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Message APRIL 25

President’s reportStéphane Bouchoucha Welcome to the April 2025 edition of IPC News. IPC NEWS | APR 252This month has seen the College release two new Position Statements, Advocacy for the inclusion of IPC in the Australian CDC, and The use of particulate filter respirators (PFR) masks for the management of COVID-19 in healthcare settings.The development of the Australian Centre for Disease Control (Australian CDC) is something ACIPC strongly supports. However, it is extremely concerning that the framework for the new centre does not include formal IPC involvement. Without IPC embedded in the new CDC, responsiveness and preparedness for future pandemics will be severely hindered. ACIPC recommends that IPC expertise be included in the Australian CDC not only to enhance preparedness, but to establish a national surveillance program for Healthcare Associated Infections, as Australia is one of the few OECD countries without one. The College’s other Position Statement calls for the consistent use of PFR masks over surgical masks in healthcare environments with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. ACIPC disagrees with current Australian IPC guidelines which recommend surgical masks as standard PPE in healthcare settings. The spread of COVID-19 through airborne/inhalation transmission is well documented, and we also know that PFR masks provide much higher protection than surgical masks. ACIPC is calling for revised national guidelines and enhanced training, as well as improved ventilation and infection control measures.The College also collaborated with ASID and AVAS this month to produce some interim guidance on the use of alternative antisepsis products, in the wake of a recall of some product recalls.ACIPC Board Directors Sally Havers and Janine Caruccan were part of the Expert Group who worked on this project. You can read more about this collaboration and the guidance we developed here.Registrations have opened for the ACIPC International Conference 2025, to be held from 16 – 19 November 2025 in Hobart, Tasmania and online. This year’s gathering promises to be another interesting and stimulating event, and we have a range of registration options for you to take advantage of. Don’t forget to get your abstract submission to us, as the cut-o date for these is 30 May 2025, and remember that all accepted abstracts will be published in a special online edition of Infection, Disease and Health – what a great opportunity to get your research project publicised! Early bird registration will be available until the 1st of October 2025, and you can find out more at the ACIPC2025 website here.We have also been gearing up for World Hand Hygiene Day (WHHD) on 5 May 2025, and ACIPC has produced a great range of resources to help you and your colleagues celebrate and spread awareness in your healthcare communities. We have posters, games, puzzles and email banners, and will once again be running a photo competition. It’s always wonderful to see how everyone celebrates WHHD, and we’ll feature photos of the celebrations in next month’s IPC News. In the meantime, do take a look at our resources, print them out and use them in your workplaces all year round. Please see page 11 for more details.Best wishes,Stéphane Bouchoucha

IPC NEWS | APR 253CONTENTS ACIPC President 2ACIPC International Conference 2025 4Infection Prevention and Control in Aged Care Settings Course 6 Veterinary Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control Course 7 Blood Borne Virus Testing Course 8 Credentialling 9 Dr Joan Faoagali Award 10 World Hand Hygiene Day 2025 11Member Profile: Danielle Engelbrecht 12New Position Statements Advocacy for the inclusion of IPC in the Australian CDC 14 The use of PFR masks for the management of COVID-19 in healthcare settings 15Aged Care IPC Webinar 16 IPC Tour 2025 17 May Lunch & Learn Webinar 18 Bug of the Month - Leptospirosis 19 Infection Control Matters Podcast 21 Latest Articles from Infection, Disease & Health 22EOI - Infection Disease and Health Associate Editor 23 Selected Publications of Interest 24

ACIPC INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2025CIRCLES OF INFLUENCE: EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE AND PRACTICE-BASED EVIDENCE16-19 NOV 2025 | HOTEL GRAND CHANCELLOR, HOBART, TASMANIA & ONLINEIPC NEWS | APR 254On behalf of the Board of Directors and Scientific Conference Organising Committee, it gives us great pleasure to invite you to attend the 2025 ACIPC International Conference. By attending the conference, you will learn from national and international experts, network with likeminded professionals, and meet with Australasia’s largest collection of IPC industry suppliers. We encourage delegates travelling to Hobart to extend their trip either side of the conference so you can visit the many wonderful sights and attractions the city and Tasmania has to oer. An early registration discounted fee will be oered and will be available until the 1st of October 2025.Find out more about registration here

IPC NEWS | APR 255CALL FOR ABSTRACTSWe invite you to present your research, innovative practices and programs, to an engaged audience of Infection Prevention and Control professionals. You can nominate to present your work as an oral presentation, a poster, or a lightning talk.This year, authors will need to nominate on of the following two types of abstract when submitting:• Practice and Policy - abstracts submitted under practice/policy must have a clear problem/issue identified, what was done to rectify the problem/issue, the results, conclusions, and lessons learnt.• Research - abstracts submitted under research must use the Introduction, Methods, Results and Conclusion format.Presentation formats are: • Oral presentations• Lightning talks• PostersWant to know more about how to submit an extract? We have abstract templates and a handy step-by-step video guide to help you.The call for abstracts closes on 30 May 2025.To view all of the information about abstract submission, visit the conference website herePARTNER WITH USInterested in showcasing your solutions and supporting the sector? Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities are now available and selling fast – connect with your audience and position your brand at the forefront of infection prevention and control innovation.For more about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities, click hereGOLD SPONSORSILVER SPONSORSBRONZE SPONSORSCOFFEE CARTJUICE CARTPLATINUM SPONSOR

6December 2024SHORT COURSE6November 2024WHAT IS THE COURSE FOR?This course is designed to provide sta with the fundamental principles and concepts of infection prevention and control practice as they apply to various Aged Care settings in particular Residential and Community Aged Care settings. This course is for all aged care sta, including (but not limited to) RNs and EN/EENs supporting aged care IPC clinical leads, and facility managers needing up-to-date best-practice IPC knowledge and skills.The modules can be undertaken over a six-to-eight-week period and a certificate of completion will be issued to students who complete the course. MODULES INCLUDE: Principles of Infection Prevention and Control Management of the environment, resident and sta health Management of invasive devices, hygiene and aseptic techniques Management of outbreaks Organisms of significant AMS Governance and leadershipCOST: $500INFECTION PREVENTION AND CONTROL IN AGED CARE SETTINGSIf you have any questions, please email learning@acipc.org.au or go to our website for more information acipc.org.au MOREINFORMATIONBOOK NOW FOR THE COURSE COMMENCING 2 MAY 2025 LIMITED SPACES LEFT

LIMITED SPACES LEFTJanuary 2023Next course commences 6 August 2025We are pleased to announce that in 2025 we will once again be oering – Veterinary Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control (VFIPC).This groundbreaking course is designed for all veterinary sta worldwide and aims to provide students with a broad understanding and introductory skills to enable them to assess, plan, implement and evaluate infection prevention and control activities within their veterinary workplace. With 11 self-paced modules running over approximately six months, VFIPC allows participants to apply knowledge to their own practice, and is a key component to achieving the ACIPC Primary Credential (CICP-P). The program has been designed to accommodate busy work schedules, with a series of self-directed learning units supported by a structured online curriculum. Topics include: • environmental hygiene• outbreak management• employee health• surveillance• epidemiology and microbiologyThis course reflects recent evidence, guidelines and standards. Cost • $1520 for ACIPC members• $1820 for non-members If you have any questions, please email learning@acipc.org.au or go to our website for more information acipc.org.au Veterinary Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control BOOK NOW FOR COURSE COMMENCING 6 AUGUST 2025

IPC NEWS | APR 258Blood Borne Virus TESTING COURSEIf you have any questions, please email learning@acipc.org.au or go to our website for more information acipc.org.au The course has been designed for healthcare practitioners involved in undertaking testing in all healthcare settings including midwifery, acute care, community health, women’s health, correctional health, rural and remote health, refugee health, sexual health, and infection prevention and control practitioners.DURING THE COURSE YOU WILL LEARN ABOUT: Epidemiology, transmission, management options and prevention of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C Dierent tests available to correctly diagnose, testing intervals post exposure and window periods for testing Post incident pre- and post-test discussion for both the recipient and the source following the incident The personal impact and medical consequences of HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C Conducting a risk assessment for HIV, hepatitis B and hepatitis C Strategies and resources for eective health promotion and prevention education Basic counselling skills including listening, questioning, reflecting and summarising COST: $350Course updated in response to new guidelines, epidemiology data, and emerging evidence.MOREINFORMATIONBOOK NOW FOR COURSE COMMENCING 20 JUNE 2025LIMITED SPACES LEFT

CredentiallingThe ACIPC Board of Directors would like to congratulate the following members who have received credentialling this month:Primary credentialling: Mark ScanlonAdvanced credentialling: Gemma MallinFor information on how you can become credentialled, visit the ACIPC website.FOR MORE INFORMATION CLICK HEREIPC NEWS | APR 259PAID ADVERT

IPC NEWS | APR 2510FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE AWARD, ELIGIBILITY AND HOW TO APPLY, CLICK HEREDr Joan Faoagali AwardInterested in completing the Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control course? You could have your course fee reimbursed.Dr Joan Faoagali made a significant contribution to the education of members of the College over many years with her involvement in both State and National Infection Prevention and Control activities. Joan showed great resilience, tremendous vision, and was a true leader inspiring all those whose lives she touched – working towards achieving something greater than themselves. Joan’s passion and influence was key to the development of the ACIPC Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control Course. Joan, whilst battling her cancer made time to write and develop modules for the initial ACIPC Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control course. Joan was well known in the Australian Infection Prevention and Control community. Joan was particularly interested in the education of clinicians, the prudent use of antibiotics, Infection Prevention and Control and the intelligent use of pathology services. Joan was a passionate teacher and service development advocate in both high-level referral centres in Australia and New Zealand and in developing countries including our Pacific neighbours. After initially qualifying in Microbiology in Dunedin, Joan was Director of Microbiology at Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand and then the Royal Brisbane and Princess Alexandra Hospitals in Queensland. She held multiple adjunct academic appointments, including Grith University, University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. She will be remembered as a warm generous leader and mentor of students and senior colleagues alike. The Dr Joan Faoagali Award recognises the significant and valuable contribution Joan made to Infection Prevention and Control Professionals and especially members of ACIPC. The Dr Joan Faoagali Award allows Infection Prevention and Control Professionals to engage in ongoing learning through participation in the ACIPC Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control course. Please include with your application:• A brief statement (no more than 500 words) describing the importance of completing the ACIPC Foundations of Infection Prevention and Control Course• A current brief curriculum vitae highlighting Infection Prevention and Control involvementApplication open on 3 April and close at 9AM AEST Monday 5 May 2025. Please note you need to be a member of ACIPC to apply for this scholarship. IPC NEWS | APR 2510

It might be gloves.It’s always hand hygiene.WORLD HAND HYGIENE DAY 5 MAY 2025IPC NEWS | APR 2511CHECK OUT OUR WHHD RESOURCES! World Hand Hygiene Day will be celebrated on 5 May 2025.This year’s theme is: It might be gloves. It’s always hand hygiene.Take a look at our great new resources for you to use in your workplace or organisation to help share the knowledge about the importance of hand hygiene. This year we have:A3 posters• Acute• Aged Care• Allied Health• Children and Carers• Clinical• Consumer• VeterinaryPrintable puzzles and games• Quiz – test your knowledge• Word Find – find the hand hygiene words• Snakes and Ladders Game – print out and play with colleaguesWorldeWe’ll be putting up a hand hygiene themed Wordle all week from Monday 5 May.Email signature banner for use in your professional communication.Enter our competition to win!We want to see your Hand Hygiene Day celebrations! Tag us in to your social media posts using #ACIPC, or email us your photos as oce@acipc.org.au. This year’s winner will receive a beautiful custom-engraved eco-wood trophy to show o in your oce, lunchroom, front desk, or prominent place of your choice! Competition closes Friday 16 May 2025. We’ll publish a selection of your photos in the May edition of IPC News, as well as sharing on our social media channels. Good luck! Follow us on

MEMBER PROFILE:Danielle EngelbrechtIPC NEWS | APR 25Can you tell us about your career background and what led you to a career in IPC?I have always had an interest in infectious diseases and microbiology. Even from a young age I was fascinated by one of my mum’s medical books on infectious diseases (well before the internet!)When I first started university, I enrolled in a Bachelor of Science with the intention of studying microbiology and undertook work experience in the Royal Perth Hospital microbiology department.Life had other ideas, and I moved into a nursing and midwifery career. Whilst working as a labour and birth suite midwife, I had the opportunity to do a leave relief stint for our hospital’s Clinical Nurse Consultant, Cathy Jones. I was hooked!That was now 18 years ago. I have implemented IPC programs in several Western Australian (WA) public and private health settings over this time. I had some great IPC mentors in Rosie Lee, Terri Orrell and Rebecca McCann over this time.What fascinates you about IPC and what are you passionate about?I am passionate about building strong IPC teams and building relationships with stakeholders. I am motivated to grow the standing of IPC at national, state and institutional levels.I love the application of IPC principles in neonatal and paediatric care across the various divisions of my organisation ranging community to tertiary settings.One particular goal this year for our service is around improvements to line insertion and management practices. Another is to finesse our preparedness procedures for high consequence infectious diseases (HCID), including viral haemorrhagic fevers (VHF), as Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) is Western Australia’s paediatric quarantine centre.12

IPC NEWS | APR 2513Are there particular challenges for IPC in WA and what are they?Western Australia is quite remote from the rest of the country. I am particularly pleased to support the Western Australian Special Interest Group (WASIG) to improve access of WA IPC professionals to IPC education, research and networking.Tell us about a typical day for youI am the Coordinator of Nursing for Infection Prevention and Control at the Child and Adolescent Health Service (CAHS) in Perth. CAHS is a comprehensive health service for children and young people in Western Australia. It includes Perth Children’s Hospital and Neonatology, Community Health and Mental Health. PCH is Western Australia’s specialist paediatric hospital and trauma centre, providing medical care to children and adolescents who are 15 years old or under.I support an amazing IPC team across these services who provide a proactive IPC consultancy. Each day is dierent, but there are often a lot of meetings! I chair the services Standard 3 Committee and sit on a number of state IPC related committee also.What has been your career highlight so far?I love the unpredictability of IPC, especially the adrenaline rush of outbreak management. I had the opportunity to support the state response during the COVID-19 pandemic alongside a team of passionate and talented IPCs in the WA Public Health Emergency Operations Centre (PHEOC). One of the highlights was a deployment to our north with the WA Medical Assistance Team (WAMAT) to provide assistance in the management of an outbreak of COVID-19 on a merchant ship.I love being able to give back to our professional community and have also had the opportunity to act as a mentor via the ACIPC Mentor Program and our Mentor program here at CAHS.How do you like to relax and unwind? Any hobbies or interests you'd like to share with us?I love being active and up until last year was an avid field hockey player. I love to run and do yoga. I have two teenage children who keep me busy as their taxi service! Also, as a result of my children’s interests, I now watch a lot of water polo!! We are big supporters of the UWA Torpedoes!

IPC NEWS | APR 2514ACIPC is advocating for infection prevention and control expertise to be included in the new Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC). The College is concerned about the lack of IPC expertise within the proposed Australian CDC and is urging formal representation and permanent inclusion of IPC as a specialty.We have has released a position statement urging the Australian Government to embed IPC expertise within the Australian CDC structure to ensure:• expert IPC guidance during future pandemics• healthcare facilities and community settings can implement standardised IPC protocols and guidelines• future and emerging infectious disease prevention and control is eective across the entire community• an eective national surveillance program for Healthcare Associated Infections (HAIs)The integration of IPC as a core function within the Australian CDC will enable Australia to build a One Health framework and strengthen our ability to prevent, control, and respond to infectious disease threats in the future. It is critical for consumer and employee safety, quality improvement, prevention of antimicrobial resistance and improving outbreak preparedness and responses that IPC be an integral part of the new CDC. NEW POSITION STATEMENTSAdvocacy for the inclusion of IPC in the Australian CDCTo view and download the Position Statement, please click the link here

IPC NEWS | APR 2515NEW POSITION STATEMENTSThe use of PFR masks for the management of COVID-19 in healthcare settingsACIPC is calling for the consistent use of PFR masks over surgical masks in healthcare environments with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. In its latest Position Statement, The use of particulate filter respirators (PFR) masks for the management of COVID-19 in healthcare settings, the College disagrees with Australian infection prevention and control guidelines which recommend surgical masks as standard PPE in healthcare settings. The statement explains:COVID-19 transmission through the air is by both respiratory droplet (direct deposition) and airborne particles (airborne/inhalation). Evidence demonstrates that COVID-19 is capable of airborne/inhalation transmission, particularly in enclosed spaces, where there is high viral loading and during aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). Healthcare workers and individuals are at heightened risk due to frequent close contact with patients/individuals and the potential for exposure to aerosolized viral particles. As such, appropriate PPE—especially PFR masks—is crucial in reducing transmission risks. The College recommends:• Recognising the significant risk of airborne/inhalation transmission of COVID-19 in healthcare settings.• The use of PFR masks over surgical masks to better prevent airborne/inhalation transmission.• Consistent use of PFR masks in healthcare environments with suspected or confirmed COVID-19.• A revision of national IPC guidelines to reflect evidence on airborne risks and support PFR mask usage. To read the full Position Statement, please click the link hereTo view all of ACIPC’s Positions Statement, follow the link here

CLICK HERE TO REGISTERTopic: Companion Animals in Aged Care Presenter: Carrie SpinksGuest speaker: Sam Jewell, CEO – Lifeview Aged CareWe know the human-animal bond is special but traditionally when someone moved into aged care their beloved pet could not come with them, causing further heartbreak for both. This situation is however slowly changing (18% of providers now accept pets), and this presentation will explore Lifeview’s experience of having pets move into care with their owners – overcoming objections, changing the narrative and improving resident wellbeing. Our guest speaker will be Samantha Jewell from Lifeview Aged Care. Samantha has a passion for equality, older Australians, their rights and delivering the best quality care possible for all who chose to live with Lifeview. Samantha is also keen on changing the narrative and showcasing all that is great and innovative about aged care. Samantha’s modern leadership style see’s Lifeview at the forefront of specialist partnerships with organisations such as Dementia Australia, the Victorian Pride Centre and CANA.Missed an ACIPC Aged Care webinar? You can watch recordings of the entire series hereIPC NEWS | APR 2516

IPC NEWS | APR 2517An opportunity to discuss local challenges is provided while networking with peers.gamahealthcareau.eventbrite.comGHA250063IPC TourACIPC and GAMA Healthcare invite you to the Infection Prevention & Control Tour.National and international insights include:• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) in Broader Healthcare Settings• CLEEN Study: Cost-Effectiveness Insights and Clinical Implications• Aged Care Standards: What They Mean for Your Facility• The Hidden Threats of Pathogens and Biofilms: A Call for Enhanced Decontaminationgamahealthcare.com.au | eventsaustralia@gamahealthcare.com | 03 9769 6600AdelaideFriday 16th May 2025 Rydges AdelaidePerthMonday 19th May 2025 Bentley Technology ParkSydneyMonday 12th May 2025 Novotel Sydney Olympic ParkLauncestonWednesday 14th May 2025 The TramshedsBrisbaneWednesday 7th May 2025 Royal Brisbane & Women’s HospitalRegistration:Brett MitchellMartin KiernanKeynote speakers:MelbourneFriday 9th May 2025 Rendezvous Hotel

May Lunch & Learn WebinarTitle: The cost of CLEEN: how improving cleaning and disinfection saves lives and costs. Presenter: Kate BrowneDate: Friday 23 May, 12:00PM AESTAbstract:The CLEEN (CLEaning and Enhanced DisiNfection) study is the first randomised controlled trial to assess the eect of enhanced cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment on healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). In the control phase, there was no change to environmental cleaning practices. In the intervention phase, a multimodal cleaning bundle included an additional 3 h per weekday for the dedicated cleaning and disinfection zof shared medical equipment, ongoing education, audit, and feedback.The findings revealed that the intervention not only improved the thoroughness of cleaning but also significantly reduced HAIs. Importantly, a cost-eectiveness analysis showed that the cleaning intervention was cost-saving. The reduction in infections translated to reduced length of stay, outweighing the modest investment in enhanced cleaning measures. The CLEEN study highlights the dual benefits of environmental cleaning: better patient safety and substantial financial savings for healthcare systems. This evidence underscores the importance of prioritising cleaning interventions as a core component of infection prevention programs. By adopting the CLEEN study’s approach, hospitals can achieve sustainable improvements in care quality while optimising resource use. This webinar will explore the study's findings, providing actionable insights to empower healthcare facilities to implement cost-eective cleaning interventions. About the presenter:Dr Kate Browne is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Avondale University, Australia. Kate completed her PhD at UNSW Sydney where she focused on antimicrobial strategies to prevent healthcare-associated infections. In her role as Clinical Trial Coordinator for the CLEEN study, Kate helped to implement a multimodal intervention to improve the cleaning and disinfection of shared medical equipment. Kate has established a strong publication record, with her work featured in high-impact scientific journals, including The Lancet Infectious Diseases. Her expertise spans broadly across infection prevention strategies with a particular interest in antimicrobial resistance and biofilm research. CLICK HERE TO REGISTERIPC NEWS | APR 2518

IPC NEWS | APR 2519BUG OF THE MONTHLeptospiraKaren McKennaWhat is it?Leptospirosis is a disease caused by infection with the bacteria Leptospira, that can be found in contaminated water or soil and aects both animals and humans1,2. Leptospirosis can occur worldwide, but is most common in tropical and sub-tropical climates with high rainfall, humidity, and an increased risk after flooding or cyclones1,2. Leptospirosis is a notifiable disease in both Australia and New Zealand. SymptomsSymptoms can be wide ranging and include flu like symptoms (fever, chills, headaches, muscle aches, sore throat), red eyes, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain1. Between 5-15% of people who are infected develop severe symptoms causing an illness known as Weil’s disease that may require hospitalisation, symptoms include jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, heart disease and meningitis1,3. Symptoms usually start around 5-14 days after infection and can last from a few days to three weeks1,3. How is it transmitted?Leptospira bacteria are spread through the urine of infected animals, that can survive in contaminated water or soil from weeks to months2. Both wild and domestic animals can carry the bacteria and may have no symptoms, including, livestock, dogs, cats, possums and rodents1,2. People become infected with Leptospira bacteria through direct contact with the body fluids of infected animals, through eating or drinking contaminated food or water, and through contact with water or soil that contains the urine or body fluids from infected animals2. The risk of transmission is increased after heavy rainfall, flooding or cyclones when the contaminated animal urine in the soil gets into flood or rainwater, and contaminates natural water sources, causing outbreaks1,2. Human to human transmission is very rare3. IPC NEWS | APR 2519

IPC NEWS | APR 2520At risk groupsPeople are at risk of leptospirosis if they have close contact with animals or are exposed to water, mud/soil or vegetation that has been contaminated with animal urine or body fluids3.Occupations that put people at a high risk includes farmers, veterinarians and abattoir workers, and people undertaking activities of higher risk including swimming and water sports, camping and gardening1,3. PreventionGeneral prevention measures include avoiding contact with water that may be contaminated, wearing appropriate footwear when near muddy or wet areas, covering wounds when potential contact with contaminated water or soil is likely, using gloves when gardening, controlling pests and rodents, and hand washing before and after eating1. Vaccinating animals is an important step in leptospirosis prevention, however there is no human vaccine3. References1. March, 2025. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/leptospirosis2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Leptospirosis. CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/about/index.html3. Health Direct. Leptospirosis. Healthdirect Australia Limited, . Updated April 2024. Accessed 11 March, 2025. https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/leptospirosisIPC NEWS | APR 2520

Infection Control Matters PodcastThe Sinkbug Survey: Antibiotics, AMR, Chemicals and PlumbingIn this episode of Infection Control Matters, Martin Kiernan speaks with Dr. Nicole Stoesser about a large-scale, multi-centre study exploring the role of hospital sink infrastructure in antimicrobial resistance and pathogen dissemination. Representing the collaborative NITCAR-led "Sinkbug Consortium" we discuss surprising findings from 29 UK hospitals—including widespread antibiotic residues in sink traps—and reflect on the implications for sink design, waste disposal practices, and infection prevention strategiesThe paper we discuss is here:Rodger G, Chau K, Aranega Bou P, Moore G, Roohi A, The SinkBug Consortium, et al. Survey of healthcare-associated sink infrastructure, and sink trap antibiotic residues and biochemistry, in 29 UK hospitals. J Hosp Infect 2025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2025.02.002.Information on Nitcar: https://nitcollaborative.org.uk/wp/Other papers of interest:Aranega-Bou P, George RP, Verlander NQ, Paton S, Bennett A, Moore G, et al. Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae dispersal from sinks is linked to drain position and drainage rates in a laboratory model system. J Hosp Infect 2019;102(1):63-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30571992/Grabowski M, Lobo JM, Gunnell B, Enfield K, Carpenter R, Barnes L, et al. Characterizations of handwashing sink activities in a single hospital medical intensive care unit. J Hosp Infect 2018;100(3):e115-e22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhin.2018.04.025Use of AI to create a podcast discussion - are we out of a job?In this episode of Infection Control Matters, we explore the potential of AI tools to support education and professional dialogue in infection prevention and control.TO LISTEN OR DOWNLOAD CLICK HEREWe used NotebookLM, an experimental tool from Google designed to help users interact with their documents in new ways—summarising, clarifying, and even generating structured discussions based on uploaded content. Using research and guidance documents, we demonstrate how NotebookLM can be used to create a voice-generated conversation on key themes in IPC.The paper that we uploaded was the recently published cost-eectiveness research that relates to the CLEEN study that we have previously highlihghted. A link to the open access paper can be found below.The main part of this podcast was a dialogue created by NotebookLM following the upload of the paper. None of the voices are human (apart from Martin at the beginning and Brett at the end).This episode oers a glimpse into how AI might be used to support reflection, training, and knowledge sharing across the healthcare community... but with caveats! The paper we discuss can be found here:Brain D, Sivapragasam N, Browne K, White NM, Russo PL, Cheng AC, et al. Economic Evaluation of Enhanced Cleaning and Disinfection of Shared Medical Equipment. JAMA Netw Open 2025;8(4):e258565. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.8565NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google/IPC NEWS | APR 2521

Latest articles from Infection, Disease & HealthMakeup testers as reservoirs and transmission sources of antibiotic resistant bacteriaIbtissam Kahina Bedaida, Esma Bendjama, Widad Chelaghma, Achwak Zouzou, Hind Benabderrahmane, Jean-Marc Rolain, Lotfi LoucifSurgical implant sterilization in the Asia–Pacific region: A survey of current practicesWing Hong Seto, Patricia Tai Yin ChingOptimizing infection control: Evaluating nurses' knowledge and practices for preventing infections in mechanically ventilated patientsSafar awadh alotaibi, Maha AlOtaibi, Hadiya Nassar Alrashedi, Huda Ali S Alasmari, Abdelaziz Hendy, Rasha Kadri IbrahimEducational needs for infection prevention and control during outbreaks: A qualitative study with health workers in Sri LankaVictoria Haldane, Niranjala Perera, Savithiri Ratnapalan, Sudath Samaraweera, Xiaolin WeiMolecular investigation of a furunculosis outbreak at a penitentiary in southern BrazilMayara Rodrigues Bicca, Eduarda de Oliveira Pinto, Walter Paixão de Sousa Filho, Gerson Fernandes de Brum, Thalita Camilo da Silva, Bruno Stefanello VizzottoA comprehensive review of current status of infection prevention and control program in low- and middle-income countriesSaima Asghar, Muhammad Atif, Imran Masood, Madiha KhanAustralian infection prevention and control leads' perceptions of their roles and responsibilities in residential aged care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative studyHyunji Lee, Thea F. van de Mortel, Peta-Anne ZimmermanBacterial bloodstream infections in a pediatric population: A 7-year experience at a tertiary care center in Saudi ArabiaFaten Basnawi, Ruba Abo Essa, Aeshah Alosaimi, Bandar Alrshaid, Sabah Alshuhri, Afnan Almazrua, Ohoud Alyabes, Mohammed Alsuhaibani, Ibrahim Bin Hussain, Esam Albanyan, Sami Alhajjar, Suliman Aljumaah, Salem AlghamdiIPC NEWS | APR 2522

Infection Disease and Health Associate EditorExpression of Interest for Associate Editor, Infection, Disease and HealthBackgroundInfection Disease and Health is the ocial journal of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC). The journal aims to be a platform for the publication and dissemination of knowledge in the area of infection and disease causing infection in humans. Further information regarding the journal can be found at www.idhjournal.com.auAssociate Editor positionThe journal has seen massive growth in readership and submissions for several years. To support the continued expansion and the Editor-in-Chief, we are seeking expressions of interest for the role of Associate Editor. The Associate Editor would assist in the handling of manuscripts and report to the Editor-in-Chief. This position is a great career opportunity for an up and coming researcher or clinician researcher.The initial appointment will be for two years, with a possible extension.The journal has three Associate Editor positions, but only one current vacancy. To balance existing expertise, we are seeking a medical doctor with infectious disease or microbiology expertise to full the current vacant Associate Editor position.Further informationFor the full position description and selection criteria, please contact ACIPC via email oce@acipc.org.auAfter reviewing the position description and selection criteria, if you have questions or wish to discuss the position further, please contact the Editor-in-Chief, Professor Brett Mitchell via email brett.mitchell@avondale.edu.auHow to applyTo apply for the position, we request you submit cover letter outlining your interest and a brief response to the selection criteria.Interviews or discussions with potential candidates may follow.Please submit the two documents in one PDF file to ACIPC (oce@acipc.org.au) by 30 May 2025. We reserve the right to close the EOI at any time or earlier, should a suitable candidate be found or we receive a number of EOIs.NoteTo avoid conflict of interest and in support of editorial independence, Board members of the Australasian College for Infection Prevention and Control are ineligible to apply.IPC NEWS | APR 2523

Selected Publications of Interest A Day in the Life of a Pathogen: From Your Hands to Stethoscopes and BeyondHerpes and Dentistry: A Silent But Serious ConcernEnvironmental Hygiene: Air Pressure and Ventilation: Negative vs Positive PressureCOVID-19 outbreak management in Western Sydney residential aged care homes: A mixed-methods Donabedian evaluationPatient and Family Engagement in Infection Prevention During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Q-Methodology Study with Stakeholders from a Canadian University Health Care CenterIPC NEWS | APR 2524PAID ADVERT

IPC NEWS | APR 2525

IPC NEWS | APR 2526Level 6 152 Macquarie StHobart TAS 7000FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA+61 (3) 6281 9239oce@acipc.org.auwww.acipc.org.auABN 61 154 341 036