Common Bugs

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Clostridium Difficile This organism is a growing problem in healthcare settings. C. diff causes seriousdiarrheal disease and colitis and most often affects patients that are seriously illor undergoing antibiotic treatment. In its spore form, Clostridium difficile must beremoved from the hands with soap and water.

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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureusMRSA both healthcare associated and community associated, is a type ofbacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. Typically starting as a skininfection, MRSA now accounts for nearly 70% of staph infections.

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NorovirusThis virus is the leading cause of gastroenteritis in the United States. Norovirusesare relatively resistant to environmental challenge, are often food borne, and canbe spread through contaminated surfaces and hands. This bug must be removedfrom the hands through mechanical action during handwashing.

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VREEnterococci are bacteria normally found in the intestinal track and in theenvironment. These bacteria can sometimes cause infections of the urinary track,skin wounds or bloodstream, and can be spread through skin to skin contact.Enterococci can become resistant to antibiotics, including Vancomycin, resultingin VRE.

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InfluenzaInfluenza Type A and Type B viruses are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics.Influenza viruses are constantly changing through antigenic drift. Each year, 5 to20% of the population will come down with the flu.

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AcinetobacterAcinetobacter bacteria can be found in soil, water and the skin of healthy people.It can cause a variety of diseases, from pneumonia to serious blood or woundinfections. Acinetobactor outbreaks most often occur in intensive care units orhealthcare settings with seriously ill patients.

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CampylobacterCommon bacterial cause of diarrhea in the United States; Sources: raw andundercooked meat and poultry, raw milk and untreated water. Campylobacterinfections cause also be caused by contact with sickened animals, includinghousehold pets.

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Escherichia coli O157:H7A common food borne bacterium that can produce a deadly toxin and causesapproximately 73,000 cases of Food Borne illness each year in the U.S.;Sources: meat, especially undercooked or raw hamburger, produce and raw milk.

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Listeria monocytogenesCauses listeriosis, a serious disease for pregnant women, newborns and adultswith a weakened immune system. Symptoms include nausea, fever andgastroenteritis. Sources: soil and water. Listeria is often found in drains.

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PseudomonasPseudomonas is a bacterium with many dangerous strains, includingPseudomonas fluorescens and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Sources: soil andwater. Listeria is often found in drains due to biofilm buildup.

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SalmonellaMost common cause of Food Borne deaths. Responsible for millions of cases ofFood Borne illness a year; Sources: raw and undercooked eggs, undercookedpoultry and meat, dairy products, seafood, fruits and vegetables.

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ShigellaCauses an estimated 300,000 cases of diarrheal illnesses. Poor hygiene causesShigella to be easily passed from person to person.

Toxoplasma gondiiA parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a very severe disease that can producecentral nervous system disorders particularly mental retardation and visualimpairment in children. Pregnant women and people with weakened immunesystems are at higher risk.

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Toxoplasma gondiiA parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, a very severe disease that can producecentral nervous system disorders particularly mental retardation and visualimpairment in children. Pregnant women and people with weakened immunesystems are at higher risk.

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Vibrio vulnificus This gram-negative bacterium causes gastroenteritis or a syndrome known asprimary septicemia. People with liver diseases are especially at high risk.

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Hepatitis AFood contaminated with the virus is the most common vehicle transmittingHepatitis A. The food preparer or cook is the individual most often contaminatingthe food.