http://blogs.hcpro.com/osha/2010/05/british-study-shows-c-diff-can-travel-through-the-air/
C-diff in the air? A recent study indicates C-diff can travel through the air. C-diff short for Clostridium difficile is a spore producing bacteria. C-diff bacterium has been causing trouble all around the world for quite a few years and officials don’t see an end in sight. Other forms of bacteria have slowed down a bit according to a report from the CDC in 2010 but for some reason C-diff appears to be more virulent than many others. Perhaps with the recent study indicating it is an airborne pathogen hospital staff and patients can use more effective air purification and filtration systems to reduce the spread of these insidious bacteria.
This report indicated that spores were found in the air and on surfaces in and around the infected patient’s room. In patient’s room that had a higher activity level the study showed an increase in airborne c-diff spores.
C-diff bacterium produce toxins and cause diarrhea and can even result in life threatening inflammation of the colon. Most often the elderly in hospitals and nursing facilities are the victims that fall prey to these insidious bacteria. Unfortunately others that are generally healthy and not taking antibiotics have begun to be infected with C-diff as well.
Careful hand washing, surface cleaning and sanitation, combined with air purification and filtration can significantly reduce the spread of C-diff.
Our photo-catalytic oxidation equipment helps you to destroy these malignant pathogens and VOCs.
http://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/cantaloupes-jensen-farms/101811/index.html
http://www.isah-soc.org/documents/2005/sections/81_vol_2.pdf
According to the CDC about 800 cases of Listeria are reported each year in the U.S. Most often the cause is assocoated with deli lunch meats, hot dogs, or unpasteurized cheeses. It is not real common to have produce being the cause but it has and does happen. For example in the past the report indicates celery and sprouts were identified as the cause of a Listeria outbreaks in 2010 and 2009. This year the big culprit is cantaloupe from Jenson Farms in Colorado. As of October 17th 123 outbreaks have been reported. Of those outbreaks reported 25 deaths have occurred.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that is found in the air, leaves, soil, streams, sewage, and animals along with the foods mentioned above. Those most vulnerable to Listeria infection are the immunologically compromised, elderly, those undergoing cancer treatments, the unborn child, pregnant women, those with kidney disease, AIDS patients, and patients taking organ transplant rejection medication.
Symptoms are much like the ones experienced while having the Flu; fever, aches, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. Oftentimes Listeria goes undiagnosed because patients think they have the flu and are reluctant to see a doctor. The delay in being diagnosed can cause Listeria to spread into the blood stream or other body sites. Listeria can effectively be treated with antibiotics.
Prevention includes cooking vegetables and meats , washing hands, cleaning and sanitizing surfaces in your home and air purification and filtration in food processing plants, pasteurizing milk, careful washing of fruits and vegetables.
Our photo-catalytic oxidation equipment helps you to destroy these malignant pathogens and VOCs.
Report any flu like symptoms to your healthcare worker if ingestion of contaminated food is suspected.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/29/listeria-symptoms-cantaloupe-recall_n_987125.html
Listeria is a bacteria named after Joseph Lister a surgeon and antiseptic advocate. This deadly bacterium can be found in soil, raw vegetables, hot dogs, deli meats, uncooked meats, and unpasteurized milk products such as cheese, and currently it is suspected to be in some cantaloupe grown in Colorado. Other places that Listeria can be found are streams and sewage. For a complete list see “Center for Science in the Public interest”. Animals can carry these bacteria as well. Cooking of vegetables and meats and pasteurizing milk does kill Listeria.
The mortality rate of those that have recently been diagnosed with Listeria or Listeriosis is above 25%. This article states as many as 16 deaths have been reported and 72 illnesses are related to Listeria in the United States.
Symptoms of Listeria are much like flu symptoms, fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and nausea. That could possibly be why the mortality rate is so high from Listeria because it goes undiagnosed too long. Those infected may think “well I have the Flu” and delay going for treatment. Listeria can effectively be treated with antibiotics.
Those at high risk are the unborn child, those with compromised immune systems like the elderly, pregnant woman, those undergoing treatment for cancer, AIDs patients, those with diabetes or kidney disease, and those taking medication for organ transplant rejection.
Prevention should include handwashing, cleaning and sanitizing facilities processing meat, air purification/filtration, pasterizing milk, cooking meat and vegetables, washing fruits and vegetables and close monitoring of food production and processing.
A sample of blood, urine, or spinal fluid may be needed to diagnose Listeria. Further information can be found on the Mayo Clinic website as well.