Healthcare-associated Infections Overview

The presence of bacteria on a body surface (like on the skin, mouth, intestines or airway) without causing disease in the person.

The continued presence of a microorganism (bacteria, virus, or parasite) in the body that does not cause symptoms, but is able to be transmitted and infect other persons.

Presence of multiplying bacteria that overwhelms the host's defenses, leading to clinical symptoms.

The path by which an infectious agent leaves the reservoir.

The most common means of transmission. Involves direct person-to-person contact.

Transmission through contact with a contaminated intermediate object.

Transmission through droplets from an infected person's respiratory system.

Transmission through airborne particles that remain suspended in the air for longer periods.

Infections acquired during healthcare delivery in any setting, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home care.

An infection that develops more than 48 hours after admission to a healthcare facility, without evidence of infection at the time of admission.

A significant problem in healthcare, affecting 1 in 10 patients in developed countries. It is caused by errors and adverse events during healthcare delivery.

HAIs increase hospital costs by delaying patient discharge, blocking beds, increasing treatment costs, and requiring more investigations.

A major type of HAI, commonly encountered in the hospital setting.

A major type of HAI, occurring in hospitalized patients.

A major type of HAI, frequently occurring after surgeries.

A major type of HAI, associated with central venous catheters.

A microorganism capable of causing disease. Examples include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.

Bacteria that are resistant to certain antibiotics, specifically beta-lactams.

Bacteria that produce enzymes called extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). ESBLs break down certain antibiotics like penicillins and cephalosporins, making them ineffective for treatment.

Bacteria that produce additional enzymes causing resistance to carbapenems. This makes treatment very difficult due to limited options.

Bacteria that cause infections in patients with weakened immune systems and have limited treatment options.

An organism that can cause infections in the bloodstream, lungs, or other parts of the body after surgery, particularly challenging to treat when resistant to carbapenems.

Factors contributing to healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) involving both living and non-living elements in a healthcare setting.

The animate environment in a healthcare setting, which includes healthcare workers, patients, visitors, and families.

Staphylococcus bacteria can spread from patient to patient by contaminated hands.

Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) can colonize the patient's skin and be transmitted by staff hands.

Fecal-oral transmission of infections occurs via hands in both the community and hospital settings.

Inanimate objects that can passively carry infection from one site or host to another.

Diseases that can spread through sexual contact. Examples include syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HIV, and HBV.

Several agents are transmitted by direct or indirect contact with infected blood.

Transmission of infections from mother to child, primarily during childbirth or pregnancy.

Procedures that increase the risk of acquiring HAIs. Examples include surgeries, insertion of foreign bodies, and indwelling catheters.

Microorganisms that are part of the patient's own body flora, causing infection within the patient.

A place where an infectious agent can survive and potentially multiply.

Interruption of the transmission of an infectious agent, the most effective way to prevent healthcare-associated infections (HAIs).

Pathogens that cause HAIs. Gram-negative bacteria are a primary concern.

The longer an invasive device remains in place, the higher the risk of infection. This is because the device bypasses the body's natural defenses, providing a pathway for infectious agents.

Factors that make individuals more susceptible to infection. Examples include immunosuppression, antacid treatment, certain medications and frequent blood transfusions.

Poor hand hygiene, inadequate equipment decontamination, and lack of proper staff practices can contribute to the spread of infections.