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Types of Healthcare-associated Infections

Modern healthcare employs many types of invasive devices and procedures to treat patients and to help them recover. Infections can be associated with the devices used in medical procedures, such as catheters or ventilators. These healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) include central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Infections may also occur at surgery sites, known as surgical site infections. Additionally, Clostridium difficile can cause gastrointestinal infection; patients can be exposed to this bacterium through contaminated surfaces or the spores can be transferred on unclean hands of others. Central line-associated bloodstream infections, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, and ventilator-associated pneumonia account for roughly two-thirds of all HAIs. CDC works to monitor and prevent these infections because they are an important threat to patient safety.

Topics

organismCentral line catheter

Resources for Patient, Provider and State Health Departments, FAQ's about Catheters, Monitoring…

CatheterCatheter-associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)

Guidelines, Resources for Patient, Provider and State Health Departments, Monitoring…

surgical toolsSurgical Site Infection (SSI)

What You Should Know Before Having Surgery, Resources for Patient, Provider and State Health Departments, Monitoring…

VentilatorVentilator-associated Pneumonia (VAP)

Resources for Patient, Provider and State Health Departments, FAQ's, Monitoring…

C. diff organism Clostridium difficile Infection (C. diff, CDI, C. difficile, CDAD)

Resources for Patient, Provider and State Health Departments, Testing for C.diff Infection, Monitoring…

Guidelines and Recommendations

Guideline cover

Top CDC Recommendations to Prevent HAIs, Prevention guidelines, HHS Action Plan to Prevent HAIs …
 

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