title: Preventing Hospital-acquired Infections in Low-income and Middle-income Countries: Impact, Gaps, and Opportunities.
abstract: In low-income and middle-income countries (LMIC) health care-associated infections (HAIs) are a serious concern. Many factors contribute to the impact in LMIC, including lack of infrastructure, inconsistent surveillance, deficiency in trained personnel and infection control programs, and poverty- related factors. In LMIC the risk of HAIs may be up to 25% of hospitalized patients. Building infection control capacity in LMIC is possible where strategies are tailored to the specific needs of LMIC. Strategies must start with simple, cost-effective measures then expand to include more complicated measures. Goals for short-term, medium-term, and long-term actions should be planned and resources prioritized.
authors: Division of Infectious Disease, Henry Ford Health System, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, CFP 302, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
authors: Ana Cecilia
authors: AC
authors: Bardossy
authors: Division of Infectious Disease, The Global Health Initiative, Henry Ford Health System, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, CFP 302, Detroit, MI 48202, USA.
authors: John
authors: J
authors: Zervos
authors: Division of Infectious Disease, Henry Ford Health System, 2799 West Grand Boulevard, CFP 302, Detroit, MI 48202, USA; Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA. Electronic address: Mzervos1@hfhs.org.
authors: Marcus
authors: M
authors: Zervos
mesh_terms: D057191:Capacity Building; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000191:economics / Q000517:prevention & control; D003906:Developing Countries; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000592:standards; D000071836:Professional Practice Gaps
keywords: Capacity building; Developing countries; Gaps and recommendations; Health care–associated infections; Infection control; Resources-limited settings