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Abstract:
A review of nosocomial infections (NI) from January 1971 to April 1981 was conducted in a university-affiliated hospital to examine NI caused by Acinetobacter and to determine whether a rising trend in rates could be detected. Acinetobacter accounted for 85 of 6115 (1.4%) NI. Sites of infection were respiratory tract (42.2%), blood (17.8%), peritoneum (16.7%), urinary tract (10%), surgical wounds (7.8%), central nervous system (3.3%), and skin or eye (2.2%). All patients who developed NI from Acinetobacter were receiving systemic antimicrobial therapy; 58.8% were in the intensive care unit (ICU). The highest rates of Acinetobacter infection occurred in the early 1970s (2.3%); the lowest occurred from 1978 to 1981 (0.94%), p approximately 0.06. This decrease primarily resulted from two factors: a reduction in cross-infections, probably related to a structural change in the ICU from open-bed ward to single rooms, and the elimination of peritoneal infections traced to contamination of dialysate solution. We conclude that in this institution no rise in the proportion of NI caused by Acinetobacter has occurred over the past decade; if anything, there is a downward trend.
Insights
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.