Nosocomial infections in intensive care unit of Ahvaz Arya Hospital (2008-2009)

Nosocomial infections especially in ICUs are common infections and large numbers of patients suffer from these problems in these wards, annually. Therefore, this study has been done to assess nosocomial infections in intensive care unit of Ahvaz Arya hospital. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 772 ICU patients in Ahvaz Arya hospital from 2008 to 2009. Data collected based on National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance System (NNIS). Patients regularly controlled clinically and if infection is suspected based on clinical symptoms and criteria mentioned in NNIS, the necessary tests and cultures were performed. Data were analyzed by SPSS statistical software and chi-square test in significance level of P-value <0.05. 10% of hospitalized patients in ICU, had symptoms of nosocomial infections and the highest rate was in patients over 60 years. Based on type of infection, 41% was urinary tract infection, 28% was respiratory infection, 20.5% reported surgical site infection and 10.5% related to blood infection (sepsis). To reduce hospital infections, it is recommended early diagnosis of infections, continuous assessment of existing microorganisms and their sensitivity and resistance against drugs, establish especial interventions for prevention the spread of hospital infections and health education.