What is one reason for the high rate of nosocomial infections?

The presence of resistant microorganisms is a significant reason for the high rate of nosocomial infections, which are infections acquired in a hospital or healthcare setting. Resistant microorganisms, such as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and certain strains of Clostridium difficile, pose a serious challenge in healthcare settings because they are not effectively treated by standard antibiotics. This resistance can stem from overuse or misuse of antibiotics in both humans and animals, leading to bacteria evolving mechanisms to withstand treatments. As a result, patients who are already vulnerable due to illnesses or invasive procedures may be at increased risk of developing infections that are difficult to treat, hence contributing to the prevalence of nosocomial infections. The impact is amplified in environments like hospitals where many patients may have weakened immune systems or require invasive devices like catheters and ventilators, which provide routes for infection.