GMS Hygiene and Infection Control最新文献

{"title":"Bridging the gap: a cross-sectional study on biomedical waste management education and compliance in dental institutions of Delhi National Capital Region.","authors":"Shakila Mahesh, Kruthiventi Hemalata, Ramya Shanta, Urvi Vashistha, Kavya Krishnakumar, Samridhi Arora, Alpa Gupta","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000553","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000553","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction and method: </strong>Biomedical waste management (BMWM) ensures the safe handling, segregation, and disposal of healthcare waste from hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. It reduces infection risks, protects public health, and promotes environmental sustainability, benefiting healthcare workers, patients, and communities. The purpose of this study was to assess BMWM knowledge, attitudes, and practices among healthcare professionals using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed by participants' educational levels.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study included 180 voluntary participants: 28 faculty members, 33 postgraduate students from various disciplines, and 119 undergraduate students from a dental college. 41.7% correctly identified black as the color code for general waste, and 73.8% knew needle syringes require puncture-resistant bins. Awareness of sharps containers and blood waste incineration (53.9%) was moderate. While 68.9% supported BMWM in undergraduate curricula, 91.1% stressed the importance of segregation. Autoclaving was used by 71.7% for sterilization, and 47.8% used special containers for lab samples. Faculty members had the highest knowledge scores.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The study revealed moderate understanding of BMWM, with 55-60% showing full comprehension. Mercury disposal awareness (42.8%) was higher due to coverage in the dental curriculum. Collaboration among healthcare professionals and improved training are vital for effective BMWM practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"20 ","pages":"Doc24"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12172065/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144316736","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Virulent genes related to the synthesis of community interaction factors among clinical samples of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Iran.","authors":"Leila Azimi, Hadi Hasani, Abdollah Karimi, Seyed Alireza Fahimzad, Ali Rezaei, Fatemeh Fallah, Shima Fatehi, Shahnaz Armin, Mohammadreza Sadr","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000552","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000552","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Acinetobacter (A.) baumannii</i> poses a significant threat of resistance to multiple antibiotics. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of the <i>abaI</i> and <i>bap</i> genes in clinical isolates of multidrug-resistant <i>A. baumannii</i> collected from 10 cities in Iran.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method, and multidrug resistance was confirmed using specific criteria. The presence of <i>abaI</i> and <i>bap</i> genes was identified through conventional PCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 50 samples total, 62% were from males, and 38% were from females, with most isolates originating from ICUs and obtained from the tracheobronchial tract. The abaI gene was present in 94% of samples, while the bap gene was present in 88%. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in gene frequencies and antibiotic resistance patterns.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The presence of <i>abaI</i> or <i>bap</i> genes was not related to antibiotic resistance. However, the frequency of these virulent genes was relatively high among multi-drug resistant <i>A. baumannii</i> samples. The differences in antibiotic resistance patterns of this bacterium show the need for future research in this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"20 ","pages":"Doc23"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12172066/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144316743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From antiquity to modern hygiene: the archaeological and medicinal legacy of lavender as a promising antimicrobial agent.","authors":"Agne Civilyte, Kyriaki Karanikola, Axel Kramer","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000550","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000550","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The understanding of ancient medicinal and hygienic practices using medicinal plants provides a foundation for collaboration with modern medical science. The aim of this paper is first to give a review of archaeological evidence of one of such plants - lavender, belonging to the Lamiaceae family, particularly focusing on its application for hygienic purposes. Since lavender is notable for its pharmacological and medicinal properties, offering a wide range of benefits for both physical and mental health, this is worth combining ancient experiences with the research of modern medicine.</p><p><strong>Methodology: </strong>The historical applications of lavender from antiquity to the Middle Ages were analyzed both textual and archaeobotanical evidence. Furthermore, it discusses the challenges in detecting lavender in archaeological contexts and its potential contributions to modern antiseptic medicine and heritage conservation. By combining botanical studies with modern scientific methods, we aim to reassess its role in historical medical and hygienic practices.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the last two decades, following on from traditional knowledge from archaeology and antiquity, studies have been carried out on the antimicrobial effectiveness of lavender essential oils (LEO) with the result that there are potential applications for LEO for antiseptic, as combination partner in disinfectants, for preservation, impregnation and possibly also for decontamination of indoor air. Even more promising is the use of LEO in combination with antibiotics and antiseptics in order to synergistically enhance their effectiveness.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>By combining botanical studies with modern scientific methods, the role of lavender in historical medical and hygienic practices has been re-evaluated.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"20 ","pages":"Doc21"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12172069/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144316739","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Combating oral biofilms in Nigerian schoolchildren: a synergistic approach using Macrosphyra longistyla extracts and titanium-ferrite nanoparticles.","authors":"Chukwuemeka E Nwankwo, Adeleke Osho, Adewale Adewuy, Chiagoziem Otuechere, Idowu B Olawoye, Scott O Fayemi, Judith U Oguzie, Jessica Uwanibe, Adedotun F Adesina, Ernest U Durugbo, Oluwatobi Adedokun, Damilola Ajisegiri, Ladimeji Akinlawon, Philomena Eromon, Onikepe Folarin, Christian Happi","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000551","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000551","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The burden of infectious and non-infectious debilitating diseases of oral etiology is common in developing countries. The pathogenicity of oral infectious diseases is believed to be exacerbated by the uncontrolled progression of biofilm-producing bacteria. In contemporary research endeavours, there is a proposition to utilize anti-infective compounds in the control of biofilm-induced infections. This research was carried out to isolate and control biofilm-producing bacteria using anti-infective nanoparticles and a plant extract.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Biofilm-producing bacteria were isolated and characterized using microbiological techniques and next-generation sequencing. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and minimum inhibitory concentration were determined using titanium ferrite (TF) coupled with <i>Macrosphyra</i> <i>longistyla</i> plant extracts. Bioactive antimicrobials were analyzed by Fourier-transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The surface morphology was determined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and toxicological properties were characterized on adult Wistar rats.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Biofilm-producing bacteria isolated and sequenced in this study are <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aeromonas caviae, Proteus mirabil</i> <i>is</i> and <i>Serratia marcescens</i>. The plant extracts coupled with nanoparticles were found to be more bioactive against the biofilm producers than either the plant extracts or the nanoparticles alone. The MICs observed here showed these complexes to be more bioactive against the pathogens in lower concentrations compared to that observed in similar studies. FTIR revealed that the bands at around 3,000-2,800 cm^-1 correspond to C-H stretching vibrations. The bands at around 1,700-1,600 cm^-1 corresponded to C=O stretching vibrations. The bands at around 1,500-1,400 cm^-1 corresponded to N-H bending vibrations. The presence of these functional groups suggests that <i>Macrosphyra longistyla</i> doped with TF nanoparticles (MSLNP) is a complex compound that contains a variety of different chemical groups. Histology revealed no significant derangements observed in the histoarchitecture of experimental groups. This suggests that the compound shows potential as antimicrobial therapy in battling bacterial oral biofilms. It is recommended that the compound undergo further testing in the drug design process.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"20 ","pages":"Doc22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12172068/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144316737","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"S2k Guideline: Hygienic requirements for patient beds, bed linen, bed accessories and personal protection when handling beds.","authors":"Axel Kramer, Julia Seifert, Bernd Gruber, Marianne Abele-Horn, Mardjan Arvand, Alexander Blacky, Michael Buerke, Iris Chaberny, Maria Deja, Steffen Engelhart, Dieter Eschberger, Anja Gerhardts, Achim Hedtmann, Julia Heider, Christian Jäkel, Peter Kalbe, Horst Luckhaupt, Wolfgang Müller, Alexander Novotny, Cihan Papan, Hansjürgen Piechota, Frank-Albert Pitten, Veronika Reinecke, Simone Scheithauer, Dieter Schilling, Walter Schulz-Schaeffer, Ulrich Sunderdiek","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000549","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000549","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hospitalized patients are often more susceptible to infection than healthy people due to their illness, the presence of devices and their reduced immune defenses. At the same time, potentially pathogenic pathogens, which are often characterized by antibiotic resistance, are released into the area close to the patient, including the bed. To prevent hospital beds from becoming a source of nosocomial infections, bed linen and hospital beds, including encasings or pillows and comforters, must be disinfected before reoccupation, in contrast to hotel beds. The guideline outlines the hygienic and ergonomic requirements for hospital beds, ensuring bed hygiene during the patient's stay and the principles of bed reprocessing, including organization, quality assurance and staff protection, in 40 recommendations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"20 ","pages":"Doc20"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12172067/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144316741","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Material compatibility of guanidine thiocyanate for decontamination of nickel-titanium root canal instruments after potential exposure to prions.","authors":"Anne-Maria Boldt, Walter J Schulz-Schaeffer, Hicham Benkhai, Axel Kramer","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000548","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000548","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Due to the effectiveness of guanidine thiocyanate (GdnSCN) for the decontamination of prion protein aggregates, which are the causative agent of transmissible spongiform encephalopathy, the influence on the bending stiffness and torsional strength of endodontic nickel-titanium files should be tested to provide a potential alternative to single-use if necessary.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>For the investigation, nitrite-titanium-coated EasyShape^® files of sizes 25.06 and 35.04 were placed in 6 M GdnSCN solution 8 times for 15 min each for decontamination in line with the manufacturer's recommendation, with intermediate drying in each case. To simulate the worst case, the soaking time was extended to 12 h once. Both the bending stiffness and the torsional and fracture behavior were determined in accordance with DIN EN ISO 3630-1:2008-04.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Compared to the untreated control (n=12), decontamination with GdnSCN has no effect on the torsional strength or flexural rigidity of the tested endodontic instruments of sizes 25.06 and 35.04 (n=18 each) when used properly. On the other hand, the exposure time of 12 h reduced the bending moment and torsion angle of instrument size 25.06, while the material properties of size 35.04 files are not affected.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Based on the results, the maximum 8-fold application of 6 M GdnSCN solution for 15 min for decontamination of endodontic nickel-titanium files can be considered. Although the sterilization process has no influence on the fracture behavior, it is important to clarify for clinical practice what influence the overall reprocessing process has on the performance of the instruments.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"20 ","pages":"Doc19"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12171978/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144316740","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Uncovering the silent public health threat: nasal carriers of linezolid-resistant, vancomycin-intermediate and mupirocin-resistant MRSA among healthcare workers in a tertiary care hospital in Central India.","authors":"Neha S Bawankar, Prashant P Meshram, Riya John, Dilip S Gedam, Swati M Bhise, Nanda A Ranshoor, Seema R Bais","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000547","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000547","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Healthcare-associated infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) <i>Staphylococcus</i> strains pose a significant challenge. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are potential vectors in transmitting these strains. This study assessed the prevalence of nasal carriage of staphylococci among HCWs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective cohort study was conducted from March to June 2024 at a tertiary care hospital in Central India. Nasal swabs from 178 HCWs were collected and screened for methicillin-sensitive <i>S. aureus</i> (MSSA), methicillin-resistant <i>S. aureus</i> (MRSA), methicillin-sensitive coagulase-negative staphylococci (MS-CONS), and methicillin-resistant CONS (MR-CONS) using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial susceptibility and biofilm production were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 178 HCWs, 61.8% were <i>Staphylococcus</i> carriers, including 36% MRSA. High MRSA carriage was observed in junior residents, interns, and nursing assistants, particularly in the surgical department. Furthermore, the notifiable carriage rate was observed among HCWs who did not consistently adhere to hand-washing practices and/or frequently picked their noses, and those regularly involved in patients' wound care. All MRSA and MR-CONS were MDR, while 30% of MSSA and 45.5% of MS-CONS were MDR. No vancomycin resistance was detected, but 12.5% of MRSA showed intermediate resistance to vancomycin (VISA). Linezolid resistance was observed in 10% and 37.5% of MRSA (LRSA) and CONS, respectively. Biofilm production was noted in 72.7% of isolates.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The high prevalence of nasal carriers of MRSA and MDR staphylococci strains and the emergence of VISA and linezolid-resistant staphylococci underscores the need for stringent infection control and antimicrobial stewardship measures in healthcare settings. Regular screening and decolonization protocols for HCWs are critical in preventing the spread of resistant pathogens.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"20 ","pages":"Doc18"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12171979/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144316742","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development of the active ingredient composition of hand antiseptics in Germany from 2004 to 2022 with special consideration of ethanol as active agent.","authors":"Philine Grashoff, Nico Tom Mutters, Axel Kramer, Carola Ilschner, Marvin Rausch, Jürgen Gebel","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000546","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000546","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>The number of active agents used in hand antiseptics (HA) in Germany was analyzed using the disinfectant lists of the Association for Applied Hygiene (VAH) for the years 2004, 2012 and 2022 to evaluate the development regarding the use of unnecessary or critical active agents in alcohol-based hand rubs (ABHR).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>While 20 different active agents were used in the HAs (97 listed HAs) in 2004, only 14 were used in 2012 (201 listed HAs) and 15 in 2022 (332 listed HAs). Benzoic acid, clorocesol, chlorophene, octenidine dihydrochloride, peracetic acid, polihexanide and triclosan are no longer used as additives to ABHR. At the same time, the number of active ingredients per product fell.In the period from 2002 to 2022, there was an increase in ABHR, so that in 2022, only four HAs did not contain alcohol: three were based on PVP iodine and one was based on quaternary ammonium compounds.While 2-propanol still dominated as the first-named active ingredient in 2004 and 2022, in 2022 mainly ABHR with ethanol as the first-named active ingredient were certified. The percentage share of ethanol in ABHR, measured against all VAH-listed HA and as the main active ingredient, increased by 43.4% between 2004 and 2022. At the same time, there has been a 33.2% decrease in ABHR of 2-propanol as active ingredient.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>There are probably two reasons for the decrease in the total number of active ingredients used. The addition of antiseptic agents to ABHR does not increase their residual effectiveness. In addition, the antimicrobial antiseptics added to ABHR are less well tolerated than alcohols. Consequently, for ethical reasons it makes sense not to add these antimicrobials to the formulas. The increase of ethanol-based hand rubs (EBHR) suggests that these are preferred by users. One explanation may be that, unlike ethanol, 1-propanol can have an irritating effect on both healthy and atopic skin.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Ethanol must be retained as an active ingredient for ABHR for the following reasons: ethanol is the only active ingredient that can be used for HA with comprehensive efficacy against non-enveloped viruses; both propanols are less physiological for the human organism than ethanol; ethanol is better tolerated by the skin than 1-propanol; and an adverse effect on the skin microbiome has been ruled out for ethanol. This must be considered when discussing the possible biocide classification of ethanol as CMR, especially because such a classification has absolutely no scientific basis.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"20 ","pages":"Doc17"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12171977/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144316738","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological features of vulvovaginal candidiasis.","authors":"Reza Faraji, Abbas Maleki, Abbas Gheisoori, Taha Rashidi, Amirhossein Salimi Mansouri, Fatemeh Rashidi, Sadegh Faraji, Alireza Kashefizadeh, Arezoo Bozorgomid","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000544","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000544","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Vaginal candidiasis is induced by abnormal growth of yeast on the mucous membranes of the female genital tract. Approximately 75% of women experience a yeast infection once in their lifetime. This study explored the epidemiological, clinical, and microbiological features of vaginal candidiasis in diabetic women referred to health and treatment centers in Kermanshah in 2023.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 215 diabetic women. A questionnaire was prepared for each participant. The samples were examined microscopically and cultured on Sabouraud dextrose agar (SDA). To identify different species of <i>Candida</i> (C.), various complementary tests were performed, such as the germ tube and differential sugar absorption test (API). A sensitivity test was applied to positive samples by the broth macrodilution method. Data were analyzed using the chi-squared test in SPSS.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 215 vaginal swabs investigated, 66 specimens were <i>Candida</i>-species positive (30.7%). 11.6% of participants were diagnosed with candidal vulvovaginitis by direct microscopic examination and 20.9% by culturing on SDA. The <i>Candida</i> species isolated were: <i>C. albi</i> <i>ca</i> <i>n</i> <i>s</i> with 36 cases (54.5%), <i>C. glabrata</i> with 14 cases (21.2%), <i>C. tropicalis</i> with 9 cases (13.6%) and <i>C. parapsilosis</i> with 7 cases (10.6%). All species isolated showed the same sensitivity to the antifungal drugs used.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The culture method was more sensitive than the direct microscopic examination. <i>C. albicans</i> was the most prevalent species isolated from patients. Non-albicans species were not prevalent.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"20 ","pages":"Doc15"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101135/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144142332","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of the implementation of infection control policies in health facilities in the Popokabaka health district in the Democratic Republic of Congo.","authors":"Fraste Kaswij Muswiya, Martin Mutuza Bakuzeza, Dalau Nkamba Mukadi","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000542","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000542","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare quality in health facilities relies on the implementation of and providers' adherence to an effective infection control program. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation level of infection prevention and control (IPC) guidelines in healthcare facilities in a low-income country.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional study conducted in 18 healthcare facilities of the Popokabaka health district in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Data were collected and analyzed following the IPC assessment framework developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). The framework consisted of eight different sections, of which each is scored up to 100. The level of implementation in each facility was assessed based on a scoring system: inadequate (0-200), basic (201-400), intermediate (401-600), and advanced (601-800).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median score of all facilities was 181.3, IQR 145.0-228.1, with a range from inadequate to basic. Ten (55.6%) healthcare facilities had an inadequate IPC implementation level, while eight (44.4%) had a basic level. IPC education and training were the components that were the most poorly implemented in the surveyed facilities. None of these facilities had multimodal strategies to implement IPC interventions.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The level of IPC guideline implementation in healthcare facilities of the Popokabaka health district remains basic as a result of low resource investment in the IPC program. It negatively impacts the quality of care and exposes patients and healthcare providers to healthcare-associated infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"20 ","pages":"Doc13"},"PeriodicalIF":1.7,"publicationDate":"2025-04-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101134/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144142318","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}