NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS

Nosocomial Infections

Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of “Nosocomial Infections” in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on “Nosocomial Infections” and its relation with “United State of America Hospitals”. The research also analyzes many aspects of “Nosocomial Infections” and tries to gauge its effect on “US Hospitals”. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for “Nosocomial Infections” and tries to describe the overall effect of “Nosocomial Infections” on “US Hospitals”

Nosocomial Infections in United State of America

Introduction

A Major Problem

Infectious diseases in humans are caused by infection with pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses. Nosocomial infections are infections that you can find in hospitals and nursing homes. They affect an estimated 10% of all hospitalized patients, causing urinary tract infections, wound infections, pneumonia or blood infections. These organisms cause significant morbidity and mortality and represent a significant economic burden for payers and society. According to an estimate by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nosocomial infections in the U.S. cause costs of about $ 4.5 billion per year (O'Leary, 2010). In severe cases, such as blood infections and pneumonia, the financial burden is significantly higher.

Patients with a weakened immune system (including the elderly and children) are particularly vulnerable. Nosocomial infections are caused by direct contact with the hospital staff, and transfer from patient to patient, inadequately sterilized instruments, invasive interventions, or even work through the hospital meals and drinks. Most nosocomial infections are caused by bacteria, especially by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococci spp. These infections are usually treated with a combination of several antibiotics. The increasing resistance of bacteria to one or more of the commonly used antibiotics is a critical problem. The consequences of nosocomial infection can be at best a prolonged hospital stay and in many cases, the infection can be life threatening. In particular, blood infections and pneumonia caused by respiratory equipment are often fatal, killing up to 50% of severely ill patients in it. The exact incidence of nosocomial infections is unknown, it is estimated, however, that occur each year in the United States over 2 million in Europe and around 1.2 million such infections (ibid). (Yamazhan 2009)

Discussion

Current and Future Treatment of Nosocomial Infections

The main approach of the current medical treatment of nosocomial infections is antibiotic therapy, which is generally in the form of a combination of up to three active ingredients applied. On the seven major markets - USA, Japan, Germany, France, Italy, Great Britain and Spain - the antibiotic sales to hospitals and clinics are on, estimated 4 billion, representing approximately 30% of the total antibiotic market. Although antibiotics have been used successfully in the past decades, they have significant disadvantages such as side effects, slow onset of action and lack of penetration in relevant areas. A major problem also arises by the formation of virulent, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. With up to 60% of infectious diseases, the microorganisms ...