Analysis of Healthcare-Associated Infections cases in an otorhinolaryngology specialty hospital

Introduction. Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) include any infectious disease that develops in a patient in connection with the provision of any type of medical care. HAIs represent a serious public health problem and make a significant contribution to increased treatment costs, prolonged hospitalization, as well as morbidity and mortality. Timely epidemiological surveillance is of particular importance. Microbiological monitoring of resistant strains helps reduce outbreak risks and optimize preventive measures. The aim of the study – to analyze cases of healthcare-associated infections in an otorhinolaryngology specialty hospital. Materials and methods. The analysis was performed based on medical records of hospitalized patients and microbiological test results of six patients treated in the otorhinolaryngology departments of the hospital from 2022 to 2025. The timing of infection onset, laboratory findings, and implemented measures were evaluated. Results and discussion. Six cases of healthcare-associated infections in patients after surgical interventions in the otorhinolaryngology hospital were analyzed. In all cases, the causative agents were representatives of the ESKAPE pathogen group. The analysis of HAIs in this setting revealed several key patterns: the high epidemiological potential of ESKAPE pathogens, polyinfection associations, and severe postoperative infection courses. Combating postoperative infections in surgical hospitals is impossible without integrating microbiological surveillance, rational antibacterial therapy, and adherence to preventive and anti-epidemic measures. Conclusion. Effective prevention and treatment of HAIs require a comprehensive approach that includes: regular microbiological monitoring and dynamic assessment of antibiotic resistance; personalized antibacterial therapy using reserve drugs for multidrug-resistant strains (with consultation from a clinical pharmacologist); strict adherence to anti-epidemic measures, including improved microbiological diagnostics, staff training, hand hygiene, environmental disinfection, etc.; epidemiological control and early detection of nosocomial clusters.