Presenting the most up-to-date techniques for the detection, genotyping, and investigation of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), this second edition of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Protocols collects chapters that utilize the power of complete genomic sequences and advanced high-throughput technologies that have pushed this field to its present state. These enable the development of specific and rapid diagnosis methods, the investigation and elucidation of mechanisms of bacterial evolution to antibiotic resistance and pathogenicity, and the identification of novel targets to develop more potent therapeutic and/or preventive agents. Written for the Methods in Molecular Biology series, numerous chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and fully updated, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Protocols, Second Edition serves as a key reference for researchers attempting to set up a new method to study MRSA or even for technicians and scientists working on other pathogens.

Germs and governance brings together leading historians, practitioners and policy makers to consider the past, present and future of hospital infection control. Combining historical case-studies with practitioner experiences, this volume offers a new understanding of the emergence of theories of germ transmission and containment and how these theories played out in real-world environments, networks and professional organisations. Exploring the historical context in which technologies like gloves were developed and popularised, as well as how relationships between communities and hospitals, doctors and nurses, and the emerging role of hospital bacteriologists have shaped infection control practices, the collection emphasises the diverse contexts in which ideas about germs, infection and safety circulated. The volume also addresses the historical neglect of the critical role of nurses in the development and success of infection control measures. -- .

Although nosocomial, or hospital-acquired, infections have been well cataloged and are fairly well understood, traditional solutions have failed to completely eliminate the problem. Even the most modern hospitals find themselves stymied by the persistence of these pathogens in hospital wards and operating rooms. The degree to which most of these infections are airborne is not known, but a growing body of evidence indicates that airborne transmission plays a role in many hospital-acquired infections. Addressing one of the most important topics in health care, Hospital Airborne Infection Control is the first book to deal with the control of airborne nosocomial infections in detail. It identifies all pathogens known or suspected to be airborne, along with their sources in hospital environments. It also summarizes all epidemiological evidence for airborne transmission. The text addresses respiratory, surgical site, burn wound, immunocompromised, pediatric, nursing home, and non-respiratory infections. In each category, an extensive number of examples show that inhalation is not the only airborne route by which infections may be transmitted. Noting that airborne transmission and surface contamination are virtually inseparable, the author emphasizes that both air and surface disinfection, including hand hygiene, are important factors in controlling the transmission of airborne disease. He also proposes a variety of new solutions and technologies, including ultraviolet, ionization, ozone, plasma, and vegetative air cleaning systems. A compendium of scientific and medical information, this book helps hospitals control nosocomial infections and outbreaks spread by the airborne route as well as by direct contact and contact with fomites or contaminated equipment.

Infection control is fundamental to delivering effective health and social care at all levels. However, health and social care professionals' actual behaviour can sometimes seem intractable to the most rigorous training and promotion of safe practice - including even basic hygiene precautions. Many have identified this problem, but few have addressed why it occurs and how practices can lastingly be changed. This book reaches beyond a prescriptive approach to infection control behaviour, examining the psychosocial forces that affect individual and group behaviours in practice. It gives a strong theoretical framework for practitioners, supervisors and managers to reflect upon and challenge behaviour, before providing practical advice on how to create, supervise and promote genuinely consistent safe practice. This book aims to challenge fundamentally the way health and social care professionals, supervisors and managers approach infection control and hygiene - and in doing so to dramatically improve the health and safety of their patients, clients, colleagues and the public.

Written by the world's foremost leaders in the field of nosocomial infections, Bennett & Brachman's Hospital Infections, 7th Edition, is a must-have text for preventing Hospital-Acquired Infections (HAIs) in all inpatient and outpatient healthcare settings. This comprehensive volume provides up-to-date, authoritative coverage on all aspects of this vital topic, with editor Dr. William R. Jarvis leading a team of notable contributors from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as additional authors who provide an international perspective on HAIs. The newly revised and expanded seventh edition continues to be an invaluable resource for anyone working in infection prevention and control, quality assurance or risk management in healthcare settings. Provides evidence-based strategies for the prevention of the big four HAIs-CLABSIs, CAUTIs, SSIs, and VAE. Contains a new comprehensive chapter on Coronaviruses, including COVID-19. Expanded new chapters on antimicrobial stewardship, HAI prevention in community hospitals and hospitals in resource-limited settings, the inanimate environment, disinfection and sterilization, and prevention of fungal infections and infections in burn patients. Contains a new comprehensive chapter on the Prevention of infections and other complications associated with Peripheral Intravenous Devices. Covers the latest prevention strategies through coverage of automated room terminal disinfection (ultraviolet germicidal irradiation or hydrogen peroxide gas or vapor). Includes the latest evidence-based data on the control of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens, such as carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae, Clostridioides difficile, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, and Candida auris. Enrich Your eBook Reading Experience Read directly on your preferred device(s), such as computer, tablet, or smartphone. Easily convert to audiobook, powering your content with natural language text-to-speech.

Understanding the importance and necessity of the role of autophagy in health and disease is vital for the studies of cancer, aging, neurodegeneration, immunology, and infectious diseases. Comprehensive and forward-thinking, these books offer a valuable guide to both cellular processes while inciting researchers to explore their potentially important connections. Volume 8 Autophagy and Human Diseases, concentrates on the role of Autophagy in human diseases, including tumorigenesis. The diseases discussed include melanoma, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, and neurodegenerative disorders. Loss of autophagy in the central nervous system causes neurodegeneration (Alzheimers disease, Huntington's disease, Parkin's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). Melanoma is one of the most serious diseases in humans. Autophagy plays a key role in the anticancer response to Chemotherapy. However, autophagy can increase or decrease the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The reasons for these contradictory effects are explained. Autophagy also plays a role in idiopathic inflammatory diseases, infection, and immunity. An explanation is given how autophagy is closely linked to control of innate and adaptive immune responses in host defense in part by regulating cytokine production. The role of autophagy in cutaneous malignant melanoma is discussed in detail and expression of Beclin 1 and LC3 autophagic genes in melanoma is included to explain the molecular mechanisms underlying this very serious disease, which tends to metastasize to the brain. The effect of the treatment of this disease using Terfenadine through the induction of autophagy and apoptosis is also included. Autophagy and apoptosis are two main mechanisms involved in programmed cell death. Considering that autophagy is associated with numerous biological processes including cellular development and differentiation, cancer (both antitumor and protumor functions), immunity, infectious diseases, inflammation, maintenance of homeostasis, response to cellular stress, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases, there is a great need to understanding its role. Cell homeostasis is achieved by balancing biosynthesis and cellular turnover. In spite of the increasing importance of autophagy in various pathophysiological situations (conditions) mentioned above, this process remains underestimated and overlooked. As a consequence, its role in the initiation, stability, maintenance, and progression of these and other diseases (e.g., autoimmune disease) remains poorly understood. Volumes in the Series Volume 1: Molecular Mechanisms. Elucidates autophagy's association with numerous biological processes, including cellular development and differentiation, cancer, immunity, infectious diseases, inflammation, maintenance of homeostasis, response to cellular stress, and degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases. Volume 2: Role in General Diseases. Describes the various aspects of the complex process of autophagy in a myriad of devastating human diseases, expanding from a discussion of essential autophagic functions into the role of autophagy in proteins, pathogens, immunity, and general diseases. Volume 3: Role in Specific Diseases. Explores the role of autophagy in specific diseases and developments, including: Crohn's Disease, Gaucher Disease, Huntington's Disease, HCV infection, osteoarthritis, and liver injury, with a full section devoted to in-depth exploration of autophagy in tumor development and cancer, as well as the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis. Volume 4: Mitophagy. Presents detailed information on the role of mitophagy, the selective autophagy of mitochondria, in health and disease, by delivering an in-depth treatment of the molecular mechanisms involved in mitophagy initiation and execution, as well as the role of mitophagy in Parkinson Disease, cardiac aging, and skeletal muscle atrophy. Volume 5: Role in Human Diseases. Comprehensively describes the role of autophagy in human diseases, delivering coverage of the antitumor and protumor roles of autophagy; the therapeutic inhibition of autophagy in cancer; and the duality of autophagy's effects in various cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurodegenerative disorders. Volume 6: Regulation of Autophagy and Selective Autophagy. Provides coverage of the mechanisms of regulation of autophagy; intracellular pathogen use of the autophagy mechanism; the role of autophagy in host immunity; and selective autophagy. Volume 7: Role of Autophagy in Therapeutic Applications. Provides coverage of the latest developments in autophagosome biogenesis and regulation; the role of autophagy in protein quality control; the role of autophagy in apoptosis; autophagy in the cardiovascular system; and the relationships between autophagy and lifestyle. Volume 8: Autophagy and Human Diseases. Reviews recent advancements in the molecular mechanisms underlying a large number of genetic and epigenetic diseases and abnormalities, and introduces new, more effective therapeutic strategies, in the development of targeted drugs and programmed cell death, providing information that will aid on preventing detrimental inflammation. Volume 9: Human Diseases and Autophagosome. Emphasizes the role of Autophagy in necrosis and inflammation, explaining in detail the molecular mechanism(s) underlying the formation of autophagosomes, including the progression of Omegasomes to autophagosomes.

Infections contracted by patients constitute an important factor in the manage- ment of any hospital unit. For patients with weakened resistance due to trauma, after surgery and in intensive care, infection-related complications have a nega- tive impact on care quality indicators, specifically in terms of protracted hospi- talisation time, increased costs from complications and extended hospitalisation, and increased mortality rate. Effective strategies to prevent and treat infections are a priority in optimising the cost-effectiveness of care. Infection control, diag- nostics and targeted antibiotic therapy require an integrated epidemiological, microbiological and clinical approach. This is indispensable for critically ill patients, especially when the processes of infection and sepsis are supported by micro-organisms which are multidrug-resistant and difficult to root out. The importance of this subject has been demonstrated by a European obser- vational study on the prevalence of hospital infections in patients under intensive care. In this study, the prevalence of infections contracted in a "high-risk" envi- ronment was 21 %, while other studies have observed that the incidence of pneu- monia in patients undergoing artificial ventilation varied between 8% and 54%, with a median of 24%. These figures alone are enough to show the clinical impor- tance of the infective process and the need for continuous interdisciplinary updating and exchanges of experience.

In this book, the recent developments in immunology and the impact on the treatment of infections in critical care and in surgery are presented, also describing how cellular immunology influences clinical treatment. This information helps in understanding the pathogenesis of infections in surgery and critical care. The impact of a standard treatment such as antibiotic therapy is evaluated and possible future therapy modalities outlined. This book will be of interest to clinicians and immunologists as scientists of both specialties have contributed to the book.

In recent years, researchers around the globe have deep dived into the fascination world of the Macrophage and its diverse role in tissue development, angiogenesis, and wound healing, and above all the untapped mystery of the wondering immune system within our body. Macrophages and their role in inflammation includes all the latest information of macrophages and inflammation as well as it provides an in-depth understanding of this complex and rapidly progressing field of study.

Translational Autoimmunity: Etiology of Autoimmune Diseases is the first volume of the Translational Immunology book series. To attain its purpose as a detailed translational step to tackle autoimmunity, this volume sufficiently addresses basic questions on how the immune system is designed to distinguish self from nonself. It discusses the known mechanisms that lead to the maintenance of self-tolerance, presents potential triggers and malfunctions that impede normal immune processes, and demonstrates how the immune system induces an autoreactive state that results in the recognition of self-antigens seen in autoimmune conditions.

Applications of Nanobiotechnology for Neglected Tropical Diseases describes recent advances in nanobiotechnology that can be applied to reducing the global disease burden of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The book explores the application of nanotechnology on the development of safe, effective, and reliable tools to prevent, diagnose, and treat NTDs. Furthermore, Applications of Nanobiotechnology for Neglected Tropical Diseases includes multidisciplinary content, combining knowledge from biochemistry, medicinal chemistry, material sciences, pharmacology, and pharmaceutics. The book is divided into three main parts, each outlining one major type of approach: (1) nano-based approaches for prevention, (2) nano-diagnostics and detection, and (3) nanotherapeutics. Each part contains chapters that delve into the different applications of the type of approach being presented in that part. A discussion of other approaches against NTD follows these three parts. This book is remarkable in its ability to encompass and thoroughly explain the latest techniques in nanobiotechnology, from basic research to patient-oriented investigation.

Infection control is a major issue in clinical practice. The revised third edition of this highly successful book provides a comprehensive guide to the principles and practice of infection control and prevention, and the basic elements of microbiology and epidemiology that underpin them. The contents are firmly based in clinical practice and are relevant to both hospital and community settings. The information is research-based and extensively referenced and therefore provides an invaluable resource for evidence-based practice. Presentation is clear, concise and accessible to a wide audience including diploma and degree course students, nurses and allied health professionals working in clinical settings, and infection control specialists. This revised third edition includes completely updated source material and references, along with extensive revision of chapters on prevention of surgical site infection, IV device and urine catheter associated infections to incorporate the most recent evidence. There are updates to many other sections including new microbiological methods, application of protective isolation, Clostridium difficile, gram negative pathogens, VHF and blood-borne viruses, the management of sharps injuries and management of waste, as well as entirely new sections on: . Implementation of infection prevention and control policies . Infection risks of water systems . Protective clothing - use of gloves and masks . Hand hygiene compliance . Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia . Management of norovirus outbreaks . Decontamination of isolation rooms . Emerging pathogens including MERS-CoV and Zika . Antimicrobial stewardship

Editors Robert Sawyer and Tracy Hedrick and authors review the latest in Surgical Infections. Articles will include Bloodstream Infections and Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections; Surgical Intervention for Thoracic Infections; Intra-abdominal Infections; Clostridium difficile infection; Urinary Tract Infections; Surgical Site Infections; Prosthetic Joint Infections; Resistant Pathogens, Fungi, and Viruses; Infection Control in the Intensive Care Unit; Pneumonia; Differences Between Murine and Human sepsis; of the intestinal Microbiome and the emerging pathobiome; Advancing Technologies for the Diagnosis and Management of Infections; Upcoming Rules and Benchmarks Affecting the Monitoring and Payment for Surgical Infections; and more!

Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are the most common acute medical problem encountered in primary care. Not only are RTIs very common, the spectrum of disease is wide. Clinical management differs according to the characteristics of the infected host and infecting pathogen. Despite these features, there are currently no pocketbooks that bring together clinically relevant information on this broad and important subject area in an accessible and practical manner. This pocketbook offers a concise companion for health care professionals who manage patients with acute lung infections. The book covers aspects related to the diagnosis and initial management of these patients, with attention to specific infections which are notable for being difficult to manage, common or of particular clinical importance. The book will appeal to a wide variety of professionals in acute medicine, respiratory medicine, infectious diseases, primary care, and other internal medicine specialties.

This issue covers the full gamut of infectious disease issues encountered in the ICU, including the approach to the febrile patient, management of septic shock, severe community-acquired pneumonia, management of ventilator-associated pneumonia, approach to the immunocompromised host, bloodstream infection, severe soft tissue infections, management of intra-abdominal sepsis, meningitis and brain abscess, treatment of fungal infections, acute infective endocarditis, new antimicrobial agents, antimicrobial stewardship, infection control, and C. difficile infection.

The fifth edition of this classic text is the definitive, clinically orientated guide to a critical area within healthcare practice, full of sound, practical advice for all those involved in the control of infection in a variety of settings. Known in previous editions as Control of Hospital Infection, the new Ayliffe's Control of Healthcare-Associated Infection has again been brought up to date and thoroughly revised to emphasise the broader range of its coverage, from the hospital setting - including the ward, operating theatres, kitchens and laundry facilities - to health care provision in the community. Returning readers will find that the content has also been restructured, improving access to related topics. Part One discusses the basic principles of infection control, including administrative issues, surveillance and reporting, sterilization, disinfection and decontamination, with an emphasis on the key area of hand hygiene. Part Two covers the specific areas of prophylaxis and treatment of infections. In Part Three prevention in different healthcare settings is presented, including issues particular to special wards and departments such as paediatric and neonatal units, intensive care, the elderly and those being treated or working within allied health areas such as x-ray, physiotherapy and the laboratory setting. Ayliffe's Control of Healthcare-Associated Infection remains essential reading for all infection control practitioners, nurses, doctors, surgeons, allied health professionals, hospital managers and administrators, and public health personnel.

Hospital acquired infections (HAI) are complications of health care which affect on average 10 percent of patients admitted to hospital world wide. They have serious public health implications by changing the quality of life of patients and sometimes causing disability or even death.

The purpose of this comprehensive text is to provide nurses and junior doctors with an understanding of the basics of infection control by explaining the methods employed and their purpose. The book is based on lectures presented by the author at training courses for nurses and doctors and gives simple, understandable and essential information that is vital knowledge for medical staff in hospitals.

Quality Assurance of Aseptic Preparation Services Standards Handbook (also known as the Yellow Guide) provides standards for unlicensed aseptic preparation in the UK, as well as practical information to aid implementation of the standards. The handbook delivers essential standards in a practical way and in a format that will be useful for pharmacy management, staff working in aseptic preparation units and those whose role it is to audit the services. The accompanying support resources help with understanding the complexities of relevant topics including microbiology, radiopharmaceuticals, advanced therapy medicinal products, technical (quality) agreements and capacity planning. All the standards have been revised and updated for this 5th edition. The text is produced on behalf of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) and the NHS Pharmaceutical Quality Assurance Committee. New in this edition: Replaces the 4th edition standards and forms the basis for an ongoing audit program in the NHS Many new and revised standards Greater emphasis on Pharmaceutical Quality Systems; the responsibilities of pharmacy management, Chief Pharmacists (or equivalent), has been expanded in line with developments in Good Manufacturing Practice Reformatted into 2 parts: standards and support resources. This is a new collaboration between the RPS and NHS. Since the previous edition the RPS has become the professional body for pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. RPS launched these standards as part of a library of professional standards and a programme of work to create standards for all areas of pharmacy. The Handbook is essential for pharmacists, hospital pharmacy management and technical services teams, and auditors of unlicensed NHS hospital pharmacy aseptic preparation services in the UK, pharmacists and regulators. The text is used to inform standards used in several other countries.

Management of Periprosthetic Joint Infections (PJIs): Management of PJIs discusses periprosthetic joint infection (PJI), a fairly rare occurrence that is nonetheless one of the most serious complications in joint replacement surgery. Intricate interactions between the pathogen, the host, and the implant can result in PJIs which are not only physically devastating for the patient, but also financially crippling for health authorities and insurance companies. Actions taken to minimize the risk of PJIs can be extremely challenging for the orthopaedic community. Consequently, new research, which is detailed in this comprehensive book, is being undertaken to minimize and manage these challenging infections.

Infection Prevention in Surgical Settings is a handbook that provides easy access to guidelines for infection control in various surgical settings. It specifically addresses the needs of nurses practicing in perioperative, PACU, ambulatory surgery, endoscopy, or other surgical settings who need access to current guidelines to meet OSHA and JCAHO requirements. Infection Prevention contains procedure guidelines for preparation of the patient, surgical equipment, personnel, and surgical practices. Each procedure contains a brief description, followed by rationales for the principles outlines in the procedure. Each rationale is referenced to AORN standards, CDC guidelines, and other resources.Provides an easy-to-use reference to common, significant infection control practices & issues found in various surgical and other related settings Brings together the work of recognized experts and professional associations that provide factual, relevant, and succinct rational and correct interpretation of infection control practicesFirst handbook devoted to infection control issues that directly relate to surgical environments Follows a consistent format presentation for each procedure that includes the steps, rationale, references, and suggested additional readings Spanish version also available, ISBN: 84-8174-615-0

Allergic and Immunologic Diseases: A Practical Guide to the Evaluation, Diagnosis and Management of Allergic and Immunologic Diseases is a valuable resource for researchers and others involved in the day-to-day practice of allergy and immunology, with specific information, protocols and algorithms to guide their thinking. The book provides practical information and an explanation of why and how we do things, while also addressing the limitations of testing and treatment. Other sections focus on scientific based practices and the known pathophysiology of allergic and immunologic diseases, along with mechanisms of action in various treatment modalities. This book is unique in that it explains the rationale behind everything we do in allergy and immunology, hence it offers readers specific information on procedures and how to order tests and treat allergic and immunologic diseases.

Over the past several decades, "infection control? has become a rapidly growing multidisciplinary field of incredible importance with regard to the safety of patients and healthcare workers, regulation and accreditation of healthcare facilities, and finances. The focus of this field has increasingly turned to prevention rather than control of hospital-acquired infections. This issue will bring the infectious disease specialist up to date on important topics such as hand hygiene, sterilization, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotic stewardship, and specific infections of particular concern.

This issue of Perioperative Nursing Clinics, Guest Edited by George Allen, features subject topics such as: OR Attire's Potential for Infection Transmission; Strategies for Preventing Sharps Injuries; Managing Patients with MDROs - Implementing Isolation Procedures in the Perioperative Setting; Anesthesia Care Providers - Identifying/Mitigating Potential for Infection Transmission; Urinary Catheter Insertion and Care in the Perioperative Setting; Hand Hygiene and the Surgical Team; Outlining Effective Strategies for Preventing SSI; Environmental Sanitation - Review of New Technologies; Reprocessing Instruments: Focus on Eye Surgery and TASS (Toxic Anterior Segment Syndrome); Skin Prepping to Maximize Positive Outcomes; Improving the process of supplying instruments from central processing to the OR using the LEAN method; Using Performance Improvement Methodology in Finding the Cause of Increase Biological Cultures in the Operating Room and Solutions for Corrections.

Infectious Diseases Emergencies is a compact reference that summarizes the key topics of those infectious disease processes that are most commonly seen in practice. The opening section reviews principles of management and general management of severe infection in acute and emergency environments. The following sections provide a "head-to-toe" synopsis of common infections presenting in both outpatient and acute care settings. The concluding sections discuss vector borne infections, infections in special populations, and bioterrorism. Concisely written and consistently organized chapters outline the most useful elements of diagnosis and treatment for easy memorization and clarity.