What is the most common cause of hospital-acquired infections?

Hospital-acquired infections, also known as healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), are often attributed to the use of invasive devices, such as catheters and indwelling devices. These devices can introduce bacteria into the body, creating an entry point for pathogens that can lead to infections. For instance, urinary catheters can lead to urinary tract infections, while central venous catheters can result in bloodstream infections. The risk is heightened in hospital settings due to the presence of more virulent strains of bacteria and the immunocompromised state of many patients.

Surgical procedures, while a potential source of infection, primarily contribute to post-surgical infections rather than being the most common cause of HAIs as a whole. Contaminated food can lead to gastrointestinal infections but is not a significant factor in the context of hospital-acquired infections, as these typically arise from organisms present in the healthcare environment or via direct contact. Similarly, airborne pathogens pose a risk for certain types of infections, particularly respiratory ones, but they do not account for the majority of HAIs, which are predominantly associated with indwelling devices due to their invasive nature.