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Tip of the week: Recognizing bacteria in long-term care facilities

Contemporary Long-Term Care Weekly, November 12, 2009

Illnesses are common in healthcare settings. Long-term care facilities are no different. The following list offers details about bacteria that are often found in facilities:

• Clostridium difficile: Also called C. diff, this is an anaerobic bacterium, meaning it does not need oxygen for its existence. It is often spread through the fecal-oral route, where poor hand washing and cross-contamination are the agents of infection. C. diff leads to a very odiferous diarrhea. Residents with C. diff should be isolated to prevent spreading.
• Clostridium perfringens: Also anaerobic, it is a spore-forming bacterium that can spread harmful toxins in the body. Clostridium perfringens is found in soil, animal and human waste, food, and dust, and can be transmitted from insects as well. It produces flu-like symptoms as well as more serious issues such as gangrene.
• Staphylococcus aureus: A coccus bacterium that has potentially life-threatening implications, Staphylococcus aureus has become resistant to many antibiotics. It is commonly found on skin, within the nasal passages, and on the hands.
• Escherichia coli: Often referred to as E. coli for short, this is a bacterium found in fecal contaminants. It can be fatal, especially to those who are physically compromised. Many forms of E. coli infection come from food, especially uncooked or undercooked meats.
• Salmonella: There are many types, but the two most common are Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis. Those who are infected will often experience severe diarrhea and stomach cramps. Infections can come from food, especially unpasteurized eggs and milk products, or by not cooking these products thoroughly.

This is an excerpt from HCPro’s book, The Long-Term Care Administrator’s Field Guide, by Brian Garavaglia, PhD.

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