Nozokomálne

Nozokomálne, often referred to as hospital-acquired infections or healthcare-associated infections, are infections that patients acquire during the course of receiving medical treatment for other conditions. These infections are not present or incubating at the time of admission to a healthcare facility. They can occur in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. The most common types of nozokomálne infections include urinary tract infections, pneumonia, surgical site infections, and bloodstream infections.

The spread of nozokomálne infections is primarily due to the presence of pathogens in the healthcare environment and the vulnerability of patients, who may have weakened immune systems or undergo invasive procedures. Factors contributing to their occurrence include the close proximity of patients, the use of medical devices like catheters and ventilators, and insufficient infection control practices. Bacteria are the most frequent culprits, but viruses and fungi can also cause these infections.

Preventing nozokomálne infections is a critical aspect of patient safety. Key strategies involve rigorous hand hygiene by healthcare professionals, proper sterilization and disinfection of medical equipment, environmental cleaning, and the judicious use of antibiotics to combat antimicrobial resistance. Implementing and adhering to strict infection control protocols is essential in minimizing the incidence and impact of these infections on patient outcomes and healthcare costs.