NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS AND THEIR MODELS: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Nosocomial infections also known as hospital acquired infections or healthcare associated infections pose significant burden on global healthcare system. These infections occur from interactions between patients, healthcare workers, the hospital environment and other users of the hospital. Mathematical modeling has proved to be an important tool for investigating the dynamics and assessing the impact of intervention strategies. This narrative review focuses on deterministic and stochastic modeling of nosocomial infection transmission, with emphasis on variables and transmission pathways used in existing models. Relevant literatures were identified through search of major scientific database, using keywords related to models of nosocomial infections. Although these modeling approaches contributed significantly to the study of the dynamics of nosocomial infections, they do have some limitations. This study reviewed existing models of nosocomial infections; highlighted key variables studied, and also identified gaps in the literature. The study revealed the need to include other contact patterns to enhance theunderstanding and control of nosocomial infections.