Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), often associated with hospitals are bacterial, fungal, and viral infections that patients acquire during or immediately after receiving healthcare. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at any given day, 1 in 31 hospital patients show at least one HAI. In severe cases, these infections can be deadly. However, they can be prevented by taking precautionary measures and adhering to infection prevention standards.

Here are the most common HAIs:

1. Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) 

A central line is a catheter (tube) placed into a large vein in the neck, arm, or groin. It allows healthcare providers to administer medications, fluids and nutrition directly to patients. Since central lines can stay in place for weeks or even months, they carry an increased risk of serious infection. This type of infection is known as a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI).

Common symptoms of CLABSI include fever, redness and soreness near the site of the central line.

2. Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI) 

A urinary catheter is a tube inserted into the bladder to drain urine, often used for patients who are bed-bound or undergoing a procedure. These catheters can increase the risk of infection if pathogens enter the urinary tract through the device. This leads to an HAI known as catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), which can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra. According to the CDC, urinary catheters are responsible for about 75% of healthcare-associated urinary tract infections.

Common symptoms of CAUTI include fever, a burning sensation during urination, pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen, and frequent urges to urinate.

3. Surgical Site Infections (SSI) 

A surgical site infection (SSI) is an infection that develops in the area of the body where a surgical procedure was performed. This can include the skin, underlying tissues, organs or any implanted devices such as artificial joints or pacemakers. SSIs may occur when pathogens enter the surgical wound during or after the procedure.

Common symptoms of an SSI include pain, redness, and swelling at the site of surgery, fever, and accumulation of fluid or pus at the wound.

4. Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP)

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a type of HAI that develops when pathogens enter the lungs of patients who have been on ventilator support for more than 48 hours. VAP is especially common among pediatric and neonatal patients who require this form of respiratory support.

Common symptoms of VAP include fever, respiratory problems, and purulent tracheal discharge. 

5. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of HAI caused by a strain of bacteria that has become highly resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. MRSA is most frequently found in healthcare environments and can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, lungs, heart and bloodstream. Infections caused by MRSA include skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI), pneumonia, bone and joint infections (osteomyelitis), bacteremia (bacteria present in the blood), and endocarditis (inflammation of the heart lining).

Common symptoms of MRSA infections include fever, rash or redness at the infection site, cough, accumulation of fluid around the affected area, chest pain, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, and fatigue.

6. Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a spore-forming, toxin-producing bacteria that is often associated with patients who have had recent exposure to healthcare or antibiotic use. It is one of the most common HAIs in the United States and can be spread directly from person to person through contaminated surfaces or environment. 

Common symptoms of C. diff infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, loss of appetite, fatigue, dehydration, and, in severe cases, bloody stool or complications such as toxic megacolon.

Conclusion

Despite their differences, all of these common HAIs share a key element in their prevention: the critical role of hand hygiene. Consistently practicing proper hand hygiene is essential for minimizing the transmission of infections within healthcare environments. In our next blog, we will explore why maintaining effective hand hygiene is so important and how it serves as a cornerstone in preventing the spread of HAIs.

The Ecolab® hand hygiene program provides a comprehensive solution designed to help you monitor and comply with hand hygiene processes, leading to measurable improvements in clinical, operational, and financial metrics. This compliance monitoring system enables precise tracking of hand hygiene by individual healthcare workers, promoting accountability and providing actionable insights for continuous improvement. Have questions? Connect with us anytime!