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Acta Scientific Microbiology (ISSN: 2581-3226)
Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection
Prevention and Control Programs?
Huang Wei Ling*
MD Infectious Disease Specialist (ID Specialist), General Practitioner, Nutrition Doctor, Acupuncturist, Pain Management, Medical
Acupuncture and Pain Management Clinic, Franca, Sao Paulo, Brazil
*Corresponding Author: Huang Wei Ling, MD Infectious Disease Specialist (ID Specialist), General Practitioner, Nutrition Doctor,
Acupuncturist, Pain Management, Medical Acupuncture and Pain Management Clinic, Franca, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
E-Mail: weilingmg@gmail.com
Research Article
Received: February 06, 2018; Published: March 20, 2018
Volume 1 Issue 4 April 2018
Abstract
Keywords: Hospital Infection; Prevention; Control Programs; Energy; Traditional Chinese Medicine; Acupuncture; Galen;
Hippocrates
Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are the most common
complication seen in hospitalized patients. HAIs increase morbid-
ity, mortality, costs, and length of stay even after adjustment for un-
derlying illness [1]. The term nosocomial infection encompasses a
narrower spectrum. Nosocomial infections are HAIs acquired in an
acute-care setting that were neither present nor incubating at the
time of admission [1]. Based on data for 2003, 5 to 10% of patients
admitted to acute-care hospitals or approximately 2 million pa-
tients per year in the United States acquire a nosocomial infection.
At least 90,000 deaths per year are a result, making nosocomial in-
[1].
These infections are estimated to add an extra $4.5 billion to $5.7
billion per year to the cost of patient care [1]. Roughly 25% of noso-
comial infections occur in intensive care units (ICUs), which have
Introduction
Statement of the Problem:
for Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) programs in terms of effectiveness in reducing the risk of infection. In recent years, a
range of regional best practice or policy principles have been developed that address what could be considered as core components
of IPC programs. However, there remains a major gap in relation to the availability of international best practice principles for core
components of IPC programs.
Purpose of this Study: The purpose of this study is to show why patients still catch hospital infections despite IPC programs. A better
understanding of a variety of theories is needed that could explain the physiopathology of diverse diseases described in the medical
past history, which are usually disregarded clinically today. A broader view seems to show the necessity of seeing the patient as a
whole; not only focusing on the disease in the prevention of these hospital infections.
Methodology: The methodology used was a review of these theories such as those presented by Hippocrates (“Natural forces within
us are the true healers of disease”), as well as others from oriental medicine, which explain that diseases originate from three factors:
external (exposure to cold, heat, humidity, wind and dryness), internal (emotional) and dietary.
Findings: Having a broader view of the patient as a whole (Yin, Yang, Qi, Blood energy and Heat retention), we can understand better
the formation of hospital infection which is a systemic energy reaction of our body undergoing normal hospital treatment.
Conclusion: To better understand why a patient is still catching hospital infections, despite these IPC programs, we need to broaden
our view observing all emotional, environmental and dietary factors, as well as studying his energy situation at the moment of admit-
been estimated to increase ICU length of stay by 4.3 to 15.6 days
and account for more than 20% of total ICU costs. The Centers for
-
ated infections (HAIs) as infections acquired while in the health
care setting (e.g. inpatient hospital admission, haemodialysis unit,
or same-day surgery), with a lack of evidence that the infection
was present or incubating at the time of entry into the health care
environment [1].
Control (SENIC) demonstrated that surveillance for nosocomial
infections and infection control practices that included trained
professionals could prevent HAIs [1]. As a result, an important
role developed for hospital epidemiologists and infection control
practitioners [1]. As medical care has become more complex, an-
DOI: 10.31080/ASMI.2018.01.0036
Citation: Huang Wei Ling. “Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?”. Acta
Scientific Microbiology 1.4 (2018) 34-43.
-
gressive way of thinking, and this is nowhere more pronounced
and the various ways it is still perceived today [3].
Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?
The researcher has much both practical and theoretical ex-
perience in the area of this study. Be it, by the control of hospital
infections - obtained in the daily contact with patients who have
suffered from this kind of infection, be it by her own observations
and ideas which came from a diversity of studies, a diversity of un-
derstandings which lead to the way the subject is presented today.
Thus, new concepts, new points of view are brought in the attempt
to improve such a serious problem in our hospitals worldwide.
Methodology
Before describing this study, it is important to say that not ev-
erything we capture with our eyes represents what we actually see.
Depending on the angle or framework we focus an object, what we
see changes shape or appearance. This study will bring a different
infection in traditional Western medicine.
[2]. This gap is of-
ten cited as a culmination of theory being idealistic and imprac-
evidence relating to the non-integration of theory and practice as-
sumes that environmental factors are responsible and will affect
learning and practice outcomes, hence the gap [2].
Qi in Chinese Medicine
The methodology used was a review of these theories such as
those presented by Hippocrates (“Natural forces within us are the
true healers of disease”), as well as others from oriental medicine,
which explain that diseases originate from three factors: exter-
nal (exposure to cold, heat, humidity, wind and dryness), internal
(emotional) and dietary.
Figure 1
timicrobial resistance and HAIs have increased, as have their at-
tributable morbidity and mortality [1]. Additionally, HAIs increase
hospital lengths of stay and health care expenditures [1]. In re-
sponse to patient risks and growing costs, in 2008 the Centers for
Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented a strategy of
withholding reimbursement for certain HAIs such as catheter-as-
sociated urinary tract infections (CA-UTIs) and central line-asso-
ciated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) [1]. Now more than ever,
and infection preventionists (IPs) is needed in order to enact early
detection and preventive strategies to curtail HAIs [1].
Although infectious agents have existed since long before hu-
manity, and despite the rapid advances characterizing the previous
century in terms of the recognition and treatment of the diseases
induced by these agents, infection remains a major cause of human
morbidity and mortality, and an ever-present threat. The latter fact
has often led specialists to look back in order to either underline
-
garding pathophysiology and treatment. In looking into the past
for options for the future, the heritage of Hippocrates is of great
[3].
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that man is an
organic unity in which the component parts of the human body
are inseparable in structure, kind of idea, unity of the internal and
external environments and the unity of the human body itself, is
known as the concept of “holism”, which is carried out in almost ev-
ery aspect of TCM, such as physiology, pathology, diagnostic meth-
[4].
The purpose of this study is to show why patients still catch hos-
pital infections despite IPC programs. A better understanding of a
variety of theories is needed that could explain the physiopathol-
ogy of diverse diseases described in the medical past history, which
are usually disregarded clinically today.
Purpose
An illustrative example of what can happen to the human body,
any redness, bronchial or other purulent secretion, fever, urinary
symptoms can be seen differently depending on the perspective
employed. As a consequence, there are other points of view, like
the one within the millenary teachings of Traditional Chinese Med-
icine (TCM). Any symptoms of physical, emotional or psychological
illness is caused by the imbalance of what is named as the internal
energies (Qi in Chinese).
The term energy in Chinese medicine or Qi is characterized as
the image of steam rising from a pot of rice cooking on the stove
(Figure 1). That steam represents Qi... (Figure 1). Qi is also called
life energy, life force, prana, and bio-energy as well as many other
names. For thousands of years, this energy has been known to ev-
ery culture in almost all parts of the world. Some of them explored
it and some did not. Those who did discovered a whole new world
[5]. Our energy is similar to electricity in a battery, or combustible
gas in a cylinder or even gasoline at a gas station.
Citation: Huang Wei Ling. “Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?”. Acta
Scientific Microbiology 1.4 (2018) 34-43.
35
Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?
Before a disease is diagnosed at the laboratory, through radio-
logical level or by complementary tests, there has already been an
alteration in energy levels, the patients have symptoms but the tests
are still normal (Table 1). There are various phases where disease
progresses in a healthy body. During phases 1 to 3, only a slowing of
Table 1: Progression of Health to Disease.
Figure 2
Phases of the disease
Progression of Health to Disease
Organ Exams Energy Reserve Symptom
Phase 1 Slowing Down of the
organ functions
Normal Energy reserves normal Without clinical symptoms
Phase 2 Slowing Down of organ
functions
Normal Consumption of internal
energy reserves
With symptoms in other organ
Phase 3 Slowing Down of organ
functions
Normal Consumption of external
energy reserves
With symptom in the same organ
Phase 4 Reversible Cellular Le-
sion
Little alteration Consumption of blood
reserves
Curable disease
Phase 5 Irreversible Cellular
Lesion
Excessive alteration Metabolic exhaustion Incurable disease
the organ functions occurs because of energy imbalances, and the
patient has and complains of symptoms, but the results of labora-
tory exams are normal (Table 1). At phase 4 the laboratory exams
show some alterations, and the disease is still curable, and at phase
5, the exams are very altered, and the cellular damage is irrevers-
ible and the disease incurable (Table 1).
In the oriental tradition, when diseases occur, it is a sign that
there is an imbalance of this energy, generally caused by emotional,
dietary or external factors, or a combination of them [4]. These
imbalances can manifest in many ways. Here are some examples:
in the case of discharge of pus, this is considered to be the reten-
tion of Humidity and Heat. The Humidity could occur because of
absorption of nutrients and maintaining the blood in the vessels.
The Heat retention could be the consequence when external patho-
genic factors like cold internalize in the body and make the secre-
tions transmute from colorless to yellowish [4]. One of the causes
-
ucts, sweets, raw food, and cold drinks [4]. Another cause is found
among those who are constantly, and overly worried [4]. In the case
of redness in the skin or in the surgical incision, for example, this
is considered to be the formation of excessive Heat inside the body,
or emotional issues such as anger [4]. As for an inappropriate diet,
this includes the use of fried food, chocolate, eggs, honey, alcoholic
drinks, coconut, pepper and dairy products especially when cheese
is melted
Meaning of infectious symptom in Traditional Chinese
Medicine
The symmetrical arrangement of the dark Yin and the light Yang
is not static (Figure 2). It is a rotational symmetry that eloquently
suggests a continuous cyclic movement: the Yang cyclically returns
to its beginning, the Yin reaches its apogee and yields its place to
the Yang [4,7]. The two points in the diagram symbolize the idea
that every time each force reaches its extreme point, it manifests
within itself the seed of its opposite. The Chinese wisemen repre-
sented this complement of opposites by the archetypal pair, Yin and
Yang, considering their dynamic interaction as the essence of all
natural phenomena and all human situations [4,7] (Figure 2). Op-
posites are complementary [4]. To be healthy, we aim for a state of
equilibrium between the Yin and Yang energies [4]. If there are im-
balances between these two energies, the appearance of symptoms
occurs, and if not properly treated, consolidates the disease in the
future, being diagnosed at the laboratory or radiological level [4].
Yin and Yang
-
ciency. If a patient has excessive sweating during the day, this is a
sign of Qi
extremities such as cold feet, it is a sign of Yang
the patient feels hot, especially in his extremities, it can be Yin de-
patient if he has dry mouth, bad breath, itching, bleeding gums, etc.
The differences between diverse viewpoints and procedures
example can also explain the functioning of the human body in a
holistic view as affected by external factors (wind, cold, heat, dry-
ness, humidity and diet) and internal factors (the emotions) (Fig-
ure 3). The tree has a trunk with several branches, where each
branch represents each medical specialty and every single leaf that
comes out of each branch represents the symptoms and diseases
Differences between Western and Traditional Chinese
Medicine
Citation: Huang Wei Ling. “Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?”. Acta
Scientific Microbiology 1.4 (2018) 34-43.
36
Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?
of every specialty. It is this visible part that is the object of study
and practice in the western medical profession. This occurring due
to the curriculum offered in the medical schools around the world,
where the focus is to treat each leaf in every specialty (Figure 3).
Figure 2
Figure 3
However, there are other points of view from other traditions.
Such is the case with the Traditional Chinese Medicine. As we look
the naked eye -, represents the roots of the tree. This part remains
unknown to western medicine mainly because its existence is not
recognized or discussed in the medical faculties (Figure 3).
Acupuncture, which is considered a medical speciality in Bra-
zil since 1995 by the Federal Medical Council, is part of this Tra-
ditional Chinese Medicine. Some, but not all practitioners, literally
diseases and not just to recognize the symptoms. To understand
these “roots” we turn toward the Theory of the Five Elements and
the Yin/Yang Theory of Energy (Figure 6, 9).
The Qi energy concept is complex and deep and the whole sys-
tem of Traditional Chinese Medicine, one of the oldest medical sys-
tems in the world, is entirely based on it. Differently from western
medicine, which is based mainly on anatomy and physiology, in
matter and its chemical reactions [5].
I In the human body, each of these Five Elements represents an
organ, and is responsible for an external sensorial organ. Each of
these internal organs are the source of energy for their own func-
tioning as well as their corresponding external sensorial organs
and other functions. This system of energy is interlinked, and the
to the Liver, and has the eye as its external sensorial organ, being
responsible for the vision. The Fire element corresponds to the
Heart, and represents the tongue, and subsequently the language.
The Earth element corresponds to the Spleen, representing the
mouth, and is responsible for taste. The Air element corresponds to
the Lungs, and represents the nose, and is responsible for the sense
of smell. And the Water element corresponds to the Kidney, and
represents the ears and is responsible for hearing. All this function-
Yin, Yang, Qi and Blood (Figure
4, 5)
Theory of the Five Elements
Figure 4
Figure 5
This theory was presented in 2015 at an Acupuncture Research
Conference held at Harvard Medical School, in Boston, USA. The
summary of this study says that if we treat these energy imbal-
even if the doctor does not know the patient has such a symptom.
With this type of reasoning we will be able to treat all diseases of
all specialties at the same time, as we treat in this case, the root of
the problems and not only the symptoms (Figure 3,5).
One possible cause for patients still catch hospital infections
despite prevention and control programs is due, personal opin-
ion, to the model used by medicine itself today. This model was
designed by Galen, a Greek physician, who lived 500 years after
Hippocrates, and wrote theories about the functioning of the hu-
man body, which were implanted in almost all medical colleges
of the West [8]. Possible cause of patients still catching hospital
infections despite prevention and control programs His theories
show the human being as divided into parts and each one is self
[8]. This great
doctor was second only to the Greek, Hippocrates.
Possible cause of patients still catching hospital infections
despite prevention and control programs
According to Hippocrates, diseases originate from the imbal-
ance of the “four humours”, which are blood, phlegm, yellow bile,
and black bile. These humours determine the temperaments
Citation: Huang Wei Ling. “Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?”. Acta
Scientific Microbiology 1.4 (2018) 34-43.
37
Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?
Then, from the point of view of Traditional Chinese Medicine,
for instance a site with purulent hyperemia, secretion or catarrh,
does not necessarily mean that the patient has a bacterial infec-
tion. It means that the patient has an imbalance of the internal en-
ergies and it is up to us, the physicians, to rebalance these energies
so that the patient returns to his way of life without having to use
many drugs. These drugs can worsen the vital energy [11], increas-
ing the chance of “internal Heat”, creating what clinically could be
interpreted as infectious symptoms such as hyperemia, heat and
reddening."
Figure 3
Figure 6
Then, from the point of view of Traditional Chinese Medicine,
for instance a site with purulent hyperemia, secretion or catarrh,
does not necessarily mean that the patient has a bacterial infec-
tion. It means that the patient has an imbalance of the internal en-
ergies and it is up to us, the physicians, to rebalance these energies
so that the patient returns to his way of life without having to use
many drugs. These drugs can worsen the vital energy [11], increas-
ing the chance of “internal Heat”, creating what clinically could be
interpreted as infectious symptoms such as hyperemia, heat and
reddening.
Figure 7
In 2008, during a trip to China, there was interesting things to
be noticed over the time spent on a one-month internship at a Bei-
jing Hospital.
Water
two little taps: one blue and one red. The blue one was for warm
temperature water, and the red one was for boiling water to be pre-
pared as tea or to drink.
What is the difference between drinking warm temperature
water instead of drinking water at room temperature, or cold wa-
ter?
The energy of the water is normally cold and if we drink this
water constantly, we will weaken the energy of the Spleen and
Pancreas, which are responsible for the absorption of nutrients,
as well as maintaining the blood in the vessels [4]. This weaken-
undetected in laboratory exams showing normal blood count, yet
the patient could be suffering from anemia. In relation to main-
taining blood in the vessels, one good example is when a woman
is menstruating for a whole month, which could mean Spleen and
better understand the effects of different drug concentrations on
an individual. The rule states that for all substances, small doses
stimulate, moderate doses inhibit and overdoses kill [11]. Accord-
ing to this law, highly diluted drugs improve organic processes,
while high concentrations harm health [11]. This hypothesis cu-
riously coincides with homeopathic theory. Currently, Maturana
and Varela, two Chilean researchers, have proved this and much
regarding the sizes of doses in the role of stimulating or inhibiting
the vitalities of living beings [11]."
It can be compare to a car mechanic, if the patient is sick, his
engine is out of tune, and our job is to get the engine tuned so that
the patient has his or her functions working harmoniously, with-
out having to use too many drugs. According to Hippocrates, ev-
erybody has in himself the elements to recover. It is only nature
that heals, and the doctor should limit himself to accompany na-
ture [10].
Many of our hospitalized patients suffer from Spleen-Pancre-
water or other cold drinks, and eating raw food, are a cause for
this condition [6]. And this type of diet practiced in our hospitals,
which are sanguine, phlegmatic, choleric and melancholic [9]. Ev-
ery physical body has in itself the elements to recover, as nature
itself is the only healer, and the physician simply limits himself to
accompanying and obeying nature [10]. It can be compared to a car
mechanic, if the patient is sick, his engine is out of tune, and our job
is to get the engine tuned so that the patient has his or her func-
tions working harmoniously, without having to use too many drugs.
According to Hippocrates, everybody has in himself the elements
to recover. It is only nature that heals, and the doctor should limit
himself to accompany nature [10]. From the model presented by
-
Elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine, all organs are intercon-
[4]
(Figure 6). If an organ becomes ill, as in the case of the liver, which
is directly affected by a diversity of drugs, this generates other dis-
orders through the increase of internal Heat. As a consequence, this
clinically mimics an infection such as reddening of the skin, surgical
incision or purulent discharge. If we are not aware of what exactly
is happening and treat this condition as an infection, a vicious cycle
it.
Arndt-Schulz’s Law
Citation: Huang Wei Ling. “Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?”. Acta
Scientific Microbiology 1.4 (2018) 34-43.
38
Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?
External factors
If the energy is low, it may or not form Heat. To evaluate this, a
proof can be done through an anamnesis and/or physical exami-
nation [4]. Therefore, each patient may already at the moment of
admittance to the hospital have some degree of energy imbalances,
not detected by the laboratory tests, depending on the degree and
time of the evolution of these imbalances. So each patient could
respond differently when subjected to the same type of treatment
(Table 1).
Hospitalized patients can be divided in two groups, those who
are chronically ill, having been medicated for some time and those
who seem apparently healthy, having suffered an accident and were
hospitalized, for example. In both cases there could be some degree
of energy imbalance. This will depend on the energy of the parents
when the patient was conceived and during gestation. After birth,
the external factors such as wind, cold, heat humidity and dryness
can also be factored in, together with the internal factors such as
the emotions. Additionally, eating habits, chronic use of high levels
of medication, lifestyle such as overwork, little leisure time, exces-
sive sex, etc. could be the cause of this energy imbalance.
As far as external factors are concerned, what we should ob-
serve is the environment the patient is located at, and not only his
apparent pathology. An understanding from the Traditional Chi-
nese Medicine [4] and also from the importance Hippocrates gave
to the environment and to inherited factors [9]. The external fac-
dryness, cold and wind [4].
Environment
Energy imbalance on admission
Cold and wind/Fan
With regards to the external factors such as cold and/or wind,
they can penetrate through the skin and internalize in an already
weak patient with low energy, and cause a disease, such as a sore
throat, sinusitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, etc. Therefore, a patient in
a hospital environment should avoid cold and wind, because they
can be the source of hospital infection, causing energy disturbanc-
es that penetrate the body and consequently cause heat formation,
avoided, not because it can be the source of bacteria and fungus
but because they can induce a hospital infection by the wind itself.
Cold and wind/air conditioning
The same orientation should be used regarding the air condi-
tioner, with cold and wind being the pathogenic factors [4]. They
can generate hospital infection, because by penetrating the skin,
coryza, pneumonia, intestinal constipation, body aches and more.
and not by the infectious pathogens. If used in a hospital environ-
be directed to a patient.
Normally in the hospital environment we can observe that
patients usually receive cold water to drink, at least in Brazil and
probably even in countries where the climate is much colder. The
energy of water even at room temperature is cold and when ingest-
ed, it generates internal Heat, increasing the risk of reddening the
skin, yellowing of secretion, etc. To avoid the production of internal
Heat by drinking cold water or water at room temperature, it is bet-
ter to drink warm (37 - 55°C/98.6 - 131°F) or hot (55 - 75°C/131°
- 167°F) water but not so hot as to cause sweating or to burn the
tongue [12].
researched in 100 medical records selected out of 300 at an acu-
puncture clinic in Brazil (Figure 1.1). Each combination has its dif-
ferent symptoms or pathologies. In order of frequency they are as
follows: Yin/Yang Yin/Yang
(13%); YangYin/
YangYin
(6%); Yin/Yang/Qi Yin Yin/Qi
Yin/Qi-
ciency/Heat retention (4%); Yin/Yang/Blood/Qi
Yin-
tion (3%); Yin/Yang/Blood/Qi
Yin/Qi Yin/Yang/Qi -
ciency/Heat retention (4%); Yin/Yang/Blood/Qi
Yang Yin/Yang
retention (2%).
Energy imbalances combination
cause a liquid retention in their bodies, forming phlegm, catarrh, or
mucus, increasing secretion in any wounds, they may have.
Figure 1.1
Citation: Huang Wei Ling. “Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?”. Acta
Scientific Microbiology 1.4 (2018) 34-43.
39
Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?
A diet with what is regarded as a healthy program which recom-
mends raw food [6] can be the cause of malabsorption of nutrients
[4]
-
quently internal Heat formation.
We should always be careful to cover patients with at least one
sheet, even in warm climates, so that the external pathogenic factor
does not penetrate the skin. The sheet works to block this effect.
Care must be taken to cover the upper part of the neck and thorax,
because it is in these places that the external pathogenic factor be-
gins to penetrate the body. The patient must be covered with warm
have central heating systems for the winter, to avoid the penetra-
tion of cold, which is the main cause to the beginning of the process
of energy imbalance. This imbalance can clinically mimic an infec-
tious process, generally interpreted as a hospital infection, and be
not only from the recognized side effects of these drugs, like de-
-
erating multi-resistant bacteria, worsening his energy imbalance,
decreasing his vital energy and increasing the formation of internal
heat that can also mimic an infectious process.
This situation is very common in patients who bathe with an
bathroom. It weakens patients, being an initial factor in the imbal-
ances that lead to a disease, simulating an infectious process, and
thus causing a snowball effect. With the introduction of drugs, and
often a broad spectrum of antibiotics, the energy condition may
worsen [11], forming more Heat which could simulate an infection,
as already explained above.
Cover with sheet
Bathe
-
ver and chills. This symptom may be mistakenly interpreted as an
infection, and empirical treatment with antibiotics is often initi-
ated, resulting in a drop in vital energy [11], producing more Heat
[4]. In some professional procedures, compresses of cold water or
ice are usually recommended to reduce fever, leading to the entry
works counter wise the initial purpose as it was the cold the per-
petrator of the fever provoking thus a “vicious cycle”, and further
complications to the patient.
Invasion of cold-fever
Every procedure that generates increased use of medication can
generate the reduction of vital energy [11] and consequently, the
formation of Heat which causes signs and symptoms appearing to
be infections. What in fact is happening here is that the resulting
condition is actually internal energy disharmony. For example, it is
very common to see black tea and coffee being served to patients
after their dinner in hospitals, which is at least a common practice
in Brazilian hospitals. This habit can cause an imbalance of inter-
Use of medication
nal energy, often leading to insomnia in patients who are hospital-
ized, and who then reach for benzodiazepine, clonazepam or other
kinds of medication to induce sleep. When taking this medication,
according to the Law of Arndt and Shultz [11], a high concentra-
tion of the drug will cause a drop in vital energy. And according to
Traditional Chinese Medicine, this drop in vital energy can cause
the formation of Heat [4], or produce Heat from the direct aggres-
sion to the liver caused by the use of these kinds of medication [4].
Diet
Regarding the water that is used to wash the enteral catheter af-
ter feeding the patient, it is recommended it to be boiled [12]. Not
only because of the risk of contaminants in the water, but to change
the water energy from cold to neutral. Water needs to be warmed
or boiled to a minimum of 37°C (98.6°F), and therefore in this way
it cannot cause energy imbalances when entering the human body.
Subsequently, Heat is not generated and the incidence of hospital
infection is reduced
Water/enteral catheter
Within Traditional Chinese Medicine it is recommended that
[6], and they should be given always warm.
When it comes to nebulization, in addition to normal hygiene
care, we must make sure the liquid to be inhaled is at body temper-
ature, so as not to cause thermal shock as well as cough, asthma at-
tack, fever, etc. and thus to be confused with an infectious process.
Nebulization
The signs and symptoms that show whether the patient is pos-
nosocomial infection are:
1. Constipation - does not have a bowel movement every
2. Yin
3. Cold at the extremities (Yang
4. Daytime sweating (Qi
5. Night sweating (Yin
6. Dry mouth (Heat Retention)
7. Bad breath (Heat Retention)
Citation: Huang Wei Ling. “Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?”. Acta
Scientific Microbiology 1.4 (2018) 34-43.
40
Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?
Hippocrates is traditionally considered the father of modern
-
pects of medical practice and ethics. His collected works include
various references to infectious diseases that range from general
observations on the nature of infection, hygiene, epidemiology, and
the immune response, to detailed descriptions of syndromes such
as tuberculous spondylitis, malaria, and tetanus [3].
using his ear lobe what is called bloodletting (Figure 8). Bloodlet-
ting is the blood withdrawal from a patient to cure or prevent ill-
ness and disease. Bloodletting was based on an ancient system of
humors that had to remain in proper balance to maintain health
[13].
Apex ear bloodletting
8. Gingivitis and bleeding gums (Heat Retention)
9. Dermatitis on the skin with redness, pimples, etc... (Heat
Retention)
10. Itchiness (Heat Retention)
11. Abdominal pain (Heat Retention)
12. Microscopic hematuria (Heat Retention)
Figure 8
Having a whole, broader view of the patient (Yin, Yang, Qi, Blood
energy and Heat retention), we can understand better the forma-
tion of hospital infection which is our body systemic energy reac-
tion when undergoing normal hospital treatment.
Findings
Figure 9
Discussion
numbers of HAIs, with their resultant increased morbidity, mortal-
ity, and hospital costs. Simultaneously, hospitals began implement-
ing infection surveillance and control programs; however, their
-
signed a nationwide study, the SENIC Project, to examine whether
infection surveillance and control programs could lower the rates
of HAIs. This study, performed over a 10-year period (1975 to
1985), examined HAI rates in a sampling of U.S. hospitals before
and after the implementation of infection control programs. The
SENIC study demonstrated that four components were essential
to an effective infection prevention and control program. These
included (i) surveillance with feedback of infection control rates
to hospital staff, (ii) enforcement of preventative practices, (iii)
a supervising IP to collect and analyze surveillance data, and (iv)
the involvement of a physician or microbiologist with specialized
training in infection prevention and control. Programs with these
elements reduced rates of the four most common HAIs by 32% [1].
Infectious diseases are prominent throughout the Hippocratic
works; however, the Hippocratic approach, based on the general
-
tions of clinical cases are vague and could be attributed to a wide
variety of pathogens. Further confusion to the modern reader may
emerge from the use in these works in terms such as cholera, lep-
rosy, and typhus in a different manner: in fact, one of the typhus
types described by Hippocrates represents the typical natural his-
tory of rheumatoid arthritis (43rd vignette of Internal affections).
However, one cannot deny certain important aspects of the infec-
tious diseases and immune responses recognized, such as the char-
acterization of fever and swelling as part of the immune response,
the seasonal emergence of various types of infection (hence the
detailed description of climate evolution in the Epidemics books),
the immune compromise related to excess alcohol intake, the re-
lationship of certain diarrheal diseases to consumption of inad-
equately cooked meat and seafood, and foremost, the systematic
approach to the progression of various clinical syndromes [3].
an ancient and outdated notion nowadays, but many of the clinical
descriptions presented in the Corpus Hippocraticum (Hippocratic
Collection) are still the archetypes of the natural history of certain
infectious diseases and their collective interplay with the environ-
ment, climate, and society [3].
-
tor in him or her. We need to help this natural healing force within
each one of us and acknowledge it to be the greatest force in get-
ting well [8]. Let food be your medicine and medicine be your food
[8].
Hippocrates developed a naturalistic approach to medicine, in-
clinical observation to Western medicine [3].
Citation: Huang Wei Ling. “Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?”. Acta
Scientific Microbiology 1.4 (2018) 34-43.
41
Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?
Yin and Yang are a generalization of some related matter and
phenomena, with opposite properties in nature. Two opposite as-
pects existing within one thing [4]. Cold or hot weather, upper or
lower in locations, left or right, interior or exterior and motions or
stillness. Two opposite forces of the nature which wane and wax
alternately. All things contain Yin and Yang and Yin/Yang serves as
the law of nature [4].
Why do modern day researchers keep going back to Hip-
aspects of infectious diseases, and it would seem reasonable that
alter our current perceptions. Yet, we keep returning: an ancient
bug that has contributed to the shaping of history receives a certain
respect; the disease is not something new but something that has
been around for ages and should demand our attention [3].
TCM seeks not only the causative factors of disease in nature,
but also the intrinsic factors for the occurrence of disease in order
to explain the pathologic changes of disease. Disease can be identi-
should be taken to prevent the occurrence of disease, and early di-
agnosis and treatment should be carried out once disease occurs
[4].
Conclusion
The theory of Yin/Yang and Five Elements has evolved into an
important component part of TCM theory, and has exerted deep
-
tem of TCM [4].
thoughts in the formation of its theoretical system, and a simple
materialistic and dialectical thought goes through the whole theo-
retical system of TCM [4].
TCM stresses that body cannot be separated from the spirit.
“Body” here refers to the human beings physical body, while “spirit”
has many meanings, referring to (1) the functional manifestations
of the changes and motions of the things in the world and their in-
trinsic laws; (2) the general outward manifestations of life activi-
ties, and (3) the mental activities of the human body. In accordance
with TCM, the body is the basis to produce the spirit, while the
spirit can regulate and control the activities of the body [4].
TCM developed its unique theoretical system through a long
clinical practice period. Compared with Western medicine, it has
two basic features, the concept of holism and the Syndrome identi-
[4].
TCM places emphasis on the holism when analyzing pathologi-
-
ease, and the relations between the local disease and the systemat-
ic one. In other words, it stresses both the directly related organs or
-
ians on the others. In the treatment of diseases, TCM also stresses
that a proper therapeutic principle should be based on the concept
of holism [4].
The so-called “treating different disease with the same method”
indicates that different diseases may be treated with the same
method as a result of the same pathogenesis occurrence in a dis-
disease itself. This is what is called treating the same Syndrome
with the same method and treating difference Syndrome with dif-
ferent methods [4].
The material world is a unity resulting from the unity and op-
posite of Yin and Yang. Anything in the universe can be divided into
the opposite Yin and Yang, cold or hot weather and the day and
night [4].
Warm and excited the human body belongs to Yang; heaven and
is relative rather than absolute.
Yin and Yang may each be transformed in different conditions.
Yin can transform into Yang and vice versa. There is still Yin and
Yang within a Yin thing or a Yang thing. Day belongs to Yang and
night to Yin, but comparatively, morning belongs to Yang within the
Yang and afternoon belongs to Yin within the Yang, and compared
to Yang within the Yin Yin within the
Yin [4].
Yin and Yang are the unity of the opposite. If this dynamic bal-
ance is disturbed, disaster in nature or disease in human body will
follow. “Excess of Yin will lead to disorder of Yang while Excess of
Yang will cause disorder of Yin”. The opposite and restriction be-
tween Yin and Yang serve as an important factor preventing Excess
of either of Yin and Yang and maintaining their balance [4].
The weather changes gradually from cold to warm and further
to hot from the winter to the spring and from the spring to the
summer, which is a process in which the Yin declines and Yang
grows; while it changes gradually from hot to cool and further to
cold from the summer to the autumn and from the autumn to the
winter, which is a process in which Yang declines and Yin grows [4].
TCM holds that the human body is in an organic unity [4].
If the coordination between Yin and Yang are disturbed due to
-
ciency of Yin or Yang [4].
TCM puts a high value on the prevention of disease. Theories on
health preservation and prevention of disease are both based on
the Yin/Yang theory [4].
In this study, we have attempted to explain why regardless the
implanted infection control measures the patients still continue to
contract nosocomial infections.
In order to control a hospital infection, understanding how the
human body works in its deepest sense at the energy levels is very
important.
Citation: Huang Wei Ling. “Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?”. Acta
Scientific Microbiology 1.4 (2018) 34-43.
42
Volume 1 Issue 4 April 2018
© All rights are reserved by Huang Wei Ling.
Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?
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Citation: Huang Wei Ling. “Why do Patients Still Catch Hospital Infections Despite the Practice of Infection Prevention and Control Programs?”. Acta
Scientific Microbiology 1.4 (2018) 34-43.
43
