Magnitude and prevention of nosocomial infections in the intensive care unit.
Nosocomial infections among intensive care unit (ICU) patients usually are related to the use of invasive devices (e.g., mechanical ventilators, urinary catheters, or central venous catheters). This article discusses the impact of these devices and other risk factors for nosocomial infection in ICU patients. Data on etiologic pathogens and device-related infection rates from the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance System are presented, general infection control guidelines for ICUs are reviewed, and special infection control problems encountered in ICUs are discussed.
Fridkin
S K
SK
Division of Infectious Diseases, Cook County Hospital, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
Welbel
S F
SF
Weinstein
R A
RA
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004352:Drug Resistance, Microbial; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D016908:Gram-Positive Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D009181:Mycoses / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology