What is the most common type of Healthcare Associated Infection?

The selection of catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) as the most common type of healthcare-associated infection is supported by various epidemiological studies. CAUTIs account for a significant proportion of HAIs, particularly in hospital settings where urinary catheters are widely used for patient management.

The use of urinary catheters increases the likelihood of bacteria entering the urinary tract, leading to infection. CAUTIs are also notable for their association with prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, and potentially severe complications, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly or those with underlying health issues.

In contrast to other types of HAIs, evidence consistently shows that CAUTIs are reported more frequently in healthcare settings, making this type of infection a primary concern for infection control practices. This highlights the importance of implementing best practices in catheter management to reduce the incidence of this common infection.