What is one key reason certain organisms are targeted in active surveillance efforts?

One key reason certain organisms are targeted in active surveillance efforts is their potential to cause hospital outbreaks. Pathogens that can lead to outbreaks within healthcare settings pose significant risks to patient safety and public health. By monitoring these organisms, healthcare facilities aim to identify and control their spread proactively. This targeted surveillance enables timely interventions, which can help mitigate infections and reduce the associated morbidity and mortality in vulnerable patient populations.

Additionally, focusing on organisms that are known to cause outbreaks allows for the development of effective antimicrobial stewardship strategies, infection control protocols, and ultimately improves overall quality of care within healthcare systems. Preventing outbreaks is crucial not just for the protection of individual patients but also for the broader healthcare environment, where outbreaks can lead to increased healthcare costs and resource utilization.