American Journal of Infection Control

Healthcare-acquired infections (HAI) in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) are associated with an increased risk of mortality. Increased risks are attributed, in part, to immunosuppression, neutropenia and prolonged use of

In March 2022, the first patient with Candida auris (C. auris) infection was identified as having had a recent admission at a large tertiary care hospital. The patient had a lengthy hospitalization that included care on multiple units and had

Appropriate hand hygiene (HH), including the use of alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water, has shown to be effective in reducing both hospital acquired infections and the spread of antibiotic-resistant germs. Thus, it plays a critical role in

Our healthcare system is comprised of 11 hospitals in the Chicagoland area. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, our academic medical center (AMC) conducted a pilot surveillance program for Candida auris (C. auris), but discontinued during the pandemic

Pediatric outpatients receiving hemodialysis (HD) through central venous catheters (CVC) are at an elevated risk for bloodstream and localized access site infections with substantial morbidity. We wanted to determine if implementing the use of a

The current novel coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of infection prevention and control (IPC) in nursing homes (NH). Implementing effective IPC requires behavioral changes in NH healthcare workers. When considering promising IPC

National Infection Prevention (IP) environmental guidelines were developed to prevent healthcare associated infections from the environment. These standards have become extensive and can be difficult to interpret and implement. Our integrated health

Patients in a behavioral health unit move about freely and participate in communal activities and meals. This type of environment can lead to an increased risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) exposure among the patient population. Despite

Drying of the internal channels of endoscopes is an essential step of high-level disinfection that helps prevent the growth of water-borne pathogens or prepares the device for adequate sterilization with vaporized hydrogen peroxide or ethylene oxide

From March 2022 – October 2022, Infection Prevention (IP) investigated eight Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC)-producing Citrobacter freundii cases identified at five facilities in a healthcare system to determine relatedness.