Hospital-acquired infection

A Hospital-acquired infection, also known as a nosocomial infection, is an infection that a patient contracts while receiving care in a hospital or other healthcare facility. These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other microorganisms.

Contaminated surfaces increase cross-transmission

Types

• The most common types of hospital-acquired infections include:
• Pneumonia: Particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia, which affects people who are on breathing machines.
• Surgical site infections: These infections occur after surgery in the part of the body where the surgery took place.
• Gastrointestinal infections: Including Clostridium difficile.
• Urinary tract infections: Especially those associated with catheter use.
• Bloodstream infections: Often associated with a central line or catheter placed in a large vein.

Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing a hospital-acquired infection, such as being in the hospital for an extended period of time, having a weakened immune system, undergoing invasive procedures, or being in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Prevention

Preventive measures include rigorous hand hygiene, sterilization of medical equipment, use of personal protective equipment, appropriate use of antibiotics, vaccination of healthcare workers and patients where appropriate, and isolation of patients with contagious diseases.

Treatment

Treatment will depend on the type of infection and may involve antibiotics, antiviral, or antifungal medications.

See Also

• Infection control
• Antibiotics
• Hand hygiene

References

• "Healthcare-associated Infections". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• "Hospital-acquired infections". Mayo Clinic.
• "Hospital-acquired infections". World Health Organization.

External Links

Hospital-acquired infection - MedlinePlus Healthcare-associated Infections - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Hospital-acquired infection Resources
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