A prospective nationwide study of Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea in Sweden. The Swedish C. difficile Study Group.

Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) is regarded as an emerging nosocomial infection. All patients positive for C. difficile in Sweden were recorded during 1995, including primary care patients.

Transmission of urinary bacterial strains between patients with indwelling catheters--nursing in the same room and in separate rooms compared.

Despite lack of supporting scientific data it has been suggested that patients with an indwelling urinary catheter (IUC) should be nursed in separate rooms to reduce the risk of cross-infection. We conducted a one-month case-control study of nursing home patients with an IUC and bacteriuria, 20 nursed together pairwise and 20 in separate rooms, by weekly urine cultures and typing of the bacterial isolates. The transmission rate of urinary strains between patients was three times higher within rooms (5/9 possible transmissions) than between rooms (9/53 possible transmissions, P = 0.

The value and limitations of protective gloves in medical health service: Part III.

The value of protective gloves in the health care environment is well known. However, these gloves are not perfect. Some are permeable to microorganisms and various chemicals, and/or result in side effects for health care professionals.

The value and limitations of protective gloves in medical health service: part II.

The value of protective gloves in the health care environment is well known. However, these gloves are not perfect. Some are permeable to microorganisms and various chemicals, and/or result in side effects for health care professionals.