THE SPREAD OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTION IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS AND THE ROLE OF THE INFECTIOUS DEPARTMENT IN CONTROLLING IT IN TERTIARY CARE HOSPITALS

Mohamed Salman*, Amruz Ali, Shayestha Jabeen, Shaik Wahajuddin, Sara Begum, Anjum Ali and Nimrah Fatima

ABSTRACT

Illnesses that contract while seeking treatment at a healthcare facility or from a healthcare worker are known as healthcare-acquired illnesses (HAIs). In the 48 hours after being admitted to the hospital, symptoms typically start to appear. Viral, fungal, and bacterial infections are among common nosocomial illnesses. Other common hospital-acquired diseases are pneumonia, meningitis, and gastroenteritis. Exogenous transmission results from interpersonal contact and environmental pollution, whereas endogenous transmission is caused by the inappropriate or excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. In the intensive care unit (ICU), patients use ventilators, central venous catheters, and Foley catheters. High-risk groups include the elderly and people with compromised immune systems. Multiple comorbidities and frequent hospital visitsare additional concerns. If the person become ill if these infections enter into bloodstream, lungs, skin, urinary tract, or digestive tract. These infections can, in the worst situations, be fatal. For eg: When bacteria from Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) enter into circulation via a catheter or medical tube put into vein, they can result in a bloodstream infection. In hospitals across the United States, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) make up 35% of all healthcare-associated illnesses. HCAIs pose a serious risk to patients, staff, and visitors. Infection management and prevention should therefore be given top importance.

Keywords: Healthcare-acquired illnesses, Sepsis, Antimicrobial resistance, Antiseptics and Disinfectants.