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Nonantibibiotic measures for the prevention of Gram-positive infections

P Eggimann1, D Pittet

  • 1Medical Intensive Care Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Geneva Hospitals, Switzerland. philippe.eggimann@hcuge.ch

Clinical Microbiology and Infection : the Official Publication of the European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases
|November 2, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Gram-positive bacteria, including multidrug-resistant strains, now cause most hospital infections. This review highlights the crucial role of basic, nonantimicrobial infection control measures in combating these threats.

Area of Science:

  • Infectious Diseases
  • Microbiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Gram-negative bacteria historically dominated nosocomial infections, but a significant shift has occurred.
  • Gram-positive cocci now account for the majority of surgical site and bloodstream infections.
  • Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) are prevalent in healthcare settings, posing a major challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the importance of nonantimicrobial measures in preventing infections.
  • To discuss new evidence supporting basic infection control strategies.
  • To address the rising threat of Gram-positive MDROs in healthcare.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on nonantimicrobial infection control.
  • Analysis of recent evidence on the effectiveness of basic hygiene and isolation practices.
  • Examination of the epidemiological shift towards Gram-positive pathogens.

Main Results:

  • Gram-positive bacteria, such as MRSA and VRE, are increasingly associated with severe infections.
  • Basic infection control measures, often overlooked, show renewed effectiveness.
  • Technologically advanced medicine has sometimes overshadowed fundamental preventive strategies.

Conclusions:

  • Nonantimicrobial measures are critical for controlling Gram-positive nosocomial infections.
  • Re-emphasizing basic infection control is essential for public health.
  • A comprehensive approach integrating advanced and basic strategies is needed to combat MDROs.

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