Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. Staph infections, including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such …
What is Clostridium difficile (C. difficile)? Clostridium difficile [klo-STRID-ee-um dif-uh-SEEL] is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and more serious intestinal conditions such as colitis. What are C. difficile diseases? They are diseases that result from C. difficile infections such as Colitis, more serious intestinal conditions, …
Overview of Varicella (Chickenpox) in Healthcare Settings Varicella (i.e., chickenpox) is a highly contagious disease caused by varicella zostervirus (VZV). Transmission of Varicella within healthcare facilities is well recognized, and guidelines for the prevention of nosocomial VZV infection previously have been published. Sources for healthcare-associated …
1910.1030(a) Scope and Application. This section applies to all occupational exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials as defined by paragraph (b) of this section. 1910.1030(b) Definitions. For purposes of this section, the following shall apply: Assistant Secretary means the Assistant Secretary of Labor …
OSHA estimates that 5.6 million workers in the health care industry and related occupations are at risk of occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and others. All occupational exposure to blood or …
What is Acinetobacter? Acinetobacter (ass in ee toe back ter) is a group of bacteria commonly found in soil and water. It can also be found on the skin of healthy people, especially healthcare personnel. While there are many types or “species” of Acinetobacter and …
B. cepacia is the name for a group or “complex” of bacteria that can be found in soil and water. B. cepacia bacteria are often resistant to common antibiotics. Populations susceptible to B. cepacia infection B. cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy people. However, …
Indoor air can become very contaminated, like the murky water in a stagnant pond. Unfortunately, “dirty” indoor air often cannot be visually distinguished from clean air. Many of the contaminants in the air are particulates, less than ten microns in size, and the respiratory system …