Surveillance of nosocomial infections in general surgery unit: Data of ten years period

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the epidemiologic data of nosocomial infection (NI) occurring in the General Surgery Unit (GSU). Method: This study was performed between January 1997 and December 2006. The surveillance method was active, prospective, and based on laboratory and patient. NIs were defined according to Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention criteria (CDC). Results: During the ten-year period, 305 NI episodes were detected in 290 patients. The overall incidence rates and incidence densities of NIs were 2.0% and 2.3/1,000 patient-day respectively. The most common NIs by primary site were surgical site infections, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. The most prevalent microorganisms were Escherichia coli (36.8%), Staphylococcus aureus (17.7%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (10.5%). Meticillin resistance among S. aureus isolates was 76%. Meropenem and amikacin were the most effective agents against to Gram-negative bacteria. Conclusion: In order to detect of the variation and trends of NIs, the data of surveillance activities must be evaluated decisively and regularly with collaboration among infection control team, Infectious Disease clinic, and GSU. © 2010 Düzce Medical Journal