Trends in U.S. Health Care–Associated Infections

Clinical Takeaway

: A single-day survey of U.S. hospitals in 2023 found a lower prevalence of health care–associated infections than in 2015.

Context

Over the last 20 years, U.S. health agencies have led a national effort to reduce the number of health care–associated infections in acute care hospitals. Single-day point-prevalence surveys conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed this work had led to a decline in health care–associated infections from 2011 to 2015. Given the concern that the Covid-19 pandemic could have set back progress, the CDC replicated the survey in 218 hospitals in 2023.

Key Results

The overall prevalence of health care–associated infections in 2023 was 1 in 38 patients on any given day, a decrease from 1 in 31 patients in 2015.
By infection type, there were marked decreases in the prevalence of Clostridioides difficile infections…

Reviewing Author

Richard T. Ellison III, M.D.

Disclosures

Consult/Advisory BoardAcurx Pharmaceuticals, LLC;

Grant/Research SupportDoctors Company Foundation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health