EPIDEMIOLOGY OF NOSOCOMIAL INFECTIONS IN AN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF A PUBLIC MUNICIPAL HOSPITAL IN JOÃO PESSOA, PB, BRAZIL

Abstract

Objective: To understand the epidemiology of nosocomial infections in an ICU of a Public Municipal Hospital. Method: This was a descriptive, retrospective study performed in the IC of a Public Municipal Hospital in João Pessoa, PB, from January to October 2011. We included critical patients whose ICU admission and discharge occurred on different dates. The cases of nosocomial infections were identified through active search of records of the Hospital´s Infection Control Service. Results: The overall nosocomial infection rate was 23.4 % (57/244) and incidence density was 32.86 per 1,000 patients/day. The rate of primary bloodstream infection was 15.07 per 1,000 catheters/day; for pneumonia, it was 29.1 per 1,000 mechanical ventilators/day and urinary tract infection 8.20 per bladder catheters/day. The main microorganisms involved in these infections were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (31.58 %), Acinetobacter baumanni (15.79 %) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (10.53%). The length of ICU stay and the use of invasive procedures were the risk factors predictive for the occurrence of hospital infection. Conclusion: Nosocomial Infection is a fairly common problem in critical environments; thus it is required a systematization of practices aimed at prevention and control of the disease. DESCRIPTORES Cross Infection. Epidemiology. Intensive Care Unit.