Description of Research: Laraine Washer, M.D.

Our research focuses upon the epidemiology of healthcare associated infections including antibiotic resistant organisms.

Dialysis related infections
The major focus of our research has been bloodstream infections in patients receiving dialysis for acute renal failure. Our analysis has shown that the rate of bloodstream infections for patients in ICUs receiving the continuous renal replacement therapy mode of dialysis have a high rate of catheter associated bloodstream infections compared to other ICU patients. We are analyzing potential risk factors which might be modifiable to decrease rates of infection.

Emerging antibiotic resistance
We are interested in the emergence of antibiotic resistant organisms in the hospital and the community. We are currently evaluating the risk factors associated with development of extended spectrum beta lactamase producing gram negative infections in hospitalized patients. We are also interested in the emergence of carbapenamase producing gram negative bacteria in hospitalized patients.

Recent publications

Washer, LL and Chenoweth, CE. Infection control strategies for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and vancomycin-resistant enterococcus: What is the evidence? Journal of Clinical Outcomes Management 13(6): 333-341, 2006.

Washer, L and Malani, P. Travel vaccines in older adults. Clinical Geriatrics 14(8): 36-44, 2006.

Washer LL, Riddell IV J, Rider J, Chenoweth CE. Mycobacterium neoaurum bloodstream infections: report of 4 cases and review of the literature. Clin Infect Dis 2007; 45:e10-13.

Cinti SK, Washer LL, Chenoweth CE. Clostridium difficile colitis: A reemerging threat. J Clin Outcomes Management 14 (9): 505-514, 2007.

Chenoweth CE, Washer LL, Obeyesekera K, Friedman C, Brewer K, Fugitt GE, Lark R. Ventilator-associated pneumonia in the home care setting. Infect Contr Hosp Epidemiol 28 (8): 910-915, 2007.

Cinti SK, Washer LL, Chenoweth CE. Clostridium difficile-associated disease. Infectious Diseases Board Review Manual. Hosp Phys 10 (3):1-12, 2007.

Young MH, Washer L, Malani PN. Surgical site infections in older adults - Epidemiology and management. Drugs Aging 25 (5): 399-414, 2008.

Rasheed JK, Biddle JW, Anderson KF, Washer L, Chenoweth C, Perrin J, Newton DW, Patel JB. Detection of KPC-1 Carbapenem-hydrolyzing enzyme in clinical isolates of Citrobacer freundii and Klebsiella oxytoca carrying a common plasmid. J Clin Microbiol 46 (6):2066-2069, 2008.

Shuman EK, Washer LL, Arndt JL, Zalewski CA, Hyzy RC, Napolitano LM, Chenoweth CE. Analysis of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in the Intensive Care Unit after Implementation of Central Line Bundles. Infect Contr Hosp Epidemiol 31 (5): 551-553, 2010.

Gandhi TN, DePestel DD, Collins CD, Nagel J, Washer LL. Managing antimicrobial resistance in intensive care units. Crit Care Med 38 (8): S315-S323 Suppl. S, 2010.