[Screening and follow-up of nosocomial infections by multiresistant bacteria using the Bacterio software....

To study the relationship between the prevalence of multi-resistant bacteria (MRB) and nosocomial MRB infections.

This work presents the results of a follow up of hospital-acquired infections due to multidrug-resistant bacteria (MRB), based on microbiology detection with the Bacterio software and clinical confirmation.

Clinical responses reached 93%. During the year 2000, the incidence of hospital-acquired MRB infections was 1.23 for 1000 hospitalization days and 1.00 for 100 admissions. Ticarcilline-resistant P. aeruginosa were responsible for 32% of hospital-acquired MRB infections. The incidence curve of MRB colonization was parallel with that of hospital-acquired infections. Hence, the incidence of MRB colonization is a rapid and good means of assessing the best probabilistic antibiotherapy especially in intensive care units.

Examination of medical records is however necessary to obtain complementary clinical information on: risk factors, use of medical devices, medical or chirurgical antecedents and prior antibiotherapy. The easiness of detection and management of hospital-acquired infections allowed us to extend its use in 2001 to the follow-up of all hospital-acquired infections, with or without MRB. Bacterio is also able to detect the hospital-acquired infections that, according to the recent decree (No. 2001-671, july 30th, 2001), must be declared to the sanitary authorities. Such suspicions should then be validated by the clinicians and the practising hygienist.