The costs of hospital-acquired (nosocomial) and other health care– associated infections are great. It is estimated that these infections affect 2 million patients, cost $ billion, and contribute to 88,000 deaths in . hospitals annually. Efforts to lower infection risks have been challenged by the growing numbers of immunocompromised patients, antibiotic-resistant bacteria, fungal and viral superinfections, and invasive devices and procedures. Nevertheless, evidence-based guidelines for prevention and control are available (Table 125-1); according to some estimates, consistent application of these guidelines may reduce the risk of health care–associated infection by more than one-third, and the growing viewpoint of consumer.
