What is foodborne disease? Foodborne disease is caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. Many different disease-causing microbes, or pathogens, can contaminate foods, so there are many different foodborne infections. In addition, poisonous chemicals, or other harmful substances can cause foodborne diseases if they are …
We live in a microbial world, and there are many opportunities for food to become contaminated as it is produced and prepared. Many foodborne microbes are present in healthy animals (usually in their intestines) raised for food. Meat and poultry carcasses can become contaminated during …
What sort of germ is Shigella? The Shigella germ is actually a family of bacteria that can cause diarrhea in humans. They are microscopic living creatures that pass from person to person. Shigella were discovered over 100 years ago by a Japanese scientist named Shiga, …
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, …
A new report from CDC updates previous estimates of healthcare-associated infections. In American hospitals alone, healthcare-associated infections account for an estimated 1.7 million infections and 99,000 associated deaths each year. Of these infections: 32 percent of all healthcare-associated infection are urinary tract infections 22 percent …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …