An evaluation of six-year infections in a university hospital.

BACKGROUND

is a Gram-negative bacillus and opportunistic emergent pathogen causing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs). Due to risk factors such as prolonged intensive care unit stay and invasive procedures, it has become one of the leading causes of HAIs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiology of infections over a six-year period at Düzce University Hospital, Turkey.

METHODS

The incidence, clinical characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility and outcomes of nosocomial infections during this period were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

During the study period, 67 samples obtained from 61 patients were identified. Pneumonias (82%) were the most common HAIs, followed by bloodstream infections (10.5%), urinary tract infections (3%), skin and soft tissue infections (3%) and surgical site infection (1.5%). Admission to intensive care, hospitalization exceeding 30 days, and previous use of broad-spectrum antibiotics constituted risk factors. Resistance to cotrimoxazole (6%) was lower than that to levofloxacin (18%).

CONCLUSION

The most important risk factors for infection in patients are previous exposure to antibiotics, prolonged hospitalization and invasive procedures such as mechanic ventilation. Discharging patients as early as possible with the rational use of antibiotics may be effective in reducing infections and resistance rates.