12 - health care associated infections Flashcards
What is an healthcare-associated infection?
an infection that was not present on admission to a health care institution and develops during the course of treatment for other conditions whilst in the health care institution
What is an exogenous HAI?
A healthcare associated infection that is acquired from another patient or the environment
What is an endogenous HAI?
A healthcare associated infection that is acquired from another site on the patient
What are the six most common types of HAI in England?
- pneumonia and other respiratory tract infections
- urinary tract infections
- surgical site infections
- clinical sepsis
- GI infections
- bacteraemia
Give three organisms that commonly cause HCAI?
E. Coli, staphylococcus aureus and C. Difficile
What are some sources of HCAIs?
- the environment (air, endoscopes, ventilators, bedpans ect)
- other humans such as other patients, staff and visitors (exogenous)
- other sites on the patient (endogenous)
Define sterilisation
The killing or removal of all viable microorganisms including viruses and spores
Define disinfection
The process of removing or killing most, but not all, microorganisms
Give some methods of sterilisation
- heat - glassware
- autoclaves (pressure cooking) - equipment and dressings
- irradiation - needles and gloves
- filtration - fluid
- chemicals (e.g. glutaraldehyde for endoscopes)
Give some methods of disinfection
Chemical, boiling and low pressure steam
What are some methods of interrupting transmission of airborne infections?
- check air conditioning (legionella)
- use of ultra clean air in the operating theatre
- isolation of susceptible or infected patients
What are some methods of interrupting transmission of contact-spread disease?
- handwashing and alcohol based hand gels
- use of aseptic techniques
Give some examples of patients that are particularly susceptible to HCAIs
- very young and elderly
- those without vaccination or previous exposure
- those with immune defects (e.g. HIV, cancer, diabetes etc)
- immunosuppressive drugs (e.g. transplant patients)
- trauma (burns, surgery, IV access etc)
- lung, skin or urinary tract diseases
What are some methods used to enhance a patient’s ability to resist infection?
- boost of immunity (active or passive)
- prophylactic antibiotics
- care of invasive devices
- minimise hospital time
What is sepsis?
A life-threatening condition caused by the body’s immune response to an infection in the bloodstream, leading to low blood pressure and organ dysfunction or failure.
