Infecção em cuidados de saúde: perspectiva actual

After a short review on the history of nosocomial infection and its current concept, the relevance assumed nowadays by healthcare-associated infections is enhanced. Worrying nosocomial infection rates are registered in developed Western Countries, with serious socio-economics repercussions, as a consequence of the increase in morbidity and mortality rates. Programmes for the prevention of nosocomial infection and their strict compliance can reduce its rate. The scope of nosocomial infection is greater nowadays, as it covers all healthcare-associated infections independently of the location where the healthcare is rendered, including health centres and nursing homes. The more common nosocomial infections and their etiologic agents, as well as the conditions which can favour their occurrence are pointed out. The increase of antimicrobial resistance and the need of guidelines for a correct use of antibiotics are also enhanced. The fundamental role of the Health Services for Infection Control is noted.. Finally, the Portuguese situation and the national surveys on nosocomial infection prevalence, carried out by the Directorate-General of Health, are also analyzed.