Community-associated Clostridium difficile infection (CA-CDI) has been rising in Australia for several years. Using MWE's POLYWIPE™, researchers from The University of Western Australia were able to determine the prevalence and molecular types of C. difficile present on reatil vegetables and households in Queensland and Western Australia

POLYWIPE™ sponges designed for collection of possible contaminants from a wide range of surfaces. These surfaces include production machinery in food factories, and carcasses in the butchering trade. 

Great efforts are being made by healthcare professionals everywhere to reduce and if possible eliminate the risk of hospital acquired infections such as MRSA and Clostridium difficile. Nowhere is this more important than in the operating theatre, where every possible step is taken to ensure an environment that is as near sterile as possible to prevent surgical site infections.

The standard ISO 18593:2018 provides important guidance for sampling and testing surfaces in the food chain environment for microbiological safety, and much of this information is relevant for monitoring surfaces in healthcare settings for the purposes of infection control.