LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Infections: Hospitals
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Complicated intra-abdominal infections arise from the hollow organs of the abdominal cavity, including the stomach, small and large bowel, appendix and biliary system. Types of cIAI include appendicitis with perforation or abscess, intra-abdominal abscess or peritonitis (diffuse inflammation of peritoneum lining the abdominal wall and bowel), perforations of the stomach or bowel, and surgical site infections related to previous intra-abdominal surgery. Generally, cIAI are acquired when the integrity of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is affected as a result of previous surgery, intrinsic disease or trauma. The leakage of bacteria from within the GI tract into adjacent tissues results in infection. In the case of post-surgical infections, cIAI are caused by nosocomial bacteria specific to the surgical site and to the specific hospital and unit.
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The touch surfaces trials will determine how well natural copper, brass and bronze surfaces mitigate infectious microbes, decrease cross-contamination and ultimately help reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired infections in patients. Rates of infection are being measured using three indicator organisms: MRSA, vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) and Acinetobacter baumannii. The surfaces involved in the study are typically made of coated carbon steel, aluminum, stainless steel or plastic, which have little or no effect in controlling pathogens.
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The Institute for Healthcare Improvement estimates that nationally approximately 14,000 people die every year from central line-related bloodstream infections, but other research suggests that the number could be as high as 28,000. The incidence of central line-related bloodstream infections could be reduced greatly if hospitals followed the strict infection control protocols recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Achillion is currently developing treatments for HIV infection, chronic hepatitis C infection and serious hospital-based bacterial infections. For more information on Achillion Pharmaceuticals, please visit the company's web site at www.achillion.com or call Achillion at 1-203-624-7000. ACHN-G
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The most serious infections occur in debilitated patients with diminished resistance resulting from other disease or therapy. Pseudomonas infections occur most often in hospitals, where the organism is frequently found in moist areas such as sinks, antiseptic solutions, and urine receptacles. Cross infection transmitted from patient to patient via the hands of personnel may occur in outbreaks of urinary tract infections, on burn units and in neonatal intensive care nurseries.
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MRSA is a growing public health threat both in hospital and community settings and is becoming an increasingly common source of life-threatening infections in otherwise healthy people. Approximately 25% to 30% of the U.S. population carries S. aureus, the predominant bacterial species associated with skin infections. PVL, the abbreviation for Panton-Valentine Leukocidin, is a toxin that -- when found in S. aureus -- "lyses," or breaks open, white blood cells and tissue cells which are needed to help the body fight the infection.
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