Nosocomial Infections (Healthcare-Associated Infections)

Definition

• Nosocomial Infections: Also known as Healthcare-Associated Infections.
• These are infections acquired while receiving treatment in any healthcare facility (includes hospitals, clinics, in-home care, etc.).

Importance

• Impact: 2 million cases annually in the US, leading to over 20,000 deaths.
• Ranking: 8th leading cause of death.

Reasons for Concern

1. Microbes in Healthcare Environments

   • Often resistant due to exposure to disinfectants (quats, UV light, bleach).
   • Surviving microbes are highly resilient.

2. Compromised Hosts

   • Individuals receiving care are often vulnerable:
     • Immunocompromised (young and old).
     • Surgical patients.
     • Those with devices like catheters, IVs, respiratory apparatus.
     • Burn victims, pregnant women, cancer patients on chemotherapy.

3. Chain of Transmission

   • High potential for microbes to be spread by:
     • Healthcare providers.
     • Visitors (family, friends).
     • Volunteers, food service, clergy, etc.

Common and Dangerous Infections

• Common Causes:

  • Catheters:
    • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) from urinary catheters.
    • Bacteremia from intravenous catheters.
  • Surgical Site Infections:
    • High risk due to surgical incisions.
  • Gastrointestinal Infections:
    • C. diff and other GI infections are increasing.

• Most Deadly:

  • Lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, have the highest mortality rate.

Conclusion

• Importance of infection control and proper clinical training to prevent these infections.
• Awareness and prevention are key roles for healthcare professionals.