Efficacy of control measures in preventing nosocomial transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis to patients and health care workers

Article Abstract:

Transmission of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) to hospital patients and staff may be decreased if hospitals implement and adhere to strict control measures. Control measures include better laboratory methods for diagnosing and reporting MDR-TB, improved isolation and treatment of tuberculosis patients, changes in isolation room ventilation and enhanced respiratory protection worn by health care workers. Researchers analyzed in-hospital transmission patterns at one medical center experiencing an outbreak of MDR-TB before and after implementation of control measures. The proportion of patients with MDR-TB decreased from 32% before control measures to 14% after. Although the percentages of health care workers with a positive tuberculin skin test were similar in both periods, further analysis showed that workers with direct patient contact and those working on wards with tuberculosis patients had lower rates of skin test conversions after control measures were implemented.

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Respirators, recommendations, and regulations: the controversy surrounding protection of health care workers from tuberculosis

Article Abstract:

Regulations involving respirator standards have been changing in an effort to prevent in-hospital transmission of tuberculosis (TB) from patients to health care workers. In 1982, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended that health care workers wear surgical masks. Increasing reports of in-hospital transmission of TB, especially multidrug-resistant TB, prompted the CDC in 1990 to recommend particulate respirators. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) became involved in 1992, and asked the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to develop recommendations for respirators that would protect health care workers from TB. These federal agencies then issued various guidelines and memoranda, culminating in a 1994 NIOSH proposal for rules governing certification of new filters. As scientific knowledge of TB transmission advances, guidelines will continue to evolve.

Safety and security measures, Laws, regulations and rules, Respirators, Respiratory protective equipment, Medical personnel

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Reducing the risk for catheter-related infections: a new strategy

Article Abstract:

Recent studies indicate that catheters treated with either antiseptics or antibiotics may significantly lower the risk for blood-borne infections, particularly in high-risk medical settings. These effects seem to be most significant within the first 10 days of catheter placement and may be observed in newly placed or replaced catheters. Standard infection prevention techniques should continue to be utilized even when using treated catheters. Preliminary cost analyses show that these specially treated catheters are cost-effective but further studies should be performed.

Health aspects, Editorial, Usage, Equipment and supplies, Antiseptics, Intravenous catheterization, Blood-borne diseases, Bloodborne diseases, Catheters

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