Illustration(s) pertain to the topic addressed in this publication, not the specific research or data presented in the publication

Control of nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis among healthcare workers and HIV-infected patients

Abstract

From 1988 to 1990, an outbreak of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) among patients, and an increased number of tuberculin-skin-test conversions among healthcare workers, occurred on the HIV ward of Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, Florida, USA. Measures similar to those subsequently recommended in the 1990 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines were implemented on the HIV ward by June, 1990, and in September, 1992, we evaluated the efficacy of these control measures.… Read more

Illustration(s) pertain to the topic addressed in this publication, not the specific research or data presented in the publication

Respirators, recommendations, and regulations: the controversy surrounding protection of health care workers from tuberculosis

Abstract

Recent nosocomial outbreaks of tuberculosis have increased concern about the occupational acquisition of tuberculosis by health care workers. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Department of Health and Human Services, and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor, have issued recommendations and regulations in an effort to decrease health care workers’ risk for exposure to patients with infectious tuberculosis.… Read more

Illustration(s) pertain to the topic addressed in this publication, not the specific research or data presented in the publication

Efficacy of control measures in preventing nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis to patients and health care workers

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of control measures in decreasing nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING: A teaching hospital in New York City.

POPULATION: 40 patients hospitalized with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (case-patients) and health care workers receiving tuberculin skin testing.… Read more

Illustration(s) pertain to the topic addressed in this publication, not the specific research or data presented in the publication

An outbreak of gram-negative bloodstream infections in chronic hemodialysis patients

Abstract

Six chronic hemodialysis patients acquired bloodstream infections (BSIs) with Klebsiella pneumoniae of the same serotype and similar plasmid profile during an 11-day period. The 6 case-patients were more likely than noncase-patients to have received dialysis during the fourth shift (p < 0.05) and to have their dialyzers reprocessed for reuse after those of the noncase-patients (p = 0.05). Investigation identified a patient during the same shift with an arteriovenous fistula infected with K. pneumoniae. The dialyzer reprocessing technician did not change gloves between contacting patients and their dialyzers in the treatment area and reprocessing the case-patients' dialyzers at the end of the fourth shift. We conclude that the outbreak of BSIs was caused by cross-contamination of the case-patients' dialyzers with bacteria from the gloves of the reprocessing technician and by inadequate dialyzer disinfection. After revised dialyzer reprocessing techniques and glove-changing policies were instituted, no further clusters of BSIs occurred.

Welbel SF, Schoendorf K, Bland LA, Arduino MJ, Groves C, Schable B, O’Hara CM, Tenover FC, Jarvis WR

Am.… Read more