American Journal of Infection Control

📢 New in AJIC!
Data is transforming infection prevention—helping teams target risks, improve surveillance, and guide interventions. Strong analytics = stronger IP programs.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #DataDrivenCare #AJIC

📢 New in AJIC!
A practical framework for Candidozyma auris surveillance in low‑prevalence hospitals—targeted screening + strong lab–IPC coordination to detect early and prevent spread.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #AMR #AJIC

Urinary tract infection and bacteremia due to Staphylococcus epidermidis after transperineal prostate biopsy: A case report with implications for infection prevention Infectious complications are rare after transperineal prostate biopsy, and antibiotic prophylaxis may not be needed for most procedures. We report a case of Staphylococcus epidermidis urinary tract in...

📢 New in AJIC!
A rare Staphylococcus epidermidis UTI + bacteremia occurred after a transperineal prostate biopsy—showing even low‑risk procedures need strong post‑procedure vigilance.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #PatientSafety #AJIC

Comparison of two different scabies outbreaks in health care workers: An observational study in an Italian University Hospital The reapplication of an ad hoc prevention protocol during a scabies outbreak at a University Hospital in 2024 resulted in a substantial reduction in scabies cases and limited the spread, compared to t...

📢 New in AJIC!
Two scabies outbreaks among HCWs showed how delayed detection and inconsistent practices can drive spread. Early recognition + strong IPC measures are key.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #OccupationalHealth #AJIC

Exploring the role of nursing care interventions in the prevention of non-device-associated healthcare-associated infections: A scoping review Healthcare-associated infections remain a major patient safety threat, yet prevention efforts to date mainly focus on device-associated infections, neglecting the burden of non--device-associated HAIs...

📢 New in AJIC!
A scoping review of 159 studies found limited high‑quality evidence on how fundamental nursing care prevents non‑device‑associated HAIs—highlighting a major gap in infection‑prevention research.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #Nursing #AJIC

A systematic review of knowledge assessment instruments for isolation precautions among health care personnel Health care personnel (HCP) knowledge of isolation precautions (IPs) is essential for preventing health care-associated infections. HCP adherence to IP guidelines remains suboptimal worldwide, often d...

📢 New in AJIC!
A review of 27 studies shows major gaps in tools assessing HCP knowledge of isolation precautions—especially transmission-based measures. Stronger, standardized instruments are urgently needed.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #AJIC

📢 New in AJIC!
Assessment at 5 Cambodian hospitals revealed major sterilization practice gaps—but locally adapted tools helped teams identify solutions and drive improvement.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #PatientSafety #AJIC

Occupational exposure intensity trends in health care workers: Joinpoint Regression identifies COVID-19 associated inflection point (2017-2024) Health care workers (HCWs) globally face substantial risks from occupational blood and body fluids (BBFs) exposure, with disparities heightened by the COVID-19 pandemic. China’s health care system, ch...

📢 New in AJIC!
A 7‑year analysis shows BBF exposures rose pre‑COVID but dropped sharply after 2021. Junior HCWs made up most incidents, and needlesticks were the top cause.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #OccupationalHealth #AJIC

Long term impact of the SARS-CoV2 pandemic on the acquisition rate of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae in a medical intensive care unit The COVID-19 pandemic led to major changes in patient care, with enhanced hygiene possibly reducing multidrug resistant bacteria transmission, while increased nursing workload and antibiotic use may h...

📢 New in AJIC!
ESBL‑E acquisition in a medical ICU rose 57% during COVID‑19, linked to longer stays, mechanical ventilation, and hemodialysis. Highlights the pandemic’s lasting impact on AMR.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #AMR #AJIC

Impact of local COVID-19 incidence on health care personnel risk perception and social activity Risk perceptions and social activities shaped SARS-CoV-2 transmission. However, most related studies are cross-sectional, often neglecting correlated outcomes and dropout bias. We assessed relationshi...

📢 New in AJIC!
During high COVID‑19 incidence, HCP perceived greater infection risk and reported fewer social activities—highlighting adaptive behavior during Omicron.
#InfectionPrevention #COVID19 #AJIC
www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

Molecular epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus outbreaks in an NICU: Integrating POT and whole-genome sequencing Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) continue to pose serious challenges. Despite the importance of active surveillance, molecular typi...

📢 New in AJIC!
In NICU MRSA outbreaks, WGS outperformed POT—confirming transmission routes and identifying hidden links. Best approach? Use POT for routine screening and WGS during outbreaks.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #MRSA #AJIC @APIC

Improving toy hygiene in pediatric hospital settings through maternal education: A randomized controlled study Toys, while integral to children’s development and well-being, can serve as significant vectors of infection, especially in hospital settings. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of toy hygie...

📢 New in AJIC!
Teaching mothers about toy hygiene in pediatric units improved knowledge and significantly reduced toy contamination by day 3. A simple, effective infection‑prevention boost.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #Pediatrics #AJIC

📢 New in AJIC!
A large case‑control study found chronic illness, repeated hospitalizations, and recent antibiotics drive CPE risk—while OXA‑CPE showed a unique link with Arab ethnicity.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #AntibioticResistance #AJIC @APIC

Aerosol-based exposure to opportunistic pathogens originating from hospital sink drains Hospital room sink drains contain biofilms that harbor opportunistic pathogens. Exposures to these pathogens may occur from aerosolization and droplet dispersion into patient rooms during sink use. Th...

📢 New in AJIC!
Hospital sink drains can aerosolize opportunistic pathogens—sending microbes into patient rooms during routine sink use. Genomic evidence confirms sink-to-air transmission.
#InfectionPrevention #HAIs #AJIC

www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

Utilizing the antibiotic spectrum index to assess hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile infection in treating adults with community-onset bloodstream infections Antimicrobial therapy is the management cornerstone of patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs). We aimed to investigate the application of an antibiotic spectrum index (ASI) to assess hospital-ons...

📢 New in AJIC!
Higher antibiotic spectrum index scores strongly predicted hospital-onset C. difficile in patients with community-onset BSIs—outperforming treatment duration alone. A promising tool for stewardship.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #Cdiff #AJIC @APIC

Demographic and regional trends in Clostridioides difficile-related mortality among adults in the United States from 1999 to 2023 Clostridium difficile is a leading cause of health care-associated infections and a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in the United States. This study examines demographic and geograp...

📢 New in AJIC!
C. difficile–related mortality has risen since 1999, with highest rates in nonmetropolitan areas and among non-Hispanic Whites. Findings highlight persistent disparities and the need for targeted prevention.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #Cdiff #AJIC

📢 New in AJIC!
HCWs say universal gloving is doable—but adds workload, workflow challenges, and communication needs. Human‑factors approaches could help make implementation smoother.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #Cdiff #AJIC

Many patients believe they should remind staff about hand hygiene—but few actually do. Hierarchy, fear, and assumptions hold them back. Stronger education + support could boost patient engagement.

🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #AJIC

📢 New in AJIC!
Observed hand hygiene was far lower than self‑reported rates among nurses and physicians—revealing a major perception gap that could impact infection prevention.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #HandHygiene #AJIC

A tale of two APIC chapters: A pilot study measuring burnout in infection preventionists using the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) Infection preventionists’ (IPs) role can be jeopardized by imbalance between expanding responsibilities and limited resources. Challenges of stress and burnout among IPs can lead to turnover and strug...

🔥 AJIC: Infection preventionists report high burnout levels.
Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory increased awareness — but organizations must invest in prevention & support.

Read: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #HealthcareWorkforce #Burnout

👩‍⚕️ AJIC: Training for infection preventionists varies widely — and gaps affect CIC certification readiness.
Rural IPs were significantly less likely to be certified.

Standardized training matters for workforce strength.

Read: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #CIC

🏥 AJIC: CABG surgical site infection risk is higher for patients living in socially vulnerable communities.
Highest Minority Status & Language SVI areas → 60% higher SSI risk.
Community factors matter for IPC.

Read: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#HealthEquity #SSI #InfectionControl

Predicting mortality across hospital departments: A machine learning approach for various health care-associated infections Health care-associated infections (HAIs) pose a serious challenge to health care systems. Early identification of high-risk patients is crucial for optimizing resource allocation and preventive screen...

🤖 AJIC: Machine learning predicted mortality in HAI patients with 91% accuracy (AUC 0.95) across hospital wards.
Early risk identification could support targeted prevention & clinical decision support.

Read: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionControl #AIinHealthcare #HAI

Association of antimicrobial stewardship program suspension with hospital-wide antibiotic use: A time-series analysis from a Korean tertiary hospital Policy change by the South Korean government in 2024 led to mass resignations of medical fellows and residents, resulting in the temporary suspension of the antimicrobial stewardship program (ASP). Th...

💊 AJIC study: When an antimicrobial stewardship program was suspended, hospital antibiotic use significantly increased.

Strong reminder: stewardship programs are critical infrastructure.

Read: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#AntimicrobialStewardship #AMR #InfectionControl

🦠 New AJIC study: During a 2025 measles outbreak in West Texas, a children’s hospital implemented rapid IPC measures resulting in zero hospital-linked secondary cases.

Read more: www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionControl #Measles #OutbreakResponse

Genomic sequencing of SNF COVID‑19 outbreaks showed multiple lineages = multiple introductions—and longer outbreaks 🧬🏥 Highlights need to prevent SARS‑CoV‑2 entry into SNFs.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #Genomics #COVID19

Using a standardized blood culture collection kit to reduce the rate of contamination in the emergency room Accurate blood culture collection is essential for guiding appropriate antibiotic therapy, with contamination posing a risk to diagnostic reliability. The American Society for Microbiology recommends ...

Standardized blood culture kits cut contamination to 0.97% in the ED 🩸✨ Powered by teamwork + peer education to improve collection practices.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #PatientSafety #QI

Breaking the seal: Defects in sterile processing This study provides the first national-level data on measuring defects in sterile processing departments (SPDs). Over 90% of SPDs reported at least one defect in a single week, with higher defects in ...

Nationwide SPD study found ~90% of departments reported defects in a single week 😬 Lack of certification & inconsistent checklists increased risks—some defects even reached the OR.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #SterileProcessing #PatientSafety

Infection prevention and control knowledge, attitudes, and practices among patients and informal caregivers in home-based care: A systematic review Infection prevention and control (IPC) remains a challenge in home-based care, a rapidly expanding care sector worldwide. Despite the central role of patients and informal caregivers, little is known ...

Home‑based care relies on patients & caregivers—yet IPC knowledge and practices vary widely 🏠🧼 Review shows gaps in device care, disinfection & training. More targeted education is needed.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...
#InfectionPrevention #HomeCare #IPAC

A phased approach to implementation of a Candida auris screening program in a large, acute care hospital system A phased Candida auris screening program was implemented in a large acute care hospital system. This program used high-risk criteria as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to su...

A phased Candida auris screening program improved early detection and kept positivity rates low 🧫✨ Powered by strong collaboration and continuous quality improvement.
🔗 www.ajicjournal.org/article/S019...

#InfectionPrevention #CandidaAuris #IPAC