CDC reports health care-associated infections continue to decline

Acute-care hospitals reduced Clostridium difficile infections by 18%, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) by 8% and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLASBIs) by 7% in 2019, according to the latest progress report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The American Hospital Association’s (AHA) Health Research & Educational Trust affiliate has worked with the CDC to reduce CLABSI, CAUTI, C difficile and methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus infections in targeted acute-care hospitals. The AHA is currently collaborating with the CDC to continue to drive the prevention of C difficile infections. (AHA News article, 12/7/20)