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Norovirus and Clostridium difficile outbreaks: squelching the wildfire.
- Source :
-
Current opinion in infectious diseases [Curr Opin Infect Dis] 2017 Aug; Vol. 30 (4), pp. 440-447. - Publication Year :
- 2017
-
Abstract
- Purpose of Review: Gastrointestinal outbreaks in the healthcare setting cause increased morbidity and mortality in an already vulnerable population. Optimization of infection prevention measures can be a challenge in healthcare settings. This review describes new literature that may change the traditional infection prevention approach to such outbreaks.<br />Recent Findings: Asymptomatic carriers of both norovirus and Clostridium difficile can pose risk of transmission to others and the environment. Rapid recognition and diagnosis can decrease the extent of an outbreak. No-touch technologies for environmental disinfection are new and effective tools. Infection prevention consultant services and systems redesign can augment efforts to control baseline infection rates and outbreaks. Antimicrobial stewardship continues to be essential to prevent C. difficile infection.<br />Summary: New approaches are needed to stem the tide of norovirus and C. difficile clusters and outbreaks in healthcare settings. Accurate recognition, testing, and implementation of infection prevention measures can be supported with rapid testing modalities, access to updated guidelines and no-touch disinfection systems. The work-environment culture should be carefully assessed and restructured using human engineering models to promote effective infection prevention practices. Antimicrobial stewardship initiatives are needed at the bedside and at national levels.
- Subjects :
- Caliciviridae Infections diagnosis
Caliciviridae Infections epidemiology
Clostridioides difficile isolation & purification
Cross Infection diagnosis
Cross Infection epidemiology
Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous diagnosis
Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous epidemiology
Gastroenteritis diagnosis
Gastroenteritis epidemiology
Gastroenteritis microbiology
Humans
Infection Control
Norovirus isolation & purification
Caliciviridae Infections prevention & control
Cross Infection prevention & control
Disease Outbreaks prevention & control
Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous prevention & control
Gastroenteritis prevention & control
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1473-6527
- Volume :
- 30
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Current opinion in infectious diseases
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 28538249
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1097/QCO.0000000000000382