[Incidence of infection acquired at a health center]

Nosocomial infections in geriatric patients have specific features in geriatric health care facilities and services. The incidence of nosocomial infection in a long-term care hospital is described.

The study was carried in L'AlianCa from Barcelona, a long-term care hospital of 138 beds of geriatric rehabilitation or convalescence. All nosocomial infections occurred in 1999 were recorded. The criteria of nosocomial infection were those of McGeer, adapted to make them suitable to a long-term care hospital. The statistical methods employed were the Student'st test to compare means and chi2 to compare proportions.

The incidence of nosocomial infections was 2.8 per 1,000 resident care days, showing a statistically significant increase in the group aged over 75 (p = 0.009). Infected patients had longer hospital stay and greater physical dependence. Lower respiratory tract infections were the most common type of infection accounting for the 39.7% of the cases. The mortality rate was greater in the infected group (RR: 2.61; CI 95%, 1.60-4.25).

Elderly patients are at greater risk of contracting nosocomial infections. It is necessary to develop infection control programs useful for the long-term care hospital.