Nosocomial Infections & Control

Nosocomial infections, or hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), are infections patients acquire during medical treatment, typically after 48 hours of admission. Common types include urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, and gastrointestinal infections like C. difficile. Risk factors include invasive devices, surgical procedures, immunocompromised states, and prolonged hospitalization. Effective control measures include strict hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), proper sterilization and disinfection, antibiotic stewardship, patient isolation, and environmental cleaning. Surveillance and patient education are key to preventing the spread of these infections, which can lead to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates.