Hospital-acquired infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), are infections that a patient contracts while receiving healthcare services, which were not present upon admission but developed later. These infections can occur during hospitalization, in outpatient clinics, long-term care facilities, or even after discharge.
HAIs are one of the most serious problems in modern medicine. Invasive procedures, surgical operations, the use of medical devices such as catheters, immunosuppressed patients, and intensive care conditions facilitate the development of these infections. The causative agents are generally bacteria, viruses, or fungi, and they are often antibiotic-resistant. This complicates treatment processes, prolongs hospital stays, increases mortality rates, and creates a significant economic burden on the healthcare system.
Studies show that approximately 3 to 7 out of every 100 hospitalized patients develop an HAI. These rates are known to be higher in developing countries. The most common causative agents are as follows:
Bacteria: These are the most common agents. Pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus species, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Escherichia coli are frequently observed. Many of these bacteria have multi-drug resistance. Especially MRSA, VRE, ESBL, and carbapenem-resistant bacteria pose a high risk.
Fungi: Especially common in immunosuppressed patients. Candida species are the most common fungi. Candida auris requires special attention due to its treatment resistance.
Viruses: Less common in HAIs, but blood-borne viruses such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV can be transmitted, especially through needle-stick injuries and non-sterile procedures.
Appropriate infection control measures, disinfection protocols, hand hygiene practices, and surface cleaning can significantly reduce HAI risks. At this point, advanced disinfection devices are of great importance.
Sterilisa Pro, with its Pulsed Light Technology, instantly neutralizes bacteria, viruses, and fungi on surfaces, providing a significant advantage in healthcare environments where the risk of HAI is high.
Using Sterilisa Pro on surfaces contacted during examinations, tests, patient visits, or companionship can eliminate potential pathogens.
Disinfecting contact surfaces such as clothes, medical instruments, and shoe soles with Sterilisa Pro can reduce the risk of cross-contamination.
After returning home from the hospital, there is a risk of carrying infectious agents via items such as bags, phones, clothes, and shoes. Quickly and safely disinfecting these surfaces with Sterilisa Pro helps protect household members.
Hygiene is not limited to washing your hands. Every surface you touch can affect you and your loved ones. Protection is in your hands.
Source: Sikora, A., & Zahra, F. (2023, April 27). Nosocomial Infections. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK559312/
