Background: Nosocomial infections (NIs) in the ICU—also called healthcare-associated infections (HAIs)—increase morbidity, mortality, length of stay and healthcare costs. Surveillance of ICU infection rates and pathogen profiles is essential for infection control and antimicrobial stewardship.
Aim: To determine incidence, types, risk factors, microbial profile and antibiotic susceptibility patterns of nosocomial infections among patients admitted to the ICU.
Materials & Methods: Prospective observational study conducted over 12 months in the adult ICU of ________ Hospital. All patients admitted ≥48 hours were included. Data collected: demographics, comorbidities, device use (ventilator, central venous catheter, urinary catheter), exposure to antibiotics, duration of ICU stay, and development of suspected/confirmed NIs (VAP, CLABSI, CAUTI, surgical site, bloodstream infection). Microbiological cultures and antibiotic susceptibility testing were performed per CLSI/EUCAST standards. Incidence density (infections/1,000 device-days), causative organisms and resistance patterns were analysed. Statistical analysis used univariate and multivariate logistic regression; p < 0.05 significant.
Results (template): Among ___ admissions (___ patient-days), overall NI incidence was __ per 100 ICU admissions and __ per 1,000 ICU patient-days. Device-associated infection rates: VAP __/1,000 ventilator-days, CLABSI __/1,000 central line-days, CAUTI __/1,000 catheter-days. Common isolates: Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida spp. High rates of MDR organisms and carbapenem resistance were noted. Significant risk factors included mechanical ventilation >7 days, central venous catheter, prior broad-spectrum antibiotics, and prolonged ICU stay.
Conclusion: ICU nosocomial infections are common and associated with device use and antibiotic exposure. Local surveillance, strict bundle care (ventilator, central line, catheter), antimicrobial stewardship and infection control measures are essential to reduce NI burden.