MRSA Activist

Granny's hospital stay hell because of MRSA

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:27 GMT

A 91-YEAR-old diabetic woman has claimed she was neglected, repeatedly ignored and left alone in a chair with gaping wounds for more than five hours at the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. During a two-month stay at the hospital, Lilian Clegg, from Morecambe, claims that she contracted the life-threatening MRSA virus, lost her heel due to an untreated bed sore, was moved to different wards in the middle of the night and was left unwashed for days. She claims she was also left in a ward with other patients with the open, MRSA-ridden wound.

via Granny's hospital stay hell - Lakeland Today.

Byotrol disinfectant hailed in MRSA fight

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:21 GMT

PIONEERING work on a new disinfectant that slashed MRSA infections in a Glasgow hospital has been endorsed by a top English microbiologist. Glasgow Royal Infirmary reduced its MRSA outbreaks by 50 per cent by using Byotrol in tests run by infections expert Professor Curtis Gemmell of Glasgow University. Now the results from an 11-month independent study at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) has cut levels of MRSA on wards by one third. Byotrol differs from other disinfectants by leaving a film on surfaces that stops bacteria setting down and multiplying. The results at MRI aim to boost hopes of eradicating superbugs in UK hospitals, which contribute to nearly 10,000 patient deaths per year.

via Glasgow Royal Infirmary leads the fight against MRSA bug - the Glaswegian.

Epsom and St Helier MRSA cases at lowest ever level

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:16 GMT

THE number of MRSA cases at hospitals run by Epsom and St Helier NHS Trust last year was the lowest since records began, new figures have revealed. Statistics released by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) for 2008/09 show that cases of the superbug at the trust’s three sites - Epsom, St Helier and Sutton - were down more than 40% on the previous 12 months.

via Epsom and St Helier MRSA cases at lowest ever level - News - getsurrey.

Ag Tech of Cardiff develops anti-MRSA wallboards

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 00:00 GMT

After conducting an initial period of research into infection control, Mr Greening approached chemical giant Du Pont, who manufacture an extensive range of powder coatings for decorative and functional applications. These can be applied onto a medium density fibreboard (MDF), which is then placed in an industrial oven and baked at the required temperature for durability. Each coating contains an element of iconic silver which has long been recognised and used as a highly-effective anti-microbial application, and when applied to any surface can last indefinitely.

via WalesOnline - Business - Business News - Ag Tech of Cardiff develops anti-MRSA wallboards.

Italian study shows Vancomycin resistance creep

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:57 GMT

The most interesting feature was the recent increase of ST228-MRSA-I (formerly the Italian clone; PFGE E) over the period 2000-2007 (57%), when compared to the period 1990-1999 (29%), and its stability to date, associated with a decrease of the highly epidemic ST247-MRSA-IA (formerly the Iberian clone; PFGE A), (23% from 1990 to 1999, 6% from 2000 to 2007).ST1-MRSA-I (1 out of 2 strains carrying ccrA2B2), ST8-MRSA-I (4 strains), ST15-MRSA-I (1 out of 4 carrying ccrA2B2) and ST30-MRSA-I (2 out of 5 carrying no ccrAB-types and ccrC) were the predominant earliest STs among the MRSA strains in 1980.A temporal shift in the susceptibility levels to glycopeptides was observed: strains with vancomycin MIC of [greater than or equal to] 2 mg/L increased from 19.4% to 35.5%.In conclusion, we describe the alternation of MRSA clones that occurred in hospitals from 1990 to 2007 and the increase of the glycopeptide MIC levels, reflecting a worldwide trend.

We document the detection of ST1, ST8, ST15 and ST30 in the 1980 isolates; we hypothesize their possible latency and their appearance as the current CA-MRSA clones.

via Hospital-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) in Italy - 7thSpace Interactive.

Italian Study shows Vancomycin resistance creep

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:56 GMT

We document the detection of ST1, ST8, ST15 and ST30 in the 1980 isolates; we hypothesize their possible latency and their appearance as the current CA-MRSA clones.

via Hospital-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA-MRSA) in Italy - 7thSpace Interactive.

MRSA figures reveal patchy success | News | Health Service Journal

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:52 GMT

Nearly a third of trusts have failed to halve their MRSA rates a year after the deadline for the NHS to cut infection levels by 50 per cent. Analysis by HSJ shows the target to cut NHS-wide MRSA rates by 50 per cent between 2003-04 and April 2008 has failed to improve a national picture of patchy success. Based on Health Protection Agency figures the analysis reveals 53 trusts did not halve MRSA rates in 2008-09 compared with 2003-04. Some of these already had relatively low infection rates but 10 started off with rates that were higher than average.

via MRSA figures reveal patchy success | News | Health Service Journal.

New sanitizer/cleaning product stops the spread of MRSA

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:51 GMT

“The key to stopping MRSA is to kill the bacteria before an infection occurs, and First Call does that very effectively,” said N. John Lombardi, Vice President of DESTAPH, Inc., the manufacturer of First Call. Three years in research and development, First Call was developed by a chemist who produced surgical scrub products for 20 years. In fact, the same active ingredient is used in both products.

First Call can be directly applied to all surfaces such as counter tops, floors, walls, metal, porcelain, stainless steel, plastic and granite. It is non-toxic, non-bleaching, and will not stain or damage fabrics. First Call does not contain alcohol, so it does not irritate the skin. There is no need to wear protective gloves when using the product ? in fact; First Call contains lanolin for skin care. It also has a pleasing floral scent. First Call is EPA approved and OHSA compliant.

via RDH Magazine - New sanitizer/cleaning product stops the spread of MRSA.

MRSA dropping but other bugs rising?

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 23:47 GMT

Health chiefs do not know how many people are dying from less common hospital-acquired infections because they have not asked for the figures to be drawn up, they have admitted. NHS chief executive David Nicholson said the numbers of patients dying from infections other than MRSA and Clostridium difficile were unknown because they were not compiled by the Office for National Statistics. But asked by a Whitehall spending watchdog if he had asked the ONS to do so, he said he had not.Mr Nicholson was being grilled by MPs over a National Audit Office report which found that despite significant success in tackling the two best-known superbugs, cases of others could be on the rise.

via The Press Association: Hospital infection figures missing.

Burton hospital passes its infection inspection

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:29 GMT

SUITABLE measures are in place at Burton’s Queen’s Hospital for the prevention and control of infections, a new report has concluded.Burton Mail - Queen's Hospital, Burton Watchdog the Care Quality Commission, which has succeeded the Healthcare Commission, made an unannounced visit to the Belvedere Road site on May 12 to assess how well it was protecting patients, workers and others.Burton Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust was assessed on nine measures, none of which was found by experts to be of concern.Areas assessed included ward three — dealing with respiratory and care of the elderly — the Emergency Assessment Unit (EAU) and ward 44, which is dedicated to stroke rehabilitation.

via Burton latest news, headlines & events | Burton Mail - Hospital passes its infection inspection.

MRSA gran refuses dialysis

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:40 GMT

Tragic Sandra, who lost both legs and has an agonising illness, will have a final dialysis session this week before she refuses the treatment keeping her alive. But the brave gran enjoyed one last blow-out at a social club to celebrate with scores of guests. Sandra, 48, of Glenrothes in Fife, said last night: “It was fantastic to see friends I haven’t seen for years.” She claims hospital blunders ruined her life when she was hit with MRSA before her kidneys failed.

via Sandra Ewing holds a party before her impending death | The Sun |Home Scotland|Scottish News.

Wheeling Hospital Continues to Work on Controlling MRSA

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:36 GMT

Due to a concentrated proactive effort, Wheeling Hospital's rate of hospital-acquired infections remains below the level set in a national infection-control project. In 2006, the hospital joined a VHA project involving hospitals in the Central Atlantic Region to lower incidents of hospital-acquired MRSA, or methicilllin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The project's goal was for all participating hospitals to reach a rate of 0.14 percent in hospital-acquired MRSA infections by the end of 2009.”We're already below that goal and have been for quite some time,” said Laura Rafa, Wheeling Hospital director of infection control. ”Wheeling Hospital has had in place a MRSA-specific prevention plan for years, and obviously it is working.”

via Area Hospital Continues to Work on Controlling Infections - News, Sports, Jobs - The Intelligencer / Wheeling News-Register.

Staph infections hit 12m every year

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:34 GMT

With the dog days of summer and warm-weather sports in full swing, it's important to pay special attention to cuts, bruises and rashes that occur along with the fun. Staph — one of the most common skin infections in the United States — is responsible for 12 million to 14 million doctors' visits each year.Close contact with others, sports that involve skin-to-skin contact, and warm, humid environments are a fertile breeding ground for staph infections. Staph bacteria can live harmlessly on many skin surfaces, especially around the nose, mouth, genitals and anus.

via Steering clear of summertime staph infections - The Mercury Life: Pottstown, PA and The Tri County areas of Montgomery, Berks and Chester Counties (pottsmerc.com).

Bucks hospitals safer than most re MRSA

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:31 GMT

HOSPITALS in Bucks continue to be among the safest in the country, according to the latest infection figures released this week.The Health Protection Agencey published rates for C Difficile and MRSA across the NHS which showed Bucks NHS Trust to be performing well. During the financial year 2008/09 Bucks hospitals saw 0.44 cases of C Difficile in patients over 65 for 10,000 bed days spent in them. For the same period the trust recorded 0.55 cases of MRSA per 1,000 bed days.Dr Jean O'Driscoll, of the trust, said: “The announcements show that the Trust has now been outperforming many other hospitals consistently for a considerable length of time,” she said. “Compared to the national average. rates of C. difficile are nearly half while MRSA bacteraemia is around 25 per cent lower.

via Bucks hospitals safer than most - Communities - Chesham.

MRSA cases at Frenchay and Southmead hospitals down

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:29 GMT

THE number of cases of superbug MRSA at Frenchay and Southmead hospitals has halved in the past year. North Bristol NHS Trust, which runs both hospitals, has seen a reduction of 46 percent in the number of patients who have contracted the infection, from 13 people between January and March in 2008 to seven in the same period this year.Cases of C difficile has dropped even further, by 67 percent. In the first three months of last year, 240 patients were diagnosed with the bug compared to 78 people in the first quarter of 2009.

via MRSA cases at Frenchay and Southmead hospitals are down (From Gazette Series).

Swine flu & MRSA Pneumonia kill student

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:43 GMT

A Buffalo Public School student has died from swine flu. Family members say 15-year-old Matthew Davis had the H1N1 virus, then caught pneumonia and MRSA. His grandmother says they took him off life support just after six Saturday night. “The only thing I can say is it's like one big classroom with teachers. When one of our students dies our hearts are broken,” said Phil Rumore of the Buffalo Teachers Federation President.

via Swine flu takes local boy's life | WIVB.com.

MRSA Transmission Between Pets And Their Owners

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:39 GMT

Since the incidence of community-acquired strains of MRSA increases, a growing body of clinical evidence has documented MRSA colonisation in domestic animals. It often suggests direct acquisition of S aureus infection from their human owners. There is acknowledgement of MRSA colonisation in pet animals, such as horse, dogs and cats. These animals are considered as potential reservoirs of infection. MRSA-related skin infections of pets seem to occur in various manifestations, including simple dermatitis, and even perineal cellulitis. It can easily spread to the owners. Pet-associated MRSA infections are treated with specific therapy similar to regimens used in most community-acquired MRSA syndromes. The authors explain: “Much more remains to be learned about MRSA and pet-associated human infections.”

via Growing Concern Over MRSA Transmission Between Pets And Their Owners.

A Pet's Bite Can Pass on MRSA

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:35 GMT

MONDAY, June 22 HealthDay News — Transmission of methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus MRSA infections between pets and humans are increasing, with the most common being infections of the skin, soft-tissue and surgical infections, say researchers who conducted a review of clinical evidence. “Pet owners are often unaware of the potential for transmission of life-threatening pathogens from their canine and feline companions,” Dr. Richard Oehler, of the University of South Florida College of Medicine in Tampa, and colleagues wrote in the July issue of The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Dog and cat bites account for about 1 percent of emergency department visits each year in the United States and Europe. Severe infections occur in about 20 percent of all cases and are caused by bacteria from the animal's mouth, plus possibly other bacteria from the human patient's skin, the study authors pointed out.

via A Pet's Bite Can Pass on MRSA - Forbes.com.

MRSA rising - and it's Thatcher's fault

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 02:05 GMT

Health workers' union UNISON has charged the Conservative Party with gross hypocrisy over its criticism of government efforts to curb hospital infections.

Tory MP Edward Leigh accused the government today of a “lamentable lack of progress” in tackling hospital bugs such as MRSA, C diff and MSSA.

His comments were in response to the publication of a report by the National Audit Office (NAO) which showed that the incidences of some such infections may be on the increase.

UNISON argued that the deterioration in hospital hygiene can be traced back to the Thatcher government's decision to privatise the NHS cleaning services, hence putting profit before patient care.

“It's a bit rich for the Conservatives to be criticising the government on this,” a union spokeswoman said.

“It was because of their decision to put cleaning out to competitive tenders that we now have less than half the cleaners we had 30 years ago.

via MRSA rising - and it's Thatcher's fault / Britain / Home - Morning Star.

Fresh Air to Prevent MRSA

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 01:58 GMT

For those looking for a more practical way to avoid viruses such as the H1N1 strain of flu, MRSA or C difficile, Macdonald claims to have the answer. “It was always a mystery why in field hospitals there were relatively low rates of infection among patients,” says Macdonald.

“Remember that in the past we used to wheel out hospital patients to aid recuperation, but we don't anymore. Based on research developed at the Government's Porton Down facility in the 1960s, we realised that the answer was rather simple.”

Dubbed the “open-air factor” by the original researchers, the science centres on the hydroxyl radical compound, naturally created in the open air when ozone merges with olefins, a type of carbon molecule. This mixture acts as a natural disinfectant against pathogens or germs that lurk in the atmosphere.

Putting this science to work, Mid-States has launched AD – Atmospheric Disinfection – a machine that helps to mimic the infection-busting characteristics of the outside, indoors. “You could argue you could do exactly the same thing with a 14-pound sledge hammer and take the windows out,” says Macdonald. “And it would work because as a species we haven't adapted to working in enclosed spaces. We've only been inside for 20 or so generations and we haven't fully adapted that quickly.”

Standing about 2ft tall, the AD looks like an innocuous heater plugged into a wall. It spews hydroxyl radicals into the air which collide with harmful pathogens, without any noise, smell or colour.

via The answer to infections is blowing in the wind - Business Analysis & Features, Business - The Independent.