Nosocomial transmission of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms.
The spread of nosocomially acquired, antibiotic-resistant microorganisms has grown dramatically over the past 20 years and has increasingly attracted the attention of academic inquiry. This article reviews recent epidemiological data about the trends and patterns of nosocomial transmission, presents clinical studies investigating mechanisms of cross-transmission, and discusses recent literature on preventive strategies aimed at reducing hand-carriage of antibiotic-resistant pathogens.
Harbarth
S
S
Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland. harbarth@post.harvard.edu
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D018432:Drug Resistance, Multiple; D006801:Humans; D016106:Methicillin Resistance; D013203:Staphylococcal Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission