have re-emerged in Venezuela with a disproportionate impact on indigenous populations, with over 7,500 measles cases reported and 100 deaths attributed to the disease. Diphtheria cases also surged, with 96% of reported cases originating from Venezuela, exposing 3 million vulnerable children to the disease.
Women may be at greater risk of developing surgical site infections after coronary bypass surgery, re-vascularization of arterial occlusion, and hernia repair. Men are more likely to develop infections after orthopaedic and trauma procedures.
Researchers found that a significant proportion of patients and healthcare workers shed the flu virus without displaying symptoms, making it difficult to control its spread. The study, conducted at a tertiary hospital in Zurich, tracked over 700 healthcare workers and inpatients during two consecutive influenza seasons.
A new study suggests that a simplified three-step hand rub technique for 15 seconds is as effective as the six-step, 30-second technique recommended by WHO. This could improve hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers. The study found that shorter application times do not compromise bacterial reduction.
The National Australian Hand Hygiene Initiative has seen significant improvements in hand hygiene compliance among healthcare workers, resulting in reduced risks of Staphylococcus aureus infection. The initiative's success is attributed to promoting WHO's '5 Moments for Hand Hygiene', leading to a decline in S. aureus bloodstream infec...
A new study found low hand hygiene compliance on ICUs, with healthcare workers more likely to move from dirtier to cleaner tasks, increasing the risk of transmitting infections to patients. Interventions should teach workers to move in the opposite direction to minimize risks.
A study of 230 travelers found that staying in hotels increases the risk of contracting multi-drug resistant bacteria by four times. Younger travelers aged 20-30 are particularly at risk, and people visiting certain regions face a higher risk of infection with ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae.
A European study finds associations between antibiotic resistance and seasonal temperature, with significant contributions to MRSA variance. Climate change may increase AMR transmission, particularly carbapenem resistance, in various healthcare systems.
Vector-borne diseases such as chikungunya, dengue fever, and Lyme borreliosis are expanding rapidly across Europe due to climate change and international travel. The geographical range of these diseases is expected to increase, with hotter temperatures favouring the spread of mosquitoes and ticks.
A study highlights the importance of seeking prompt medical advice if symptoms of rabies are suspected, as delays can be fatal. Experts stress that preventive treatments are highly effective when given promptly after exposure, and encourage individuals to seek treatment immediately after a bite or scratch from an animal.
A new study reveals that petting zoos can harbor highly virulent, drug-resistant bacteria that can be transmitted to visitors, mostly children. The study found that animals in petting zoos are a potential source of shedding these pathogens, which can cause serious illnesses.
A new study highlights the significant risk posed by bloodstream infections (BSIs), which are associated with a much higher mortality rate compared to the general hospitalised population. The research found that certain species of microorganisms, such as Acinetobacter and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), were linked ...
Healthcare-associated infections are common in European hospitals and long-term care facilities, affecting millions of patients each year. Low microbiological testing rates vary widely between countries, highlighting the need for improved infection control measures.
Research suggests that mode of delivery influences the development of the gut microbiota in infants, with C-sections linked to delayed bacterial colonization and increased risk of respiratory infections. This may have implications for future respiratory health.
A study found that a newborn's first stool microbiome is linked to their risk of becoming overweight at age 3. Infants exposed to antibiotics during infancy had altered gut bacteria populations, which may contribute to long-term weight gain.
A study found that zinc oxide reduces armpit odour by killing responsible bacteria, while also assisting in wound healing. The compound's antimicrobial effects were confirmed through a double-blind trial involving 30 healthy volunteers.
A recent study found that contamination of privacy curtains with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) is a common problem in healthcare facilities globally. The researchers discovered that patient colonisation with MRSA and VRE was associated with curtain contamination, highlighting the potential for MDRO transmission to patients.
A majority of reusable tourniquets inspected contained microbes that could compromise patient safety and care quality. The most prevalent contaminant microorganism was coagulase-negative staphylococci, found on 441 of the analysed tourniquets.
Researchers found that Ebola survivors exhibit memory immune responses, including specific T cells against the virus, persisting over 2 years after infection. These findings could help develop more effective vaccines by boosting key immune cells needed for long-lasting protective immunity.
Research reveals that over-the-counter throat medications containing topical antibiotics can contribute to antibiotic resistance in certain bacteria species. The study found that some products were not sufficiently concentrated to prevent bacterial growth, enabling resistance development.
A UK study found that only one-third of patients with suspected urinary tract infections (UTIs) actually have evidence of the infection. In reality, nearly all patients receive antibiotics, which contributes to antimicrobial resistance. The study suggests implementing antimicrobial stewardship initiatives could reduce unnecessary antib...
A new set of generic competencies has been established by ESCMID to guide healthcare professionals in using antibiotics responsibly. The competencies cover three main areas: antimicrobial prescribing, diagnosing infections, and stewardship. This framework aims to harmonize approaches to antibiotic use across Europe.
Researchers have discovered novel chromosomal mutations contributing to fosfomycin resistance in E. coli, with uhpB and uhpC mutations showing highest impact. The study found that these mutations rendered the antibiotic ineffective at lower doses compared to other mutations.
Research presented at ECCMID shows that additional contact precautions in non-ICU wards did not limit the spread of drug-resistant bacteria. The study found a high prevalence of ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae among patients admitted to these wards, despite strict adherence to standard precautions.
Researchers found piperacillin-tazobactam significantly less effective than meropenem in treating BSI caused by ceftriaxone-resistant E. coli and K. pneumoniae. The study concluded that piperacillin-tazobactam should be avoided when treating these organisms due to its inferior efficacy.
A new study found that patients with cellulitis treated for six days experienced faster and more frequent relapses at 90 days compared to those treated for 12 days. The study suggested that elderly hospitalized patients with comorbidity may benefit from shorter therapy duration.
Researchers discovered a gene linked to high fatality rates in P. aeruginosa BSI, which could be used as a novel prognostic biomarker. The helP gene was identified through genetic characteristics and gene expression data of P. aeruginosa strains from patients with a bloodstream infection.
A seven-day antibiotic course was shown to be non-inferior to a 14-day course for treating Gram-negative bacteraemia, with similar patient outcomes and faster recovery. The study found reduced antibiotic days and improved return to daily activities in the shorter treatment group.
Researchers developed a new colour-coded visual tool, IRIS, to measure hospital compliance with guidelines and improve infection control. The tool improved hand hygiene compliance in five Dutch wards but had limited impact on antibiotic use.
A large Candida auris outbreak in a UK ICU was linked to multi-use thermometers, which were found to harbor the fungus on their surfaces. Researchers controlled for other factors and found that use of these thermometers remained a strong risk factor for infection.
Researchers found that West Nile virus reemerged in Greece in 2017 after a two-year hiatus, causing 45 cases of infection, primarily in southern regions. The study highlights the importance of mosquito management and public education to prevent transmission, particularly among vulnerable populations.
Research presented at ECCMID found that unvaccinated patients accounted for most measles cases, with children under two years old being at higher risk of dying from the disease. The study also highlighted the impact of measles on young populations, with one in 1,000 cases resulting in death.
Researchers found that targeting E. coli's toxin-antitoxin system, specifically the mazEF gene, can inhibit bacterial growth. The proposed strategy has the potential to be a selective inhibitor and can be adapted to work on multiple bacteria types.
A standardized set of actions has been established for hospital-based Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programs globally. Seven core elements and 29 related checklist items describe essential standards for hospitals in high- and low-income countries.
The article highlights the urgent need for specialist health workers to promote appropriate antibiotic use, improve diagnosis and treatment of infections, and prevent drug-resistant bacteria. The proposed multidisciplinary teams should be made up of infectious diseases specialists, clinical microbiologists, nurses, and pharmacists.
The lack of access to essential antibiotics, particularly for treating sick babies and children, is a pressing concern. The high costs involved in registering medicines in multiple countries are the primary cause of this issue, combined with the relatively small market for these antibiotics.