Upgrade to remove ads
Only $35.99/year

Hospital-Associated Infections

Terms in this set (13)

HAI
Healthcare-associated infection
nosocomial
(disease) originating in a hospital.
biofilm
Microbes living together and sharing antibiotic resistance. They are an ecosystem that allows all of them to have access to more nutrients and more protection.
Cells involved are eager to share plasmids with each other!
Famous diseases that involve biofilms
dental plaque or gingivitis; endocarditis; ear infections

It's more common and typical than we currently appreciate.
What are the three main ingredients necessary for an HAI?
1. Microorganisms in the hospital
2. Immunocompromised host
3. Overworked staff and facility
Examples of microorganisms in hospitals
*may be an ordinary skin or colon inhabitant (such as Staph, E.coli, Enterobacter, or Klebsiella) that is able to cause disease opportunistically (for example, on a catheter leading to a UTI)
*may be a superbug or organism that only thrives when normal competition has been eliminated. Think of these like a purebred dog - very good at its specialty but hindered from full health due to specialization.
Examples of immunocompromised hosts
*the very young and the very old have weaker immune systems
*those being treated with chemotherapy, radiation, etc.
*pregnancy causes immunosuppression to prevent rejection of the fetus but therefore may also make the woman more susceptible to disease during this time
*those being treated (or recently treated) with antibiotics - removes normal flora and allows opportunistic yeasts and endospore-forming bacteria to thrive (Candida or C.diff are examples)
*someone that is already ill with one disease
*open wounds or burns
Common entry points for HAIs
catheters (silver alloy may help thwart bacteria)
central line (in right subclavian vein)
ventilators
surgical sites

Biofilms are capable of forming on catheters and other indwelling medical devices
Common types of infections from HAIs
UTIs
blood infection
pneumonia
Most effective way for healthcare workers to prevent spreading HAIs
Hand-washing, using friction and drying hands thoroughly with paper towels. If you are pressed for time, friction and drying are more important than the full 20 seconds (that is Susanna's opinion based on reading).

Moist hands spread disease! Do NOT touch anything when your hands are still damp!

Glove changing helps, but is not as effective as hand-washing!

Alcohol helps, but is not effective as hand-washing. Also, hand-washing does not destroy endospores.

Susanna's opinion again - using friction if you only have time for the alcohol, then still use paper towels for a thorough wipe dry.
Purpose of autoclaving
The high steam heat is more effective at destroying C.diff endospores and microbial biofilms than just washing or even short boiling.
Chain of Infection
factors that lead to the transmission or spread of disease
What are the "links" in the chain of infection?
Sets found in the same folder