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The epidemiology of nosocomial Pseudomonas cepacia infections: endemic infections
W R Jarvis1, D Olson, O Tablan
1Hospital Infections Program, Center for Infectious Diseases, Atlanta, GA 30333.
Abstract:
Pseudomonas cepacia has recently emerged as an important nosocomial pathogen. We analyzed a national nosocomial infections database, the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) system, to describe the epidemiology of endemic nosocomial P. cepacia infections. Between 1980 and 1985, the P. cepacia nosocomial infection rate was 2.4 per 100,000 patient discharges. During this period, there was a significant increase in the P. cepacia infection rate. The highest infection rate was reported from large medical school-affiliated hospitals. Over 90% of the infections were reported from medicine and surgery services. The most frequently reported site of infection was the lower respiratory tract (31%), followed by blood (20%) and the urinary tract (20%). Nosocomial P. cepacia infections are often associated with mortality, particularly when they involve the lung. These data confirm the hypothesis that P. cepacia is an emerging nosocomial pathogen and suggest that the epidemiology of endemic infections differs from that reported for epidemic infections.
Insights
Pseudomonas cepacia is an emerging nosocomial pathogen, with infection rates increasing between 1980-1985. Lower respiratory tract infections were most common, often leading to mortality.
Area of Science:
- Medical Microbiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
Background:
- Pseudomonas cepacia (P. cepacia) has emerged as a significant nosocomial pathogen.
- Understanding the epidemiology of endemic P. cepacia infections is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the epidemiology of endemic nosocomial P. cepacia infections.
- To analyze trends and identify risk factors associated with P. cepacia hospital-acquired infections.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance (NNIS) system database.
- Inclusion of data from 1980 to 1985, covering patient discharges and infection rates.
- Categorization of infections by hospital type, service, and site.
Main Results:
- The nosocomial P. cepacia infection rate was 2.4 per 100,000 discharges (1980-1985), showing a significant increase.
- Higher infection rates were observed in large, medical school-affiliated hospitals and primarily in medicine and surgery services.
- The most common infection sites were the lower respiratory tract (31%), blood (20%), and urinary tract (20%).
Conclusions:
- P. cepacia is confirmed as an emerging nosocomial pathogen.
- Endemic P. cepacia infection epidemiology differs from epidemic patterns.
- Lung involvement in nosocomial P. cepacia infections is associated with increased mortality.