Diseases and Organisms in Healthcare Settings

Acinetobacter

Acinetobacter [asz−in−ée−toe–back−ter] is a group of bacteria commonly found in soil and water. Outbreaks of Acinetobacter infections typically occur in intensive care units and healthcare settings housing very ill patients. While there are many types or “species” of Acinetobacter and all can cause human disease, Acinetobacter baumannii [asz−in−ée−toe–back−ter  bō–maa–nee–ie] accounts for about 80% of reported infections. Acinetobacter infections rarely occur outside of healthcare settings.

• Additional information about Acinetobacter in healthcare settings

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Burkholderia cepacia

Burkholderia cepacia [burk−hōld−er−uh  si−pay−shee−uh] isthe name for a group or "complex" of bacteria that can be found in soil and water. Burkholderia cepacia bacteria are often resistant to common antibiotics. Burkholderia cepacia poses little medical risk to healthy people; however, it is a known cause of infections in hospitalized patients. People with certain health conditions, like weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases (particularly cystic fibrosis), may be more susceptible to infections with Burkholderia cepacia. [Burkholderia cepacia is also called B. cepacia]

• Additional information about B. cepacia in healthcare settings

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Clostridium difficile

Clostridium difficile [klo–strid–ee–um  dif–uh–seel] is a bacterium that causes an inflammation of the colon; this condition is called colitis. Diarrhea and fever are the most common symptoms of Clostridium difficile infection. Overuse of antibiotics is the most important risk for getting Clostridium difficile infection. [Clostridium difficile is also called C. difficile, C. diff, and CDI (Clostridium difficile infection), CDAD(Clostridium difficile-associated disease)]

• Additional information about Clostridium difficile in healthcare settings

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Clostridium Sordellii

Clostridium sordellii [klo–strid–ee–um  sore–dell–ee–I] is a rare bacterium that causes pneumonia, endocarditis, arthritis, peritonitis, and myonecrosis. Clostridium sordellii bacteremia and sepsis (bacteremia is when bacteria is present in the bloodstream; sepsis is when bacteremia or another infection triggers a serious bodywide response) occur rarely. Most cases of sepsis from Clostridium sordellii occur in patients with other health conditions. Severe toxic shock syndrome among previously healthy persons has been described in a small number of Clostridium sordellii cases, most often associated with gynecologic infections in women and infection of the umbilical stump in newborns. [Clostridium sordellii is also called C. sordellii]

• Additional Information about C. sordellii in healthcare settings

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Enterobacteriaceae (Carbapenem-resistance)

See more information about Public Health update of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) producing metallo-beta-lactamases (NDM, VIM, IMP) in the U.S. reported to CDC

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Hepatitis

The word hepatitis means inflammation of the liver and also refers to a group of viral infections that affect the liver. The most common types are hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C.

The delivery of healthcare has the potential to transmit hepatitis to both healthcare workers and patients. Outbreaks have occurred in outpatient settings, hemodialysis units, long-term care facilities, and hospitals, primarily as a result of unsafe injection practices; reuse of needles, fingerstick devices, and syringes; and other lapses in infection control.

Additional information about hepatitis in healthcare settings

• For more information visit CDC’s Hepatitis website.

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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS)

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the virus that can lead to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV destroys blood cells called CD4+ T cells, which are crucial to helping the body fight disease. This results in a weakened immune system, making persons with HIV or AIDS at risk for many different types of infections. Transmission of HIV to patients while in healthcare settings is rare.  Most exposures do not result in infection. [Human immunodeficiency virus is also called HIV]

• Additional information about HIV in healthcare settings.

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Influenza

Influenza is primarily a community-based infection that is transmitted in households and community settings. Each year, 5% to 20% of U.S. residents acquire an influenza virus infection, and many will seek medical care in ambulatory healthcare settings (e.g., pediatricians’ offices, urgent-care clinics). In addition, more than 200,000 persons, on average, are hospitalized each year for influenza-related complications.

Healthcare-associated influenza infections can occur in any healthcare setting and are most common when influenza is also circulating in the community. Therefore, influenza prevention measures should be implemented in all healthcare settings. Supplemental measures may need to be implemented during influenza season if outbreaks of healthcare-associated influenza occur within certain facilities, such as long-term care facilities and hospitals.

• Infection Control in Health Care Facilities
• Prevention Strategies for Seasonal Influenza in Healthcare Settings [PDF 581 KB]

For more information:

• Visit CDC’s Influenza website.

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Klebsiella

Klebsiella [kleb–see–ell–uh] is a type of Gram-negative bacteria that can cause healthcare-associated infections including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis. Increasingly, Klebsiella bacteria have developed antimicrobial resistance, most recently to the class of antibiotics known as carbapenems. Klebsiella bacteria are normally found in the human intestines (where they do not cause disease). They are also found in human stool (feces). In healthcare settings, Klebsiella infections commonly occur among sick patients who are receiving treatment for other conditions. Patients who have devices like ventilators (breathing machines) or intravenous (vein) catheters, and patients who are taking long courses of certain antibiotics are most at risk for Klebsiella infections. Healthy people usually do not get Klebsiella infections.

• Additional information about Klebsiella in healthcare settings

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Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics called beta-lactams. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin, and amoxicillin. In the community, most MRSA infections are skin infections. More severe or potentially life-threatening MRSA infections occur most frequently among patients in healthcare settings. [Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is also called MRSA]

• For more information visit CDC's MRSA web site.

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Mycobacterium abscessus

Mycobacterium abscessus [mī–kō–bak–tair–ee–yum  ab–ses–sus] is a bacterium distantly related to the ones that cause tuberculosis and leprosy. It is found in water, soil, and dust. It has been known to contaminate medications and products, including medical devices. Healthcare-associated Mycobacterium abscessus can cause a variety of infections that require medical attention. Infections due to this bacterium are usually of the skin and the soft tissues under the skin. It can also cause lung infections in persons with various chronic lung diseases. [Mycobacterium abscessus is also called M. abscessus]

• Additional information about M. abscessus in healthcare settings

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Norovirus

Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis [gas-trō-en-ter-ī-tis] in people. Gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the lining of the stomach and intestines, causing an acute onset of severe vomiting and diarrhea. Norovirus illness is usually brief in people who are otherwise healthy. Young children, the elderly, and people with other medical illnesses are most at risk for more severe or prolonged infection. Like all viral infections, noroviruses are not affected by treatment with antibiotics.

• Additional information about Norovirus in healthcare settings

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Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus [staf I lō-kok is  aw ree us] (staph), is a bacterium commonly found on the skin and in the nose of about 30% of individuals. Most of the time, staph does not cause any harm. These infections can look like pimples, boils, or other skin conditions and most are able to be treated.

• Additional information about Staphylococcus aureus in healthcare settings

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Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis [tuh–burk–yoo–lō–sis] is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a recognized risk to patients and healthcare personnel in healthcare facilities. Transmission is most likely to occur from patients who have unrecognized pulmonary tuberculosis or tuberculosis related to their larynx, are not on effective anti-tuberculosis therapy, and have not been placed in tuberculosis isolation. Transmission of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in healthcare settings has been associated with close contact with persons who have infectious tuberculosis, particularly during the performance of cough-inducing procedures such as bronchoscopy and sputum induction. Mycobacterium Tuberculosis is spread through air and can travel long distances. Cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB, which includes extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis [XDR-TB]), have been recognized and are more difficult to treat. [Tuberculosis is also called TB]

• Additional information about tuberculosis in healthcare settings.

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Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus and Vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Vancomycin [vank–ō–mī–sin]-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus [staff–u–lu–kaw–kus  aw–ree–us] (also called S. aureus) and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus are specific staph bacteria that have developed resistance to the antimicrobial agent vancomycin. Persons who develop this type of staph infection may have underlying health conditions (such as diabetes and kidney disease), devices going into their bodies (such as catheters), previous infections with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and recent exposure to vancomycin and other antimicrobial agents. [Vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus is also called VISA and vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is also called VRSA]

• Additional information about VISA/VRSA in healthcare settings

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Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE)

Vancomycin [van–kō–mī–sin]-resistant Enterococci [en–ter–ō–kō–kī] are specific types of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria that are resistant to vancomycin, the drug often used to treat infections caused by enterococci. Enteroccocci are bacteria that are normally present in the human intestines and in the female genital tract and are often found in the environment. These bacteria can sometimes cause infections. Most vancomycin-resistant Enterococci infections occur in hospitals. [Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci is also called VRE]

• Additional information about VRE in healthcare settings

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