PREVALENCE OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTION IN INTENSIVE CARE UNITS

Abstract

Infections are a leading cause of death in intensive care unit. The term nosocomial is used to describe hospital acquired infections which generally present at least 48 hours following admission. Nosocomial infection is an important cause of morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stay and increased treatment cost. Patients admitted to ICUs have a greater risk of nosocomial infections than other hospitalized patients. Nosocomial infection rates among ICU patients are as much as 5 - 10 times higher than those admitted to other medical and surgical wards. Nosocomial infections are more common in ICUs because of the severity of underlying disease, the duration of ICU stay, the use of invasive devices, contaminated life support equipment, crowding and the prevalence of multi-resistant organisms. The present study was designed:

1- To determine the prevalence of nosocomial infection in 4 ICUs in Alexandria University Hospital for a period of 3 month for each unit. These ICUs included Neurosurgical Unit, Sixth Floor Unit, Shatby Maternity Hospital Unit and Third Critical Care Unit. 2- To find out the most prevalent micro-organisms responsible for these

ICU-acquired infections.

3- To find out the risk factors associated with such infections.