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Hospital-Acquired Infections

Infections acquired in the healthcare setting and precautions that protect patients.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Hospital-Acquired Infections?

Hospital-acquired infections (healthcare-associated infections, HAIs) are infections that are not in the incubation period at the time of hospital admission and develop 48 hours or more after admission. The most common are catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), surgical site infection (SSI), catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Multidrug-resistant organisms such as MRSA, VRE, ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae, and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter are common in the hospital environment and complicate treatment. These agents are associated with prolonged hospital stays and high mortality.

Infection control is achieved through hand hygiene, isolation precautions, removal of invasive devices as soon as possible, and meticulous application of surgical site antisepsis protocols.

Symptoms

Fever developing 48-72 hours after hospitalization
Redness, pus, and pain at the catheter site
New-onset cough and sputum (ventilator-associated pneumonia)
Warmth, swelling, and discharge at the surgical wound site
Cloudy urine and fever in a patient with urinary catheter
Unexplained drop in blood pressure and altered consciousness (sepsis)
Prolonged hospitalization and resistance to standard treatment

Risk Factors

Long-term hospitalization
Treatment in intensive care unit
Invasive devices (catheter, ventilator, central venous catheter)
Immune system suppression
Advanced age and chronic illness
Long-term antibiotic use
Major surgical procedures

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Inform the team when fever develops during hospitalization
  • When signs of infection are seen at the catheter or wound site
  • In case of suspected surgical wound infection after discharge
  • When response to standard antibiotic cannot be obtained
  • In patients hospitalized in an environment with reported MDR bacteria contact

Treatment Methods

01
Targeted antibiotic guided by culture
02
Removal of invasive devices as soon as possible
03
Wound debridement and drainage (in surgical site infection)
04
Isolation precautions (contact, droplet, airway)
05
Hand hygiene education and supervision (all healthcare workers)
06
Prevention of unnecessary use with antibiotic stewardship programs

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

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Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.