Superbug

Superbug

As it relates to CNA

 What is antimicrobial resistance, commonly known as drug resistance? What is the

difference between antibiotic, antimicrobial and antiretroviral resistance or so called “superbugs”?

Antimicrobial resistance – also known as drug resistance – occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change in ways that render the medications used to cure the infections they cause ineffective. When the microorganisms become resistant to most antimicrobials they are often referred to as “superbugs”. This is a major concern because a resistant infection may kill, can spread to others, and imposes huge costs to individuals and society.

Clostridium Difficile

Clostridium difficile (klos-TRID-e-uhm dif-uh-SEEL), often called C. diff, is a spore forming bacterium that can cause symptoms ranging from diarrhea to life-threatening inflammation of the colon. C.diff transmission is through the fecal-oral route. Sadly, the hands of health care workers are probably the main cause.  Illness from C. diff most commonly affects older adults in hospitals or in long term care facilities and typically occurs after use of antibiotic medications. C diff has surpassed MRSA to become the most prevalent hospital-acquired infection. More importantly hand hygiene products (hand sanitizers) are often not effective at killing C. diff.

How does this relate to CNA?

The most effective means for preventing the spread of C. diff is hand washing with soap and water. Contact precautions: properly putting on and removing PPE.

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium (krip-toe-spo-RID-ee-um) is a parasite which is found in the digestive tracts of domestic animals and are transferred by contact. It is water (drinking water and recreational water) that is the most common method of transmission. Cryptosporidium begins its life cycle inside your body — burrowing into the walls of your intestines and then later being shed in your feces.  This is a gastrointestinal disease whose primary symptom is severe diarrhea, and in an immunosuppressed person could be fatal.  Cryptosporidium also has a spore form and hand sanitizers are not effective.

How does relate to CNA?

Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, rubbing hands together vigorously and scrubbing all surfaces: Contact Precautions: properly putting on and removing PPE.

http://www.cdc.gov/handhygiene/training/interactiveEducation/