Molecular Techniques for the Study of Hospital-Acquired Infection Hardcover - 2011 - 1st Edition

From the rear cover

Latest findings, practices, and strategies to detect and control nosocomial infections

Nosocomial infections, also known as hospital acquired infections, represent a growing challenge to healthcare facilities around the world. Many nosocomial pathogens are becoming more and more resistant to treatment, resulting in higher morbidity, mortality, and cost. In fact, each year it is estimated that some two million patients develop a hospital-acquired infection in the United States, representing nearly 5% of all hospitalized patients.

Molecular Techniques for the Study of Hospital Acquired Infection reviews the latest findings, practices, and strategies to support the development and implementation of effective, comprehensive programs to study and control hospital acquired infections. It focuses on the application of molecular techniques, enabling hospitals to incorporate these state-of-the-technology techniques into their infection control programs.

Key topics include:

• Characteristics of healthcare settings that allow for the development and spread of nosocomial pathogens

• Implementation of effective infection control programs

• Epidemiological methods to study nosocomial disease

• Elimination of pathogens and the development of resistance to treatment

• Molecular techniques to study hospital acquired infections and their application in characterizing important Gram-positive, Gram-negative, and fungal pathogens

Contributions come from leading international experts in nosocomial pathogen detection and control. These contributions are based on the authors' own firsthand experience combined with a thorough review and analysis of the current literature. References at the end of each chapter enable readers to explore each individual topic in greater depth.

Molecular Techniques for the Study of Hospital Acquired Infection is highly recommended as a guide for hospital infection control programs. Moreover, it serves as a text for courses in infection control and the population biology of nosocomial infection. In particular, the book's unique clinical perspective helps readers minimize nosocomial infections by developing a coordinated approach to infection control, laboratory methods, and clinical practices.