Healthcare-Associated Infections: Epidemiology, Diagnostics, and Management in Internal Medicine

Abstract

Background: Nosocomial infections, particularly those occurring after 72
hours of patient admission, present a serious challenge in hospitals. These
gram-negative bacteria, including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella
pneumoniae, and Shigella, can lead to various infections such as urinary
tract infections and nosocomial pneumonia. Nosocomial pneumonia,
which encompasses Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP) and Ventilator-
Associated Pneumonia (VAP), is associated with high mortality rates and
can spread through contact transmission. The primary causes of these
infections include prolonged hospitalization, severity of illness, and
excessive use of antibiotics, which can enhance bacterial resistance. To
prevent the spread of nosocomial infections, stringent hygiene practices
and proper aseptic procedures are essential, along with prudent antibiotic
management based on laboratory results. These preventive measures are
crucial for improving the quality of healthcare services in hospitals and
reducing the risk of nosocomial infections