C. diff often originates outside healthcare settings, new study suggests
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 11, 2019
One in 10 patients admitted to a New York hospital with no C. diff symptoms were found to be carriers. Six months later, 38% had symptoms.
Providers credited for 24% drop in C. diff rates
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 02, 2020
Falling U.S. infection rates are only seen in healthcare settings and are likely due to proactive measures taken by providers, say researchers.
New tracking tools, guidance help nursing homes treat and prevent facility-acquired infections
By
McKnight's Staff
Sep 19, 2012
Government health officials have released a tracking tool that can help nursing homes monitor healthcare-acquired infections.
Study reveals that ultraviolet light eliminates deadly hospital-acquired infections
By
McKnight's Staff
Oct 19, 2012
Researchers say they nearly eliminated deadly antibiotic-resistant bacteria in a study encompassing 50 patient rooms at two medical facilities by using a specific spectrum of ultraviolet light.
Depressed, lonely seniors are more likely to get C. diff, researchers find
By
McKnight's Staff
May 09, 2013
People who are depressed or lonely are at increased risk of Clostridium difficile infection, according to recently published research.
CompanyBriefs
May 01, 2013
Pfizer must pay $142 million for the marketing and prescribing of epilepsy drug Neurontin for unapproved uses, a federal appeals court has ruled. The justices refused to overturn a jury’s previous...
Antibiotics in LTC: Changing from ‘Just in case’ to ‘Only when needed’
By
Philip D. Sloane, M.D., MPH and Sheryl Zimmerman, Ph.D.
Mar 01, 2017
Prior to the discovery of antibiotics, the most common cause of death was infection. There was no good treatment for pneumonia, complications of urine or ear infections were common, and many people died...
Stomach acid drugs raise risk of C. diff
By
Elizabeth Newman
May 01, 2013
Stomach acid is often treated with medications such as Pepcid, but that could put long-term care residents or hospitalized patients at risk for Clostridium difficile, according to a new analysis.
Limiting use of common antihistamines could reduce C. diff in facilities, researchers say
By
McKnight's Staff
Mar 29, 2013
Taking antihistamines such as Tagamet, Pepcid and Zantac increases the risk that people in healthcare settings will be infected with Clostridium difficile, according to a recently published study.
C. diff spotlight: Vaccine trial and caregiver checklist
By
Tim Mullaney
Aug 07, 2013
Back in June, I declared medication to be the long-term care topic of the summer. But this week, a different topic has stolen the spotlight: Clostridium difficile.