Hospital acquired infections/ Nosocomial infections Dr Paul T Francis, MD Prof. Com Med College of Medicine, Zawia

Hospital acquired infection/Nosocomial infection Hospital acquired infection is cross infection of one patient by another or by doctors, nurses and other hospital staff while in hospital The prevalence of hospital acquired infection is about 7-12% all over the world

Common sites of Nosocomial infection Urinary tract – is the most common site Surgical site infections Pneumonia Bacteraemia Skin infection Gastroenteritis

Common organisms causing infections Bacteria S aureus, E coli, Proteus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, S marcescens Virus Hepatitis B and C Fungi Candida

Hospital acquired infections Source Routes of spread Recipients

Sources Patients – Patients suffering form infectious diseases are potential sources of infection Viral infections – measles, viral hepatitis Skin infections – discharging wounds, infected skin lesions Respiratory infections – sore throat, pulmonary tuberculosis Urinary tract infections -

Source Staff Environment Doctors, nurses and other ward staff They may be carriers of Staphylococcus aureus Environment Hospital dust Bed linen, furniture, door handle Hospital equipment – ECG machine, Scanning machine etc.

Routes of spread Direct contact Droplet infection Airborne Release of hospital dust into air Through hospital procedures like catheterization, intravenous procedures etc.

Recipients All patients are potential recipients of cross infection Those who are severely ill and under corticosteroid therapy are more at risk Patients in intensive care units are more at risk.

Preventive measures Isolation Hospital staff Hand washing Infectious patients must be isolated Hospital staff Those who suffer from skin diseases, sore throat, diarrhea should not work in the hospital till they are cured Hand washing The most common route of infection is through hands. So hands must be washed before touching a patient or doing any procedure

Preventive measure Dust control Disinfection Use of vacuum cleaners for cleaning will prevent dust Disinfection Articles used by patients must be disinfected Control of droplet infection Use of face masks, proper bed spacing, good ventilation Administrative measures There should be a hospital infection control committee to monitor the infection and infection control

Summary Hospital acquired infection is a serious risk for any patient visiting a hospital It leads to more morbidity and mortality It is also an important reason for increased cost of treatment Care must be taken to prevent hospital acquired infections