Reduction in Vancomycin-Resistant <i>Enterococcus</i> and <i>Clostridium Difficile</i> Infections Following Change to Tympanic Thermometers

Brooks, Steven E.; Khan, Ashraf A.; Stoica, Dorin; Griffith, Jennylyn; Friedeman, Les; Mukherji, Rajat; Hameed, Rizwanullah; Schupf, Nicole

doi:10.1086/647824

Cited by 55 publications

(26 citation statements)

References 18 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Unclassified

Order By: Relevance

“…A reduction in CDAD rate associated with the use of vinyl gloves indicated that hand carriage by healthcare workers contributes to transmission [17]. Another investigation found that the incidence of CDAD was reduced by introducing tympanic thermometers in place of disposable oral and rectal thermometers [18], suggesting that crosstransmission may occur during temperature taking, especially by the rectal route. However, healthy adults who study or work at the same place may have little chance to be in close proximity to each other.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Colonisation and transmission of Clostridium difficile in healthy individuals examined by PCR ribotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

Kato¹,

Kita²,

Karasawa³

et al. 2001

Journal of Medical Microbiology

125

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Healthy adults who had not been exposed to antimicrobial agents for the preceding 4 weeks were examined for intestinal carriage of Clostridium dif®cile. The 1234 individuals examined were composed of seven groups: three classes of university students, hospital workers at two hospitals, employees of a company and self-defence force personnel at a local station. Overall, 94 (7.6%) individuals were positive for C. dif®cile by faecal culture but carriage rates among the study groups ranged from 4.2% to 15.3%. Typing by PCR ribotyping and pulsed-®eld gel electrophoresis demonstrated clusters of carriers colonised by a single type in each of three groups, indicating that cross-transmission of C. dif®cile can occur in community settings. Follow-up culture was performed on 38 C. dif®cile-positive individuals and C. dif®cile was isolated again from 12 (32%) of them 5± 7 months after the initial culture; six (50%) of these 12 individuals had a new strain on repeat culture. Two or more family members were C. dif®cile-positive in ®ve of 22 families examined. C. dif®cile with an identical type was isolated from persons within a family in only one family. These results suggest that intestinal carriage by healthy adults may play a role as a reservoir for community-acquired C. dif®cile-associated diarrhoea, but that cross-transmission of C. dif®cile does not occur frequently among family members at home.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Colonisation and transmission of Clostridium difficile in healthy individuals examined by PCR ribotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

Kato¹,

Kita²,

Karasawa³

et al. 2001

Journal of Medical Microbiology

125

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…However, it has also been reported that with the use of disposable or electronic thermometers, there was no effect on either the overall rate of nosocomial diarrhoea or the rate of nosocomial infections [79]. A further study also describes how the use of tympanic thermometers reduces the risk of acquiring vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus and CDI by 60% and 40%, respectively [80].…”

Section: Difficile Is Found Everywherementioning

confidence: 96%

Clostridium difficile infection: Early history, diagnosis and molecular strain typing methods

Rodríguez

Broeck

Taminiau

et al. 2016

Microbial Pathogenesis

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

a b s t r a c tRecognised as the leading cause of nosocomial antibiotic-associated diarrhoea, the incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) remains high despite efforts to improve prevention and reduce the spread of the bacterium in healthcare settings. In the last decade, many studies have focused on the epidemiology and rapid diagnosis of CDI. In addition, different typing methods have been developed for epidemiological studies. This review explores the history of C. difficile and the current scope of the infection. The variety of available laboratory tests for CDI diagnosis and strain typing methods are also examined.

show abstract

“…Instruments used in the daily care of patients, such as thermometers, sphygmomanometers, phonendoscopes and otoscopes have been reported 23,24 to act as vectors for the transmission of pathogens such as MRSA and other multiresistant bacteria between patients, both through direct patient-instrument contact, and indirectly through contact with the hands of healthcare personnel. In addition, new communication technologies can easily be contaminated with MRSA and may have an impact on cross-contamination.…”

Section: Transmission Of Mrsamentioning

confidence: 99%

Prevention strategies for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Latin America

Labarca¹,

Salles²

2010

Braz J Infect Dis

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

After the first reports of the emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the 1970s, numerous measures intended to prevent its transmission were initiated in hospitals. However, in most cases, large-scale measures failed to be implemented and the transmission of MRSA has since led to a global pandemic. Presently, doubts still remain about the best approach to prevent and control MRSA and more often than not, control measures are not implemented. Therefore, we review here the current situation in Latin America with respect to existing policies for control of MRSA, and evaluate the evidence for control measures in hospitals and the community. We look at the risk factors for infection and transmission of MRSA between hospital patients and within specific populations in the community, and at the effect of antibiotic usage on the spread of MRSA in these settings. Finally, we summarize recommendations for the prevention and control of MRSA, which can be applied to the Latin American hospital environment and community setting.

show abstract

Reduction in Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus and Clostridium Difficile Infections Following Change to Tympanic Thermometers

Abstract: Cross-transmission of VRE and C difficile during temperature taking may result in bowel colonization, placing the patient at increased risk for infection. This risk may be reduced by the use of tympanic thermometers.

Cited by 55 publications

References 18 publications

Colonisation and transmission of Clostridium difficile in healthy individuals examined by PCR ribotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

Colonisation and transmission of Clostridium difficile in healthy individuals examined by PCR ribotyping and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis

Clostridium difficile infection: Early history, diagnosis and molecular strain typing methods

Prevention strategies for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Latin America

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About