Spot the superbugs

Bioquell has recently launched a new website to raise awareness of many of the main pathogens that cause healthcare associated infections (HCAIs).

Designed to help healthcare professionals and ancillary staff, www.bugstoppers.co.uk provides easy-to-digest information on the illicit antics of nosocomial pathogens such as Clostridium difficile,MRSA,Klebsiella pneumoniae and norovirus.

Echoing Crimestoppers, the website treats pathogens as criminals who can only be arrested through greater awareness.The site holds data on a wide variety of 'bad bacteria, villainous viruses and fearsome fungi'. Each 'criminal'consists of a microscopic image of the bug alongside a memorable character design, a short criminal profile and an outline of some key facts.

There is also a link to a more detailed, scientific profile of the pathogens.

'Bug of the month' starts with Clostridium difficile,'a shady character known to lurk in healthcare environments.

Awareness and hand hygiene precautions are critical to help manage this potential killer'.

The criminal characters have also been turned into a set of Bug Trump cards, for infection control team training sessions and for around the hospital.

Posters and other desktop tools are also available.

"Our new website and supporting Bug Stoppers campaign has been developed with healthcare professionals to provide their colleagues with tools that can help to build a greater appreciation of the risks of HCAIs and improve prevention practices,"ends James Salkeld, Head of Bioquell Healthcare.