Nosocomial infections in healthcare settings: risk factors, transmission pathways and preventive protocols

Abstract

The problem of nosocomial infections is still a high healthcare burden that needs to be strictly addressed. These infections arise in hospitals, and they deal with susceptible hospitalized patients. A number of these cases are related to postoperative wounds, urinary tract systems and respiratory pathways. The susceptibility among immunocompromised patients is increased because they have poor defense mechanisms. Pathogenic entry is enhanced by invasive procedures, which aggravates exposure to risk of severe complications. Infected equipment introduces microorganisms into the tissues or blood. Environmental surfaces contribute to the survival of tenacious microbes that withstand normal clinic practices. Medical practitioners can inadvertently introduce pathogens to another patient. Lack of hand hygiene highly increases the spread of infections in clinical units. Wards with too many patients restrict proper distancing and infection compliance. Misuse of antibiotics encourages resistance by organisms which complicate the choice of an effective treatment. Long hospitalization increases the exposure period to various microbial risks. Weak sterilization allows pathogenic growth in medical equipment to reuse. The ventilation systems are not properly filtrated, and airborne pathogens are dispersed. The surveillance systems used in detection of outbreaks at the early stages enhance the effectiveness in containing the outbreaks. Cross contamination within the departments is minimized by strict hand hygiene measures. PPE can be used to provide essential security in high-risk processes. The routines of disinfection keep safer contact points between the equipment. Training of the staff enhances compliance with the guidelines of preventing infections in a consistent manner. Educating the patients promotes personal hygiene collaboration during the hospitalization periods. Isolation aids in limiting transmission in cases of known infectious persons. Multidrug resistant organism emergence is minimized in antibiotic stewardship programs. Clinical audit measures the adherence to protocol when it comes to continuous improvement objectives. Technology, training and environmental control measures are combined in comprehensive strategies. Good prevention saves patient outcomes and healthcare resources at the same time.