Abstract

Infection control in hospitals, especially with respect to gastroenteritis and multiresistant bacteria, is a major challenge for workers in the healthcare network who are directly affected by these epidemics.

Nosocomial disease transmission is difficult to control and the route of airborne transmission of certain agents is not always clear.

Research has recently demonstrated that the norovirus, responsible for nosocomial gastroenteritis, is able to withstand aerosolization, and its presence in the air in various locations in healthcare settings, even far from infected patients, strongly suggests airborne propagation.

The research team will assess occupational exposure to the various microbial agents responsible for nosocomial infections in a range of workers in healthcare settings. In addition, a laboratory evaluation will gauge the efficacy of certain bioaerosol abatement measures.