New efforts to reduce lethal superbugs in hospitals show promise

If you visit a doctor's surgery or hospital you may be asked to apply a hand sanitiser upon entry. Strict hand hygiene practices have become one of the most essential activities in the battle against reducing multi-drug resistant infections in hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare settings. But it's not enough – only 20-30% of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) are preventable by intensive hygiene and control programmes.