NL Journal of Veterinary and Animal Nutrition
(ISSN: 3139-3810 )

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A Comprehensive Review of Nosocomial Infections: Microbial Pathogenesis, Antibiotic Resistance Profiles, and Strategies for Prevention and Control

Author(s) : Inyang Princewill Chukwuebuka*.
DOI : 10.71168/NVA.02.02.130

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Abstract

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), commonly referred to as nosocomial infections, remain among the most significant challenges confronting modern healthcare systems worldwide. These infections contribute substantially to patient morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospitalization, increased healthcare costs, and the rapid emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. The widespread use of invasive medical procedures, prolonged hospitalization, indiscriminate antibiotic administration, and inadequate infection prevention practices have accelerated the evolution and dissemination of multidrug-resistant microorganisms in healthcare facilities. This review synthesizes recent literature on the epidemiology, microbial pathogenesis, antimicrobial resistance mechanisms, diagnostic approaches, and evidence-based prevention strategies associated with nosocomial infections. The review discusses the major bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens implicated in healthcare-associated infections, emphasizing their virulence factors, biofilm-forming abilities, and resistance mechanisms including enzymatic antibiotic degradation, efflux pumps, target-site modification, and horizontal gene transfer. Current diagnostic technologies, infection prevention measures, antimicrobial stewardship programs, and emerging innovations such as artificial intelligence-assisted surveillance, rapid molecular diagnostics, bacteriophage therapy, and nanotechnology are also critically evaluated. Despite remarkable advances in infection prevention, the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant organisms continues to threaten patient safety globally, particularly in low and middle income countries where infection control infrastructure remains inadequate. Strengthening surveillance systems, improving antimicrobial stewardship, enhancing healthcare worker compliance with infection prevention protocols, and investing in innovative diagnostic and therapeutic technologies are essential for reducing the burden of healthcare-associated infections. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current evidence and identifies future research priorities necessary for improving infection control and patient outcomes. Keywords: Healthcare-associated infections, Nosocomial infections, Antimicrobial resistance, Biofilms, Infection prevention, Antimicrobial stewardship, Multidrug-resistant organisms, Hospital epidemiology.

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