Targeted screening for C. difficile upon hospital admission could potentially identify most colonized patients

Testing patients with just three risk factors upon hospital admission has potential to identify nearly three out of four asymptomatic carriers of C. difficile, according to a new study published in the May issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of APIC. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not currently recommend testing of asymptomatic patients for C. difficile, and has provided a few FAQs on this issue. 

Unstoppable Superbugs: Closer Than We Think?

The Center for Disease Dynamics, Economics & Policy's Extending the Cure initiative released a new video about antibiotic resistance: Unstoppable Superbugs: Closer Than We Think? Watch and share the video.

Join the WHO “Save Lives: Clean Your Hands” campaign – May 5, 2013

Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) organizes a global hand hygiene event on May 5. This year’s event features hand hygiene monitoring and feedback and patient participation in hand hygiene promotion. Visit the WHO website to learn more and register. 

Hepatitis C screening for baby boomers

More than 15,000 Americans, most of them baby boomers, die each year from hepatitis C-related illness. The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology presents a consumer backgrounder on the risk factors for hepatitis C, health problems related to this infection, early detection, and more. 

Early bird deadline extended to April 22

Download new Guide to Infection Prevention in Emergency Services

The Guide to Infection Prevention in Emergency Medical Services is designed to help EMS system responders apply current scientific knowledge and best practices to improve targeted outcomes and enhance patient safety. Developed by a team of experts in infection prevention, the guide is now available as a free online download.

CRE: The ‘nightmare bacteria’

CRE (carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae) infections come from bacteria that are normally found in a healthy person’s digestive tract. When a person is receiving serious medical care (for example, involving urinary catheters, intravenous catheters, or surgery) these bacteria can end up where they don’t belong—for example in the bladder or blood. Because these bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics these infections are very difficult to treat. Learn how consumers can play an active role in stopping the spread of CRE.

C. diff prevention activities fail to halt spread of deadly infection: survey

Activities to stop the spread of the intestinal superbug Clostridium difficile are on the rise, but they are not yielding large improvements, according to a nationwide survey of infection preventionists released today by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC).

Download new Guide to Preventing Clostridium difficile Infections

The new edition of the Guide to Preventing Clostridium difficile Infections has been revised and expanded by a team of experts in the field of infection prevention and is now available as a free online download. It features up-to-date research and guidance on the prevention and treatment of Clostridium difficile infections (CDI), and incorporates current regulations. Included are an overview of CDI, strategies for prevention, considerations for specific patient populations, and evolving practices. 

March issue of AJIC highlights multidrug-resistant organisms

The March issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), now available online, includes a major article on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), as well as several others on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). 

CDC issues Vital Signs report on CRE and urges action to stop their spread

On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Vital Signs report on carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) with a call to action for the entire healthcare community to work urgently to protect patients from these life-threatening bacteria.

Superbug CRE may endure in patients one year after initial infection: study

Patients who tested positive for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) took an average of 387 days following hospital discharge to be clear of the organism, according to a new study published in the March issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). 

Outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics—what you need to know

What is the difference between outbreaks, epidemics and pandemics? What do consumers need to know to be best prepared? The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) presents some practical information so everyone can feel most prepared. 

CDC: Hospitals report reductions in some types of HAIs

Study: Infection preventionists know safe care

There is general agreement among hospital infection preventionists (IPs) with respect to which practices have weak or strong evidence supporting their use to prevent healthcare-associated infection, according to a new study published in the February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control, the official publication of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). 

February issue of AJIC highlights prevention of CLABSI

The February issue of the American Journal of Infection Control (AJIC), now available online, includes articles that focus on prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and other important topics.

Trace the history of APIC

Trace the history of APIC

Top 10 ways to prevent infection in the New Year

The idea of a new year represents a fresh start and an opportunity to make resolutions to achieve specific goals. What about setting some New Year’s resolutions to prevent infections before they ever happen to you? Beyond the obvious—steering clear of runny noses and hacking coughs—the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) presents some other practical ways of staying infection-free. 

Protect yourself from flu this season

The flu is widespread this season, and according to experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most of the country is experiencing high levels of influenza-like illness. The CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination for people who have not yet been vaccinated this season and antiviral treatment as early as possible for people who get sick and are at high risk of flu complications. Learn more about how to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.

Norovirus: How you can stay safe

Norovirus is a highly contagious illness caused by infection with a virus called norovirus. The virus causes your stomach or intestines or both to get inflamed. This leads you to have stomach pain, nauseau, diarrhea, and to throw up.