Annual Report 2024
Department of Infectious Diseases
Osamu Kobayashi, Mika Shiotsuka, Kaoru Kuroda, Haruna Togaru
Introduction
The Department of Infectious Diseases supports clinical practice in relation to infectious diseases in National Cancer Center Hospital in cooperation with the Office of Infection Control and Prevention. We also conduct research activities for infectious diseases and vaccines in cooperation with other departments inside/outside the hospital. Our department consists of infectious disease specialists and office clerks.
The Team and What We Do
- Advise on infection control and prevention, especially focusing on healthcare-associated infections, problematic pathogens including multidrug-resistant bacteria, and occupational infections.
- Consult with physicians on appropriate diagnosis of and treatment for infectious diseases.
- Implement antimicrobial stewardship strategy based on the local data from our hospital and the current clinical evidence.
- Make weekly rounds in the wards to monitor the environmental maintenance and the compliance with the Infection Prevention and Control Manual.
- Conduct surveillance for healthcare-associated infections and drug-resistant bacteria.
- Provide education to the staff on standard practices regarding infection control and prevention with up-to-date evidence.
- Check the immunization status of the hospital staff and vaccinate those with insufficient protective immunity.
- Advise on building and refurbishment projects from the perspective of infection control.
- Hold conferences or mutual site visits with other regional hospitals to promote improvement in one another's infection control and prevention practices.
Research Activities
From April 2024 to March 2025, we reported on the clinical significance of vaccination in patients with cancer at various academic conferences and symposia. Additionally, we co-authored English-language papers reporting on the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine for cancer patients compiled within our hospital, as well as case reports concerning parasitic diseases requiring differential diagnosis from cancer, based on our hospital's experience.
Education
We accepted two medical students for four-week placements, provided practical education of infectious disease treatment and infection control at a cancer hospital.
We also provided education to trainees and visitors to the nursing, pharmacy and clinical laboratory departments as required.
We gave a lecture to doctors on the usefulness of vaccination in the systematic implementation of cancer treatment.
Future Prospects
Our final goal is to establish an ideal and feasible model of an infection control system for cancer centers around the world and to develop human resources for management of infectious diseases, infection control and appropriate use of antimicrobial agents.
