Independent Nurse: Clinical - Superbugs in the community.(infection control)

INFECTION CONTROL

Targeted hygiene is the way to prevent the spread of superbugs, says Professor Sally Bloomfield.

First used by the media as a term for bacteria resistant to antibiotics, the term 'superbug' is increasingly used to describe any threatening microbe in the headlines. Not surprisingly, people are confused about what superbugs are.

A recent survey (commissioned by Domestos), found that while 56 per cent of respondents were 'concerned' or 'very concerned' about superbugs, only 22 per cent identified them as antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria.

More than half identified MRSA as a superbug, but a range of organisms from norovirus to Campylobacter were also suggested.

COMMUNITY RISKS ASSESSED

Evidence shows not only increasing spread of organisms such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile from healthcare facilities into the community, but …