To improve hepatitis B vaccination among surgeons at our medical center, we instituted a program by which the surgeons were updated regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, and the cost of the vaccine and its administration at “strategic” locations was underwritten by the hospital. The rate of hepatitis B vaccination among surgeons increased from 62% to 89% based on pre- and postintervention surveys.

Five of 18 samples of working dilutions of disinfectants used in the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, the University Clinic, and three other urban medical centers were found to be contaminated with bacteria. The results confirmed that disinfectants in storage support the growth of infectious agents, underlining the need to use fresh preparations of disinfectants.

To determine relative rates and sources of nosocomial bloodstream infection in solid organ transplant recipients, concurrently collected data on 277 consecutive patients were reviewed. Twenty-eight patients developed 40 infections. Liver recipients experienced a higher rate (28%) than either kidney (5%) or heart, heart-lung (10%). Primary infections (60% overall) caused by gram-positive bacteria (59% overall) predominated at all three sites.

This Z-part document updates and replaces the previously published Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Guideline for Prevention of Nosocomial Pneumonia (Infect Control 1982;3:327-33, Respir Care 1983;28:221-32, and Am J Infect Control 1983;11:230-44). The revised guideline is designed to reduce the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia and intended for use by personnel who are responsible for surveillance and control of infections in acute-care hospitals. The guideline may not be applicable in long-term care facilities because of the unique characteristics of these settings.

The revised guideline addresses common problems encountered by infection control practitioners regarding the prevention and control of nosocomial pneumonia in U.S. hospitals. Sections on the prevention of bacterial pneumonia in tnechanically ventilated and/or critically ill patients, care of respiratory-therapy devices, prevention of cross-contamination, and prevention of viral lower respiratory tract infections, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza infections, have been expanded and updated. New sections on Legionnaires' disease and pneumonia due to Aspergillus spp. have been added. Lower respiratory tract infection due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis is not addressed in this document: it is covered in separate guidelines.