Cost analysis of machine and manual reprocessing of transvaginal ultrasound probes.

Objective: This study aims to provide additional support for the equipment needed in hospitals and medical practices for reprocessing transvaginal ultrasound probes (TVUS) through an economic analysis comparing manual and automated reprocessing methods. A questionnaire survey was also conducted in hospitals and medical practices to analyze the current practice of TVUS reprocessing.

Methods: The economic analysis compared four manual reprocessing methods using disinfection wipes and one automated device-based disinfection method using hydrogen peroxide vapor.

Kinetics of the reduction of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease prion seeding activity by steam sterilization support the use of validated 134°C programmes.

Background: Prions are renowned for their distinct resistance to chemical or physical inactivation, including steam sterilization. Impaired efficacy of inactivation poses a risk to patients for iatrogenic transmission of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) via contaminated surgical instruments.

Aims: Most established prion inactivation methods were validated against scrapie agents, although those were found to be generally less thermostable than human prions.

[Measures to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: nonpharmaceutical and pharmaceutical interventions].

When the emerging novel SARS-CoV‑2 virus first appeared in December 2019, neither specific therapeutic options nor vaccinations were available. The role of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) became of central importance. At the Robert Koch Institute, a multilayer strategy consisting of population-based and individual preventive measures to control the pandemic was developed, which built upon existing influenza pandemic plans as well as generic plans.

[Air and maritime transport during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: challenges for the public health service].

COVID-19 has been challenging our society since January 2020. Due to global travel, the new coronavirus has rapidly spread worldwide. This article aims to provide an overview of the challenges in implementing measures in the air and maritime transport sector from the perspective of the German Public Health Service (Öffentlicher Gesundheitsdienst, ÖGD).