Editor's Note The World Health Organization (WHO) is sounding the alarm about the rise of the bird flu virus—H5N1—and the threat it poses to humans, Medical Xpress reported on April 18. Experts are concerned because the bird flu has recently spread from wild birds and poultry to cows and goats…

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Editor's Note The US Food and Drug administration approved Zevtera for treating Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) bloodstream infections, which are often acquired in healthcare settings. In the April 3 announcement, the agency notes the new antibiotic Zevtera (ceftobiprole medocaril sodium for injection) is effective for SAB-infected patients with right-sided infective…

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Editor's Note Measuring gene activity in blood samples could help determine whether a child is at risk of sepsis and organ failure, according to findings published March 18 in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health.  It is often difficult for clinicians to diagnose sepsis because the symptoms are similar to…

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Editor's Note Authors of a recent study evaluating the effectiveness of a forced-air drying system for endoscopes argue that the results reinforce the need to re-evaluate standard drying practices. Findings were published February 24 in the American Journal of Infection Control. Wet environments resulting from inadequate drying practices can result…

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For surgeons and other medical professionals, what to wear to work is more than just an afterthought. Over the decades, surgical scrubs have undergone a significant transformation, evolving from simple, functional garments to sophisticated attire that prioritizes both comfort and infection control. They are not merely clothing but a vital…

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Editor's Note:  Adherence to routine disinfection procedures may not be enough to prevent potentially harmful bacterial contamination of high-touch hospital surfaces, according to findings published January 10 in the American Journal of Infection Control. Manikins, bed rails, and workstations-on-wheels were the most contaminated surfaces. The study involved sampling and culturing…

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Editor’s note Moderna’s mRNA-based RSV vaccine is effective in preventing RSV-associated lower-respiratory tract disease in adults aged 60 an older, according to randomized phase II-III trial results published December 14 in The New England Journal of Medicine. Results also confirmed the safety of a single dose of the vaccine, researchers…

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Editor's Note A first-of-its-kind study examined a range of different professional healthcare roles during the pandemic and how they complied with precaution guidelines around infection prevention. The study, published in the American Journal of Infection Control on December 6, found statistically significant differences between job roles.  The researchers conducted a…

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Editor's Note Researchers have designed a new IV needle, called the Phase-Convertible, Adapting and non-REusable (P-CARE) needle, which becomes soft and flexible when inserted. The findings were published in Nature Biomedical Engineering on October 30.  Some highlights of the article include: Because medical IV needles are rigid, it allows them…

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Editor's Note Patients in Maryland hospitals on mechanical ventilators were exposed to two dangerous pathogens, which are becoming growing threats in hospital systems, according to a new report published on October 12 by JAMA Network.  The report analyzed survey data from 51 participating healthcare facilities. The data included 482 patients…

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