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Nosocomial Infections: Do Not Forget the Parasites!
Ursula Fürnkranz1, Julia Walochnik1
1Institute for Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Kinderspitalgasse 15, 1090 Vienna, Austria.
Abstract:
Nosocomial infections (NIs) pose an increasing threat to public health. The majority of NIs are bacterial, fungal, and viral infections; however, parasites also play a considerable role in NIs, particularly in our increasingly complex healthcare environment with a growing proportion of immunocompromised patients. Moreover, parasitic infections acquired via blood transfusion or organ transplantation are more likely to have severe or fatal disease outcomes compared with the normal route of infection. Many of these infections are preventable and most are treatable, but as the awareness for parasitic NIs is low, diagnosis and treatment are often delayed, resulting not only in higher health care costs but, importantly, also in prolonged courses of disease for the patients. For this article, we searched online databases and printed literature to give an overview of the causative agents of parasitic NIs, including the possible routes of infection and the diseases caused. Our review covers a broad spectrum of cases, ranging from widely known parasitic NIs, like blood transfusion malaria or water-borne cryptosporidiosis, to less well-known NIs, such as the transmission of Strongyloides stercoralis by solid organ transplantation or nosocomial myiasis. In addition, emerging NIs, such as babesiosis by blood transfusion or person-to-person transmitted scabies, are described.
Insights
Parasitic nosocomial infections (NIs) are a significant public health threat, especially in immunocompromised patients. Increased awareness and timely diagnosis are crucial for effective treatment and prevention of these often severe infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
- Public Health
Background:
- Nosocomial infections (NIs) represent a growing public health concern, with parasites contributing significantly, particularly in complex healthcare settings.
- Immunocompromised patients are at higher risk, and infections acquired through blood transfusion or organ transplantation can lead to severe or fatal outcomes.
- Low awareness of parasitic NIs often results in delayed diagnosis and treatment, increasing healthcare costs and patient morbidity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of parasitic agents responsible for nosocomial infections.
- To detail the routes of transmission and associated diseases caused by parasitic NIs.
- To highlight both well-known and emerging parasitic NIs in healthcare settings.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of online databases and printed literature.
- Review and synthesis of existing research on parasitic nosocomial infections.
- Categorization of parasitic NIs by causative agent, transmission route, and clinical presentation.
Main Results:
- Identified a wide range of parasitic NIs, including blood transfusion-transmitted malaria and water-borne cryptosporidiosis.
- Highlighted less common NIs such as *Strongyloides stercoralis* transmission via organ transplantation and nosocomial myiasis.
- Described emerging parasitic NIs like transfusion-associated babesiosis and person-to-person transmitted scabies.
Conclusions:
- Parasitic NIs are a diverse and significant threat within healthcare environments.
- Early detection, increased awareness, and targeted interventions are essential for managing parasitic NIs.
- Further research and surveillance are needed to address emerging parasitic NIs and improve patient outcomes.
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