Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
[Nosocomial infection control in intensive therapy]
Anna Bartoszko-Tyczkowska1, Wojciech Gaszyński, Agnieszka Baranowska
1Pracownia Mikrobiologii, Uniwersytecki Szpital Kliniczny Nr 1 w Łodzi. annatycz@interia.pl
Background:
Nosocomial infections are common among patients treated in ITU settings. The lower airway and genitourinary systems are frequently infected with multiresistant pathogens, and present a serious epidemiological problem. In 2002, at the Lódź Medical University Hospital, strict infection control measures were developed and introduced to minimize the risk of infections in the ITU.
Methods:
Between 2002-2006, the prophylactic use of imipenem, amoxicillin and fluconazole was forbidden and the use of vancomycin and aminoglycosides was limited. Strict microbiological analysis became mandatory in all ITU patients. To achieve this, isolates from the lower airway and genitourinary track from 1330 ITU patients were analyzed using the disc-diffusion method and the E-test method (for MIC values). The VITEK (BioMerieux) automatic analyzing system was used.
Results:
The number of nosocomial infections of the lower airway was reduced from 48.8/100 patients in 2002 to 19.0/100 patients in the period 2005-2006. Infections of the genitourinary, system decreased from 27.0/100 patients in 2002 to 4.7/100 patients in 2006. MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacteriacae, and Acinetobacter species were the most commonly isolated pathogens.
Conclusions:
Although it is impossible to eliminate nosocomial infections, particularly in the ITU setting, close co-operation between clinicians and microbiologists, and monitoring of nosocomial infection patients can markedly reduce the frequency.
Insights
Implementing strict infection control measures significantly reduced nosocomial infections in intensive therapy units (ITUs). This involved limiting certain antibiotics and enhancing microbiological analysis, leading to fewer lower airway and genitourinary infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
- Hospital Epidemiology
Context:
- Nosocomial infections are a significant challenge in intensive therapy units (ITUs).
- Multiresistant pathogens frequently infect the lower airway and genitourinary systems.
- The Lódź Medical University Hospital implemented infection control measures in 2002.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of strict infection control measures in reducing nosocomial infections in an ITU setting.
- To assess the impact of antimicrobial stewardship and enhanced microbiological surveillance.
Summary:
- From 2002-2006, prophylactic antibiotics like imipenem, amoxicillin, and fluconazole were restricted, and vancomycin/aminoglycosides use was limited.
- Mandatory microbiological analysis of lower airway and genitourinary isolates from 1330 ITU patients was performed.
- Key pathogens identified included MRSA, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacteriacae, and Acinetobacter species.
Impact:
- Lower airway nosocomial infections decreased from 48.8 to 19.0 per 100 patients.
- Genitourinary infections reduced from 27.0 to 4.7 per 100 patients.
- Close collaboration between clinicians and microbiologists, alongside patient monitoring, can significantly decrease infection rates.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Healthcare Associated Infections II: Preventive Measures
The best practices for preventing healthcare-associated infections include hand hygiene, patient risk...
01:25Transmission-based Precautions II: Airborne and Protective Environment
Airborne precautions:
Use airborne precautions when treating patients known or suspected to have diseases that spread through the air—for example, tuberculosis or measles. These organisms are present in smaller droplets expelled by an infected person and...
01:26Healthcare Associated Infections I: Iatrogenic, Exogenic and Endogenic
HAIs significantly increase the cost of health care. Extended stays in healthcare institutions, increased disability, increased costs of medications, including specialized antibiotics, and prolonged recovery times add to the patient's expenses and the healthcare institution and funding bodies. Common...
01:26Standard Precaution
Hand hygiene is the most crucial means to prevent the transmission of disease. Employers are legally required to provide their workers with personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure or contact with...
01:29Endocarditis IV: Nursing Management
01:17Urinary Tract Infection IV: Nursing Management