Infectious Diseases: Control and Prevention

Nosocomial Infections & Control

These infections are acquired due to development of favourable conditions in hospital environment, infected by a patient during a hospital visit or one developing among hospital staff. The types of microorganisms cause nosocomial infections contribute about 99,000 deaths each year according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Recent survey by hospitals reports, Gram-negative infections are estimated to account for two-thirds of the 25,000 deaths each year. Urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream, and other parts of the body are comes under these category. Most of the infections are difficult to attack with antibiotics, and Gram-negative bacteria resistant to antibiotic can infect people outside the hospital. The prevention and control of nosocomial infections sets new goals for the epidemiologists and infection control practitioners beyond the basics.