The Interventions to Prevent and Reduce Healthcare-Associated Infection
A special issue of Antibiotics (ISSN 2079-6382). This special issue belongs to the section "Antibiotic Therapy in Infectious Diseases".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 November 2025 | Viewed by 38
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are infections that patients acquire while receiving treatment for other conditions within a healthcare setting. They represent a major challenge for patient safety worldwide, leading to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and higher mortality rates. Common types of HAIs include bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, Clostridioides difficile infection, and pneumonia, particularly ventilator-associated pneumonia. These infections are often caused by multidrug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterococcus species, Candida spp, and resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Clostridioides difficile poses a particular challenge because spores can persist in the environment for a long time. Several factors contribute to the development of HAIs, including using invasive devices such as catheters and ventilators, surgical procedures, antibiotic use, compromised immune systems, and inadequate adherence to infection prevention protocols. The burden of HAIs is especially high in low- and middle-income countries, where resources for infection control may be limited. Many HAIs are preventable through strict implementation of standard precautions, such as hand hygiene, proper sterilization of medical equipment, environmental cleaning, and the judicious use of antibiotics to prevent resistance. Healthcare workers play a crucial role in preventing HAIs by following best practices and engaging in continuous education and training. In addition, hospitals must foster a culture of safety, as well as invest in infection control and antibiotic stewardship programs. Surveillance systems are essential to monitor infection rates, identify outbreaks early, and guide interventions. Reducing HAIs not only improves patient outcomes but also strengthens trust in healthcare systems and reduces the financial burden on both hospitals and patients. Overall, tackling HAIs requires a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach and a continuous focus on implementing best practices.
Prof. Dr. Nasia Safdar
Guest Editor
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- infection
- resistance
- methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- vancomycin resistant enterococcus
- Clostridioides difficile infection
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