The prevalence of CP-CRE can be eye-wateringly high in some parts of the world. In Greece, for example, the rate of carbapenem-resistance in invasive K. pneumoniae isolates was 70% in the latest EARS-Net data. In the USA, one study from a long-term acute care facility in California found that almost 50% of patients were colonised. The picture is very different in the UK, with a very low prevalence of CPE reported in most studies as illustrated by the systematic review and meta-analysis that we’re going to look at today.
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What the Cochrane “masks don’t work” review does (and does not) tell us
You may have seen some commentary and debate on a recently updated Cochrane review on physical interventions to interrupt the spread of respiratory viruses. I’m stepping into the debate only to clarify a few small points – and to provide an overview of what the review does (and does not) tell us. However, my firm advice is to read the review for yourself and come to your own conclusions.
Continue readingHow many healthcare workers have had COVID-19?
A review and meta-analysis evaluates the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in healthcare workers (HCWs) around the world. And it seems that about 9% of HCWs have had COVID-19 up to the end of August 2020.
Continue readingAntimicrobial copper surfaces and linen and healthcare-associated infection: a review and meta-analysis
A helpful new review and meta-analysis asks whether treating hard surfaces or linen reduces healthcare-associated infections. The review identified only a small number of studies that had both a copper-related intervention related to surfaces and/or linen and an outcome related to HCAI. But the meta-analysis of the seven studies found that, overall, the risk of HCAI was reduced by 27% (risk ratio 0.73, 95% confidence interval 0.57–0.94).
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Reflections on Infection Prevention and Control 