DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/T6J3-0147
Defense Date
2011
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Mary Jo Grap
Abstract
Healthcare acquired infections (HAIs) are a complex and multi-factorial problem associated with high morbidity, mortality, and cost. Toothbrushes (TBs) may be at risk for contamination with potential pathogenic microorganisms (PPMs) from the patient care environment or autoinnoculation from the patient. We focused on three PPMs: multiply resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE), and Acinetobacter. Specific aims were to (1) describe environmental factors associated with TB contamination in the ICU; (2) describe the relationship between TB contamination and oral colonization in critically ill adults.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
December 2011