Download Press information | Multi-resistant pathogens spread rapidly

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Multi-resistant pathogens spread rapidly
Gonococcus strains currently also affected
09-Aug-2012 | 427-EN
Until now it has largely been possible to keep antibiotic microorganisms such as
bacteria in check. However, over the last few years increased resistance to antibiotics
has been observed which can lead to ever more costly treatments, and also in
the worst case, to treatment failures. In Japan a multi-resistant strain of Neisseria
gonorrhoeae ("clap") has been discovered which is now apparently on the point of
spreading worldwide.
Recently the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned of a global dissemination of
the new bacteria strain which threatens millions of people. Infections with Neisseria
gonorrhoeae are some of the most frequent bacteria-based sexually transmitted
infections. The WHO estimates that 106 million new gonococcus infections occur
worldwide every year. Gonococcus infections, especially in women, often do not
manifest any symptoms and therefore remain undetected. In Germany since the
introduction of the Infection Protection Act in 2001, gonococcus infections no longer
have to be reported and as a result no statements can be made on national level about
their general level of dissemination in the population.
In Germany today it is primarily the germ MRSA plus other multi-resistant pathogens
which can trigger tuberculosis or lung infections which are becoming more and
more of a problem. Furthermore, highly-virulent pathogens such as SARS, EHEC
or repeated noroviruses which are responsible for gastrointestinal infections with
the typical symptoms of diarrhoea, vomiting and stomach pains occur regularly. The
most effective protection against the dangerous pathogens is compliance with the
relevant hygiene measures. As a preventative measure and to prevent the spread
of pathogens via textiles, the subject of textile hygiene, also in the hotel and guest
house sector, is increasingly becoming a focal point, not least due to increased global
mobility. Maximum hygiene security through disinfectant and therefore safer washing
procedures are guaranteed by the "Hygiene-Testat" (Hygiene Certification) for hotel
and kitchen textiles. Commercial laundries who have the RAL Quality Certification Mark
992/2 and 992/3 for Professional Textile Services can use this certification to certify the
flawless processing of their laundry for their customers in the hotel and guest house
sector. In association with the "Hotelcheck Hygiene" Quality Seal, a quality control and
Hohenstein Institute
Marketing & Business Development
[email protected]
www.waeschereien.de
Telephone: +49 7143 271-708
Telefax: +49 7143 271-94708
On behalf of the German Certification Association for Professional Textile
Service (Gütegemeinschaft sachgemäße Wäschepflege e.V.)
Schloss Hohenstein
74357 Bönnigheim
GERMANY
Telephone: +49 7143 271-0
Telefax: +49 7143 271-8746
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assurance tool in the housekeeping area, hotels are provided with a comprehensive
hygiene plan for the verification and control of the cleanliness and hygiene of the most
important areas to ensure the well-being of guests.
Neisseria gonorrhoeae, better known as
"clap". © wikipedia.org
The "Hygiene-Testat" for hotel and kitchen
textiles guarantees maximum hygiene
security for laundry customers. Commercial
laundries with the RAL Quality Certification
Mark 992/2 and 992/3 can request the
Hygiene Certification from the German
Certification Association for Professional
Textile Services provided that they process
their laundry according to the listed
disinfectant washing procedures from the
Robert-Koch-Institute. ©Gütegemeinschaft
sachgemäße Wäschepflege e.V.
Page - 3 -
The "Hotelcheck Hygiene" certificate is
awarded for excellent housekeeping. The
Quality Seal is awarded by the International
Hotel Hygiene Test Association in
compliance with the relevant specifications
and measures. ©Hohenstein Institute