Improving cleanliness in ICUs to reduce antibiotic-resistant infections
Environmental hygiene strategies to decrease the burden of antibiotic-resistant organisms in Intensive Care Unit SINKs (ICU SINK)
This study is looking at how to make intensive care units cleaner to help protect patients from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant germs, by figuring out where these germs are most commonly found and how they spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10873210 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how environmental hygiene in intensive care units (ICUs) can be improved to reduce the spread of antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs). The team will analyze samples from various surfaces and patient sources within the ICU to identify where AROs are most prevalent. By understanding the connection between these organisms and their environment, the research aims to develop effective cleaning strategies to minimize the risk of healthcare-associated infections in vulnerable patients. The study employs microbiological techniques and genomic sequencing to track the transmission of AROs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are immunocompromised patients, particularly those receiving treatment in intensive care units.
Not a fit: Patients who are not hospitalized or those with robust immune systems may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly lower the incidence of infections caused by antibiotic-resistant organisms in critically ill patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that improving environmental hygiene can effectively reduce healthcare-associated infections, suggesting a promising approach in this study.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwon, Jennie H — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kwon, Jennie H
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.