C. diff. outbreaks linked to hospital linens

Study offers possible source for Clostridium difficile outbreaks


The Clostridium difficile (C diff.) bacteria can survive on hospital bed linens even after being washed, according to a new study. 

The findings offers healthcare facilities a new possible source for C diff. outbreaks, according to an article on the Modern Healthcare website.

The study looked at swatches of cotton sheets contaminated with C. diff. that were then laundered with sterile uncontaminated pieces of fabric to measure the levels of contamination before and after washing. 

The study warned that hospitals using commercial washers to decontaminate sheets with C diff. could be spreading the bacteria when washed sheets are then reused and mixed in with uncontaminated sheets. 

Read the article.

 

 



October 26, 2018


Topic Area: Infection Control


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