Healthcare-associated infections in the intensive care unit

The advances made in healthcare in recent years have been remarkable. However, the full benefits of progress have been hampered by the increasing frequency of healthcare-associated infection (HCAI). This is particularly true of the invasive processes involved in providing critically ill patients with intensive care. The rise in multidrug-resistant pathogens has mirrored the increase in incidence of HCAIs. This increasing threat to patient safety is associated with significant morbidity and mortality along with substantial cost implications in the intensive care unit. Although it is unrealistic to believe that HCAIs can be eradicated, it is certainly true that, with due attention to the processes of intensive care, many cases could be prevented.