Month: August 1999

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Infection-control measures reduce transmission of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in an endemic setting

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are nosocomial pathogens in many U. S. hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether enhanced infection-control strategies reduce transmission of VRE in an endemic setting.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study.

SETTING: Adult oncology inpatient unit.

PATIENTS: 259 patients evaluated during use of enhanced infection-control strategies and 184 patients evaluated during use of standard infection-control practices.… Read more

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Regional dissemination of vancomycin-resistant enterococci resulting from interfacility transfer of colonized patients

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Abstract

During early 1997, the Siouxland District Health Department (SDHD; Sioux City, IA) reported an increased incidence of vancomycin-resistant enterococcal (VRE) isolates at area health care facilities. To determine the prevalence and risk factors for colonization with VRE strains at 32 health care facilities in the SDHD region, a prevalence survey and case-control study were performed.… Read more

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

A pseudoepidemic of postoperative scleritis due to misdiagnosis

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Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To describe a pseudoepidemic of infectious scleritis following eye surgery.

METHODS: Retrospective cohort study with selected procedural and laboratory investigations.

RESULTS: Twenty-one patients with postoperative scleritis were identified during a 2-month outbreak. Neither an infectious etiology nor a causative pre-, intra-, or postoperative exposure was found.… Read more

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Antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus

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Abstract

Recognized since 1883 as a common cause of infection, Staphylococcus aureus’ preantimicrobial-era bacteremia mortality rate was 82%. The mortality of that era threatens to return as evidence of growing vancomycin resistance undermines the utility of vancomycin therapy. Successful treatment of S.… Read more

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

Lessons from recent nosocomial epidemics

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Abstract

This review describes important examples of recent nosocomial infection epidemics. Current trends suggest that emerging problems in nosocomial infections include increased nosocomial epidemics in out-of-hospital settings, contamination of medical devices and products, and antimicrobial resistance. Increased attention should be focused on outbreak investigations in these areas.… Read more