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Summary
Nosocomial infections caused by Acinetobacter did not increase over a decade in a university hospital. Rates actually showed a downward trend, likely due to ICU improvements and reduced dialysate contamination.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Hospital Epidemiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Nosocomial infections (NI) pose a significant threat in healthcare settings.
- Acinetobacter is a notable opportunistic pathogen causing NI.
- Understanding trends in Acinetobacter infections is crucial for infection control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review nosocomial infections (NI) from January 1971 to April 1981.
- To examine infections caused by Acinetobacter.
- To determine if a rising trend in Acinetobacter infection rates was detectable.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of nosocomial infections.
- Data collected from a university-affiliated hospital over a 10-year period.
- Analysis of infection sites, patient characteristics, and antimicrobial therapy.
Main Results:
- Acinetobacter accounted for 1.4% of all nosocomial infections (85 cases).
- Most common infection sites included respiratory tract (42.2%) and blood (17.8%).
- Infection rates showed a downward trend from 2.3% in the early 1970s to 0.94% from 1978-1981.
Conclusions:
- No rise in the proportion of nosocomial infections caused by Acinetobacter was observed.
- A downward trend in Acinetobacter infections was identified.
- Factors contributing to the decrease included ICU structural changes and elimination of dialysate contamination.