Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) and nosocomial infections are a global health issue and a major source of morbidity and mortality. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs), difficult-to-treat resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and carbapenem-resistant bacilli are among the drug-resistance pathogens. The bacterial infections have limited antibiotic therapy; therefore, preventive measures such as antibiotic stewardship and infection control are recommended. Nosocomial infections include intravascular catheter-related infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), Clostridioides difficile infections (CDIs), and surgical site infections. Risk factors for developing such infections include hospitalization, residence in a long-term healthcare facility, frequent use of antibiotics, and underlying comorbidities.
Last updated: 10 Mar, 2022
Contents
A
central venous catheter
Central Venous Catheter
Central venous catheters are IV lines placed into the large central veins for monitoring of central venous pressure (CVP), prolonged drug administration, or administration of parenteral nutrition. The most common sites of insertion are the internal jugular and subclavian veins.
Central Venous Catheter (e.g., a
dialysis
Dialysis
Renal replacement therapy refers to dialysis and/or kidney transplantation. Dialysis is a procedure by which toxins and excess water are removed from the circulation. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are the two types of dialysis, and their primary difference is the location of the filtration process (external to the body in hemodialysis versus inside the body for PD).
Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis catheter) is a potential source of infection:
A: non-tunneled catheter
B: tunneled (underneath the
skin
Skin
The skin, also referred to as the integumentary system, is the largest organ of the body. The skin is primarily composed of the epidermis (outer layer) and dermis (deep layer). The epidermis is primarily composed of keratinocytes that undergo rapid turnover, while the dermis contains dense layers of connective tissue.
Skin: Structure and Functions)
dialysis
Dialysis
Renal replacement therapy refers to dialysis and/or kidney transplantation. Dialysis is a procedure by which toxins and excess water are removed from the circulation. Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis (PD) are the two types of dialysis, and their primary difference is the location of the filtration process (external to the body in hemodialysis versus inside the body for PD).
Peritoneal Dialysis and Hemodialysis catheter
Ventilator-associated
pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia or pulmonary inflammation is an acute or chronic inflammation of lung tissue. Causes include infection with bacteria, viruses, or fungi. In more rare cases, pneumonia can also be caused through toxic triggers through inhalation of toxic substances, immunological processes, or in the course of radiotherapy.
Pneumonia:
a:
chest X-ray
Chest X-ray
X-ray visualization of the chest and organs of the thoracic cavity. It is not restricted to visualization of the lungs.
Pulmonary Function Tests showing right-sided
pneumonia
Pneumonia
Pneumonia or pulmonary inflammation is an acute or chronic inflammation of lung tissue. Causes include infection with bacteria, viruses, or fungi. In more rare cases, pneumonia can also be caused through toxic triggers through inhalation of toxic substances, immunological processes, or in the course of radiotherapy.
Pneumonia
b: CT scan showing a developing lung
abscess
Abscess
Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection.
Chronic Granulomatous Disease in an individual on mechanical
ventilation
Ventilation
The total volume of gas inspired or expired per unit of time, usually measured in liters per minute.
Ventilation: Mechanics of Breathing
The image shows how Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) spreads throughout the environment, favoring healthcare settings such as hospital and rehabilitation facilities
Image: “How C. difficile spreads” by CDC. License: Public DomainPseudomembranous colitis Pseudomembranous colitis Pseudomembranous colitis is a bacterial disease of the colon caused by Clostridium difficile. Pseudomembranous colitis is characterized by mucosal inflammation and is acquired due to antimicrobial use and the consequent disruption of the normal colonic microbiota. C. difficile infections account for the most commonly diagnosed hospital-acquired diarrheal illnesses. Pseudomembranous Colitis: colonoscopy Colonoscopy Endoscopic examination, therapy or surgery of the luminal surface of the colon. Colorectal Cancer Screening demonstrating a colonic wall covered by thick pseudomembranes Pseudomembranes Raised yellow or off-white plaques up to 2 cm in diameter that form as a result of mucosal ulceration Pseudomembranous Colitis
Image: “ Colonoscopy Colonoscopy Endoscopic examination, therapy or surgery of the luminal surface of the colon. Colorectal Cancer Screening on the fifth postoperative day” by Department of Surgery, Jichi Medical University Saitama Medical Center. License: CC BY 2.0