Forum: trauma and infection: considerations for patient and health care professional

Trauma and infection are leading causes of morbidity, mortality and health care expenditures despite remarkable advances in treatment over the past two decades. Numerous research studies report that in those trauma patients who survive the initial injury, infections account for over one-third of the deaths. While the immediate resuscitation of trauma patients is based on the principles of management for restoring airway, breathing, and circulation, long-term survival requires prevention of infection. Additionally, infection of the health care professional has long been known as a possible complication of caring for acutely ill and injured patients. This article reviews the risk of infection, the pathogenesis of infection, prevention, antimicrobial therapy and infection control for health care professionals.