Study Shows Rise in Hospital-Acquired Infections and Antibiotic Resistance

“Study Shows Sharp Increase in Hospital-Acquired Infections and Antibiotic Resistance”

A recent study conducted by the National Institutes of Health has revealed a significant rise in both hospital-acquired infections and resistance to antibiotics used to treat them. The data, collected from 120 U.S. hospitals over a five-year period from January 2018 to December 2022, paints a concerning picture of the challenges facing healthcare facilities.

Dr. Nasia Safdar, a professor of infectious medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, shed light on why infection rates have surged and offered advice on how patients and visitors can protect themselves in hospital settings.

Health care-associated infections, as explained by Dr. Safdar, are those that occur due to exposure within the healthcare system. Patients who are already ill and vulnerable are at risk of acquiring bacteria that can lead to infections while hospitalized or shortly after discharge.

The spread of infections in hospitals is exacerbated by factors like heavy antibiotic use, surgeries, procedures, and medical devices such as catheters, which create opportunities for bacteria to thrive. This poses a serious threat to patients with compromised immune systems.

Antibiotic resistance, a growing concern in healthcare settings, occurs when bacteria evolve to withstand the effects of antibiotics. This necessitates the use of more broad-spectrum antibiotics, which can have increased side effects and harm beneficial gut bacteria.

To combat the spread of infections, healthcare facilities must prioritize infection prevention measures such as hand hygiene, proper use of personal protective equipment, and judicious antibiotic use. The study highlighted a concerning reversal in the progress made prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a significant increase in antibiotic-resistant infections following the pandemic’s onset.

One particular pathogen of concern is Candida auris, a fungus that has shown rapid spread in healthcare environments, leading to severe bloodstream infections in vulnerable patients. The sharp increase in Candida auris infections during the pandemic underscores the urgent need for effective infection control practices.

Dr. Safdar emphasized the role of the gut microbiome in preventing infections, noting that maintaining a healthy balance of gut bacteria is crucial for warding off harmful pathogens. Patients and their families can also play a role in infection prevention by practicing good hand hygiene, asking about infection rates in healthcare facilities, and inquiring about the necessity and duration of antibiotic treatments.

The study’s findings serve as a reminder of the importance of vigilant infection control practices in healthcare settings to combat the rise of hospital-acquired infections and antibiotic resistance. By following recommended protocols and staying informed, patients can protect themselves and reduce the risk of acquiring harmful infections during their hospital stay.