What is the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections?

The most common cause of hospital-acquired infections is related to catheters and invasive devices. These medical interventions, while essential for many treatments, provide a direct pathway for bacteria and other pathogens to enter the body. For example, urinary catheters can introduce microorganisms into the urinary tract, leading to catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Similarly, intravascular devices can lead to bloodstream infections, and surgical incisions can become infected if not properly managed.

The risk associated with these devices is heightened by factors such as prolonged use and improper maintenance, underscoring the importance of aseptic techniques and diligent monitoring to reduce the chances of infection. Awareness of this risk also emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to be skilled in infection prevention practices related to the use of invasive devices.

While contaminated food, visitors with colds, and poor hand hygiene among staff can contribute to infections, their overall impact is often less significant compared to the direct risk presented by the use of catheters and other invasive devices in a hospital setting.