Vol. 10, Issue 11, Part E (2024)

Abstract
As invasive procedures and devices are common in ICUs, patients there are more susceptible to healthcare-acquired infections (HAI) because of their advanced age, comorbidity, induced immunosuppression, and weakness. It is reasonable to draw the conclusion that nosocomial infections raise the risk of death in critically sick patients, even though a direct correlation between nosocomial infection and mortality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients has not always been proven specifically. More accurate analysis shows that this effect is extremely probable for pneumonia, unlikely for bacteremia, and uncertain for urinary tract infection (UTI). The length of staying in the intensive care unit (ICU) increases the risk of infection and the associated risk; additionally, the bacterial etiology influences the risk. The effect is greater in less critically ill patients, most likely due to the fact that the underlying disease severity is still the most important factor. Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida species, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella species are among the common pathogens. The use of antibiotics has created selective pressure, and health personnel have been the source of the spread of antimicrobial resistance, which is generally on the rise. Good antibiotic use, infection control, sterile equipment, and hand hygiene can all help prevent infection.