What is the primary route of transmission for HAIs?

The primary route of transmission for healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) is direct contact through healthcare workers' hands. This mode of transmission is significant in healthcare settings because hands can easily become contaminated with pathogens from patient care activities such as touching patients, handling equipment, or even after contact with contaminated surfaces.

Despite the use of gloves, healthcare workers' hands can still act as vectors for pathogens, particularly when proper hand hygiene practices are not followed. This highlights the importance of regular handwashing and the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers, which are effective in reducing the risk of HAIs.

Other routes of transmission listed are less common in the context of HAIs. Airborne transmission has its relevance, particularly in certain infections, but it does not account for the bulk of HAIs, which are primarily transmitted through direct contact. Contaminated food and water may lead to infections but are more characteristic of community-acquired infections rather than those specifically associated with healthcare environments. Vector-borne transmission is also not typically associated with HAIs and is more relevant to infections that occur in the community setting rather than within a healthcare facility. Thus, understanding the primary route through direct contact emphasizes the critical need for effective infection control measures in healthcare settings.