What is the most common healthcare-associated infection (HAI)?

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are the most common healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) predominantly due to the widespread use of urinary catheters in healthcare settings. The invasive nature of these devices can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, leading to infection. CAUTIs are frequently reported in hospitals and long-term care facilities, making them a significant concern for patient safety.

The risk of developing a CAUTI increases with the duration of catheterization, and while effective prevention strategies exist, adherence can sometimes be inconsistent. In contrast to other types of HAIs, while surgical site infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia are certainly serious and prevalent in healthcare settings, their overall incidence rates are lower than that of CAUTIs. Thus, the classification of CAUTIs as the most common HAI underscores the importance of proper catheter care and infection prevention strategies in healthcare institutions.