Device Associated Infections, An Issue of Infectious Disease Clinics (The Clinics: Internal Medicine) (Original PDF from Publisher)

Device-Associated Infections: A Collaborative Approach to Optimal Management

The management of device-associated infections (DAIs) demands a concerted effort involving surgical and medical experts, a critical aspect addressed in this edition of Infectious Diseases Clinics of North America.

Epidemiology, Management, and Prevention of Common DAIs:

This comprehensive analysis delves into the epidemiology, management, and preventive measures for commonly encountered DAIs.

Technical Background on Medical Devices:

Each review provides a detailed technical background on specific medical devices and their associated operative procedures, elucidating the intricate interplay between device design and infection risk.

Investigative Frontiers:

The review highlights promising areas of ongoing research, including innovative strategies to inhibit biofilm formation and targeted therapeutics for biofilm eradication.

Reusable Medical Devices in Resource-Limited Settings:

Emerging concerns surrounding the reuse of medical devices in resource-constrained environments are thoughtfully examined, emphasizing the need for balancing cost-effectiveness with the potential for infection transmission.

Additional Perspectives:

Biofilm Formation and Therapeutics:

Biofilms, tenacious microbial communities that adhere to medical devices, pose a formidable challenge in DAI management. This review explores novel approaches to prevent biofilm formation and develop effective therapeutics against established biofilms.

Resource Utilization in Resource-Limited Settings:

Resource-limited settings often face unique challenges in providing adequate healthcare, including managing DAIs. This article investigates strategies to optimize resource utilization and mitigate the burden of DAIs in these settings.

Conclusion:

This volume provides an authoritative and comprehensive exploration of device-associated infections, emphasizing the critical role of collaboration between surgical and medical specialists in their optimal management. By addressing both contemporary and emerging issues, it serves as an invaluable resource for clinicians seeking to combat these challenging infections.