Nosocomial Infections

Excerpt

Nosocomial infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs, which will be further used throughout), are acquired during healthcare delivery and are not present at the time of admission. They may develop in hospitals, long-term care facilities, ambulatory settings, or post-discharge and include occupational infections affecting healthcare personnel. HAIs result from the transmission of pathogens to a susceptible host. Risk factors include invasive procedures, surgeries, indwelling medical devices, and prosthetic implants. The etiology depends on the source of the infection and the type of pathogen, which may be bacterial, viral, or fungal.

HAIs are the most common adverse events in healthcare, posing a threat to patient safety. They significantly contribute to morbidity, mortality, and financial strain on patients, their families, and healthcare systems. The rise of multidrug-resistant organisms further complicates management. HAIs affect approximately 3.2% of patients hospitalized in the United States and 6.5% in the European Union/European Economic Area; global prevalence is likely much higher, but remains uncertain due to limited surveillance. Ongoing efforts by infection prevention and control programs aim to develop surveillance and implement effective control methods.