American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC)

🔍 Learn about this newly published study in our July issue: 🔍 Decreasing Post Hysterectomy Surgical Site Infections with the Implementation of a Hysterectomy-Specific Bundle This study examines the effectiveness of a targeted intervention to reduce surgical site infections (SSI) following hysterectomy procedures. 🏥 Key Highlights: Targeted Intervention: A hysterectomy-specific bundle was created to address a rise in SSIs. Significant Reduction: Implementation of the bundle led to a greater than 75% reduction in SSIs. Sustained Success: The reduction in SSIs persisted for more than a year post-intervention. High Compliance: Strong adherence to the bundle was observed throughout all intervention periods. This research provides valuable insights into improving surgical outcomes and highlights the importance of targeted interventions in infection control. 📄 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/ejpQc79s Stay informed with the latest advancements in infection control by following us. Together, we can enhance patient safety and surgical success. #InfectionControl #HealthcareResearch #Hysterectomy #SurgicalSiteInfections APIC

🔬 Cutting-Edge Research Published in AJIC! 🔬 🔍 MAJOR ARTICLE: Effectiveness of Novel β-Lactams for Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infection: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Authored by Meijia Huang, MM, Fangqing Cai, MM, Caiyu Liu, MM, Yixuan Li, MM, and Ling Wang, MM, this comprehensive study evaluates the efficacy of novel β-lactams in treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections. 📊 Key Highlights: Pioneering Analysis: This study is the first meta-analysis of the efficacy of novel β-lactams in treating Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) infection. Comprehensive Evidence: Provides the latest and most comprehensive evidence on the effectiveness of novel β-lactams for PA infection. Comparable Efficacy: Novel β-lactams show comparable efficacy for treating PA infection. This research offers crucial insights for healthcare professionals and researchers, highlighting the potential of novel β-lactams in combating PA infections. 📄 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e5QkSMN4 Stay informed with the latest advancements in infection control by following us. Together, we can enhance treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes. #InfectionControl #HealthcareResearch #PseudomonasAeruginosa #BetaLactams @APIC

🚨 Innovative Research Alert from AJIC! 🚨 🔍 MAJOR ARTICLE: An Automated Best Practice Advisory Increases Both Routine HIV Screening and HIV Cotesting with Sexually Transmitted Infections in the Emergency Department 📈 Key Highlights: Need for Innovation: Novel methods to increase HIV screening uptake in emergency departments are crucial. Significant Increase: Introduction of an automated alert increased HIV screening by 242%. Syphilis Screening: The automated alert also increased syphilis screening by 326%. Cotesting Improvement: Missed HIV cotesting with gonorrhea and chlamydia testing decreased by 10.3%. Bias Reduction: The automated alert may help decrease age and racial bias in HIV and syphilis screening. This research underscores the potential of automated systems to improve public health outcomes by enhancing screening practices in emergency settings. 📄 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eNzpyhME Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in infection control by following us. Together, we can drive innovation and improve healthcare practices. #InfectionControl #HealthcareResearch #HIVScreening #STIScreening #EmergencyMedicine APIC

📰 Exciting New Study Published in AJIC! 📰 We are delighted to announce the publication of a new major article: 🔍 Longitudinal Changes in Antibody Titers in a Nursing Home in Which COVID-19 Clusters Occurred Authored by Tomoka Kadowaki, MPH, Ayako Sasaki, MD, PhD, Naomi Matsumoto, MD, PhD, Toshiharu Mitsuhashi, MD, PhD, Soshi Takao, MD, PhD, and Takashi Yorifuji, MD, PhD, this study investigates the changes in antibody titers over time in a nursing home where COVID-19 clusters emerged. 🧬 Key Highlights: Antibody Titer Changes: Examination of changes over time in antibody titers at facilities where clusters occurred. Source of Infection: The initial source of infection in the cluster outbreak was facility staff. Preinfection Antibody Levels: Infected participants tended to have low preinfection antibody titers. Protection: Higher antibody titers were associated with a lower risk of infection and reduced severity. Vaccination Schedules: Findings suggest vaccination schedules may need to be tailored to the dynamics of antibody titers. This research provides valuable insights into managing and preventing COVID-19 outbreaks in nursing homes, emphasizing the importance of monitoring antibody levels. 📄 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/e4Tas-mh Stay informed with the latest research in infection control by following us. Together, we can enhance safety and health outcomes in healthcare settings. #InfectionControl #HealthcareResearch #COVID19 #AntibodyTiters APIC

📢 New Insightful Study Published in AJIC! 📢 We are excited to announce the publication of an important systematic literature review and meta-analysis. 🔍 ARTICLE: Integrity and Filtration Efficiency of Decontaminated N95/PFF2 Masks to Protect Health Care Professionals Against COVID-19 Authored by Daniela S.S. Schneider, Ana M.M. de Magalhães, PhD, Joao L.C. de Oliveira, PhD, Angelita P. Costanzi, PhD, Carlise R.D. Nora, PhD, and Denilse D. Trevilato, this comprehensive study evaluates the effectiveness of various decontamination methods for N95/PFF2 respirators. Key Highlights: Strategic Alternative: While not ideal, decontamination of N95 respirators is a strategic alternative to mitigate PPE shortages during pandemics. Promising Methods: Different decontamination methods show promise in maintaining the integrity and filtration efficiency of N95/PFF2 respirators. One-Time Use Concerns: There are doubts about the factors influencing decontamination, as N95/PFF2 respirators are designed for single use and disposal. Effective Decontamination Methods: Steam, VHP, PAF, ETO, HPGP, and UV-C methods are efficient in inactivating microorganisms. This research offers crucial insights for health care professionals and policymakers, emphasizing the need for reliable decontamination practices to ensure the safety of frontline workers. 📄 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eZsx_egR Stay updated with the latest research in infection control by following us. Together, we can enhance safety and efficacy in health care practices. #InfectionControl #HealthcareResearch #N95 #PPE #COVID19 APIC We encourage you to share your thoughts and experiences with N95/PFF2 decontamination in the comments. Let's advance the conversation on effective PPE strategies!

🔬 New Brief Report Published in AJIC! 🔬 We are excited to share a vital new brief report featured in the July 2024 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control. 📰 ARTICLE: Evidence from Whole Genome Sequencing of Aerosol Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Almost 5 Hours After Hospital Room Turnover Authored by Michael E. Charness, MD, Kalpana Gupta, MD, MPH, Katherine Linsenmeyer, MD, Judith Strymish, MD, Rebecca Madjarov, MMS, and Gary Stack, MD, PhD, this study explores the persistence and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in hospital settings. 🧪 Key Highlights: Aerosol Survival: The half-life for survival of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols is estimated at 1-3 hours. Transmission Study: Researchers investigated hospital transmission of SARS-CoV-2 using whole genome sequencing. Extended Transmission: Findings suggest that airborne SARS-CoV-2 may transmit infection after more than 4 hours. This research underscores the importance of robust infection control measures in hospitals, particularly concerning aerosolized particles. 📄 Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/eznfXFN4 Stay updated with the latest insights in infection control by following us. Together, we can enhance safety in healthcare environments. #InfectionControl #HealthcareResearch #SARSCoV2 #AerosolTransmission APIC

📢 Exciting New Research Published in AJIC! 📢 We are thrilled to announce the release of a new study:🔍 Provider Experiences with Daily Use of Elastomeric Half-Mask Respirators in Health Care. This study delves into the practical experiences of health care personnel using elastomeric half-mask respirators (EHMRs). Key Highlights: Usage Duration: EHMRs were typically worn for 1 to 3 hours per shift. Disinfection Practices: Health care personnel disinfected the EHMRs after 85% of the removals. Confidence in Use: Personnel expressed confidence in using EHMRs for patient care. Job Task Interference: While EHMRs did not interfere with most job tasks, communication presented occasional challenges. This research provides valuable insights into the integration of EHMRs in health care settings, highlighting both the benefits and practical considerations. 📄 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/exVea465 Stay informed with the latest advancements in infection control by following us. Your commitment to health and safety inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of research. #InfectionControl #HealthcareResearch #EHMR #AJIC #SafetyFirst Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences with EHMRs in the comments below! Let's keep the conversation going on enhancing health care safety.

Proud to provide the AJIC midyear report at the annual conference. AJIC citation metrics are on the rise. New metrics out in a few weeks!

Ambulatory amoxicillin use for common acute respiratory infections during a national shortage: Results from the SHARPS-OP benchmarking collaborative APIC https://lnkd.in/gCNA6W-Q

Investigation of a pseudo-outbreak of Mycobacterium franklinni APIC https://lnkd.in/gwAgjavy