Nosocomial Infections: Do Not Forget the Parasites!

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.