Evaluation of Nosocomial Infections in Imam Hossein(as) Hospital of Shahrood, 2005

Nosocomial infections (NI) are infections that occur during admission time in the hospital. Data regarding the incidence of NI is variable between 2.8-10% in different centers. The most common causes of these infections are iatrogenic, organization and patient risk factors. According to high physical lesions and financial losses imposed by these infections and the lack of accurate statistics regarding this topic; we aimed to evaluate the frequency of NI and the related factors. In a prospective descriptive study, all admitted patients in different wards of Imam Hossein(as) hospital of Shahrood in 2005, who had the diagnostic criteria of NI were included and full laboratory studies were performed. The annual incidence rate and incidence density of NI was calculated. Data were analyzed by SPSS using relevant statistical tests. Among 23816 admitted patients in this hospital, 98 patients (46 males and 52 females) with mean age of 55.7±23.9 years (ranging 5 to 98 years) were diagnosed as NI. Overall incidence rate of NI was 41/10000 patients. Incidence density in ICU was 54.1, in neurology ward was 37.2, internal medicine ward was 16.6 and in orthopedic ward was 12.5/10000 patients/day. Regarding the etiology of infection, E-coli was found in 64.3%, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus in 11.2% and Klebsiella in 8.2% of cases. Among patients with NI, urine catheter was seen in 66.3%, tracheal intubations in 14.3% and surgical wounds were seen in 13.2% of patients. The results of this study indicate the lower frequency of NI in comparison with the national results. Proper and timely use of medical interventions, hand washing especially for health personnel, health education, continuous supervision, correct use of disposable equipments, controlled use of antibiotics good care of surgical wounds are the most important to be considered.