Abstract

NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS AND STRATEGIES FOR CONTROL

*V. Sri Venkateswara Rao and V. Sri Ramya Tripura Sundari

ABSTRACT

Nosocomial infections (NI) are hospital acquired/hospital associated infections occurring in patients under medical care. NI’s are one of the major complications for the healthcare professionals to tackle. These infections occur Worldwide both in developed (7%) and developing (10%) countries. As these infections occur during hospital stay and they cause prolonged stay, disability and economic burden to the patient. Frequently prevalent infections include central line associated bloodstream infections, catheter associated urinary tract infections, surgical site infection and ventilator associated pneumonia. NI pathogens include bacteria, viruses and fungal parasites. Maximum number of NI’s Staphylococcus aureus include VRSA, MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa etc. It is a major source of morbidity, mortality and monetary burden on patients. Certain strategies are needed to be followed by the hospital authority to reduce the incidence of NI’s such as better surveillance system and infection control, proper use of antibiotics, hand hygiene and many more. The treatment options for NI’s vary depending upon the site of infection and severity which include combination antibiotic therapy.

Keywords: Nosocomial infections, Morbidity, Mortality, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Surveillance.