[The general aspects of the epidemiology of hospital infections--the measures for prevention and control].

The author analyzes the 3 important factors of in-hospital infections--the source of infection, route of transmission and the receptive organism, with details regarding the measures of prevention and control. Emphasis is laid on the role of the hospital personal which have an effective contribution in the prevention of these diseases, namely: a) strict application of hygiene measures (hospitalization conditions, microclimate, food, water supply, removal of wastes and residues, sterilization, disinfection, cleaning, etc.); b) choice of procedures of investigations and therapy with minimum risk of infection, application of asepsis and antisepsis techniques, the judicious use of antibiotics; c) accurate, prompt evaluation of the infectious potential and receptivity of the patients; d) clinical surveillance of the patients and health of the personal; e) corresponding professional education of the entire personal of the hospital. Further indications are given regarding correct performance of disinfection and sterilization and the substances used.