Infection and Antibiotic Usage at Boston City Hospital: Changes in Prevalence during the Decade 1964-1973

Surveys of prevalence of infection and usage of antimicrobial agents, conducted at Boston City Hospital at three-year intervals from 1964 to 1973, have shown little change in either prevalence of, or bacterial pathogens associated with, community-acquired infection. Prevalence of nosocomial infection at specific sites has varied from survey to survey, but no significant downward trends have been documented. Gram-negative bacilli and Staphylococcus aureus continue to be the bacteria isolated most frequently from patients with hospital-acquired infection. The surveys since 1964 have shown an increased proportion of patients receiving antimicrobial agents and decreasing use of therapy with more than one antimicrobial agent in the same patient. Despite the limitations of surveys of prevalence, they can be a useful aid in the control of infections within hospitals; their value is enhanced by the extent to which the staff of the hospital is kept informed of and utilizes the findings as a guide to improving the therapy and care of the patients.