GMS Hygiene and Infection Control最新文献

{"title":"Comment on a published new method in virucidal testing - T-25 method.","authors":"Ingeborg Schwebke, Johannes Blümel, Nils-Olaf Hübner, Janis A Müller, Holger F Rabenau, Eike Steinmann, Jochen Steinmann, Ingrid Rapp, Miranda Suchomel, Sven Reiche, Maren Eggers","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000638","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000638","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc29"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103526/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769628","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":"Prevalence of HIV among healthcare workers in the post-HAART era - a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Roland Diel, Albert Nienhaus","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000634","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000634","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at potential risk of HIV infection through occupational exposure. However, with the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), universal precautions, and post-exposure prophylaxis, the global risk profile has changed.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study synthesized data on HIV prevalence among HCWs worldwide to assess current epidemiological patterns and to evaluate regional heterogeneity.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following PRISMA guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies reporting serological evidence of HIV infection among HCWs published between 1996 and September 2025, corresponding to the post-HAART era. Data were extracted on study design, sample size, and the number of HIV-positive cases. Prevalence estimates were compared with internal control groups or with national background prevalence data obtained from UNAIDS. Methodological quality was assessed using the Westermann score. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to estimate pooled HIV prevalence by WHO region.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 220 studies identified, 14 from 12 countries met inclusion criteria. Across 7,705 HCWs tested, the overall pooled HIV prevalence was 0.68% (95% CI 0.19-2.46) with extreme heterogeneity (I²=94.3%, τ²=5.003). Whilst the pooled prevalence among HCWs in Sub-Saharan Africa was 7.1% (95 % CI 3.3-12.7), all other regions-Europe, Latin America, and the Eastern Mediterranean-showed pooled prevalences of 0.0% (95% CI 0.0-3.7), with no HIV-positive HCWs detected.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>HIV infection among HCWs is now exceedingly rare worldwide, with elevated prevalence confined to high-endemic African regions as a regional dichotomy. The findings indicate that HIV infection in HCWs is primarily driven by community transmission rather than occupational exposure and highlight the success of infection-control policies and ART expansion in eliminating workplace transmission. Sustained surveillance and equitable access to protective equipment and post-exposure prophylaxis remain essential to preserve this major occupational-health achievement.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc25"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103531/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769600","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":"Prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection among gastritis and dyspeptic patients in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.","authors":"David Veronica Ekpiwre, Hashimu Zakari, Anayochukwu Chibuike Ngene, Hosea J Zumbes, Amos Obaje Ogaji, Oluwatoyin Debby Coulthard, John Danjuma Mawak","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000635","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000635","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong><i>Helicobacter (H.) pylori</i> infection remains a major cause of gastritis and dyspepsia globally, with disproportionately high prevalence in developing regions, including parts of Africa where infection rates often exceed 70%. In many of these settings, limited region-specific data on prevalence and antimicrobial resistance hinder effective diagnosis, treatment, and control strategies.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the prevalence, molecular characteristics, and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of <i>H. pylori</i> among patients presenting with gastritis and dyspepsia in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 136 symptomatic patients were recruited: 36 dyspeptic individuals undergoing endoscopy and 100 gastritis patients providing stool samples. Specimens (gastric biopsies and stool) were initially screened using rapid urease test (RUT) and stool antigen test (SAT). Positive samples underwent culture for isolation, followed by phenotypic identification and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmation with genus- and species-specific primers. Antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated via disk diffusion method.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong><i>H. pylori</i> prevalence was 66.7% in dyspeptic patients and 48% in gastritis patients. Infection rates were significantly associated with age in both groups (p<0.05), but not with gender. Culture produced 10 presumptive helicobacter isolates; PCR confirmed 6 as helicobacter spp. and 3 as <i>H. pylori</i>. Susceptibility testing showed high resistance to ciprofloxacin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, and amoxicillin. All isolates were susceptible to streptomycin, with variable responses to ofloxacin, augmentin (amoxicillin-clavulanate), and septrin (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole), suggesting the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings reveal a substantial <i>H. pylori</i> burden among symptomatic patients in Jos, coupled with alarming resistance to key eradication antibiotics. These results highlight the urgent need for routine molecular diagnostics and ongoing local surveillance of antimicrobial resistance to inform tailored treatment regimens and enhance clinical outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc26"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103530/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769554","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":"Letter to the editor regarding the Paper \"S2k-Guideline hand antisepsis and hand hygiene\".","authors":"Ralf Schäfer","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000637","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000637","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc28"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103532/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769564","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":"Antimicrobial resistance profiles and mortality rates in intensive care unit patients having central line associated blood stream infection: a temporal analysis.","authors":"Gargee Anand, Rijhul Lahariya, Asim Sarfraz, Bhaskar Thakuria, Prathyusha Kokkayil, Binod Kumar Pati","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000633","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000633","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patients with indwelling devices in the intensive care unit (ICU) face a heightened risk of infections, particularly central-line associated blood stream infection (CLABSI). With the aim of enhancing ICU prevention strategies, this study assessed CLABSI incidence, key pathogens, and their resistence profiles.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>The retrospective study analyzed patients with central line catheter (CLC) from 2021 to 2023. Patients' demographic details, CLC site, ICU stay, and blood culture reports including resistance were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 3,761 patients, CLABSI incidence rates were 6.18 (n=18, 2021), 1.69 (n=15, 2022), and 3.75 (n=42, 2023) per 1,000 CL days. The predominant GNB included <i>Klebsiella pneumoniae</i> (25.3%), <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i> (16%), and <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i> (9.33%), while GPC included <i>Enterococcus species</i> (5.33%) and <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (2.66%). <i>Klebsiella (K.) pneumoniae</i> and <i>Pseudomonas (P.) ae</i> <i>ru</i> <i>ginosa</i> exhibited rising resistance to cephalosporins, carbapenems, BL-BLIs, and monobactams. <i>Acinetobacter (A.) baumannii</i> showed decreased resistance to carbapenems and BL-BLIs. <i>Staphylococcus (S.) aureus</i> exhibited decreased resistance to macrolides and lincosamides, while <i>Enterococcus</i> species showed increased resistance to macrolides and penicillin. <i>Candida</i> species (21.3%) were isolated in 2022, with one case of <i>Candida auris</i> in 2023. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) CLABSIs had statistically significantly higher mortality (p=0.042).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>GNB showed increased resistance to cephalosporins, carbapenems, and BL-BLIs. In contrast, <i>S. aureus</i> demonstrated decreased resistance to lincosamides, while <i>Enterococcus</i> showed rising resistance to macrolides and penicillin, raising concern about treatment.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted stewardship against CLABSI.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc24"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103529/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769568","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":"Clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic characteristics of cutaneous leishmaniasis: 15-year incidence in Crete and Greece, and implications for clinician awareness.","authors":"Aristos Aristodimou, Evangelos I Kritsotakis, Maria Antoniou, Konstantinos Krasagakis, Georgios Evangelou, Achilleas Gikas","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000636","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000636","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an under-recognised parasitic disease in southern Europe, where heterogeneous clinical presentations and limited clinician familiarity can contribute to delayed diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>We conducted a 15-year retrospective case-series study at a tertiary-care referral hospital in Crete, Greece, to describe the epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and therapeutic characteristics of confirmed CL cases.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-five patients were identified, including two with concomitant visceral leishmaniasis. Most presented with solitary, painless lesions on exposed sites, and the median duration of skin lesions before diagnosis was 327 days, highlighting a substantial diagnostic delay. PCR was the most sensitive diagnostic tool, followed by histopathology and culture, while species identification confirmed <i>Leishmania tropica</i> in selected CL cases. Treatment approaches varied, including systemic agents, topical therapies and observation. Failure and relapse rates were 12% and 16%, respectively, and occurred mainly in patients with significant comorbidities or immunosuppression.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The island of Crete is a persistent epicenter of CL in Greece, with a low apparent incidence but notable clinical complexity. Delayed recognition and heterogeneous diagnostic pathways underscore the need for improving clinical awareness and implementing clearer diagnostic algorithms.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc27"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13103525/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147769651","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":"Randomized controlled clinical trial of the impact of combined application of rhamnosus probiotics and oral nystatin on the colonization of intestinal Candida albicans in low birth weight neonates <2,500 grams.","authors":"Mazyar Vakiliamini, Reza Habibi, Samira Zarei, Roya Chegene Lorestani, Fatemeh Rezaeeniya, Farzad Mashreghi, Pourya Mohammadi, Mansour Rezaei, Mosayeb Rostamian, Hajar Motamed","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000632","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000632","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This study aimed to evaluate the concurrent effects of consuming Rhamnosus probiotics and oral antifungal Nystatin on inhibiting <i>Candida (C.) albicans</i> colonization in infants weighing <2,500 grams.</p><p><strong>Materials: </strong>This study was a randomized controlled clinical trial conducted on 104 infants born weighing <2,500 grams at Mohammad Kermanshahi Hospital in Kermanshah in 2021-22. The infants were randomly allocated into intervention (n=52) and control (n=52) groups. The control group received a placebo, 10 drops orally four times daily. In contrast, the intervention group received oral Nystatin 100,000 units 10 drops three times a day, combined with Rhamnosus Lactobacillus oral drops once daily for 7 to 10 days.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The results showed a lower frequency of positive <i>C. albicans</i> cultures in stool samples on the 7^th day of age in the intervention group. Moreover, several variables such as the onset of nutrition, time to reach 100 ml/kg of milk intake per day, number of nil per os (NPO; \"nothing through the mouth\") episodes, total NPO time during hospitalization, episodes of intolerance until discharge, and duration of hospitalization were significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The concurrent use of Rhamnosus probiotics and oral Nystatin can lead to a reduction of positive <i>C. albicans</i> stool culture results, average time for certain variables such as the onset of nutrition, time to reach 100 ml/kg of milk intake per day, NPO days, total NPO time during hospitalization, episodes of intolerance until discharge, and duration of hospitalization in infants weighing <2,500 grams. Hence, their simultaneous administration is recommended for these neonates.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc23"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12981032/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147467626","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":"Risk factors for co-infections of helicobacter pylori and intestinal parasites: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Pourya Mohammadi, Keyghobad Ghadiri, Mosayeb Rostamian, Fereshteh Angazbany, Shahab Rezaeian, Tara Mazaheri, Tahereh Amiri, Peyman Hatami, Roya Chegene Lorestani","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000631","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000631","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and objective: </strong><i>Helicobacter (H.) pylori</i> is one of the most prevalent bacterial infections worldwide, alongside intestinal parasitic infections, both posing significant public health risks. This research investigates the frequency of co-infections involving <i>H. pylori</i> and intestinal parasites while determining associated impacts.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this cross-sectional study, 240 patients from Imam Reza Clinic in Kermanshah (Dec 2023-Apr 2024) were included. Stool samples were tested for <i>H. pylori</i> by ELISA and intestinal parasites by microscopy and staining. Demographic data, diet, water source, and gastrointestinal symptoms were collected via questionnaire. Data were analyzed using chi-square and logistic regression in SPSS 21.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 240 patients, 43.3% had <i>H. pylori</i> infection, and intestinal parasites were detected in 24.2%. Occupation, age, vegetarian diet, and drinking water source were significantly associated with <i>H. pylori</i> infection alone. Findings suggested some parasites may increase <i>H. pylori</i> risk; however, this was not statistically confirmed. Logistic regression identified age and gastrointestinal symptoms as predictors of co-infection. Risk was highest in the 40-49 age group (OR=7.54, p=0.029); no significant associations were found in older groups (OR=4.08, p=0.148; OR=5.68, p=0.060). Multiple gastrointestinal symptoms significantly increased co-infection likelihood (OR=6.18, p=0.008). Gender (OR=1.65, p=0.267), diet (OR=1.98, p=0.134), occupation (OR=0.86, p=0.783), and water source (OR=0.21, p=0.127) showed no significant results.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Co-infections of <i>H. pylori</i> were found in 10.8% of patients. Age and gastrointestinal symptoms were key predictors, while gender, water source, occupation, and residence showed no significant influence.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc22"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12981034/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147467631","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":"Public health authorities in Germany during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic - a constructive-critical reflection.","authors":"Ursel Heudorf, René Gottschalk","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000629","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000629","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a retrospective evaluation of the measures is still pending in Germany. This article will attempt to draw constructive and critical lessons from this pandemic for the actions of the public health authorities (PHA) in similar situations in the future.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>First, the legal and professional basis of the public health authorities in Germany to deal with a pandemic is presented. However, the analysis of the work of the PHA during the pandemic shows that the health authorities imposed extensive restrictions on freedom due to political and administrative law requirements without implementing the pandemic plan, the technical evidence and the principles of administrative law. The lessons of history were also ignored.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The non-compliance with professional und legal requirements may be explained by mass phenomena that occurred during the pandemic. Simplified messages and narratives led to uncertainty and fear, blurring individual boundaries in favor of collective reactions. Within a very short time in spring 2020, a collective threat scenario had gripped the whole of society - including the public health services. Combating the virus became the only goal, which supposedly unconditionally required maximum measures and restrictions on freedom and did not sufficiently take into account the considerable consequences for society as a whole.The question arises as to how, even in times of a pandemic, evidence and experience can continue to guide decisions instead of threat scenarios, as was possible in Sweden. There, the Swedish pandemic plan was implemented in accordance with the principle of proportionality.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>With our contribution to the discussion, we would like to encourage the PHA to take up this discussion and reappraisal - in responsibility for itself, for society and, in particular, for the people whose freedoms have been significantly restricted.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc20"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12981037/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147467094","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":"Stopping an outbreak of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST111 by temporarily blocking the siphon to disinfect it before the transition to the wastewater drain.","authors":"Torsten Stein, Martin Exner, Lisa-Marie Höfken, Katrin Schuldt, Axel Kramer","doi":"10.3205/dgkh000630","DOIUrl":"10.3205/dgkh000630","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Resulting from an analysis of an outbreak of carbapenem-resistant <i>Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa</i>, the siphons of washbasins in patient rooms were identified as source of colonizations and/or infections. To avoid installing new siphons, a solution was needed to temporarily block the siphon before the transition to the wastewater drain.</p><p><strong>Result: </strong>By temporarily blocking the drain before the transition to the wastewater drain with a balloon, it was possible to disinfect the traps without disassembly and stop the outbreak.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Temporarily blocking the drain can stop outbreaks originating from the siphon. However, this does not protect the siphon from renewed contamination by patients, or subsequent biofilm formation. Therefore, the only option in cases of known patient colonization or infection with critical multi-resistant pathogens that can colonize the siphon is to disinfect the siphon after the patient's discharge by temporarily blocking it. Since even non-resistant wastewater bacteria can cause infections, especially in immunocompromised patients, an option for obviating this problem would be to dispense with washbasins in high-risk areas such as units for intensive care, burns, cystic fibrosis and neonatology. As a general rule, water used to wash patients in bed must be disposed of in separate drains outside the patient's room. Since self-disinfecting siphons significantly reduce emissions from the siphon, combined with lower colonization or infection of exposed patients; their installation in high-risk areas may be useful for reducing nosocomial infections. However, in the event of an outbreak of a multi-resistant pathogen with the ability to colonize the siphon, it is necessary take samples of siphons and, if detected, to disinfect them by temporarily blocking them.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The option of disinfection of siphons by temporarily blocking them is a technically simple, economically immediate measure.</p>","PeriodicalId":12738,"journal":{"name":"GMS Hygiene and Infection Control","volume":"21 ","pages":"Doc21"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2026-02-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12981031/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147467728","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}