Emerging pathogens and revisited prevention strategies for the clinical environment.
Emerging pathogens are defined as pathogens that are new, remerging, or have developed drug resistance within the past two decades. This article describes several examples of current emerging pathogens and their effect on healthcare. The spread of these organisms between patients and healthcare workers is discussed, and strategies for prevention are explored. The rising numbers of emerging pathogens is alarming, and it shows the need for immediate action and prevention strategies from all aspects of healthcare. Organizations must realize the importance of good sanitation and prevention strategies to lower the cost of patient care as it relates to nosocomial infections and drug-resistant pathogens.
Standiford
Darron
D
Memorial Health University Medical Center, Savannah, GA, USA.
Aziz
Hassan
H
D003140:Communicable Disease Control; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D004496:Education, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D008829:Microbiology