Prevalence of healthcare-associated infections in Lithuania

To compare point prevalence surveys of healthcare-associated infections (HCAI) performed in 2003, 2005 and 2007 in half of the acute care hospitals in Lithuania.

The prevalence of HCAI decreased slightly from 2003 to 2007 (from 4.3% to 3.4%). The rate decreased for each surveyed year in intensive care, surgical and paediatric units, and increased in rehabilitation-nursing units. The proportion of lower respiratory tract infections increased (from 26.3% to 32.3%), while the proportion of urinary tract infections and bloodstream infections decreased (from 11.6% to 6.7% and from 8.9% to 2.3%, respectively). The proportion of microbiologically investigated HCAI cases decreased from 2003 to 2007 (from 56.0% to 41.0%, P<0.02). Gram-positive organisms accounted for most cases of HCAI. Approximately one-third of patients were on antimicrobial therapy (31.1%, 29.3% and 32.1% in 2003, 2005 and 2007, respectively), including penicillins, broad-spectrum penicillins, first-/second-generation cephalosporins and aminoglycosides.

Repeated surveys allowed determination of trends in HCAI prevalence, risk factors and antibiotic usage. The surveys established infection control priorities in Lithuania, and resulted in changes to the national HCAI surveillance system.