Basic Infection Control Measures Research Articles

Contribution of active surveillance cultures to the control of hospital-acquired carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in an endemic hospital setting.

Despite the increasing rates of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) carriage among hospitalized patients in endemic settings, the role of active surveillance cultures and cohorting is still debated. We sought to determine the long-term effect of a multifaceted infection-control intervention on the incidence of CRAB in an endemic setting. A prospective, quasi-experimental study was performed at a 670-bed, acute-care hospital. The study consisted of 4 phases. In phase I, basic infection control measures were used. In phase II, CRAB carriers were cohorted in a single ward with dedicated nursing and enhanced environmental cleaning. In phase III large-scale screening in high-risk units was implemented. Phase IV comprised a 15-month follow-up period. During the baseline period, the mean incidence rate (IDR) of CRAB was 44 per 100,000 patient days (95% CI, 37.7-54.1). No significant decrease was observed during phase II (IDR, 40.8 per 100,000 patient days; 95% CI, 30.0-56.7; P = .97). During phase III, despite high compliance with control measures, ongoing transmission in several wards was observed and the mean IDR was 53.9 per 100,000 patient days (95% CI, 40.5-72.2; P = .55). In phase IV, following the implementation of large-scale screening, a significant decrease in the mean IDR was observed (25.8 per 100,000 patient days; 95% CI, 19.9-33.5; P = .03). An overall reduction of CRAB rate was observed between phase I and phase IV (rate ratio, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.4-0.9; P < .001). The comprehensive intervention that included intensified control measures with routine active screening cultures was effective in reducing the incidence of CRAB in an endemic hospital setting.

Detection of carbapenem resistant enterobacteriaceae from various clinical samples: A record based study in a tertiary care hospital in Mandya

: Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has gradually evolved as one of the serious global health concern due to its high mortality and limited treatment options. Overuse of the antibiotic and improper sanitation has led to its rapid spread. To determine the proportion of Carbapenem resistant Enterobacteriaceae from various clinical samples received in the Department of Microbiology, MIMS Mandya for Culture and sensitivity by using Meropenem and Imipenem disk.This is a retrospective study conducted over a period of 6 months from March 2021 to august 2021. The samples tested were all the clinical specimens like sputum, pus, urine, body fluids coming to our Microbiology laboratory. The specimens were processed by the standard laboratory methods. Bacteria was isolated and identified by standard biochemical reactions and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done on Mueller Hinton Agar by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion method and interpreted according to CLSI guidelines.A total of 1624 samples were included in the study, among which 211 isolates were identified as members of Enterobacteriaceae family. 50 out of 211 isolates were confirmed as Carbapenem resistant giving a prevalence rate of 23.69%. Urine (42%) was the major contributor of CRE, followed by pus (34%). Among CRE, (54%) was the major organism isolated followed by (20%).Our study showed high CRE prevalence rate of 23.69%, indicating the rapid emergence of CRE. Hence, a strict adherence to antibiotic policy and basic infection control measures to be applied in view of reducing the spread of CRE in the community.

420. ­­Impact of Intensified Prevention Measures On Rates of Hospital-Acquired Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii In Endemic Setting

Abstract Background During the last decade, hospital-acquired carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (HA-CRAB) have become endemic in acute care facilities in Israel. Despite the increasing rates CRAB carriage among hospitalized patients in endemic settings, the role of active surveillance cultures (ASC) is still debated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of different components of control measures conducted in an endemic acute care hospital Methods The study consisted of a 12-month baseline period (1 January 2019–31 December 2019; period 1), 12-month 1st intervention period (1 January 2020- December 2020; period 2); 6-month 2nd intervention period (1 January 2021-30 June 2021; period 3) and a 9-month follow-up period (1 June 2021–31 March 2022; period 4). During period 1, basic infection-control measures were implemented including contact precautions for CRAB carriers. During period 2, all CRAB carries were cohorted in a single ward and managed by dedicated health care workers. Enhanced environmental cleaning was conducted by a dedicated team. During periods 3 and 4, high-risk patients were screened on admission; weekly cultures were obtained in high-risk units. The incidence density rate (IDR) of HA-CRAB was defined as the per-patient number of first CRAB isolate from clinical specimens. Incidence rates ratios (IRR) were compared between the study periods. Results During the baseline period, IDR of HA-CRAB was 4.9/10,000 patient days (PD). During period 2, no significant decrease was observed (IDR 3.9/10,000 PD, IRR 0.7 95% CI 0.49-1.16, p=0.15). In response to ongoing transmission in several wards, ASC program was initiated in January 2021. IDR during period 3 was 5.3/10,000 PD (IRR 1.1, 95% CI 0.74- 1.56, p=0.64). Since January 2021, 2.1% (78/3799) were found to be colonized on admission and 5.5% (100/1809) were detected by weekly screening. Among the 291 patients who were detected with CRAB during this period, 70.9% were identified by ASC. During period 4, IDR was 3.1/10,000 PD (IRR 0.60, 95% CI 0.40-0.88, p=0.007). Conclusion The comprehensive intervention that combined intensified control measures with routine ASC was effective in reducing the incidence of HA-CRAB in endemic setting. Disclosures Yasmin Maor, MD, MSD: Advisor/Consultant|MSD: Honoraria|Pfizer: Honoraria.

Nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from infected children to uninfected caregivers: A retrospective cohort study in a Japanese tertiary children's hospital

BackgroundThe transmission rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is unclear when caregivers accompany pediatric COVID-19 patients in the same isolation room in a hospital setting. AimWe investigated SARS-CoV-2 transmission from infected children to caregivers at our hospital. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included 34 discordant pairs of patients admitted between September 2020 and April 2022. FindingsThe median ages of the children and caregivers were 3.7 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 1.6–8.1) and 33.1 years (IQR: 28.3–43.4), respectively. Of the 34 caregivers, 31 were mothers, two were fathers, and one was a relative. Sixteen caregivers received at least two doses of the mRNA vaccine. The mean duration of the hospital stays was 7.7 ± 4.1 days (range: 3–19). Two unvaccinated caregivers developed COVID-19 after admission; the onset was within 48 h after admission. It is likely that they had been infected in their household prior to admission, since the incubation period for COVID-19 is usually >2 days. ConclusionsNosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission from infected children to caregivers was not confirmed in this study. The combination of negative-pressure rooms, vaccinations, and infection-control bundles appears to be effective at preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission. It is acceptable to allow caregivers to accompany pediatric COVID-19 patients in a hospital ward if they can comply with basic infection control measures.

Alpha Variant Coronavirus Outbreak in a Nursing Home Despite High Vaccination Coverage: Molecular, Epidemiological, and Immunological Studies.

BackgroundVaccination may control the COVID-19 pandemic, including in nursing homes where many high-risk people live. We conducted extensive outbreak investigations.MethodsWe studied an outbreak at a nursing home in Switzerland where vaccination uptake of mRNA vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 was 82% among residents as of Jan 21/2021. After a vaccinated symptomatic HCW was diagnosed with COVID-19 on Feb 22, we did an outbreak investigations in house A (47 residents, 37 HCWs) using SARS-CoV-2-specific PCR in nasopharyngeal swabs. We performed whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 and serological analyses.ResultsWe identified 17 individuals with positive PCR tests; ten residents (five vaccinated) and seven HCWs (three vaccinated). Median age among residents was 86 years (interquartile range [IQR] 70-90) and 49 years (IQR 29-59) among HCWs. Among the five vaccinated residents, 60% had mild disease and had 40% no symptoms, whereas all five unvaccinated residents had mild to severe disease and two died. The vaccine effectiveness for the prevention of infection among the residents was 73.0% (95% Cl 24.7-90.1). The 12 available genomes were all alpha variants. Neutralizing titers were significantly higher in vaccinated individuals upon re-exposure (>1 week after diagnosis) than in vaccinated, unexposed HCWs (p=0.012). Transmission networks indicated four likely or possible transmissions from vaccinated to other individuals, and 12 transmission events from unvaccinated individuals.ConclusionsCOVID-19 outbreaks can occur in nursing homes, including transmission from vaccinated persons to others. Outbreaks might occur silently, underlining the need for continued testing and basic infection control measures in these high-risk settings.

Nurses in NICUs' views on nosocomial infection prevention.

BACKGROUND:Basic infection control measures are required in India's health-care setting in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) to lower the prevalence of hospital-associated infections. The aim of the present study was to assess practices followed by nurses of NICUs for nosocomial infection prevention.MATERIALS AND METHODS:From January to February 2020, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants in the study were chosen by total enumeration sampling technique, i.e., 60 nurses were included in this study who working in tertiary care institutions, India. The study respondents' knowledge and practice for nosocomial infection control strategies were assessed by using a 30-item and 27-item questionnaires, respectively. SPSS (version 23.0) was used to analyze the data collected.RESULTS:Results showed that all nurses (100%) were females, belongs to the age group of 26–35 years (82%), hold professional qualifications (34%) in GNM as well as post basic BSc nursing, married (72%), had 1–5 years of professional experience (66%), and working in the NICUs for 1–3 years (74%). Most of nurses (55%) had never attended any session on nosocomial infection prevention. Nurses of NICUs (70%) had just a moderate degree of understanding on nosocomial infection prevention. Nurses' practice showed good practise (60%) for nosocomial infection prevention in NICUs.CONCLUSIONS:The necessity to adopt health-care policy about nosocomial infections and execution of regular training program to upgrade and refresh nurses' knowledge and practices regarding for nosocomial infection control measures is indicated to fill gap among knowledge and practices concerning nosocomial infection control and prevention.

Recommendations for treatment of critically ill patients with COVID-19 : Version3 S1guideline.

Since December 2019 a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread around the world resulting in an acute respiratory illness pandemic. The immense challenges for clinicians and hospitals as well as the strain on many healthcare systems has been unprecedented.The majority of patients present with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, 5–8% become critically ill and require intensive care treatment. Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure with severe dyspnea and an increased respiratory rate (>30/min) usually leads to intensive care unit (ICU) admission. At this point bilateral pulmonary infiltrates are typically seen. Patients often develop a severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).So far, remdesivir and dexamethasone have shown clinical effectiveness in severe COVID-19 in hospitalized patients. The main goal of supportive treatment is to ascertain adequate oxygenation. Invasive mechanical ventilation and repeated prone positioning are key elements in treating severely hypoxemic COVID-19 patients.Strict adherence to basic infection control measures (including hand hygiene) and correct use of personal protection equipment (PPE) are essential in the care of patients. Procedures that lead to formation of aerosols should be carried out with utmost precaution and preparation.

22 -Year Results of an Intensive Care Unit Infection Control Program in Ribeirao Preto, Brazil

Background: Healthcare-associated infection (HAI) control programs have improved patient care all over the world. Our program was implemented in 1997 in a general intensive care unit (ICU) based upon surveillance of HAI with regular infection rates feedback to the ICU team and implementation of best practices such as hand hygiene (HH) and oral care for ventilated patients, optimal care, and early removal of invasive devices. Objective: To report our decreasing HAI rates in the past 22 years. Methods: Hospital Sao Francisco 20-bed ICU admits 120–140 surgical and clinical patients monthly, with 90% occupancy. The HAI infection control team implemented HAI surveillance and developed several protocols for HAI prevention. In the past 5 years, ICU personnel initiated the collection of several indicators using random direct observations of HH compliance, central venous catheter correct care, and appropriated oral care, among others. HAI definitions followed Brazilian Health Ministry HAI definitions and were expressed as infections per 1,000 patient days (total HAI rate) and device-related infections per 1,000 device days. Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), central-line–associated blood stream infection (CLABSI) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates are reported here. The study period spanned January 1997 to August 2019. Measurement of antibiotic utilization (ie, meropenem, vancomycin, and piperacillin-tazobactam) was calculated by dividing the of antibiotic consumed vials by the daily defined dose and patient days. Results: The total HAI, CAUTI, CLABSI, and VAP rates dropped 70%, 85%, 84%, and 87%, respectively, from 1997 to 2019 (Table 1). From 2009 to 2019, we detected decreases in hospital use of meropenem from 52 to 38, in vancomycin from 50 to 40, and in piperacillin-tazobactam from 144 to 88. Conclusions: HAI control programs can be effective in ICUs, with impressive results, but it requires time and considerable effort. Data on compliance with basic infection control measures should accompany HAI data and should be shared with the ICU team because ICU team participation is essential to keeping the program alive. Broad-spectrum antibiotics use also decreased, with potential benefits to the hospital flora.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Results of screening for emergent highly resistant bacteria in Tunisian intensive care units

Abstract Background The infections caused by emergent highly resistant bacteria (eHBR) that develop in intensive care units (ICUs) may result in significant patient illnesses and deaths, extend the duration of hospital stays and generate added costs. Facing this problem, the screening that emphasizes early identification of colonized patients, reduces the prevalence and incidence of infection, improves patient outcomes and reduces healthcare costs. In this context, we have implemented a screening for eHBR in ICUs of Sahloul university hospital of Sousse (Tunisia), which we report in this study the first six-months outcomes. Methods Rectal swab cultures were collected to detect Vancomycin resistant enterococcus (VRE) and Carbapenemase producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) among patients admitted in six ICUs of Sahloul university hospital of Sousse (Tunisia) and more than three times, at least one week apart, between 1 June and 31 December 2018. Results During the study period 174 patients were screened. Of them, 69.5% were male and 73.6% were admitted in surgical ICU. In total, 161 and 152 samples were realized respectively for the detection of CPE and VRE. These samples were positive in 15% and 8.5% respectively for CPE and VRE. Klebsiella pneumoniae OXA 48 was the most isolated CPE (80%). Conclusions Our screening program helped us in infection control by early identification of patients, thereby facilitating an informed decision about infection prevention interventions. Moreover, these results encouraged us to improve and generalize this program throughout the hospital. Key messages eHRB screening becomes an important axis in the prevention of eHRB infections in our facilities. eHRB screening allows the reinforcement of the basic infection prevention and control measures.

Are COVID-19 test results masking important issues?

Basic health and infection control measures are the main methods of protection against COVID-19. Patients are well informed about how practitioners should be conducting themselves, however, they may lose trust in clinicians who fail to demonstrate, and promote those same basic prevention measures. The broader COVID-19 strategy has included the rapid development and deployment of swabs and antibody tests. Flaws in testing fail to offer assurances due to false negatives while even true positives cannot guarantee future immunity as there is uncertainty regarding long-term antibody response. An understanding of human factors and an appreciation of the limitations of available tests could offer healthcare staff mechanisms to encourage safety.

24th Collegium Ramazzini Statement: Prevention of Work-Related Infection in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background:Workers whose occupations put them in contact with infected persons and the public are at increased risk of COVID-19 infection.Recommendations:The Collegium Ramazzini calls on governments at all levels to protect worker health by strengthening public health systems; maintaining comprehensive social insurance systems; establishing policies that presume all COVID-19 infections in high-risk workers are work-related; enforcing all occupational health standards; and developing pandemic preparedness plans. The Collegium Ramazzini calls on all employers – large and small, public and private – to protect the health of all workers by developing disease preparedness plans; implementing basic infection control measures; establishing disease identification and isolation policies; reducing hazardous exposures; supporting personal protective equipment (PPE) programs; and restricting unnecessary travel.Conclusion:Governments and employers have legal obligations to protect worker health. They are not relieved of these duties during pandemics.

24th Collegium Ramazzini Statement: Prevention of Work-Related Infection in the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Workers whose occupations put them in contact with infected persons and the public are at increased risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infection. The Collegium Ramazzini calls on governments at all levels to protect worker health by strengthening public health systems; maintaining comprehensive social insurance systems; establishing policies that presume all COVID-19 infections in high-risk workers are work-related; enforcing all occupational health standards; and developing pandemic preparedness plans.The Collegium Ramazzini calls on all employers-large and small, public and private-to protect the health of all workers by developing disease preparedness plans; implementing basic infection control measures; establishing disease identification and isolation policies; reducing hazardous exposures; supporting personal protective equipment (PPE) programs; and restricting unnecessary travel. Governments and employers have legal obligations to protect worker health. They are not relieved of these duties during pandemics.

How do healthcare workers in diagnostic imaging minimise risks but maximise performance during the COVID-19 pandemic?

How do healthcare workers in diagnostic imaging minimise risks but maximise performance during the COVID-19 pandemic?

German recommendations for critically ill patients with COVID‑19.

Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome—coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread around the world resulting in an acute respiratory illness pandemic. The majority of patients presents with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, about 5% become critically ill and require intensive care treatment. Acute hypoxemic failure with severe dyspnea and an increased respiratory rate (>30/min) usually leads to ICU admission. At that point, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates are typically seen. Patients often develop a severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To date there is no specific treatment available—the main goal of supportive therapy is to ascertain adequate oxygenation. Early intubation and repeated prone positioning are key elements in treating hypoxemic COVID-19 patients. Strict adherence to basic infection control measures (including hand hygiene) and use of personal protection equipment (PPE) are essential in the care of patients. Procedures that lead to formation of aerosols should be avoided where possible and carried out with utmost precaution.

Evaluation of Infection Control Measures of Iraqi Dentists in Dental Practices

Objectives: The objective of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and behavior of Iraqidentists in Al-Najaf City regarding infection control measures.Materials and Method: A questionnaire was designed to obtain information about procedures used forthe prevention of cross infection in dental practices. The study population included all dentists in Al-NajafCity, Iraq, in September 2019 (n=500) to whom the questionnaires were distributed. The questionnairewas designed to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, knowledge and practice of infectioncontrol procedures, cleaning, disinfection, sterilization, hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment,immunization, prevention and handling of occupational hazards, and antisepsis.Results: From the 500 dentists to whom the questionnaires were submitted, 372 participated in the study(overall response rate 74.4%). Half of the dentists (50%) expressed concern about risks of infectiontransmitted in dental practices. The rate of vaccination against hepatitis B was good among dentists (76%).Iraqi practitioners widely apply certain basic infection control measures, such as hand washing (85%) andwearing gloves (90%) and face masks (84%), but poorly address other important issues, such as examiningmedical history records (65%), wearing protective eye wear (41%) and disposable gowns for surgery (30%),and using rubber dam (18%), preoperative mouth rinses (25%) and puncture-resistant containers (34%).Conclusions: The knowledge, attitude, and behavior of Iraqi dentists about infection control measures arerelatively weak. Improved compliance with recommended infection control measures is required for alldentists. Continuing education programs and short courses/workshops about cross infection and infectioncontrol measures are important to improve the knowledge, awareness, attitude, and behavior of Iraqi dentists.

Risk of nosocomial transmission of coronavirus disease 2019: an experience in a general ward setting in Hong Kong

SummaryBackgroundCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan in December 2019 and has rapidly spread across different cities within and outside China. Hong Kong started to prepare for COVID-19 on 31st December 2019 and infection control measures in public hospitals were tightened to limit nosocomial transmission within healthcare facilities. However, the recommendations on the transmission-based precautions required for COVID-19 in hospital settings vary from droplet and contact precautions, to contact and airborne precautions with placement of patients in airborne infection isolation rooms.AimTo describe an outbreak investigation of a patient with COVID-19 who was nursed in an open cubicle of a general ward before the diagnosis was made.MethodContacts were identified and risk categorized as ‘close’ or ‘casual’ for decisions on quarantine and/or medical surveillance. Respiratory specimens were collected from contacts who developed fever, and/or respiratory symptoms during the surveillance period and were tested for SARS-CoV-2.FindingsA total of 71 staff and 49 patients were identified from contact tracing, seven staff and 10 patients fulfilled the criteria of ‘close contact’. At the end of 28-day surveillance, 76 tests were performed on 52 contacts and all were negative, including all patient close contacts and six of the seven staff close contacts. The remaining contacts were asymptomatic throughout the surveillance period.ConclusionOur findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 is not spread by an airborne route, and nosocomial transmissions can be prevented through vigilant basic infection control measures, including wearing of surgical masks, hand and environmental hygiene.

Empfehlungen zur intensivmedizinischen Therapie von Patienten mit COVID-19

Since December 2019, a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2, SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly spread around the world resulting in an acute respiratory illness pandemic. The majority of patients presents with mild symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, about 5% become critically ill and require intensive care treatment. Acute hypoxemic failure with severe dyspnea and an increased respiratory rate (>30/min) usually leads to ICU admission. At that point, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates are typically seen. Patients often develop a severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). To date there is no specific treatment available-the main goal of supportive therapy is to ascertain adequate oxygenation. Early intubation and repeated prone positioning are key elements in treating hypoxemic COVID-19 patients. Strict adherence to basic infection control measures (including hand hygiene) and use of personal protection equipment (PPE) are essential in the care of patients. Procedures that lead to formation of aerosols should be avoided where possible and carried out with utmost precaution.

GLOBAL RESPIRATORY ILLNESS OUTBREAK COVID-19 AND ITS GLOBAL CONSEQUENCES: AN OVERVIEW

Global Respiratory illness outbreak COVID-19 is a new public health crisis threatening humanity across the globe with the emergence and spread from central China in late 2019. The virus originated around Wuhan, Hubei province, China in December 2019 in bats and was transmitted through unknown intermediary sources to humans. The clinical presentation of viral infection ranges from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia with acute pulmonary distress syndrome is designated as COVID-19. WHO has characterized the disease as a pandemic due to its severity, as well as the shifting of epidemic zones across the globe from epicentre zone, China through a different stage of transmission by contact or inhalation with infected droplets and the incubation period, varies between 2 - 14 days. Treatment is essentially supportive; the effective role of antiviral agents is yet to be established and secondly without knowing the entire genome sequence of COVID- 19, no drug or vaccine can be effectively administered. Prevention entails home isolation of suspected cases and those with mild illnesses and strict infection control measures at hospitals that include contact and droplet precautions. The highest risk of healthcare-associated transmission is in the absence of standard precautions, when basic infection prevention and control measures for respiratory infections are not in place, and when handling patients where COVID infection is yet to be confirmed. The pandemic acceleration of COVID-19 indicates that the initial sporadic spreading worst hit the epicentre, China. But later on, epidemic zone shifts to nearly all continents. Several countries are experiencing sustained local transmission, including Europe and America at the end of February 2020. Current status indicates that confirmed and death cases pattern is rapidly varied among the different continents and emerged as an alarming health crisis of the nd Era in countries like Italy, Spain, U.K, Iran, and the USA. Although India is now in the 2 stage of transmission and too rd far from the 3 stage but till government has already taken deceive control measures. At the same time some of the Asian countries like South Korea, Japan has been reporting a slowdown in the growth of COVID-19 cases due to adoption concept of "Testing is central" to outbreak response that leads to early detection to minimizes further spread. The proportion of asymptomatic cases is currently unknown and hampers the realistic assessment of the virus epidemic potential and complicates the outbreak response. WHO has already announced a large global trial, called SOLIDARITY th on 27 March 2020 which is focusing on the most promising panacea therapies including remdesivir; chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine; a combination of two HIV drugs, lopinavir, and ritonavir; and that same combination plus interferon-beta. The coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak has already brought considerable human suffering and major economic disruption. In the current scenario, the exact global impact and extension of COVID 19 pandemic acceleration nd rd and reoccurrences of 2 and 3 waves are yet uncertain in globally. Therefore the corona pandemic is unprecedented in its global impact and reach, posing alarming challenges to policymakers, researchers and health workers.

Novel coronavirus: A capsule review for primary care and acute care physicians.

Novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new emerging infectious agent causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since the reporting of early cases of COVID-19 from China on December 29, 2019 till March 15, 2020, it has affected 1,42,539 humans in 135 countries, including 82 cases in India. As it is a difficult task for first-contact physicians, i.e. primary care and acute care physicians, to comprehend the fast-growing knowledge about nCoV and apply for prevention and care of suspected cases of COVID-19, we have tried to provide an updated capsule review of nCoV infection and management of COVID-19. It includes the evidence-based information on epidemiological determinants (agent, host, and environment) of the disease, its clinical features, clinical and laboratory diagnosis, basic infection prevention and control measures, and clinical management of COVID-19 cases. This review also includes the succinct summary of World Health Organization and Center for Diseases Control and Prevention interim guidelines (as of March 15, 2020) on nCoV.

Global commercial passenger airlines and travel health information regarding infection control and the prevention of infectious disease: What's in a website?

BackgroundAir travel has never been easier, cheaper or faster, with large volumes of people travelling around the world. These factors increase the risk of the spread of infectious diseases by air travel. Little is known, however, about the extent to which airlines provide information to passengers on infection control and measures to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. This study examined the websites of the global commercial passenger airlines to see if they contained information about infection control and prevention of infectious diseases and appraised the clinical usefulness of that information.MethodA cross-sectional text-based analysis of the 73 airline websites from the six global commercial passenger airline conglomerates was performed to identify information about infection control and prevention of infectious between July and August 2019.ResultsOf the 73 airline websites, less than half (n = 35, 28.6%) contained information deemed useful for passengers. While there was a range of general health advice within the websites, there was limited information about infection control and preventing infectious diseases. A minority of websites contained information about vaccination status prior to travel, and to a lesser extent handwashing and hand hygiene, with very few including disease-specific advice or preventive measures.ConclusionsAirline websites are an underutilised source of information for infection control and the prevention of infectious diseases. Providing passengers with information on basic infection control and prevention measures may support the global efforts against the spread of infectious diseases.