Super-Resistant Superbugs spreading because hospitals are overcrowded and staff overworked
Posted on June 24, 2008 by DFHS Article Team
Australian researchers say overcrowded hospitals and the pressures of high work loads may be contributing to the spread of antibiotic and drug resistant superbugs.
The researchers from the the University of Queensland and Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane say the pressure for greater efficiency by reducing the number of hospital beds and increasing patient turnover has resulted in highly stressed health-care systems with unwelcome side-effects.
Dr. Michael Whitby and his colleagues say as the populations grow, and people live longer the problem is bound to worsen.
The team carried out a review of several studies on the spread of drug-resistant germs, and found that when hospitals are filled to capacity they are more likely to have outbreaks of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other infections.
MRSA is spread by the hands, staff clothing and contaminated medical equipment and infections can range from boils to more severe infections that affect the bloodstream, lungs and surgical sites. Read More
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