Nosocomial infections, also known as hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), are infections that patients develop during the course of receiving healthcare treatment for other conditions. These infections often involve drug-resistant organisms and present significant risks to patient safety and healthcare outcomes. Epidemiology refers to the study of the patterns, causes, and effects of these infections, while control focuses on strategies for prevention and containment.
Nosocomial infections represent a major burden on healthcare systems worldwide, contributing to increased morbidity, mortality, extended hospital stays, and rising medical costs. Common pathogens include MRSA, VRE, ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, Acinetobacter baumannii, and Clostridioides difficile. These infections often result from invasive procedures, contaminated environments, inadequate infection control practices, or improper antibiotic use.
This session will explore the epidemiological trends, surveillance systems, transmission dynamics, and evidence-based strategies to prevent and control nosocomial infections in both resource-rich and resource-limited settings.
Topics covered will include:
- Global and regional epidemiology of healthcare-associated infections
- Risk factors for HAIs in ICUs, surgical wards, and long-term care
- Surveillance systems and reporting standards (e.g., CDC NHSN, WHO IPC)
- Infection prevention bundles and hospital hygiene protocols
- Role of hand hygiene, PPE, and environmental disinfection
- Implementation of antimicrobial stewardship in hospital settings
- Emerging challenges: device-associated infections, MDR organisms
- Innovative technologies for infection control (e.g., UV disinfection, AI tools)
This session will engage infection control experts, epidemiologists, hospital administrators, microbiologists, and healthcare policymakers committed to enhancing hospital safety and combating healthcare-associated infections.