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Epidemiology of nosocomial outbreaks: 14-year experience at a tertiary-care center
L Ostrosky-Zeichner1, R Baez-Martinez, M S Rangel-Frausto
1Division of Hospital Epidemiology and Medical Care Quality Control, Instituto Nacional de la Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico.
Abstract:
Twelve nosocomial outbreaks over 14 years at a tertiary-care center in Mexico are described. Overall mortality was 25.8%, one half due to pneumonia. The most common organism was Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Incidence was three outbreaks per 10,000 discharges; outbreak-related infections comprised 1.56% of all nosocomial infections. Incidence in the intensive care unit was 10-fold higher.
Insights
Nosocomial outbreaks, primarily caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, occurred over 14 years in a Mexican hospital. These hospital-acquired infections led to significant mortality, especially pneumonia, with higher rates in intensive care units.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Nosocomial infections pose a significant threat to patient safety in healthcare settings.
- Understanding outbreak patterns is crucial for effective infection control strategies.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of hospital-acquired infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of nosocomial outbreaks over a 14-year period at a tertiary-care center.
- To identify the primary causative agents and associated mortality rates.
- To assess the incidence of outbreak-related infections and compare rates between general and intensive care units.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of nosocomial outbreak data over 14 years.
- Identification of causative organisms and determination of mortality.
- Calculation of outbreak incidence per 10,000 discharges and proportion of nosocomial infections.
- Comparison of incidence rates in intensive care units versus other hospital areas.
Main Results:
- Twelve nosocomial outbreaks were identified over the 14-year study period.
- The overall mortality rate was 25.8%, with 50% of deaths attributed to pneumonia.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently identified organism.
- Outbreak incidence was 3 per 10,000 discharges, comprising 1.56% of all nosocomial infections.
- Incidence in the intensive care unit was 10-fold higher than in other units.
Conclusions:
- Nosocomial outbreaks represent a persistent challenge in tertiary-care settings.
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreaks are associated with substantial mortality, particularly pneumonia.
- Intensive care units are high-risk areas for nosocomial outbreaks, necessitating targeted prevention efforts.