A study of patients at 3 US hospitals finds that Black rural patients with HAIs have a significantly higher risk of ICU admission and death than their White urban counterparts.
Although HAIs are an issue in hospitals around the world, the problem is particularly acute in low- and middle-income countries.
After spiking during the COVID-19 pandemic, rates of HAIs in US acute-care hospitals fell in 2023.
In a proof-of-concept study, researchers used the technique to characterize the bacterial pathogen population at an Italian hospital during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Mycobacterium abscessus infections occurred following donor stem-cell injections at three clinics in Mexico.
The guidelines aim to prevent bloodstream infections caused by poor practices in the insertion, maintenance, and removal of peripheral intravenous catheters.
The point-prevalence survey of European hospitals also found that 1 in 3 microorganisms detected in HAIs were resistant to antibiotics.
The study authors say the findings could have implications for infection-prevention strategies.
Research in 7 African countries estimates inadequate water, sanitation, and hygiene in healthcare facilities contributed to 2.6 million healthcare-associated infections in 2022.
The intervention involved use of an antiseptic soap and nasal ointment on patients in a network of hospitals, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.
