Which organization provides guidelines and recommendations for infection prevention and control in the United States?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recognized as the primary authority for guidelines and recommendations regarding infection prevention and control in the United States. The CDC's role encompasses extensive research and the development of resources aimed at preventing and controlling infections across various settings, including healthcare facilities, communities, and the public.

Their guidelines are based on scientific evidence and aim to provide healthcare professionals with actionable insights to mitigate the risk of infection transmission. For instance, the CDC offers protocols on hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), sterilization of instruments, and outbreak response, among other critical areas.

In contrast, while the World Health Organization (WHO) does contribute to global guidelines, its focus is more on global health standards and policies rather than U.S.-specific guidelines. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) primarily oversees the safety and efficacy of food and pharmaceuticals and does not focus exclusively on infection control practices. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is mainly dedicated to biomedical research and does not set infection prevention and control standards in the healthcare setting.