Nosocomial infections and ventilator-associated pneumonia in cancer patients

Abstract

Nosocomial infections or healthcare-acquired infections are a common cause of increased morbidity and mortality among hospitalized patients. Cancer patients are at an increased risk for these infections due to their immunosuppressed states. Considering these adverse effects on and the socioeconomic burden, efforts should be made to minimize the transmission of these infections and make the hospitals a safer environment. These infection rates can be significantly reduced by the implementing and improving compliance with the "care bundles. " This chapter will address the common nosocomial infections such as ventilatorassociated pneumonia (VAP), catheterassociated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), and surgical site infections (SSI), including preventive strategies and care bundles for the same.