This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the risk of pathogen transmission associated with prior room occupancy. In total, 7 papers were included in the analysis. The result of the systematic literature review further suggests that prior room occupancy by a patient infected or colonised with a pathogen is a risk factor for acquisition of the same pathogen: the overall risk was estimated to be 2.1% higher, 2.7% for acquisition of Gram-negative pathogens and 1.9% for Gram-positives. According to the authors, hospital cleaning and terminal room disinfection need to be improved to reduce the risk of transmission.