Healthcare-Associated Infections: Experiences and Perceptions of Nurses at the Ziniaré District Hospital in Burkina Faso

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a worldwide concern because of their magnitude and their human and financial cost. While nurses’ non-compliance of hygiene and asepsis measures is questioned, the rationale behind it is not fully understood. We hypothesized that nurses’ experiences and perceptions are one of the reasons for their non-compliance with prevention recommendations. Also, nurses’ caring approach would play an important role in patient safety. The objective of this study was to describe nurses’ experiences and perceptions of HAIs in a district hospital in Burkina Faso with the aim of developing a culture of safety in health care practices. Methods: Qualitative data were collected through unstructured interviews with twenty nurses from the Ziniaré district hospital. Data analysis followed the qualitative phenomenological method according to Giorgi. Results: Phenomenological analysis yielded the following themes: “an ignored reality”;“a denied responsibility”;and “a vulnerable problem”. These results show that nurses’ perception of the extent and seriousness of HAIs is low, and that they deny responsibility for their occurrence. As a result, HAIs are not always perceived as a concern. However, nurses deplore the situation, but remain optimistic about resolving the problem. Conclusion: These nurses’ perceptions of HAIs could explain their non-compliance with prevention recommendations. Corrective action could be redirected by raising awareness, continuing training, improving working conditions and involving all players, including patients and their families, in the fight against HAIs. .

Bacteriology of Healthcare-Associated Infections in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department of CHU Gabriel Touré

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a public health issue. An infection is said to be associated with the care if it occurs during or after the care of a patient, and if it was neither present nor incubation at the beginning of the care. Objective: The purpose of this work was to study the bacteriology of infections associated with obstetric care in the gynecology-obstetrics department of CHU Gabriel Touré. Patients and Methods: This is an epidemiological, descriptive, analytical study conducted in the gynecology-obstetrics department of the CHU Gabriel Touré, from April 11th, 2016 to August 29th, 2016 (5 months). Data collection focused on the clinical and laboratory characteristics of healthcare-associated infections in patients during their hospitalization. Included in the study were any patients hospitalized in the Gynecology and Obstetrics Department who agreed to participate in the study. The criteria used to diagnose the associated infection were those of the Atlanta CDC. Operative wound monitoring was done up to the 30th postoperative day. Results: We have recorded 200 patients, out of whom 138 were operated on and 23 cases of bacterial infection associated with care (11.50%). The average age of the patients was 32.52 years ± 13.36 years against 29.36 years ± 10.28 years for the patients who did not present the infection. Seven point five percent of the evacuated patients had an infection associated with care. The most common types of infection were surgical site infection (60.86%), urinary tract infection (26.08%), endometritis and sepsis with 13.04% each. The isolated organisms were all resistant to Amoxicillin, to Amoxicillin + Clavulanic acid (88.88%) and to Ciprofloxacin (77.77%). The average duration of hospitalization for patients who developed the infection was 14.70 days. The lethality was 1.50%. The average cost of management of patients who developed the surgical site infection was 119,837 FCFA. Conclusion: The bacterial infections associated with the care remain frequent in our service and dominated by the infections of the operating site. Isolated organisms were all resistant to amoxicillin in 88.88% case ciprofloxacin.

Temporal patterns and clinical characteristics of healthcare-associated infections in surgery patients:A retrospective study in a major Chinese tertiary hospital

Background:Given the preventable nature of most healthcare-associated infections(HAIs),it is crucial to under-stand their characteristics and temporal patterns to reduce their occurrence.Methods:A retrospective analysis of medical record cover pages from a Chinese hospital information system was conducted for surgery inpatients from 2010 to 2019.Association rules mining(ARM)was employed to explore the association between disease,procedure,and HAIs.Joinpoint models were used to estimate the annual HAI trend.The time series of each type of HAI was decomposed to analyze the temporal patterns of HAIs.Results:The study included data from 623,290 surgery inpatients over 10 years,and a significant decline in the HAI rate was observed.Compared with patients without HAIs,those with HAIs had a longer length of stay(29 days vs.9 days),higher medical costs(96226.57 CNY vs.22351.98 CNY),and an increased risk of death(6.42%vs.0.18%).The most common diseases for each type of HAI differed,although bone marrow and spleen operations were the most frequent procedures for most HAI types.ARM detected that some uncommon diagnoses could strongly associate with HAIs.The time series pattern varied for each type of HAI,with the peak occurring in January for respiratory system infections,and in August and July for surgical site and bloodstream infections,respectively.Conclusions:Our findings demonstrate that HAIs impose a significant burden on surgery patients.The differing time series patterns for each type of HAI highlight the importance of tailored surveillance strategies for specific types of HAI.

Healthcare-associated Staphylococcus aureus infections in children in Turkey:A six-year retrospective,single-center study

Objective:To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics,antimicrobial susceptibility and mortality-associated factors of healthcare-associated infections(HCAIs)caused by Staphylococcus(S.)aureus in children.Methods:We conducted a retrospective,single-centre study of pediatric HCAIs caused by S.aureus from a tertiary care hospital in Turkey between February 2014 and December 2019.The clinical and epidemiological characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility of the methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant S.aureus(MSSA and MRSA)isolates was evaluated.Results:A total of 310 pediatric patients were examined.Overall,225(72.6%)isolates were MSSA and 85(27.4%)were MRSA.All S.aureus isolates were susceptible to teicoplanin,vancomycin,linezolid,tigecycline,mupirocin,and daptomycin.Penicillin resistance rates were high(89.0%),while fosfomycin,gentamicin,and clindamycin resistance rates were low(1.3%,1.0%,and 2.3%,respectively).Except susceptibility to fosfomycin,which was significantly lower in 2014 compared to 2018 and 2019,no significant difference was found in the antimicrobial susceptibility of S.aureus isolates between the years.Baseline characteristics and mortality rate were similar comparing MRSA and MSSA causing HCAIs.The mortality rate of HCAIs caused by S.aureus was 6.5%(20 patients).Malignancy was an independent risk factor associated with mortality in the multivariate analysis(OR 5.446,95%CI 1.573-18.849).Conclusions:Our findings demonstrate that MSSA remained the most causative agent of HCAIs caused by S.aureus.The mortality rate was 6.5%,the antibiotic resistance rate was quite high for penicillin and diagnosis of malignancy was the main risk factor for increasing mortality in children.These findings could help improve the management of HCAIs caused by S.aureus in children.

Role of nutrition in diabetes mellitus and infections

In this editorial,we have commented on the article that has been published in the recent issue of World Journal of Clinical Cases.The authors have described a case of unilateral thyroid cyst and have opined that the acute onset of infection may be linked to diabetes mellitus(DM).We have focused on the role of nutrition in the association between DM and infection.Patients with DM are at a high risk of infection,which could also be attributed to nutrition-related factors.Nutritional interventions for patients with diabetes are mainly based on a low-calorie diet,which can be achieved by adhering to a low-carbohydrate diet.However,dietary fiber supplementation is recommended to maintain the diversity of the gut microbiota.Furthermore,high-quality protein can prevent the increased risk of infection due to malnutrition.Supplementation of vitamins C,vitamins A,vitamins D,and folic acid improves blood sugar control and facilitates immune regulation.Mineral deficiencies augment the risk of infection,but the relationship with diabetes is mostly U-shaped and a good intake should be maintained.

Prevalence of transfusion transmissible infections among various donor groups:A comparative analysis

BACKGROUND Transfusion transmissible infections(TTIs)are illnesses spread through contaminated blood or blood products.In India,screening for TTIs such as hepatitis B virus(HBV),hepatitis C virus(HCV),human immunodeficiency virus(HIV)-I/II,malaria,and syphilis is mandatory before blood transfusions.Worldwide,HCV,HBV,and HIV are the leading viruses causing mortality,affecting millions of people globally,including those with co-infections of HIV/HCV and HIV/HBV.Studies highlight the impact of TTIs on life expectancy and health risks,such as liver cirrhosis,cancer,and other diseases in individuals with chronic HBV.Globally,millions of blood donations take place annually,emphasizing the importance of maintaining blood safety.AIM To study the prevalence of TTIs,viz.,HBV,HCV,HIV I/II,syphilis,and malaria parasite(MP),among different blood donor groups.METHODS The study assessed the prevalence of TTIs among different blood donor groups in Delhi,India.Groups included total donors,in-house donors,total camp donors,institutional camp donors,and community camp donors.Tests for HIV,HBV,and HCV were done using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,while syphilis was tested with rapid plasma reagins and MP rapid card methods.The prevalence of HBV,HCV,HIV,and syphilis,expressed as percentages.Differences in infection rates between the groups were analyzed usingχ²tests and P-values(less than 0.05).RESULTS The study evaluated TTIs among 42158 blood donors in Delhi.The overall cumulative frequency of TTIs in total blood donors was 2.071%,and the frequencies of HBV,HCV,HIV-I/II,venereal disease research laboratory,and MP were 1.048%,0.425%,0.221%,0.377%,and 0.0024%,respectively.In-house donors,representing 37656 donors,had the highest transfusion transmissible infection(TTI)prevalence at 2.167%.Among total camp donors(4502 donors),TTIs were identified in 1.266%of donors,while community camp donors(2439 donors)exhibited a prevalence of 1.558%.Institutional camp donors(2063 donors)had the lowest TTI prevalence at 0.921%.Statistical analysis revealed significant differences in overall TTI prevalence,with total and in-house donors exhibiting higher rates compared to camp donors.CONCLUSION Ongoing monitoring and effective screening programs are essential for minimizing TTIs.Customizing blood safety measures for different donor groups and studying socio-economic-health factors is essential to improving blood safety.

Update on Healthcare-Associated Blood Stream Infections in Febrile Neutropenic Pediatric Oncology Patients

Background: Continuous surveillance of pattern of blood stream infection is necessary in febrile neutropenia especially with the recent escalating trend in the management of pediatric cancer patients towards intensified regimens and with the increase in infections caused by resistant organisms limiting the choice of antibiotics. Aim: Monitoring if a change has occurred in pattern of blood stream infections (BSI) in febrile neutropenic (FN) pediatric cancer patients. Methods: Surveillance of FN episodes with positive BSI was prospectively monitored and compared to a previous surveillance in the same pediatric oncology unit. Results: A total of 232 BSI positive episodes were documented in 192 patients during a 6 months period. The results of recent surveillance analysis showed an increase in intensified regimens of chemotherapy, antimicrobial resistance, and prolonged duration of episodes when compared to previous surveillance, with a p value of <0.001, 0.005, and <0.001, respectively. There was an apparent decrease in the crude mortality but this was not statistically significant, 6% in 2011 and 10% in 2006. Conclusion: The pattern of BSI at our institution is still inclining towards gram positive organisms but is showing a shift towards more antibiotic resistance and prolonged episodes.

Urgent call for attention to diabetes-associated hospital infections

In this editorial,we discuss the recent article by Zhao et al published in the World Journal of Diabetes,which highlights the importance of recognizing the risk indicators associated with diabetes mellitus(DM).Given the severe implications of healthcare-associated infections(HAIs)in hospitalized individuals-such as heightened mortality rates,prolonged hospitalizations,and increased costs-we focus on elucidating the connection between DM and nosocomial infections.Diabetic patients are susceptible to pathogenic bacterial invasion and subsequent infection,with some already harboring co-infections upon admission.Notably,DM is an important risk factor for nosocomial urinary tract infections and surgical site infections,which may indirectly affect the occurrence of nosocomial bloodstream infections,especially in patients with DM with poor glycemic control.Although evidence regarding the impact of DM on healthcare-associated pneumonias remains inconclusive,attention to this potential association is warranted.Hospitalized patients with DM should prioritize meticulous blood glucose management,adherence to standard operating procedures,hand hygiene practices,environmental disinfection,and rational use of drugs during hospitalization.Further studies are imperative to explore the main risk factors of HAIs in patients with DM,enabling the development of preventative measures and mitigating the occurrence of HAIs in these patients.

Persistence of Healthcare-Associated (Nosocomial) Infections Due to Inadequate Hand Hygiene: Part 2—Human Factors

A healthcare-associated infection (defined as an infection acquired within a healthcare facility), such as due to transmission via medical equipment or by healthcare providers is the most frequent adverse event in the healthcare delivery system. But why does the problem persist, when infection control measures are known, simple, and low-cost? We reviewed some biological- and treatment-factors in Part 1, and we now review some human-factors. Healthcare-associated infections are a major public health problem even in advanced healthcare systems. They affect hundreds of millions of patients each year, and are responsible for increased morbidity, mortality, and financial burden. This is perplexing, since good-hygiene practices are known and promoted. Disinfection, sterilization, handwashing, and alcohol rubs should be more effective, but human-factors interfere. The persistent high prevalence of nosocomial infections, despite known hygienic practices, is attributable to two categories of factors: biological and inherent shortcomings of some practices (considered in Part 1), and human factors (considered here). A new approach is considered in Part 3.

Persistence of Healthcare-Associated (Nosocomial) Infections Due to Inadequate Hand Hygiene: Part 1—Biological and Treatment Factors

The most frequent adverse event in the healthcare delivery system is acquisition of an infection within a healthcare facility. Since infection control measures are known, simple, and low-cost, we examine why the problem of healthcare-associated infections persists. Hundreds of millions of patients each year are affected by a healthcare-associated infection, with negative medical outcome and financial cost. It is a major public health problem even in countries with advanced healthcare systems. This is a bit perplexing, given that hygienic practices have been known and actively promoted. The objective is to address the question: doesn’t the use of disinfection, sterilization, handwashing, and alcohol rubs prevent the spread of pathogenic organisms? We conclude that the persistent high prevalence of nosocomial infections despite known hygienic practices is attributable to two categories of factors: biological and inherent shortcomings of some practices (considered in Part 1), and human factors (considered in Part 2). A new approach is presented in Part 3.

Persistence of Healthcare-Associated (Nosocomial) Infections Due to Inadequate Hand Hygiene: Part 3—Application of Human Factors Engineering to an Ozone Hand Sanitizer

Compliance to hand-hygiene guidelines in healthcare facilities remains disappointingly low for a variety of human-factors (HF) reasons. A device HF-engineered for convenient and effective use even under high-workload conditions could contribute to better compliance, and consequently to reduction in healthcare-acquired infections. We present an overview of the efficacy of a passive hand-spray device that uses solubilized ozone—a strong, safe, non-irritant biocide having broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties—on glass surface, pigskin, and synthetic human skin matrix.

Healthcare-Associated Bacteremia and Urinary Tract Infections in Wards A and B of Medicine Department, CNHU-HKM of Cotonou: Characteristics and Risk Factors

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections are involved in hospital long-stay and in the increase in inherent costs to patients care. Objectives: Objective was to describe the characteristics of healthcare-associated bacteremia and urinary tract infections in medical wards of CNHU-HKM of Cotonou, describe the distribution of germs identified according to admission wards and identify factors associated with onset of healthcare-associated infections. Materials and Methods: It was a cohort study conducted from 4th April to 16th September 2016. The study population included patients admitted in wards A and B of CNHU-HKM Medicine department for at least the past 48 hours, or readmitted in one of the medical wards less than 14 days after their discharge from hospital. Results: The study included 825 patients in total. Prevalence of healthcare-associated infections was 9.8%. Bacteremia was the most represented group (65.4%). The most often identified germs regardless of the site were respectively: K. pneumonia (38.5%), S. aureus (23.1%) and E. coli (20.0%). HIV+ status, internal medicine department, nephrology and endocrinology, duration of admission and the use of urinary catheter represent factors statistically associated with the onset of healthcare-associated infections. Conclusion: Healthcare-associated infections are a real public health issue in CNHU-HKM Medicine Department. There is pressing need to conduct a study on clinical hygiene so as to assess healthcare staff in practice.

Prevention and Control of Healthcare-Associated with Infections in Birth Rooms of Referral Hospitals in Ouagadougou: Availability of Equipment, Knowledge and Practices of Health Workers

Objective: The neonatal mortality rate remains a serious problem in most countries in sub-Saharan Africa such as Burkina Faso, where, in 2010 this mortality rate was 28 per 1000 live births [1] [2]. Its reduction is possible and passes first by the strict prevention of infections in birth rooms. The objective of this study was to describe the practices of infection prevention in the birth rooms of seven referral hospitals in Ouagadougou from April 1 to July 31, 2016. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study on the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the rules of prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (PCHAI) among 123 consenting health workers who provided birth room care in 7 hospitals in Ouagadougou. Data were collected through individual interviews and direct observations. The study was authorized by the Institutional Ethics Committee in 2015 under the number 32. The data analysis was done with the Epi Info software version 2000. Results: The “five clean in the birth room” were known by 26.83%. Regarding the equipment used for PCHAI, sterile gloves were mentioned by 75.61% of the agents, the source of clean water by 62.60% and soap by 57.11%;in practice, 17.07% of the respondents had not washed their hands and 42 providers (34%) had not performed with complete mastery the wearing of sterile gloves before giving birth, and 55.28% had not cleaned the perineum. Conclusion: Deficiencies in the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections have been identified. Training on infection prevention in the neonatal period is needed for the benefit of hospital providers.

Implementation of Robotic Hygiene System for Surveillance and Prevention of Hospital Infections in Non-Self-Sufficient Patients

Background: Personal hygiene in non-self-sufficient patients is essential to prevent the proliferation and spread of bacteria from one patient to another, both through inanimate objects (fomites) and directly through healthcare workers. The first 1000 bed hygiene treatments performed by the collaborative robot “COPERNICO Surveillance & Prevention” in 229 non-self-sufficient patients were analyzed. Materials and Methods: A total of 229 patients were included: 215 patients came from emergency contexts or home, and 14 from long-term care facilities;the presence of sepsis, venous or urinary catheters, non-invasive ventilation, bedsores, clinical condition at discharge, and treatment sessions performed were recorded. All patients were hospitalized in the Geriatrics, Medicine and Pneumology departments. The system is able to collect and process data in real time. Results: Seventy-one patients with community-acquired sepsis and fourteen with healthcare-associated infections were treated;sixty-two had pressure ulcers. The analysis of the first 1000 treatments shows the healing of almost all sepsis cases, positive evolution of pressure ulcers, and hospital stays comparable to those of the entire group of 1008 hospitalized in the same period. There was no onset of side effects or complications. Conclusions: Although the healthcare setting is not among those at greatest risk of infections, the clinical efficacy, along with excellent evaluations from patients, family members, and healthcare personnel and the absence of side effects and complications, makes the system exceptionally manageable and user-friendly for non-self-sufficient patients.

Prospects and challenges for the application of tissue engineering technologies in the treatment of bone infections

Osteomyelitis is a devastating disease caused by microbial infection in deep bone tissue.Its high recurrence rate and impaired restoration of bone deficiencies are major challenges in treatment.Microbes have evolved numerous mechanisms to effectively evade host intrinsic and adaptive immune attacks to persistently localize in the host,such as drug-resistant bacteria,biofilms,persister cells,intracellular bacteria,and small colony variants(SCVs).Moreover,microbial-mediated dysregulation of the bone immune microenvironment impedes the bone regeneration process,leading to impaired bone defect repair.Despite advances in surgical strategies and drug applications for the treatment of bone infections within the last decade,challenges remain in clinical management.The development and application of tissue engineering materials have provided new strategies for the treatment of bone infections,but a comprehensive review of their research progress is lacking.This review discusses the critical pathogenic mechanisms of microbes in the skeletal system and their immunomodulatory effects on bone regeneration,and highlights the prospects and challenges for the application of tissue engineering technologies in the treatment of bone infections.It will inform the development and translation of antimicrobial and bone repair tissue engineering materials for the management of bone infections.

GSDMD protects intestinal epithelial cells against bacterial infections through its N-terminal activity affecting intestinal immune homeostasis

The intestinal mucosal barrier serves as a vital guardian of the gut health,maintaining a delicate equilibrium between gut microbiota and host immune homeostasis.Gasdermin D(GSDMD),a key executioner of pyroptosis downstream of the inflammasome,has been found to play intricate roles in modulating colitis by influencing intestinal macrophages and regulating mucus secretion from goblet cells.However,the exact nature of the regulatory function of GSDMD in maintaining intestinal immune homeostasis and defending against pathogens remains to be elucidated.In the current study,by using the Citrobacter rodentium infection model,we found that GSDMD played a key role in the defense against intestinal Citrobacter rodentium infection,with high expression levels in intestinal epithelial and lamina propria myeloid cells.Our results showed that GSDMD acted specifically in intestinal epithelial cells to combat the infection,independently of its effects on antimicrobial peptides or mucin secretion.Instead,the resistance was mediated by the N-terminal fragment of GSDMD,highlighting its importance in intestinal immunity.However,the specific mechanism underlying the N-terminal activity of GSDMD in protecting against intestinal bacterial infections requires future investigation.

Klebsiella pneumoniae infections after liver transplantation:Drug resistance and distribution of pathogens,risk factors,and influence on outcomes

BACKGROUND Liver transplantation(LT)is the only curative treatment for end-stage liver disease.However,LT recipients are susceptible to infection,which is the leading cause of early mortality after LT.Klebsiella pneumoniae infections(KPIs)in the bloodstream are common in LT recipients.We hypothesized that KPIs and carbapenemresistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)infections may affect the outcomes of LT recipients.AIM To assess KPI incidence,timing,distribution,drug resistance,and risk factors following LT and its association with outcomes.METHODS This retrospective study included 406 patients undergoing LT at The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University,a tertiary hospital,from January 2015 to January 2023.We investigated the risk factors for KPIs and assessed the impact of KPIs and CRKP infections on the prognosis of LT recipients using logistic regression analysis.RESULTS KPI incidence was 7.9%(n=32),with lung/thoracic cavity the most frequent site of infection;the median time from LT to KPI onset was 7.5 d.Of 44 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates,43(97.7%)and 34(77.3%)were susceptible to polymyxin B or ceftazidime/avibactam and tigecycline,respectively;>70%were resistant to piperacillin/tazobactam,ceftazidime,cefepime,aztreonam,meropenem,and levofloxacin.Female sex[odds ratio(OR)=2.827,95%confidence interval(CI):1.256-6.364;P=0.012],pre-LT diabetes(OR=2.794,95%CI:1.070-7.294;P=0.036),day 1 post-LT alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels≥1500 U/L(OR=3.645,95%CI:1.671-7.950;P=0.001),and post-LT urethral catheter duration over 4 d(OR=2.266,95%CI:1.016-5.054;P=0.046)were risk factors for KPI.CRKP infections,but not KPIs,were risk factors for 6-month all-cause mortality post-LT.CONCLUSION KPIs occur frequently and rapidly after LT.Risk factors include female sex,pre-LT diabetes,increased post-LT ALT levels,and urethral catheter duration.CRKP infections,and not KPIs,affect mortality.

Role of vitamin D in COVID-19 and other viral infections

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that is naturally produced in the body or obtained through dietary sources,primarily under the influence of UVB radiation.This essential nutrient has a vital role in numerous physiological processes,encom-passing immune function,cell growth,differentiation,insulin regulation,and cardiovascular well-being,along with its pivotal role in sustaining the delicate equilibrium of calcium and phosphate concentrations in the body.Moreover,vitamin D reinforces mucosal defense and bolsters the immune system through immunomodulation,making it a critical component of overall health.Numerous studies have unveiled the profound connection between vitamin D and the predisposition to respiratory tract infections,including well-known viruses such as influenza and the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.Vita-min D deficiency has been consistently linked to increased severity of coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)and a heightened risk of mortality among afflicted individuals.Retrospective observational studies have further substantiated these findings,indicating that levels of vitamin D are linked with both the occurrence and severity of COVID-19 cases.Vitamin D has its influence on viral infections th-rough a multitude of mechanisms,such as promoting the release of antimicrobial peptides and fine-tuning the responses of the immune system.Additionally,vitamin D is intertwined with the intricate network of the renin–angiotensin system,suggesting a potential impact on the development of complications related to COVID-19.While further clinical trials and extensive research are warranted,the existing body of evidence strongly hints at the possible use of vitamin D as a valuable tool in the prophylaxis and management of COVID-19 and other viral infectious diseases.

Knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among Medical Students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria

Background: Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) remain a common cause of death, functional disability, emotional suffering and economic burden among hospitalized patients. Knowledge of HAIs is important in its prevention and control. This study seeks to assess the knowledge of Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) among medical students in a Tertiary Hospital in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study done in October 2019 among clinical medical students using a Multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered structured questionnaire and analyzed using the IBM SPSS 20 (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences). Ethical approval was granted by Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Ethics Committee, Jos, Plateau State. Results: A total of 219 students in the clinical arm of the College of Medicine and Health Sciences were selected. A higher proportion (97.7%) of respondents knew about Hospital Acquired Infections and 85.4% knew that Hospital Acquired infections occur in the hospital, and (86.3%) considered patients contagious with half (58.9%) considered patients as the most important source of HAIs, followed by care givers (13.2%), then doctors including medical students and interns (10.0%) and lastly nurses (8.7%). The majority of respondents (70.8%) considered Surgical Wound Infections to be the most commonly occurring HAI, followed by UTIs (69.9%), RTIs (61.2%), BSIs (37.0%) and others (0.9%). The clinical thermometer was the instrument that most commonly transmits HAIs (82.6%), then followed by stethoscope (62.1%), white coats (53.9%), and blood pressure cuff (51.1%). Most respondents knew the infectious substances, like blood (96.3%), nasal discharge (82.6%), saliva (85.3%), and faeces (79.4%) transmitted HAIs, 72.6% of the respondents said that they were aware of the recommended hand washing techniques by WHO. Conclusion: The majority of students 91.3% had good knowledge while 8.7% had poor knowledge of HAIs. Lower classes had more respondents with poor knowledge. This finding was statistically significant (p = 0.002, Chi-square 12.819). Students are encouraged to keep up the level of knowledge they have about HAIs. These students can help improve the knowledge of those whose knowledge level is low. Government and NGOs should support sponsorship for capacity-building events targeted at HAIs for healthcare workers and medical students.

Countermeasures to reduce the risk of infections at the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games—A balancing act

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a global celebration of athletic dedication and achievement,bringing together athletes and spectators from around the world.However,such large gatherings present public health challenges for the Organizing Committees and local governments.As highlighted by the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)pandemic,these events are associated with an increased risk of transmission of infections,which can significantly impact the health and well-being of athletes and attendees.Prioritizing the health and safety of athletes,officials and spectators is fundamental to ensure the successful hosting of the Games.Therefore,it is essential to design and implement comprehensive countermeasures to mitigate the risk of an infectious disease outbreak among participants but also to the residents of the host city.