Analysis of the epidemiological structure of infectious agents of nosocomial infections in dental clinics

Abstract

Introduction. Nosocomial infections (NIs) are among the priority issues in healthcare practice. The relevance is determined by the widespread occurrence of NIs in dental facilities, as well as the significant harm they cause to the health of patients and staff. Objective. To identify pathogens and provide a general understanding of the term nosocomial infections. To analyze and highlight the main sources, transmission routes, reasons for the increase, and risk factors of NIs. Based on this, draw conclusions regarding prevention. Materials and methods. Collection and analysis of literature sources on the prevalence, etiology, resistance, frequency of occurrence, and transmission routes of NI pathogens. Review of Google Scholar databases using keywords: nosocomial infection, nosocomial infection, viruses, bacteria, infectious diseases, as well as analysis of studies on the prevalence of NI pathogens in the air environment of dental offices. Presentation of the main research material. The most common pathogens of NIs are Staphylococcus aureus, S. Typhymurium, hepatitis B virus (HBV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Transmission routes include contact, aerosol, parenteral, fecal-oral, and alimentary. Reasons for prevalence: increasing numbers of high-risk groups, weakening of natural immunity, complications of surgical interventions, excessive use of antibiotics, formation of nosocomial strains resistant to antibiotics, inadequate disinfection of instruments. Conclusion of the study. Preventing and minimizing the negative impact of NIs require specialists in the field to have a broad knowledge and understanding of the causes of occurrence and spread of pathogens, namely their epidemiological structure, which opens up a wider field of view for addressing this problem, namely the application of preventive measures.