Hospital acquired infections

Question 1

What is the most common nosocomial infection?

Answer 1

Catheter-associated UTI

Question 2

What is the SECOND most common nosocomial infection?

Answer 2

Surgical site infections (SSI)

Question 3

What is the most costly nosocomial infection?

Answer 3

Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)

A central line (also known as a central venous catheter) is a catheter (tube) that doctors often place in a large vein in the neck, chest, or groin to give medication or fluids or to collect blood for medical tests.

Question 4

What is the most deadly nosocomial infection? (Hint: 2 types)

Answer 4

Ventilator-associated pneumonia and Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI)

Question 5

Name some of the important HAI pathogens

Answer 5

S. aureus, Enterobacteria (E. coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter), P. aeruginosa, Clostridium difficile (CDAD)

Question 5

What is Clostridium difficile (ie. anae/aerobic, gram positive/negative, transmitted via) and what does it cause in HAI?

Answer 5

Clostridium difficile is a anaerobic, gram positive bacteria transmitted through spores. It causes diarrhoea (Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhoea, CDAD).

Question 6

What is the condition for Aspergillus (fungus) species to manifest for HAI?

Answer 6

Immunocompromised

Question 7

When do normal flora become pathogens?

Answer 7

1. Barriers breached (catheters, IV, venous lines)
2. Immunosuppressed/compromised
3. In ICU
4. Cancer treatment

Question 8

List some nosocomial virus infections

Answer 8

Influenza, VZV, Norovirus, CMV

Question 9

List the type of precautions to prevent transmission of infection and what are the main features of each.

Answer 9

1. Contact: Hand hygiene (HH)
2. Droplet: HH, isolation, surgical mask
3. Airborne: HH, negative pressure isolation, N95 mask