Emerging and re-emerging infectious agents of nosocomial diseases – The need for review of hospital policy and control strategies

Abstract

Nosocomial infections (NIs, now referred to as Healthcare-associated infections, HCAIs) are diseases that essentially originate from the hospital and may be disseminated via biologic or inanimate agents in the healthcare center. They occur globally and constitute major hazards in healthcare institutions resulting in significant morbidity, mortality and increased hospital stay, and high socio-economic cost. Between 3 and 21 percent (average range, 5 -9%) of all hospitalized patients are affected by HCAIs each year in various communities worldwide; while critically ill, trauma or immunocompromised patients (e.g. those requiring multiple life -saving invasive procedures or immunosuppressive therapy) are hardest hit. The increasing involvement of multiple drug-resistant strains of a large spectrum of emerging and re-emerging infectious agents of NIs complicate morbidity, management and impose serious burden on the patients and relations. Hospital workers, patients, materials or equipments and hospital procedures constitute major factors of transmission mechanism of HCAIs. However, the incidence and socioeconomic impact of NIs (though estimated to be high) are rarely investigated in sub-Saharan Africa (including Nigeria) due to poor healthcare facility and low capacity. There is need for increased awareness on HCAIs and adoption of enduring hospital policy and effective control measures that will take cognizance of emerging trends of nosocomial agents and transmission mechanism to reduce morbidity, mortality and socio-economic impact associated with HCAIs.

Molecular Epidemiology of Extended Spectrum Beta-lactamases Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella Species in Catheterized Patients

“…Urinary tract infections (UTI) represent one of the most common (34%) types of nosocomial infections closely following pneumonia [6] and indwelling urethral catheterization has been found as a predominant risk factor in the majority (about 80%) of UTI among hospitalized patients and people in long term care facilities (LTCF) whereas, others may be due to genitourinary procedures [7][8][9] also, catheter-associated UTI (CAUTI) is the most common cause of bacteremia in LTCF [10].…”

Prevalence of Enterobacteria Species in Different Hospital Wards of a Tertiary Health Facility in Imo State, Nigeria

“…This indicated that the prevalence of nosocomial infection is two to three folds higher in developing countries [11]. Nosocomial infection prevalence rate of 45.8 % have been recorded in Nigeria, with an incidence density of 26.7 infections per 1000 patients [12]. Azeez-Akande [12], also reported an infection rate of 21.1-35.6 % in patients admitted to the intensive care unit.…”

“…Nosocomial infection prevalence rate of 45.8 % have been recorded in Nigeria, with an incidence density of 26.7 infections per 1000 patients [12]. Azeez-Akande [12], also reported an infection rate of 21.1-35.6 % in patients admitted to the intensive care unit. Studies have indicated disparities in the distribution rate of nosocomial infection among hospital wards [13].…”

Prevalence and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Urinary Tract Infection Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at Maternity Clinic in Dambam, Bauchi State

“…The sample size for the study was determined from a standard epidemiology formula for minimum sample size calculation (15) . The sample size is given by the formula below.…”