Hospital-Acquired Infections Team Assignment

Hospital Acquired Infectionsteam Assignmentziomaranicolletejennife

Hospital acquired infections. Team Assignment (Ziomara, Nicollete, Jennifer, Edward, Elena) 4/14/2019 MRSA Inappropriate prescription of antibiotics Antibiotic Resistance Ability to form biofilms on biomaterials in hospitals For over fifty years the usage of antibiotics has significantly reduced morbidity and morality from infections diseases; however, antibiotics has also become one of the most commonly prescribed medication today. Due to the common usage of antibiotics, some bacteria(s) was able to develop resistance towards these medications, rendering the medications less effective. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is one of the many bacteria(s) that have developed a resistance to antibiotics.

This also cost pharmaceuticals a lot of money to continuously develop new antibiotics. Resistance towards antibiotics can be reduced if physicians can properly prescribe antibiotics, such as only prescribing it to patients that need it rather than simply prescribe it to a patient that can go without it but will prescribe it anyways just to speed up the recovery process. MRSA also has the ability to form biofilms on biomaterials in hospitals (Fukunaga, 2016).

Hospital acquired infections, also known as nosocomial infections, are infections contracted within healthcare settings such as hospitals, nursing homes, or rehabilitation centers. They can spread through various means, including contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment, air droplets, or infected staff and patients. These infections pose serious health risks and often require rigorous prevention, control measures, and multidisciplinary cooperation to minimize their occurrence.

Key populations involved in infection transmission include patients, visitors, and healthcare staff such as nurses, physicians, and ancillary personnel. Healthcare departments like infection prevention units (with oversight and surveillance), nursing departments, laboratory services, purchasing, engineering, environmental services, and education play critical roles in infection control. Evidence-based practices from organizations like the CDC, APIC, SHEA, and WHO guide policies and procedures. Regulatory bodies such as CMS, TJC, and NHSN monitor compliance and quality standards, directly influencing infection control protocol enforcement.

Paper For Above instruction

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), particularly Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), represent a significant challenge within healthcare environments. These infections are not only associated with increased morbidity and mortality but also impose substantial financial burdens on healthcare systems worldwide. Addressing HAIs requires a comprehensive understanding of their transmission, prevention, and control mechanisms, as well as effective antimicrobial stewardship.

Understanding MRSA and Antibiotic Resistance

MRSA, a strain of Staphylococcus aureus resistant to methicillin and other beta-lactam antibiotics, exemplifies the broader problem of antibiotic resistance. Since the widespread adoption of antibiotics in the mid-20th century, these medications have drastically reduced infectious disease-related deaths. However, overprescription and inappropriate use have led to numerous bacteria developing resistance. MRSA emerged as a significant hospital pathogen due to its ability to withstand standard antibiotics, complicating treatment protocols (Fukunaga, 2016).

Biofilm formation is another critical factor in MRSA's persistence in hospital environments. Biofilms contribute to antibiotic resistance and equipment colonization, notably on biomaterials such as catheters, prostheses, and implants. These biofilms act as protective barriers, rendering bacteria less susceptible to antimicrobials and host immune responses, thereby facilitating chronic infections (Fakunaga, 2016).

Transmission Dynamics and Risk Factors

HAIs, including MRSA, are primarily transmitted through direct contact with infected tissues, contaminated surfaces, or healthcare workers’ hands. Transmission via airborne droplets is also recognized, especially concerning respiratory illnesses. Patients are particularly vulnerable due to compromised immune states, invasive procedures, and the use of devices like ventilators, urinary catheters, or surgical implants. Visitors and staff can inadvertently serve as vectors, emphasizing the need for strict infection control protocols.

Multiple factors influence the risk of infection, including patient age, underlying health conditions, prior antibiotic exposure, and hospital staffing or environmental conditions. The misuse or overuse of antibiotics remains a major driver behind resistant strains like MRSA. Inadequate hand hygiene and improper sterilization practices further exacerbate pathogen spread (Cornejo-Juarez et al., 2015).

Strategies for Prevention and Control

Prevention efforts hinge on a multifaceted approach that integrates evidence-based practices, regulatory compliance, and a robust infection prevention culture. Guidelines from organizations such as the CDC, APIC, SHEA, and WHO serve as foundational frameworks guiding hospital policies.

Effective hand hygiene remains the cornerstone of infection control, supported by adherence to proper glove use and disinfection procedures. Surveillance programs monitor infection rates, identify outbreaks early, and inform targeted interventions. Regular staff training, competency assessments, and ongoing education ensure that healthcare workers remain vigilant and knowledgeable about current best practices.

Environmental controls, such as routine cleaning with approved disinfectants and maintenance of indoor air quality, are essential in reducing environmental reservoirs of MRSA. Additionally, hospital procurement policies should prioritize the use of sterile, approved PPE and disinfectants to prevent cross-contamination.

Antimicrobial stewardship programs aim to optimize antibiotic use, ensuring appropriate prescribing based on clinical indications and susceptibility patterns. These programs are vital in reducing unnecessary antibiotic exposure, thereby minimizing selection pressure that fosters resistance development.

Regulatory agencies like CMS, TJC, and NHSN enforce compliance standards that promote patient safety and infection control. Hospitals participating in surveillance networks contribute valuable data that shape national and regional policies, facilitating the evaluation of intervention effectiveness and resource allocation.

Management of MRSA-Infected Patients

Patients diagnosed with MRSA infections require comprehensive management strategies, including contact precautions, dedicated equipment, and isolation when necessary. Treatment regimens often involve alternative antibiotics such as vancomycin or newer agents like linezolid, tailored based on susceptibility testing.

Monitoring includes frequent clinical assessments, replenishing IV therapy to maintain hydration, and infusing appropriate antibiotics. Post-discharge, patients are advised to follow up to monitor for recurrence and prevent further dissemination of the bacteria.

Hospital infection control programs also focus on education initiatives targeting staff and patients about transmission risks and prevention measures. These efforts aim to foster a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Conclusion

Preventing and controlling hospital-acquired infections, particularly MRSA, demands an integrated approach involving rigorous infection control practices, antimicrobial stewardship, staff education, and adherence to regulatory standards. As antibiotic resistance continues to grow, healthcare facilities must prioritize innovation and compliance to safeguard patient health, reduce transmission, and preserve the efficacy of existing antimicrobials. Future efforts should explore novel antimicrobial agents, biofilm disruption strategies, and technological innovations to further mitigate the impact of HAIs in hospital settings (Cornejo-Juarez et al., 2015; Fukunaga, 2016; WHO, 2018).

References

• Cornejo-Juárez, P., Vilar-Compte, D., Pérez-Jiménez, C., Namendys-Silva, S. A., Sandoval-Hernández, S., & Volkow-Fernández, P. (2015). The impact of hospital-acquired infections with multidrug-resistant bacteria in an oncology intensive care unit. International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 31, 31-34.
• Fukunaga, B. T. (2016). Hospital-Acquired Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia Related to Medicare Antibiotic Prescriptions: A State-Level Analysis. Retrieved from STOCKS, Week 3 Team Assignment.
• World Health Organization. (2018). Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance. WHO Press.
• Levy, S. B., & Marshall, B. (2017). Antibacterial resistance worldwide: Causes, challenges, and responses. Nature Medicine, 23(12), 1497–1502.
• Klevens, R. M., et al. (2007). Invasive methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in the United States. JAMA, 298(15), 1763–1771.
• CDC. (2019). Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2019. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
• David, M. Z., & Daum, R. S. (2010). Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Epidemiology and clinical consequences of an emerging epidemic. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 23(3), 616–687.
• Otter, J. A., et al. (2013). Transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in healthcare settings. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 34(12), 1133–1144.
• Huang, S. S., et al. (2013). A comprehensive infection prevention and control program decreases methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection rates at hospital-wide levels. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 34(3), 250–258.
• Kallen, A. J., et al. (2010). Hospital-associated bloodstream infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, 31(2), 134–143.