[Change of pathogen in infections since 1958 (author's transl)].

Infections with proteus, pseudomonas, klebsiella and enterococci have increased significantly in the period of this report. The question of hospital hygiene, especially in intensive care wards, must therefore be given increased attention. Uncritical prophylaxis and treatment with antibiotics must be rejected. Attempts to improve the cellular and humoral defense of patients with reduced resistance would be worth while. To achieve progress, there must be a close co-operation between specialists in infection, hygienists, microbiologists, pharmacologists and immunologists. The activity of the specialists in infection is no longer exclusively confined to the isolated "epidemic ward", but includes advising clinicians in the various departments with regard to control of infection in the widest sense, and consequently a close co-operation with all clinical medical disciplines.