Coordinated data-sharing could cut “superbug” infections in half

On August 4, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a report recommending a coordinated approach to data sharing to reduce the incidents of spreading antibiotic-resistant bacteria when patients are transferred from one facility to another.

Sharing data with a central public authority, which would distribute the information, would improve detection of infections and save lives.

In a study published in the CDC’s monthly publication Vital Signs, researchers focused on four of the most aggressive pathogens: Clostridium difficile (C, diff), carbapenum-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The White House has asked Congress to allocate $130 million for the CDC to coordinate healthcare facilities in 50 states to work together to detect and prevent infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs, reports the Washington Post.

“Facilities can’t do it alone,” said Dr. John Jerrigan, a CDC official and senior author of the study. Part of the CDC's budget request includes funding to support state surveillance and lab investments to implement this coordinated approach

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.