Hospital Bugs and Contamination Fears

Researchers at University of Leeds have come out with a new study which reveals that hospital bugs contaminate surfaces far away from patients’ beds by floating around on air currents.

The researchers said that simply cleaning surfaces around patients’ beds is not enough as the infection may spread by sneezing, coughing or shaking the bed clothes. A specially controlled study by the researchers found the presence of bugs as far as 3.5 meters away from a patient’s bed.

MRSA “Super bug” – Symptoms - Risk Factors – Diagnosis - Treatment
MRSA infection is the most dreaded hospital or community acquired infection that can become life-threatening.

“The level of contamination immediately around the patient’s bed was high but you would expect that. Hospitals keep beds clean and disinfect the tables and surfaces next to beds. However, we also captured significant quantities of bacteria right across the room, up to 3.5 meters away and especially along the route of the airflows in the room”, lead researcher Dr Cath Noakes said.

Source-Medindia

Drug Resistance – Antibiotic or Antimicrobial Resistance
Drug resistance is often a problem in malaria, tuberculosis, HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and hospital acquired diseases. Judicious use of antibiotics can control the problem.

Babies at Hospital found to Carry Super bug MRSA
Four babies being treated at the Royal Blackburn Hospital were found to have traces of the superbug MRSA on their skin, during routine tests.

Health Authorities Take Step to Control MRSA Infection
The National Public Health Service for Wales published, figures for rates of serious bloodstream infections caused by bugs, including MRSA