The emerging nosocomial pathogens Cryptosporidium, Escherichia coli O157 :H7, Helicobacter pylori, and hepatitis C: Epidemiology, environmental survival, efficacy of disinfection, and control measures

New and emerging infectious diseases pose a threat to public health and may be responsible for nosocomial outbreaks. Crygtosporidium parvum and Escher ichia coli are gastrointestinal pathogens that have caused nosocomial infec tions via person-to-person transmission, environmental contamination, or co ntaminated water or food. Helicobacter pylori has been transmitted via inad equately disinfected endoscopes. Finally, hepatitis C may be acquired by he althcare personnel by percutaneous or mucous membrane exposure to blood or between patients by use of contaminated blood products or via environmental contamination. Rigorous adherence to Standard Precautions, Contact Precaut ions for patients with infectious diarrhea, disinfection of environmental s urfaces, and appropriate disinfection of endoscopcs are adequate to prevent nosocomial acquisition of these pathogens (Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2 001;22:306-315).