Healthcare Associated Infections in a Resource Limited Setting

INTRODUCTION: Health Care associated Infections (HAI) are the most common complications affecting the hospitalized patients. HAI are more common in developing and under developed countries. However, there are no systematic surveillance programs in these countries. AIM: To find out the burden, predisposing factors and multidrug resistant organisms causing HAI in a resource limited setting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was done at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER). Patients aged 13 years or more with stay of more than 48 hours in a 16 bedded Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) between November 2011 and April 2013 were included in the study. Patients were prospectively followed up till discharge or death for the development of HAI. Device associated HAI like Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP), Catheter Related-Blood Stream Infection (CR-BSI) and Catheter Associated-Urinary Tract Infections (CA-UTI) were studied. Standard laboratory methods were used for identification of microorganisms causing HAI and to test their antibiotic sensitivity. RESULTS: was the most common organism associated with HAI. Multidrug resistance was seen in 74% of the isolates. CONCLUSION: The burden of HAI, especially with MDR organisms, in resource constrained setting like ours is alarming. There is urgent need for infection control and monitoring system to reduce HAI.