Toxic Bacteria Found in Arizona Healthcare Facilities

California based LA Testing offers testing solutions for Clostridium difficile and other deadly microorganisms.

Pasadena, CA

Last month the Arizona Republic reported that Maricopa County health officials have identified NAP1, a deadly strain of Clostridium difficile (C. diff), in healthcare facilities in Arizona. At least 10 patients have fallen ill from the deadly strain resulting in two deaths.

According to an article from WebMD Health News “A virulent new strain of the gut bug C. diff is sweeping the U.S. Among those who fall ill, the fatality rate has doubled to 2.2%. A new study shows that diagnosed adult cases of C. diff more than doubled in five years: from 134,361 cases in 2000 to 291,303 cases in 2005.”

Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that causes diarrhea, colitis and other serious intestinal problems. C. diff can survive for weeks or more on many hard surfaces commonly found in hospitals. One recent study by Duke University that was presented at the Fifth Decennial International Conference on Healthcare-Associated Infections showed C. diff rates were 25% more common than MRSA infections at 28 hospitals studied.

According to the CDC, “The increased rates and/or severity of disease may be caused by changes in antibiotic use, changes in infection control practices, or the emergence of a new strain of C. difficile-associated disease with increased virulence and/or antimicrobial resistance.” The CDC also states, “…the emergence of a new strain of C. difficile-associated disease causing hospital outbreaks in several states has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at scientific meetings.”

LA Testing, an affiliate of EMSL Analytical and a leading environmental testing laboratory, provides testing solutions to the general public, healthcare providers and government health officials. “This new strain of C. diff showing up in Arizona should have people concerned,” reported Ben Sublasky, National Director of Client Services for LA Testing and EMSL Analytical. “Proper facility cleaning and testing procedures can help prevent it from infecting more people.”

To learn more please visit www.LATesting.com, email info@LATesting.com or call (800) 303-0047.

About LA Testing and EMSL Analytical, Inc.
LA Testing and EMSL Analytical are providers of environmental testing services and products to professionals and the general public. The companies have an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Ben Sublasky

National Director of Clients Services/Operations Manager

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

Contact via E-mail