Hospital infections: rethinking the importance of handwashing in context of multi-resistance

Abstract

More than a century after Semmelweis' discovery of the importance of handwashing, it is still difficult to implement. It is believed that the microorganisms most associated with infections belong to the transitory flora that could be eliminated easily by handwashing. However, another concern has gained enormous attention around the world in the context of hospital infections: the emergence of multiresistant microorganisms. This article discusses the professional attitudes and the importance of the actions of the Hospital Infection Control Program, as a measure to reduce the transmission of multi-resistant microorganisms and to increase compliance to handwashing.