Randomized study of antiseptic application technique in healthy volunteers before vascular access insertion (TApAS trial).

Background: In France about 32% of hospitalized patients have a vascular access placement. However, a common complication associated with these is catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBI) due to the introduction of microorganisms from the skin during catheter insertion. There is no consensus on the best way to clean the skin prior to catheter insertion, which could be a key element of CRBI prevention.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa acquisition on an intensive care unit: relationship between antibiotic selective pressure and patients' environment.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship among Pseudomonas aeruginosa acquisition on the intensive care unit (ICU), environmental contamination and antibiotic selective pressure against P. aeruginosa.

Methods: An open, prospective cohort study was carried out in a 16-bed medical ICU where P.

Influence of amoebae and physical and chemical characteristics of water on presence and proliferation of Legionella species in hospital water systems.

The reservoir for hospital-acquired Legionnaires' disease has been shown to be the potable water distribution system. The objectives of the present study were as follows: (1) to examine the possible relationship between physical-chemical characteristics of water such as temperature, pH, hardness, conductivity, and residual chlorine and the presence of amoebae as growth-promoting factors for Legionella species and (2) to determine eradication measures for water distribution systems to seek ways of reducing the risk of legionellosis. Ten hospitals in southwest France took part in this study.