Nosocomial (hospital-acquired) infections are infections that appear 48 hours after hospital admission or within a specific period after discharge. Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and surgical site infections are the most common types.
Multidrug resistance is a significant problem in treating these infections. Initiating appropriate empirical therapy and adjusting treatment based on culture results are vitally important. Infection control measures and antibiotic stewardship programs are fundamental elements of this fight.
Infection control practices such as hand hygiene, isolation precautions, catheter care, and environmental cleaning are the most effective methods in preventing nosocomial infections.
Key Points
Multidrug resistance is a significant treatment challenge
Treatment is adjusted based on culture results
Infection control measures are vitally important
Hand hygiene is the most effective prevention method