Abstract

Fourteen Year Surveillance of Nosocomial Infections in Neurology Unit

Recep Tekin, Tuba Dal, M. Ugur Çevik, Fatma Bozkurt, Özcan Deveci, Alicem Tekin and Salih Hoşoğlu

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the long-term data of Neurology Unit and emphasize the importance of hospital infection control. Materials and Method: This study was performed between January, 1997 and December, 2010. The surveillance method was active, prospective, and based on laboratory and patient. Active surveillance of nosocomial infections (NIs) was performed by infection control team, using the criteria proposed by the CDC (The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS) methodology. Results: During the study period, 435 episodes were detected in 384 patients. The overall incidence rates (NI/100) and incidence densities (NI/1000 days of stay) of NIs were 3.7% (range 1.0-7.7) and 3.2/1,000 patient-day (range 0.8-7.2/1000), respectively. The most common nosocomial infections by primary site were urinary tract infections (32%), and pneumonia (25.1%). The most prevalent microorganisms were coagulase-negative staphylococci (39.4%), Escherichia coli (18%), Staphylococcus aureus (10%) and Klebsiella spp. (9.9%). Conclusion: We conclude that development of nosocomial infection will be prevented by monitoring the patients in fully-equipped intensive care units, the rapid termination of invasive procedures, appropriate antibiotic therapy and discharging the patient, significantly.