Infection Control Market Size & Outlook, 2026-2034

Infection Control Market Overview

The global infection control market size is valued at USD 55.3 billion in 2025 and is estimated to reach USD 99.64 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period. The market is primarily driven by an increasing number of surgical & clinical procedures that require infection prevention.

Key Insights and Trends

• North America held a dominant share of the global market, accounting for 48.3% in 2025.
• The Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest pace, with a CAGR of 7.12% during the forecast period.
• By product type, Sterilisation equipment holds the largest market share in 2025.
• By type, the consumables segment dominated the market for infection control and accounted for the largest revenue share in 2025.
• By end use, the hospital segment is accounted for the largest revenue share in 2025 and is also expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period from 2026-2034.
• The U.S. infection control market accounted for the major revenue share of the regional market in 2025.

Market Revenue Figures

• 2025 Market Size: USD 55.3 billion
• 2034 Projected Market Size: USD 99.64 billion
• CAGR (2026-2034): 6.8% 
• Dominating Region: North America
• Fastest-Growing Region: Asia Pacific

Technological advancements in infection control have significantly enhanced healthcare providers' ability to prevent and manage infections. Innovations such as automated disinfection systems, UV light technology, antimicrobial surface coatings, and advanced air filtration systems have demonstrated efficacy in reducing HAIs by up to 30% and is expected to contribute to the market growth. The increasing outsourcing of sterilisation services and the introduction of advanced sterilising solutions are further contributing to the growth of the market for infection control. Infection control practices serve as essential safeguards against hospital-acquired infections (HAIs), which occur during patient stays in healthcare facilities and represent primary causes of mortality in healthcare settings. These infections typically result from the use of shared medical equipment during diagnostic procedures, leading to conditions such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, catheter-associated urinary tract infections, central line-associated bloodstream infections, and surgical-site infections.

HAI development depends on the patient's immune system status, facility infection control practices, and the presence of infectious agents within hospital environments. Patient age and extended facility stays contribute significantly to infection risk, while common bacteria associated with HAIs include C. difficile, MRSA, Klebsiella, E. coli, Enterococcus, and Pseudomonas species.

Latest Market Trends

Growing Use of Consumables & Single-Use Products

Non-woven disposables, such as gowns, masks, drapes, and wipes, continue to dominate, driven by concerns about cross-contamination and the convenience of single-use items. However, drawbacks such as cost, environmental sustainability, and waste management are becoming increasingly critical, so manufacturers are innovating in greener disposables.

Technological Innovation and Automation

Smart disinfection robots are gaining adoption, especially in hospitals and high-traffic public spaces. These utilise AI navigation and autonomous operation to disinfect surfaces reliably. Next-generation sterilisation techniques, such as Far-UV devices, LED-based UV systems, and portable sterilisers, are being commonly used worldwide. Software and analytics platforms are being increasingly used to monitor infection rates, compliance and outbreak risks. The infection control solutions market is expected to grow at a very high CAGR.

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Market Driver

Growing Surgical Procedures Globally

The number of surgical procedures is steadily rising due to the increasing burden of chronic conditions, lifestyle diseases and an ageing global population. With this rise comes an increased use of surgical instruments, endoscopes, and reusable medical devices, all of which require consistent sterilisation and disinfection. The shift toward minimally invasive procedures raises the need for complex device cleaning and disinfection, contributing to sustained demand for infection control solutions across healthcare facilities.

Market Restraint

High Cost of Advanced Infection Control Systems

Products such as sterilisation robots, automated disinfection units, low-temperature sterilisers, and high-end filtration systems require heavy capital investment. Expenses such as staff training, equipment servicing, consumables, replacement parts, and software upgrades further increase the financial burden. As a result, many healthcare facilities avoid adopting newer technologies and continue to rely on outdated or inadequate infection prevention methods, which in turn limits market growth.

Market Opportunity

Rapid Expansion of Healthcare Facilities & Modernisation Initiatives In Emerging Economies

As governments increase healthcare spending and private players invest in new hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centres, the demand for advanced sterilisation systems, high-level disinfectants, infection monitoring solutions, and medical waste management technologies is rising sharply. This infrastructure upgrade presents a significant and sustained opportunity for manufacturers to introduce cost-effective, scalable, and technology-driven infection prevention solutions tailored to high-growth market.

Regional Analysis

North America dominated the infection control market, accounting for the largest revenue share of 48.3% in 2025, primarily due to the increasing incidence of hospital- and laboratory-acquired infections. In addition, technological advancements and the local presence of prominent players adopting expansion strategies, such as investment and R&D in infection control equipment, acquisitions, expansions, and new product launches, are expected to fuel the market. Moreover, increasing government support through initiatives and policies encourages end users to adopt advanced and compliant infection control equipment and services.

The U.S. accounted for the major revenue share of the regional market in 2025. The U.S. infection control industry is growing due to the high costs and health risks associated with infections acquired in healthcare settings, known as HAIs, as well as the increasing problem of antibiotic-resistant germs. The government supports infection prevention through strong policies, guidelines, and funding to encourage the use of proven infection control products and practices. The U.S. market is also expected to grow due to the increasing incidence of laboratory-acquired infections and the growing availability of technologically advanced control devices.

Asia Pacific Infection Control Market Insights

The Asia Pacific is expected to expand at the fastest CAGR of 7.12% over the forecast period from 2026 to 2034, owing to the growing number of outsourcing organisations, increasing expenditure on healthcare, and the evolution of healthcare standards and infrastructure across this region. Governments are focusing more on improving infection control standards, as it is also one of the important factors contributing to the growth of the Asia Pacific region.

China's infection control market held the largest share in 2025, owing to the increasing number of laboratory-acquired infections in the country, which is expected to drive demand for technologically advanced infection control devices. Some notable players operating in the market include Shinva Medical Instrument Co., Ltd., Galbino Technology Inc., and Belimed. These players are investing in clinical trials and partnerships to develop technologically advanced products.

Europe Market Insights

Europe maintains a strong market position, supported by strict infection control regulations outlined in national healthcare guidelines. Countries such as Germany, the U.K., France, and Italy lead in adopting centralised CSSDs (Central Sterile Supply Departments) and high-level disinfectants for medical device reprocessing. Public healthcare investments and cross-border collaborations in infection prevention programs continue to reinforce Europe's growth outlook.

Germany's leadership is driven by its highly advanced healthcare infrastructure, a strong regulatory framework, and the widespread adoption of automated sterilisation and disinfection technologies across hospitals and surgical centres. The country also has a well-developed pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing industry, which boosts demand for contamination control products, cleanroom technologies, and sterilisation systems. Germany invests heavily in infection prevention research, training, and hospital modernisation, making it the largest and most influential market for infection control solutions in the European region.

Latin America Market Insights

Latin America is experiencing steady growth in the adoption of infection control, driven by increasing awareness of healthcare-associated infections and the modernisation of medical facilities. Brazil and Mexico are the largest markets due to their expanding hospital networks and improving regulations for surgical safety and sterilisation. However, challenges such as limited funding, uneven infrastructure quality and reliance on imported equipment continue to affect adoption rates. Rising private hospital investments, the expansion of diagnostic centres, and a greater emphasis on disinfection and sanitation in public health facilities are supporting market growth across the region.

Brazil holds the largest share due to its expansive hospital network, higher surgical volumes, and ongoing investments in healthcare modernisation. The country has been upgrading sterilisation units, improving disinfection practices and adopting advanced infection prevention technologies in both public and private hospitals. Also, the growth of diagnostic centres, pharmaceutical manufacturing and stricter national health regulations contribute to Brazil's lead in the region.

Middle East and Africa Infection Control Market Insights

The MEA region is experiencing gradual growth, with notable improvements in healthcare infrastructure in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa. Investments in specialised hospitals, rising medical tourism, and the adoption of advanced sterilisation technologies in tertiary care centres contribute to market development. Parts of Africa continue to face obstacles such as budget limitations, poor supply chain networks and a lack of sterilisation procedures. Despite these hurdles, the market outlook remains positive as governments and international organisations focus on infection prevention, training healthcare workers, and upgrading hospitals in all areas.

Saudi Arabia's leadership stems from its significant healthcare investments, the expansion of modern hospitals, and the strong adoption of advanced sterilisation and disinfection technologies across both public and private sectors. Its growing pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing base, along with significant medical tourism activity, strengthens Saudi Arabia's position as the dominant market in the MEA region.

Product Type Insights

Sterilisation equipment holds a major share due to its critical role in hospitals, laboratories, and pharmaceutical production. The rising number of surgeries, growing use of reusable medical instruments and stricter standards for sterile processing drive this segment. Automated, energy-efficient, and rapid cyclers are gaining strong demand.

Protective Barriers (PPE) items, such as masks, gloves, gowns, face shields, and protective apparel, form a significant part of the market. Although demand spiked during the pandemic, the segment continues to be supported by infection prevention policies, rising surgical procedures and safety standards for healthcare workers.

Application Insights

Medical Sterilisation is a core segment, driven by stringent regulations requiring every reusable medical device, from surgical tools to endoscopes, to undergo validation and sterilisation. Growth is supported by the rising number of outpatient procedures and increased use of reusable instruments.

Pharma and biotech companies require high-grade contamination control for production, lines, cleanrooms and quality testing. Increasing biologics production, vaccine development and expansion of manufacturing plants greatly boost demand for sterilisation systems and cleanroom consumables.

End Use Insights

Hospitals account for the largest share due to high surgical volumes, extensive use of sterilisation equipment and strict infection prevention protocols. Growth is driven by rising hospital admissions, expansion of speciality departments and increasing focus on reducing HAIs (Healthcare-associated infections)

Ambulatory surgical centres are rapidly growing because of the shift toward minimally invasive procedures and outpatient care. These centres require efficient sterilisation and disinfection systems that are compact, cost-effective, and fast.

Competitive Landscape

The rise in concern and focus among healthcare organisations and providers regarding hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) has translated the market into a burgeoning opportunity in infection prevention. Government regulations on specific requirements are stricter, and firms are driving the development of sterilisation and disinfection technology in line with such demands.

Major companies are aggressively expanding their portfolios, innovating infection prevention solutions, and strategising alliances to reinforce their market positions. With both traditional healthcare organisations and new participants holistically investing in research-based infection-prevention technologies, intense competition prevails in the market. Market leadership is represented by established companies such as 3M, Belimed, Cantel Medical, MMM Group, Sterigenics International LLC, STERIS plc, Matachana Group, Olympus Corporation, and Medtronic, which manufacture healthcare equipment sterilisation systems and disinfecting products.

List of key players in Infection Control Market

1. 3M Company
2. Ecolab Inc.
3. Belimed Ag
4. Genitge Ab.
5. Matachana Group
6. MMM Group
7. Sotera Health Inc.
8. Steris PLC (Cantel Medical Corporation).
9. ASP
10. O&M Halyard or its affiliates.
11. Medivators Inc.
12. Midmark Corporation.
13. W&H
14. Paul Hartmann
15. Solventum Corporation
16. Reckitt Benckiser
17. Kimberly-Clark Corporation

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Recent Developments

• In March 2025, Solventum reported 2.6% sales growth and introduced a pre-assembled VH2O2 test pack with dual performance indicators.
• In January 2025, EPA released its interim EtO decision, reducing exposure limits to 0.1 ppm by 2025.
• The Infection Control Africa Network Congress in June 2025 was held bringing together public health leaders, scientists and practitioners enhance prevention capacity across African nations.
• In 2025, a new multisociety guidance document was published in Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology for sterilization and high level disinfection.