Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)

What Are Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs)?

Healthcare-associated infections, or HAIs, are infections that people get while receiving care in a healthcare setting, such as a hospital, nursing home, or outpatient clinic. These infections can happen during medical procedures or from contact with contaminated surfaces, equipment, or even the hands of healthcare workers. HAIs can affect anyone, but people with weakened immune systems, those undergoing surgery, or those with medical devices like catheters are at higher risk. HAIs are the most common complication of hospital care, occurring in approximately one in every thirty-one patients.

Common Types of HAIs

In California, acute care hospitals are required to track and report five key types of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). These include:

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), which occur when bacteria or other germs enter the bloodstream through a central line.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bloodstream infections (BSIs), caused by a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics.
Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE) BSIs, which are bloodstream infections caused by bacteria that have become resistant to vancomycin, a powerful antibiotic.
Clostridioides difficile infections (CDI), which can cause severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon, often linked to antibiotic use.
Surgical site infections (SSIs), which occur at or near the site of a surgical procedure and can involve the skin, tissues, or organs.

Multidrug-Resistant Organisms (MDROs): A Growing Threat

Some HAIs are caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), germs that have developed resistance to multiple antibiotics or antifungal medications. Two particularly concerning MDROs are carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPOs) and Candida auris (C. auris). CPOs are bacteria that produce enzymes called carbapenemases, which break down powerful antibiotics known as carbapenems, making infections very difficult to treat. C. auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe infections in the bloodstream and is known for spreading easily in healthcare settings and resisting common antifungal treatments. These organisms highlight the urgent need for strong infection prevention and control practices.

Information for Patients and Families

Information for Healthcare Facilities

Data and Reports