HEALTHCARE-ASSOCIATED INFECTIONS AT SELECTED HOSPITALS IN THAILAND.

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) represent a significant global health challenge.
• Understanding the epidemiology of HAIs is crucial for developing effective prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of HAIs and all-cause mortality in selected Thai hospitals.
• To identify common bacterial pathogens and risk factors associated with HAIs and mortality.

Main Methods:

• A 10-day survey was conducted across 50 hospitals in Thailand in January 2014.
• Data from 15,475 patient cases were reviewed to identify HAIs and associated outcomes.
• Multivariate analysis was used to determine significant risk factors.

Main Results:

• The overall HAI rate was 4.4%, with the highest prevalence in university hospitals (7.3%) and intensive care units (17%).
• Respiratory tract infections (48%), urinary tract infections (22%), and surgical site infections (7%) were the most frequent HAIs.
• Twenty-four percent of patients with HAIs died within three months; Acinetobacter species was the most common pathogen.

Conclusions:

• HAIs are a substantial public health problem in the surveyed Thai hospitals, contributing to significant mortality.
• Patient age (<1 year), hospital type (university), and invasive procedures (ventilator use, catheterization) are key risk factors for HAIs and death.