GMS Hygiene and Infection Control最新文献

{"title":"Reported practices and difficulties for preventing emerging highly resistant bacteria in hemodialysis: the PHYDEL survey.","authors":"Akel Azzi, Hélène Marini, Ludivine Boulet, Marion Lottin, Thomas Vermeulin, Hervé Vergnes, Stéphane Edet, Laurence Guet, Frank Le Roy, Véronique Merle","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000659","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000659","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Chronic hemodialysis patients are at risk of Vancomycin-resistant Enterocci (VRE) and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) carriage. France has released guidelines to prevent the spread of VRE-CPE carriage in hospitals. However, the hemodialysis setting is confronted with specific problems that are not always addressed by guidelines. Infection control practices regarding VRE-CPE transmission in the hemodialysis setting have not been described in the literature. The aim of our survey was to assess declared practices regarding VRE-CPE identification and management in French hemodialysis units (HDU).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in a random sample of 200 French HDU (excluding peritoneal dialysis and exclusive pediatric hemodialysis units) regarding their declared organization for identifying VRE-CPE carriers, the type and duration of precautions implemented, and reported difficulties. Data were collected via an e-mail questionnaire, and completed by a short telephone interview with an infection control nurse.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>103 HDU agreed to participate. A minority of HDU had implemented a system to identify patients requiring screening or were able to keep track of VRE-CPE carriers and contacts via a computerized system. When managing VRE-CPE carriers, less than one-third of HDU employed caregivers, and strategies to discontinue precautions varied widely between HDU. HDU staff complained mainly about the lack of national specific guidelines for VRE-CPE in the hemodialysis setting, insufficient information regarding patients' VRE-CPE status, and difficulties in convincing patients to accept screening.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This survey highlights heterogeneous practices and routine difficulties in VPE-CPE patients' management which would probably benefit from guidelines tailored to the hemodialysis setting.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc50"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13386495/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548969","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":"Erratum and republication - 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/dgkh000657","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3205/dgkh000657","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3205/dgkh000549.].</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc48"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13387136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548961","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/dgkh000656","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000656","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":"21 ","pages":"Doc47"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13387138/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548955","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":"Comparative genotypic analysis of Candida krusei and Candida parapsilosis isolates from human and animal clinical samples through MLVA and RAPD-PCR profiling.","authors":"Armin Rezaie Dorostkar, Mansour Bayat, Kumars Amini, Mohammad Hossein Yadegari","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000653","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000653","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction: &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;i&gt;Candida (C.) parapsilosis&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;C. krusei&lt;/i&gt; are significant fungal pathogens in both human and animal clinical settings. Molecular typing techniques, such as Multiple-Locus Variable Number Tandem Repeat Analysis (MLVA) and Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA Polymerase Chain Reaction (RAPD-PCR), play a crucial role in understanding the genetic diversity and epidemiology of these pathogens. The aim of the present study is to genotype the strains of &lt;i&gt;C. krusei&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;C. parapsilosis&lt;/i&gt; isolated from human and animal clinical samples using MLVA and RAPD-PCR methods.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;A total of 30 human clinical samples, including 15 &lt;i&gt;C. krusei&lt;/i&gt; and 15 &lt;i&gt;C. parapsilosis&lt;/i&gt; candidates, were obtained from Imam Khomeini Hospital, and 30 animal samples, including 15 Candida krusei and 15 &lt;i&gt;C. parapsilosis&lt;/i&gt;, were collected from veterinarians in dairy farms around Tehran. The study aimed to genotype strains of &lt;i&gt;C. krusei&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;C. parapsilosis&lt;/i&gt; using MLVA and RAPD-PCR methods. Phenotypic confirmation of the Candida species was conducted, and genes related to virulence and antifungal resistance were examined using Multiplex-PCR. The genetic diversity of the strains was assessed using MLVA and RAPD-PCR methods, and dendrograms were constructed for each species.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;The samples received from dairy farms or collected from the hospital were confirmed using phenotypic methods. The frequency of genes CDR1, CDR2, and MDR1 in &lt;i&gt;C. krusei&lt;/i&gt; human samples were 66/86%, 33/13%, and 0%, respectively; in candidate &lt;i&gt;C. krusei&lt;/i&gt; animal samples, they were 66/86%, 66/46%, and 20%; in &lt;i&gt;C. parapsilosis&lt;/i&gt; human samples 80%, 40%, and 40%; in &lt;i&gt;C. parapsilosis&lt;/i&gt; animal samples 66/86%, 66/66%, and 40%. Genetic relatedness analysis of 30 &lt;i&gt;C. krusei&lt;/i&gt; samples was performed using microsatellite typing with the PHYLOViZ, which showed four clusters and four keys in the phylogenetic tree using the UPGMA method. Similarly, the genetic relatedness of 30 candidate &lt;i&gt;C. parapsilosis&lt;/i&gt; samples was analyzed, which showed six clusters and six keys in the phylogenetic tree using the UPGMA method. Based on the RAPD-PCR results, all &lt;i&gt;C. krusei&lt;/i&gt; samples were divided into six groups at a similarity level of 59%, with a simplicity index of 31/0. Similarly, all &lt;i&gt;C. parapsilosis&lt;/i&gt; samples were divided into four groups at a similarity level of 59%, with a simplicity index of 35/0.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;The RAPD-PCR method has shown limited discriminatory power compared to MLVA for genetic diversity assessment. However, the combination of MLVA and RAPD-PCR techniques provides a comprehensive approach to molecular typing and genetic characterization of &lt;i&gt;C. parapsilosis&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;C. krusei&lt;/i&gt; isolates. This integrated approach offers valuable insights into the genetic diversity, epidemiology, and potential transmission dynamics of these strains, faci","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc44"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13386506/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548984","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":"How many laboratories are necessary? Analytical assessment of precision and reproducibility in disinfectant efficacy testing for quantifying the impact of laboratory number on result reliability.","authors":"Kira-Marie Roesch, Marvin Rausch, Felix Droop, Martin Exner, Stefanie Gemein, Carola Ilschner, Axel Kramer, Thomas Selhorst, Miranda Suchomel, Nico T Mutters, Jürgen Gebel","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000655","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000655","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Reliable assessment of the efficacy of chemical disinfection procedures requires robust experimental precision and reproducibility. In order to obtain a certificate from the Association for Applied Hygiene (VAH) proving the efficacy of a disinfectant procedure, test results from two independent accredited laboratories must be submitted for evaluation. In a previous study, Monte-Carlo simulations based on VAH ring trial data demonstrated that this two-laboratory stipulation significantly reduces the probability of false-positive efficacy statements. The present study extends that work by developing an analytical solution to quantify the influence of intra- and interlaboratory variability on efficacy assessment outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The analysis is based on data from four VAH ring trials covering bactericidal, yeasticidal, and mycobactericidal activities as tested according to EN 13727, EN 13624, EN 17387 and EN 14563. Analytical probability models were derived to calculate the likelihood that one, two, three, or four laboratories independently classify a disinfectant as effective under defined test conditions. The results were compared across different efficacy ranges and interpreted in relation to the existing two-laboratory validation framework.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The analytical solution confirms that including a second laboratory significantly enhances the robustness of efficacy classification by reducing the probability of false-positive outcomes in the intermediate efficacy range by up to 90%. Beyond two laboratories, the benefit is observed to drop sharply: Inclusion of a third or fourth laboratory further lowers the probability of consistent positive classifications, but the marginal gain in reliability is small relative to the associated increase in cost, effort, and organizational complexity. The model thus reveals an asymptotic relationship between the number of laboratories and classification certainty.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The analytical findings corroborate the empirical findings from VAH ring trials, demonstrating that the two-laboratory stipulation represents an optimal balance between statistical reliability and practical feasibility. Expanding beyond two laboratories provides minimal additional certainty and may increase disagreement rates due to compounding intralaboratory variation. Future standardization efforts should therefore prioritize the reduction of intralaboratory variability rather than expanding interlaboratory replication.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc46"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13386487/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548948","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":"Genetic diversity and relatedness of Candida albicans isolates from humans and animals in Iran: implications for infection control.","authors":"Esmaeil Hayati, Mansour Bayat, Kumars Amini, Mohammad Hossein Yadegari","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000654","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000654","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong><i>Candida</i> species are known to be a major cause of fungal infections in both humans and animals worldwide. Understanding the local epidemiology and genetic diversity of <i>Candida albicans</i> is essential for effective control and prevention of infections on a global scale. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the genetic relatedness between human and animal isolates of <i>Candida albicans</i> in Iran.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty-six isolates of <i>C. albicans</i> were obtained from both human and animal sources and were subjected to random amplified polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) using three primers (OPE-04, OPE-18, and OPA-18). Identification, antifungal susceptibility testing, and virulence profiling were carried out using standardized methods.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Our analysis revealed a significant genetic separation between human and animal isolates of <i>C. albicans</i>, with distinct genotypes identified in each group. Some degree of genotypic relatedness was observed, but with varying levels of separation. The highest genetic similarity (84%) was observed between <i>C. albicans</i> isolates from cow feces and human high vaginal swabs, indicating genetic relatedness but not clonal identity. No clonal relationship was detected among the isolates.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although this study represents a preliminary investigation, our findings suggest a high discriminatory power of the three primers used in RAPD-PCR for typing Candida isolates. While RAPD-PCR effectively identified genetic diversity, its reproducibility and resolution remain limited, necessitating further validation using more precise molecular methods. The lack of clonal relationship and the observed genetic diversity highlight the potential for transfer of virulent and resistant strains between humans and animals. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to validate these findings and to assess the implications of close contact between humans and animals in the transmission of <i>Candida</i> infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc45"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13386499/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548901","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":"Molecular detection of a Leptospira lineage with high similarity to Leptospira kirschneri in human, environmental, and rodent samples from Gilan Province, Iran: an integrated field and laboratory investigation.","authors":"Mohammad Moradi Bazghaleh, Taghi Zahraei Salehi, Gholamreza Abdollahpour, Tofigh Yaghubi Kalurazi, Seyed Amirali Anvar","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000652","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000652","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Leptospirosis remains an undercharacterized public health threat in Iran's Caspian coastal regions, despite high exposure risks within agricultural communities. Therefore, the circulation of <i>Leptospira (L.)</i> spp. in the Gilan Province was investigated in a prospective, integrated field and laboratory study from January 2020 to December 2023.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>182 clinical specimens from febrile patients and 120 environmental samples (water, soil, wildlife tissues) were collected. Samples were analyzed using microscopic agglutination test (MAT), real-time PCR (qPCR), gene sequencing (<i>secY</i>), bacterial culture, and whole-genome sequencing (WGS). Statistical analysis identified risk factors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 41 cases, confirmed by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), <i>Leptospira</i> DNA was detected by qPCR in 37 (90.2%). Sequencing of the <i>secY</i> gene identified sequences with 98.1-98.9% identity to <i>L. kirschneri</i> in 12 clinical and 7 environmental samples. Culture from rodent kidneys yielded three viable isolates. Whole-genome sequencing revealed these isolates shared 97.2% average nucleotide identity with <i>L. kirschneri</i> serovar grippotyphosa, firmly placing them within this species. A notable finding was the discrepancy between MAT serology, which showed high titers against <i>L. interrogans</i> serovars, and molecular data, which consistently indicated the presence of a <i>L. kirschneri</i>-lineage. Identical <i>secY</i> sequences were detected in human, water, and rodent samples, suggesting a potential transmission chain, though definitive culture confirmation was limited to rodents. Multivariate analysis identified rice farming (aOR=2.7, 95% CI: 1.5-4.8), daily floodwater exposure (aOR=2.1, 95% CI: 1.2-3.7), and proximity to drainage ditches (aOR=2.9, 95% CI: 1.6-5.2) as significant risk factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings provide compelling molecular and epidemiological evidence that <i>L. kirschneri</i>-lineage organisms are a likely cause of leptospirosis in northern Iran and should be included in future surveillance and diagnostic frameworks.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc43"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13386486/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548924","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":"Adjunctive probiotic therapy enhances metronidazole efficacy in bacterial vaginitis: a clinical trial on Iranian women.","authors":"Zahra Vahedpoor, Parisa Mamivand, Mohammad Javad Azadchehr, Mehdi Nazeri","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000651","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000651","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Because probiotics have a positive effect on vaginal dysbiosis, it should be investigated whether the treatment of bacterial vaginosis (BV) with metronidazole can be improved by combining with a probiotic.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The clinical trial enrolled married women aged 18-48 with BV and employed a rigorous double-blind, placebo-controlled design. The study compared the efficacy of a 7-day regimen of oral metronidazole (2×500 mg/d) and a vaginal probiotic (<i>Lactobacillus plantarum</i> 299v 1×10⁹ cfu/day over 21 days) to the same regimen with a placebo instead the probiotic.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study enrolled 121 participants. Adding vaginal probiotics to metronidazole significantly reduced BV recurrence compared to metronidazole alone. With the combination therapy being well-tolerated and no serious adverse events reported.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study suggest, that vaginal probiotics may be a promising adjunctive therapy for BV, although further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine the optimal probiotic strains and dosage, as well as to investigate the potential benefits of probiotics for other aspects of BV management Other factors such as dietary habits, hygiene practices, and lifestyle were not controlled in this study and should be considered in future research.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc42"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13386488/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548851","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":"Synergistic detoxification of aflatoxin B1 using paraprobiotics and phytochemical extracts: quantitative analysis and mechanistic insights.","authors":"Omid Haji Kandi, Seyed Mohammad Mahdi Hamdi, Mansour Bayat, Maryam Tajabadi Ebrahimi","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000650","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000650","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), a potent group I carcinogen produced by Aspergillus species, poses a significant food safety challenge. This study evaluates the synergistic efficacy of heat-inactivated <i>Lactobacillus</i> <i>(L.) brevis</i> and <i>L. paracasei</i> (paraprobiotics) combined with ethanolic extracts of <i>Punica (P.) granatum</i> and <i>Asparagus (A.) khorasanensis</i> for AFB1 detoxification, extending prior findings on their anti-aflatoxigenic properties via gene expression modulation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>AFB1 was produced using <i>Aspergillus flavus</i> PTCC 5006. Paraprobiotics were prepared by thermal inactivation, with cell wall integrity assessed via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Phytochemicals were characterized using high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (HPLC-DAD). AFB1 levels were quantified via HPLC with fluorescence detection (limit of detection [LOD]: 0.25 µg/mL; limit of quantification [LOQ]: 0.75 µg/mL). Dose-response relationships and synergy were evaluated using the Chou-Talalay combination index (CI).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Paraprobiotics reduced AFB1 by 47.2% (95% CI: 44.8-49.6%, Cohen's d=1.8) at 10⁸ CFU/mL, outperforming viable probiotics (30.6%, p<0.001). The binary extract mixture (250 µg/mL each) achieved a 43.7% reduction (95% CI: 40.5-46.9%, CI=0.78). The combined treatment yielded an 85.8% reduction (95% CI: 82.3-89.3%, CI=0.65, p<0.001), indicating strong synergy, correlated with downregulated aflatoxin biosynthesis genes (<i>aflD, aflT, aflR, aflM</i>).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The paraprobiotic-phytochemical combination offers a dual-mechanism approach for AFB1 detoxification, integrating physical sequestration and transcriptional suppression. This strategy holds promise for food safety applications, warranting further in vivo and food matrix studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc41"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13386485/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148548915","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":"Cost analysis of single-use versus reusable bronchoscopes in German intensive care units.","authors":"Nora Leder, Dragiša Mitić, Maria Gundrum, Björn Nowak, Frank Kipp, Sabine Trommer","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000649","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000649","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>Bedside bronchoscopy is widely used in intensive care units (ICUs) for a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Single-use flexible bronchoscopes (SFB) have emerged as an increasingly utilized alternative to reusable flexible bronchoscopes (RFB), eliminating costs related to device repairs, reprocessing, and routine microbiological surveillance. Beyond clinical outcome parameters, economic and organizational factors as well as aspects of patient safety, including the availability of diagnostic procedures and infection prevention considerations, play an important role in the choice between RSB and SFB.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Using a cost-minimization approach, we compared the costs associated with RFB and SFB during a two-year study period in a German tertiary care hospital with two surgical and two non-surgical ICUs, identifying key cost drivers, assessed break-even points under different utilization scenarios through sensitivity analyses, and evaluated their implications for procurement decisions and implementation strategies in the ICU setting.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the study period from 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2024, on average 1,253 bronchoscopic procedures were performed in the ICU setting. Cost per procedure were € 346.19 per use for SFB and € 97.28 for RFB with a break-even point for cost effectiveness of RFB of 317 procedures per year. Sensitivity analysis showed robustness of the results in our setting of high procedure volume to variable maintenance costs and reduction in investment costs of SFB.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>For the German ICU setting with in-house reprocessing and high procedure volume, RFB is cost effective compared to SFB.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc40"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-05-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13273644/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148277309","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}