Over the past several decades, "infection control? has become a rapidly growing multidisciplinary field of incredible importance with regard to the safety of patients and healthcare workers, regulation and accreditation of healthcare facilities, and finances. The focus of this field has increasingly turned to prevention rather than control of hospital-acquired infections. This issue will bring the infectious disease specialist up to date on important topics such as hand hygiene, sterilization, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, antibiotic stewardship, and specific infections of particular concern.