MyMedR

Fulltext Fungicidal effectiveness of super-oxidized solution in vitro: potential implications for wound care

Krishnen R, Muniandy S

Wounds, 2023 Aug;35(8):E243-E247.

INTRODUCTION: Drug-resistant fungal infections in chronic wounds represent a major clinical challenge to clinicians. Fungal infections delay wound healing by prolonging inflammation and encouraging biofilm formation, which protects microbes against host defenses and anti-infective medications. As such, interventions that prevent and control nosocomial fungal infections without interfering with the wound healing process are increasingly required. Although conventional antiseptics can effectively exert fungicidal effects, they also have adverse effects on human cells. SOS is a well-known bactericidal agent that enhances the wound healing process, especially for chronic wounds. However, few studies have evaluated the antimicrobial activity of SOS on fungi.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate whether SOS exerts fungicidal activities against common fungal species.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The efficacy of SOS was tested against 6 fungal species (Candida albicans, Candida auris, Candida tropicalis, Candida parapsilosis, Sporothrix schenckii, Trichophyton mentagrophytes) using an in vitro time-kill assay.

RESULTS: SOS achieved 99.9999% reduction of all tested fungi within 1 minute of exposure.

CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that SOS may be an effective tool for the prevention and control of fungal infections.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection*

Prevention of hospital infection

Lam KL

Med J Malaysia, 1978 Dec;33(2):133-6.

PMID: 755163

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/prevention & control*

A critical review on the current state of antimicrobial glove technologies: advances, challenges and future prospects

How SW, Low DYS, Leo BF, Manickam S, Goh BH, Tang SY

J Hosp Infect, 2023 Jul;137:24-34.

PMID: 37044283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.03.022

Following recent viral outbreaks, there has been a significant increase in global demand for gloves. Biomedical research focuses increasingly on antimicrobial gloves to combat microbial transmission and hospital-acquired infections. Most antimicrobial gloves are manufactured using antimicrobial chemicals such as disinfectants, biocides and sanitizers. The design of antimicrobial gloves incorporates advanced technologies, including colloidal particles and nanomaterials, to enhance antimicrobial effectiveness. A category of antimicrobial gloves also explores and integrates natural antimicrobial benefits from animals, plants and micro-organisms. Many types of antimicrobial agents are available; however, it is crucial that the selected agent exhibits a broad spectrum of activity and is not susceptible to promoting resistance. Additionally, future research should focus on the potential effect of antimicrobial gloves on the skin microbiota and irritation during extended wear. Careful integration of the antimicrobial agent is essential to ensure optimal effectiveness without compromising the mechanical properties of the gloves.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection*

One-step species-specific high resolution melting analysis for nosocomial bacteria detection

Wong YP, Chua KH, Thong KL

J Microbiol Methods, 2014 Dec;107:133-7.

PMID: 25307691

Nosocomial infections are a major public health concern worldwide. Early and accurate identification of nosocomial pathogens which are often multidrug resistant is crucial for prompt treatment. Hence, an alternative real-time polymerase chain reaction coupled with high resolution melting-curve analysis (HRMA) was developed for identification of five nosocomial bacteria. This assay targets species-specific regions of each nosocomial bacteria and produced five distinct melt curves with each representing a particular bacterial species. The melting curves were characterized by peaks of 78.8 ± 0.2 °C for Acinetobacter baumannii, 82.7 ± 0.2 °C for Escherichia coli, 86.3 ± 0.3 °C for Klebsiella pneumoniae, 88.8 ± 0.2 °C for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 74.6 ± 02 °C for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The assay was able to specifically detect the five bacterial species with an overall detection limit of 2 × 10(-2) ng/μL. In conclusion, the HRM assay developed is a simple and rapid method for identification of the selected nosocomial pathogens.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/diagnosis*; Cross Infection/microbiology*

Physical methods of reducing the transmission of nosocomial infections via ultrasound and probe

Abdullah BJ, Mohd Yusof MY, Khoo BH

Clin Radiol, 1998 Mar;53(3):212-4.

PMID: 9528873

Nosocomial infections are posing an increasingly serious problem in the hospital setting. With the increasing use of ultrasound in medical diagnosis, there is the potential for transmission of nosocomial infections via the ultrasound transducer and coupling gel. We evaluated the use of different membranes (three types of commercially available household cling film, condom, surgical glove and Opsite) applied over the ultrasound probe to determine if these were safe, convenient, cost-effective and did not impair the performance parameters of the ultrasound probe. None of the membranes impaired the physical scanning parameters using a Multi-Purpose Tissue/Cyst Phantom. The cling film was ideal for general use in terms of cost and convenience as well as safety. For sterile use the Opsite was better overall compared to the surgical glove, though it costs significantly more. The condom and surgical glove, though safe, were not very convenient to use for scanning.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/prevention & control*; Cross Infection/transmission*

Prevention of infection in the immunocompromised

Lim VK

Ann Acad Med Singap, 1997 May;26(3):331-5.

PMID: 9285028

Infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. The high risk of infection is not only the consequence of the underlying disease but also the result of the diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic procedures performed on these patients. Infections may be exogenous or endogenous in origin. The prevention of exogenous infections requires a high standard of hygiene. As many infections are acquired in hospitals, an effective control of nosocomial infection programme is crucial in preventing infections in the immunocompromised. Prevention of endogenous infections involves suppression of the aerobic bacterial flora (selective decontamination) and measures to maintain gastrointestinal epithelial integrity to reduce risk of translocation of intestinal flora. Boosting the host immunity through passive and active immunisation should also be considered. Prevention of infection in the immunocompromised is no easy task and requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/prevention & control*; Cross Infection/transmission

Nosocomial infections in an intensive care unit

Hanifah YA, Yusof MY

Malays J Pathol, 1991 Jun;13(1):33-5.

PMID: 1795559

A total of 676 patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur between January 1989 and March 1990. Fifty-one hospital-acquired infections were recorded, giving a rate of 7.6%. The most frequent site of infection was the respiratory tract (41.2%), followed by the urinary tract (27.5%). Most of the pathogens were gram-negative bacilli (71%). The three most common pathogens were Klebsiella species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/microbiology; Cross Infection/epidemiology*

Hospital infection control in Malaysia

Lim VK

J Hosp Infect, 2001 Jul;48(3):177-9.

PMID: 11439003

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/epidemiology; Cross Infection/prevention & control*

Multi-drug resistant ESKAPE pathogens and the uses of plants as their antimicrobial agents

Idris FN, Nadzir MM

Arch Microbiol, 2023 Mar 14;205(4):115.

PMID: 36917278 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-023-03455-6

Infections by ESKAPE (Enterococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) pathogens cause major concern due to their multi-drug resistance (MDR). The ESKAPE pathogens are frequently linked to greater mortality, diseases, and economic burden in healthcare worldwide. Therefore, the use of plants as a natural source of antimicrobial agents provide a solution as they are easily available and safe to use. These natural drugs can also be enhanced by incorporating silver nanoparticles and combining them with existing antibiotics. By focussing the attention on the ESKAPE organisms, the MDR issue can be addressed much better.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/drug therapy; Cross Infection/microbiology

Commentary on Nyman MH, Johansson JE, Persson K & Gustafsson M (2011) A prospective study of nosocomial urinary tract infection in hip fracture patients. Journal Clinical Nursing 20, 2531-2539

Ho CC, Nor A'tikah T

J Clin Nurs, 2012 Feb;21(3-4):597.

PMID: 22221276 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2702.2011.03978.x

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/complications*

Reducing nosocomial infection in neonatal intensive care: an intervention study

Rahim RH, Barnett T

Int J Nurs Pract, 2009 Dec;15(6):580-4.

PMID: 19958414 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-172X.2009.01800.x

Nosocomial infection is a common cause of morbidity and mortality for hospitalized neonates. This report describes measures taken to reduce the prevalence of nosocomial infection within a 34-bed neonatal intensive care unit in Malaysia. Interventions included a one-to-one education programme for nursing staff (n = 30); the education of cleaners and health-care assistants allocated to work in the unit; and the introduction of routine (weekly) screening procedure for all infants with feedback given to staff. The education programme for nurses focused on the application of standard precautions to three common clinical procedures: hand washing, tracheobronchial suctioning and nasogastric tube feeding. These were evaluated using competency checklists. The prevalence of nosocomial blood and respiratory tract infections declined over the 7-month study period. This study highlights the importance of education in contributing to the control of nosocomial infection in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/prevention & control*

Antibiotic dosing for multidrug-resistant pathogen pneumonia

Abdul-Aziz MH, Lipman J, Roberts JA

Curr. Opin. Infect. Dis., 2017 Apr;30(2):231-239.

PMID: 28030371 DOI: 10.1097/QCO.0000000000000348

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Nosocomial pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens is increasing in the ICU, and these infections are negatively associated with patient outcomes. Optimization of antibiotic dosing has been suggested as a key intervention to improve clinical outcomes in patients with nosocomial pneumonia. This review describes the recent pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic data relevant to antibiotic dosing for nosocomial pneumonia caused by multidrug-resistant pathogens.

RECENT FINDINGS: Optimal antibiotic treatment is challenging in critically ill patients with nosocomial pneumonia; most dosing guidelines do not consider the altered physiology and illness severity associated with severe lung infections. Antibiotic dosing can be guided by plasma drug concentrations, which do not reflect the concentrations at the site of infection. The application of aggressive dosing regimens, in accordance to the antibiotic's pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics, may be required to ensure rapid and effective drug exposure in infected lung tissues.

SUMMARY: Conventional antibiotic dosing increases the likelihood of therapeutic failure in critically ill patients with nosocomial pneumonia. Alternative dosing strategies, which exploit the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties of an antibiotic, should be strongly considered to ensure optimal antibiotic exposure and better therapeutic outcomes in these patients.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/blood; Cross Infection/drug therapy*; Cross Infection/microbiology

Honey use in burn management: potentials and limitations

Boukraâ L, Sulaiman SA

Forsch Komplementmed, 2010 Apr;17(2):74-80.

PMID: 20484914 DOI: 10.1159/000297213

Management of the burn wound still remains a matter of debate, and an ideal dressing for burn wounds has not yet been discovered. Naturally occurring substances such as honey have been found to be useful as a wound cover for burns. Unlike most conventional local chemotherapeutics, honey does not lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and it may be used continuously. Among the challenging problems of using honey for medical purposes are dosage, safety, and formulation. Many approaches have been suggested to overcome such problems. With the increased availability of licensed medical products containing honey, clinical use is expected to increase and further evidence will become available. Honey seems to have the potential to clear infection as well as to be an effective prophylactic agent that may contribute to reducing the risks of cross-infection. A better understanding of the therapeutic and chemical properties of honey is needed to optimise the use of this product in the clinical management of burns. Its use in professional care centres should be limited to those with certified healing activities. The potentials and limitations of using honey as burn dressing are discussed in this review.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/therapy

Critical care nurses' knowledge in preventing nosocomial pneumonia

Soh KL, Koziol-Mclain J, Wilson J, Soh KG

Aust J Adv Nurs, 2007 Mar-May;24(3):19-25.

PMID: 17518161

The purpose of this study was to identify knowledge deficits concerning nosocomial pneumonia (NP) prevention among critical care nurses. The study also determined whether NP knowledge was associated with nurse characteristics.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/prevention & control*

Fulltext Disinfection and the control of nosocomial infection

Lim VKE

Med J Malaysia, 1995 Dec;50(4):289-90.

PMID: 8668044

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/prevention & control*

Fulltext Microbial diseases in Malaysia: recent experiences

Arokiasamy JT

Med J Malaysia, 1996 Mar;51(1):4-11.

PMID: 10967972

Microbial diseases continue to occur in Malaysia despite the marked socio-economic development that has been taking place in the country along with improvements in the medical, health, and environmental sectors. This paper highlights the continuing presence of the numerous microbial diseases including the emergence of new problems such as AIDS. Local publications dealing with work on several microbial diseases is reviewed to show that this group of diseases will pose challenges for a long while. Undoubtedly several other diseases that were relatively unrecognised in the past are increasingly being identified owing to recent availability of diagnostic facilities and equipments. The need for continued vigilance is emphasised.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/mortality

Fulltext Predictors of Self-Reported Hand Hygiene Performance among Nurses at Tertiary Care Hospitals in East Coast Malaysia

Rahim MHA, Ibrahim MI, Noor SSM, Fadzil NM

Int J Environ Res Public Health, 2021 01 07;18(2).

PMID: 33430195 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020409

BACKGROUND: Hand hygiene (HH) is the simplest and most effective way to reduce the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HCAIs).

METHODS: This cross-sectional study aimed to determine factors associated with self-reported HH performance among nurses at Kelantan tertiary care hospitals. A sample of 438 registered nurses was selected through a stratified random sampling method. Self-reported HH performance was assessed using a validated WHO self-administered HH knowledge and perception questionnaire for healthcare workers.

RESULTS: A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the predictors. The factors that significantly predicted self-reported HH performance among nurses included perception score (beta coefficient (β) = 0.260; 95% CI: 0.200, 0.417; p < 0.001), pediatric department (β = -0.104; 95% CI: -9.335, -2.467; p < 0.001), and orthopedic department (β = -5.957; 95% CI: -9.539, -0.720; p < 0.023), adjusted R2 = 0.102; p < 0.001. Nurses with a strong perception and belief in HH were more likely to have better HH performance. Compared to pediatric and orthopedic, surgical departments were associated with better self-reported HH performance.

CONCLUSIONS: This study showed the importance of factors that could improve the intervention's performance in HH strategy. Lack of perception and HH program intervention in departments engaged in patient care could lead to poor HH practices, thus increasing HCAIs and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection*

Fulltext Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)--phage-typing of Malaysian and international isolates

Hanifah YA

Singapore Med J, 1991 Dec;32(6):438-40.

PMID: 1788605

Twenty-one isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) from Malaysia (M-MRSA) derived from various sources associated with nosocomial infections were phage-typed and compared with 54 international isolates associated with epidemic and sporadic episodes of infections. It appeared that the majority of M-MRSA were non-typable by the international basic set of phages. Two (9.5%) were typed by phage 85. Phage-typing of MRSA revealed that the strains were almost completely restricted to phage groups III and a lesser portion to phage groups I and III.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/microbiology

Fulltext Approaches for Mitigating Microbial Biofilm-Related Drug Resistance: A Focus on Micro- and Nanotechnologies

Rao H, Choo S, Rajeswari Mahalingam SR, Adisuri DS, Madhavan P, Md Akim A, et al.

Molecules, 2021 Mar 26;26(7).

PMID: 33810292 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26071870

Biofilms play an essential role in chronic and healthcare-associated infections and are more resistant to antimicrobials compared to their planktonic counterparts due to their (1) physiological state, (2) cell density, (3) quorum sensing abilities, (4) presence of extracellular matrix, (5) upregulation of drug efflux pumps, (6) point mutation and overexpression of resistance genes, and (7) presence of persister cells. The genes involved and their implications in antimicrobial resistance are well defined for bacterial biofilms but are understudied in fungal biofilms. Potential therapeutics for biofilm mitigation that have been reported include (1) antimicrobial photodynamic therapy, (2) antimicrobial lock therapy, (3) antimicrobial peptides, (4) electrical methods, and (5) antimicrobial coatings. These approaches exhibit promising characteristics for addressing the impending crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recently, advances in the micro- and nanotechnology field have propelled the development of novel biomaterials and approaches to combat biofilms either independently, in combination or as antimicrobial delivery systems. In this review, we will summarize the general principles of clinically important microbial biofilm formation with a focus on fungal biofilms. We will delve into the details of some novel micro- and nanotechnology approaches that have been developed to combat biofilms and the possibility of utilizing them in a clinical setting.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/therapy*

Two outbreaks of Burkholderia cepacia nosocomial infection in a neonatal intensive care unit

Lee JK

J Paediatr Child Health, 2008 Jan;44(1-2):62-6.

PMID: 17640280

An outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia septicaemia occurred in our neonatal unit over a 9-week period in 2001, affecting 23 babies and two died. A second outbreak lasting 8 days occurred a year later, affecting five babies.

Matched MeSH terms: Cross Infection/microbiology; Cross Infection/epidemiology*; Cross Infection/prevention & control

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