RISK FACTORS AND PREVENTIVE STRATEGIES FOR NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS

Urgench State Medical Institute, Urgench, Uzbekistan.Annotation: Nosocomial infections (NIs) remain one of the most urgent global healthcare challenges. Their clinical and social significance is determined by high morbidity and mortality rates, prolonged hospital stays, and substantial economic costs associated with the management of complications. These infections are caused by a wide range of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens, many of which exhibit multidrug resistance. In this study, data from 102 patients who developed infections during hospitalization were analyzed. The main risk factors, the prevalence of causative agents, and effective preventive measures were identified. The results showed that the predominant pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida spp. The leading risk factors included prolonged hospital stay, use of invasive medical devices, immunodeficiency states, and irrational antibiotic therapy. The findings emphasize the need for strict infection control protocols and rational antimicrobial use to reduce the incidence of nosocomial infections. Keywords: Medical instruments, hospital, infection, patient, immunity, resistance, risk factors. Аннотация. Внутрибольничные инфекции (ВБИ) остаются одной из наиболее актуальных проблем современного здравоохранения во всем мире. Их клиническое и социальное значение определяется высокими показателями заболеваемости и смертности, удлинением сроков госпитализации и значительными экономическими затратами, связанными с лечением осложнений. Возбудителями ВБИ являются различные бактериальные, вирусные и грибковые агенты, многие из которых характеризуются множественной лекарственной устойчивостью. В данном исследовании проведён анализ данных 102 пациентов, у которых инфекция развилась в условиях стационара. Были выявлены основные факторы риска, распространённость возбудителей и эффективные меры профилактики. Результаты показали, что наиболее частыми возбудителями являлись Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa и Candida spp. Ведущими факторами риска были длительное пребывание в стационаре, использование инвазивных медицинских устройств, состояния иммунодефицита и нерациональная антибиотикотерапия. Полученные данные подчёркивают необходимость строгого соблюдения противоэпидемического режима и рационального применения антибактериальных препаратов для снижения частоты внутрибольничных инфекций. Ключевые слова: медицинские инструменты, больница, инфекция, пациент, иммунитет, резистентность, факторы риска. Introduction Nosocomial infections are infections that develop in patients during their hospital stay or shortly after discharge. According to WHO, VBI affects 7-10% of hospitalized patients in developed countries. The main pathogens are fungi and antibiotic-resistant viruses, as well as bacteria transmitted through medical instruments, devices and personnel. Worldwide, VBI is one of the main reasons for increasing the length of hospital stays. According to international studies, the largest number of cases of VBI are registered in intensive care units, surgery and obstetrics and gynecology. The purpose of the study is to analyze the risk factors of VBI, modern methods, their prevention and control, as well as the impact on the health protection system. Materials and MethodsThe study was conducted at a multidisciplinary hospital and included 102 patients diagnosed with nosocomial infections (NIs). Data from medical records, microbiological test results, duration of hospitalization, and types of treatment administered were analyzed. Statistical processing of the data was performed using SPSS software. Descriptive and analytical methods were applied to determine the frequency of infection types, distribution of pathogens, and associated risk factors. Results Frequency of occurrence: Among the 102 patients, 38% developed urinary tract infections, 25% had pneumonia, 20% experienced surgical wound infections, and 17% were diagnosed with sepsis. Main pathogens: The most frequently isolated microorganisms were Klebsiella pneumoniae (30%), Escherichia coli (25%), Staphylococcus aureus (20%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (15%), and Candida spp. (10%). Risk factors: The leading risk factors identified were prolonged hospitalization (more than 10 days), use of invasive procedures (such as catheters and ventilators), broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, and the presence of chronic comorbid conditions. Prevention methods Strict hand hygiene among medical staff. Limiting the unnecessary use of antibiotics to prevent the growth of resistant strains. Sterilization of medical equipment and regular disinfection of premises. Screening of patients for the presence of resistant microorganisms upon admission.Use of infection control protocols in intensive care units. DiscussionThe most common pathogens of VBI are gram-negative multidrug-resistant bacteria. The risk