Interventional Care
Confronting Antimicrobial Resistance to Improve Patient Safety
An article written by PDI Healthcare’s Clinical Science Liaison, Deva Rea, discussing antimicrobial resistance was featured on Surgical Product Magazine’s website.
Confronting Antimicrobial Resistance to Improve Patient Safety
Author: Deva Rea, MPH, BSN, RN, CIC, PDI Clinical Science Liaison
Source: Surgical Products Magazine
Excerpt:
“When it comes to fighting Antibiotic Resistance bacteria – and the healthcare-associated infections that can result from them – much progress has been made. But U.S. medical facilities and staff can make still greater strides by better understanding the different types of AR bacteria that pose a threat, and combining various infection-control tactics to take action that better protect patients from the risks, according to a recent CDC Vital Signs report and related Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.
This list of AR “priority pathogens” that are of greatest concern is divided into three levels of antibiotic-resistant bacteria based on their significance and potential impact to global health: Priority 1, which is ‘Critical’; Priority 2, ‘High’ and Priority 3, ‘Medium’. Priority 1 (or ‘Critical’) is the most worrisome, and includes the AR pathogens Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas and various Enterobacteriaceae (including Klebsiella, Escherichia coli, Serratia and Proteus species). These AR gram-negative bacteria can cause serious infections, such as pneumonia and bloodstream infections, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.”