Study says that understanding how microbes interact with hospital surfaces is key to infection control

Previously, few studies focused on the hospital room microbiome and whether the data might affect room cleaning


A new study proposes that understanding how microbes interact with patients, staff, and hospital surfaces within the microbiome of a hospital environment can contribute to infection control efforts, according to an article on the Med City News website.

The study, published in Science Translational Medicine, suggests that contaminated environments increase the risk of transmission of healthcare associated infections. Few studies have focused on the hospital room microbiome and whether the data might adjust the approach to room cleaning, the article said.

Over the course of a patient’s hospital stay, the study found that patient’s skin and room surfaces became “microbially similar.” The longer patients stayed in their rooms, the more antibiotic-resistance genes the organisms in the environment acquired.

The study suggested  the environment is inherently stressful for the bacteria due to regular cleaning so any organisms that survive would have a greater likelihood of being able to acquire genes that could be relevant. 

Read the article.

 

 



July 10, 2017


Topic Area: Infection Control


Recent Posts

How Backup Power Needs Vary Across Healthcare Settings

Manufacturers discuss how evolving codes, technologies and care settings shape healthcare backup power strategies.


Flexible Design Strategies Help OhioHealth Maximize Clinical Space

Doing more with less was key to the renovated facility’s design.


New Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases Opens

The new space not only offers more exam rooms but also features 15 private infusion bays to allow privacy for all patients and their caregivers during treatment.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Daytona Beach Opens

Hospital amenities include all private patient rooms, a spacious therapy gym featuring advanced rehabilitation technologies, an activities of daily living suite and more.


What Healthcare Facilities Can Learn from a $49 Million Window Failure

A major window system failure at the University of Iowa’s Children’s Hospital sparked a costly replacement project – and a $49.4 million arbitration win.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.