Nosocomial (Hospital acquired) Infection Flashcards
What is a nosocomial infection?
An infection acquired during the process of receiving health care that was not present at the time of admission
What is the most popular nosocomial infection?
Respiratory tract infections- 47-65%
What are the sources of nosocomial infection?
*exogenous colonisation- cross contamination from other people/objects. Direct contact, droplet or aerosol spread
*endogenous spread- bacteria from patients own flora- in nasopharynx, GI tract, urinary tract
What are some predisposing factors for a nosocomial infection?
*already underlying health status
-advanced age
-malnutrition
-diabetes
*acute disease process
-surgery
-trauma
-burn
*invasive procedures
-intubation
-surgical drains
-urinalysis catheters
*treatment
-recent antimicrobial therapy
-immunosuppressive treatments
-blood transfusions
What can mechanical ventilation cause?
Nosocomial pneumonia
What can urinary catheters cause?
Urinary tract infection
What can central lines cause?
Bloodstream infection
What microbes are most common in nosocomial infection?
*Staphylococcus aureus
*Clostridium difficile
*E. coli
What are some preventative strategies for infection control?
*basic hygiene
*single room for patient
*good surgical technique
*care with catheter insertion and maintenance
What is MRSA?
Meticillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus
What is the treatment of MRSA?
*Vancomycin IV
*Teicoplanin IV
*Linezolid IV & oral -synthetic drug
When is MRSA prophylaxis required?
*history of MRSA colonisation
*risk that patient MRSA carriage has recurred
*patient comes from area of high prevalence
What treatment is used for MRSA decolonisation?
*Mupirocin nasal ointment- nasal eradication
*chlorhexidine- skin disinfectant
*tea tree oil
Where does Clostridium difficile occur normally in the body?
Intestine
What drugs can cause the overgrowth of C. diff?
*clindamycin
*penicillins
*fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin- floxacins)
