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[Emergence of new-risk factors associated with nosocominal infection]
1Department of Biomedical Technology, School of Health Sciences, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan.
Abstract:
During the last several decades, we have experienced the emerging and reemerging of infectious pathogens and diseases. The outbreaks of infection due to these pathogens sometimes occur via the sources and/or routes which have not been recognized during previous studies on epidemiology and pathogenesis of the diseases. There are many factors contributing to the increase in infectious diseases. Namely, medical progress often results in an increasing number of immunocompromised patients. Common, usually avirulent, commensal and environmental organisms become pathogens to these patients. The evolution of organisms acquiring resistance to antimicrobial agents, disinfectants, and environmental stimuli also relates to the high incidence of nosocominal (hospital-acquired) infections as well as to the clinical situation of the patients. Because of these tendencies, as risks of nosocominal infections, are characteristic especially in major health care centers such as large teaching hospitals, most health care workers are obliged to participate actively in control and preventive efforts in addition to their traditional roles. In this review I discuss the recent characteristics of nosocominal pathogens and the environments surrounding the hospitalized patients to design effective strategies for and to facilitate the infection control activities.
Insights
Emerging infectious diseases are increasing due to factors like immunocompromised patients and antimicrobial resistance. This review examines recent nosocomial pathogens and patient environments to improve infection control strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Context:
- Rising incidence of emerging and reemerging infectious diseases.
- Increased population of immunocompromised patients due to medical advancements.
- Evolution of antimicrobial resistance in pathogens, contributing to hospital-acquired infections.
Purpose:
- To review recent characteristics of nosocomial pathogens.
- To analyze the environments surrounding hospitalized patients.
- To inform effective infection control strategies.
Summary:
- Infectious disease outbreaks are increasingly linked to novel sources and routes.
- Commensal and environmental organisms pose risks to immunocompromised individuals.
- Antimicrobial resistance exacerbates the challenge of hospital-acquired infections.
Impact:
- Facilitates the design of targeted infection control activities.
- Enhances understanding of pathogen evolution and resistance mechanisms.
- Supports healthcare workers in preventive efforts against nosocomial infections.