Hospital-acquired infections - Abstract

Health-acquired infection (HAI) is defined as a localized or systemic condition resulting from an adverse reaction to the presence of infectious agents or its toxins. This article focuses on HAIs that are well studied, common, and costly (direct, indirect, and intangible). The HAIs reviewed are catheter-related bloodstream infection, ventilator-associated pneumonia, surgical site infection, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection. This article excludes discussion of Clostridium difficile infections and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus.

Written by:
Lobdell KW, Stamou S, Sanchez JA. Are you the author?
Sanger Heart and Vascular Institute, Carolinas HealthCare System, PO Box 32861, Charlotte, NC 28232, USA.

Reference: Surg Clin North Am. 2012 Feb;92(1):65-77
doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2011.11.003

PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22269261