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Research Studies is a compilation of published research articles funded by AHRQ or authored by AHRQ researchers.
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1 to 2 of 2 Research Studies DisplayedCannon JL, Park GW, Anderson B
Hygienic monitoring in long-term care facilities using ATP, crAssphage, and human noroviruses to direct environmental surface cleaning.
Norovirus and C. difficile can be transmitted by contaminated environmental surfaces and are associated with diarrheal illnesses and deaths in long-term care (LTC) facilities. Hygienic monitoring tools such as adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence and indicators of fecal contamination can help to identify LTC facility surfaces with cleaning deficiencies. The researchers swabbed and tested high-touch surfaces in 11 LTC facilities for contamination by norovirus, a fecal indicator virus, crAssphage, and ATP. The study found that greater than 90% of surfaces tested positive for crAssphage or failed in their ATP scores. Norovirus contamination was not detected. Handrails, equipment controls, and patient beds were 4 times more likely than other surfaces or locations to have high levels of crAssphage. Patient bed handrails and tables and chairs in patient lounges had high levels of both ATP and crAssphage.
AHRQ-funded; HS025987.
Citation: Cannon JL, Park GW, Anderson B .
Hygienic monitoring in long-term care facilities using ATP, crAssphage, and human noroviruses to direct environmental surface cleaning.
Am J Infect Control 2022 Mar; 50(3):289-94. doi: 10.1016/j.ajic.2021.11.014..
Keywords: Nursing Homes, Long-Term Care, Prevention, Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs), Clostridium difficile Infections
Roghmann MC, Andronescu LR, Stucke EM
Clostridium difficile colonization of nursing home residents.
This letter to the editor notes that Clostridum difficile is a leading cause of infectious diarrhea in nursing homes and asserts that evidence-based infection control guidelines are needed to reduce transmission of C. difficile in these settings.
AHRQ-funded; HS019979.
Citation: Roghmann MC, Andronescu LR, Stucke EM .
Clostridium difficile colonization of nursing home residents.
Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017 Oct;38(10):1267-68. doi: 10.1017/ice.2017.172..
Keywords: Clostridium difficile Infections, Evidence-Based Practice, Guidelines, Nursing Homes