Hospital-acquired infections

Hospital-acquired infections
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Synonyms	Nosocomial infections, Healthcare-associated infections (HAI)
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Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), also known as nosocomial infections, are infections that patients acquire during their stay in a hospital or other healthcare facility, which were neither present nor incubating at the time of their admission. These infections can occur in various parts of the body and are caused by a wide range of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. HAIs pose significant challenges due to their impact on patient morbidity, mortality, and the costs associated with their management.

Causes

Hospital-acquired infections are primarily caused by the transmission of pathogens in hospital settings. Common routes of transmission include:

• Contamination of medical equipment or surfaces
• Transmission from healthcare workers to patients
• Invasive procedures such as surgery or the use of catheters
• The hospital environment, where pathogens may be more prevalent

Types

Some of the most common types of HAIs include:

• Catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI)
• Surgical site infection (SSI)
• Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI)
• Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)
• Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI)

Prevention

Prevention of HAIs involves a combination of hospital policy, strict adherence to infection control protocols, and the use of antiseptic and disinfectant techniques. Key preventive measures include:

• Hand hygiene practices among healthcare workers
• Sterilization of medical equipment and devices
• Use of protective barriers such as gloves and gowns
• Isolation of patients with contagious infections

Treatment

Treatment of HAIs depends on the type of infection and the pathogens involved. Common approaches include:

• Administration of antibiotics, tailored to the specific pathogens
• Removal or replacement of infected catheters or other invasive devices
• Surgical intervention in cases of deep or resistant infections

Impact

The impact of hospital-acquired infections is profound, affecting millions of patients worldwide each year. They lead to increased healthcare costs due to longer hospital stays, additional treatments, and isolation requirements. Moreover, HAIs can result in increased morbidity and mortality rates among patients.

See also

• Infection control
• Epidemiology of infections
• Patient safety