Abstract
Healthcare associated infections (HAIs) represent one of the primary challenges to healthcare systems worldwide and are associated with a high incidence of mortality, morbidity, long hospital stays and elevated healthcare costs. Hospital environments are potent sources of pathogenic microorganisms which spread through contaminated environmental surfaces, devices, airborne vectors and direct contact with health care professionals. Aseptic techniques including hand hygiene, sterilization, and the correct use of personal protective equipment are not implemented sufficiently by healthcare workers. Health care professionals themselves are central to the transmission of the microorganisms which may even lead to increased cases of infections from multidrug-resistant organisms such as MRSA and resistant Gram-negative bacteria. This narrative review will cover the principal microbial reservoirs of contamination found in hospitals, the extent to which healthcare professionals comply with aseptic techniques and spread of microbes within a hospital setting as well as the ever-increasing threat of antibiotic resistance. Effective infection prevention and control measures such as the disinfection of hospitals, encouraging hand hygiene, antimicrobic control and continuous worker education will be highlighted as strategies which may reduce the rate of healthcare associated infections.
Keywords
Hospital-acquired infections; microbial contamination; aseptic technique; healthcare workers; infection control; antimicrobial resistance; nosocomial infections; hand hygiene
Publication Date: 2026-06-13