[Nosocomial infections in nursing homes in Oslo].
BACKGROUND
Residents of long-term care facilities are at risk of infection and may deliver resistant microbes to hospitals.


METHODS
A point prevalence study was performed, including 3,474 residents in 2000 and 4,650 in 2001.


RESULTS
The infection rate increased from 5.6% in 2000 to 7.5% in 2001 (p < 0.001). Urinary tract infections predominated. Pneumonia increased from 2000 to 2001 (0.7%-1.4%; p < 0.01), as did the rate of operated patients (2.9%-6.5%, p < 0.001), while postoperative wound infections was reduced (p = 0.02). Antibiotics were given to 5.8% in 2000 and 6.1% in 2001. Microbiological assessments were available from 29.6% infections in 2000 and 21.4% in 2001. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli predominated. Methicillin-resistant S aureus was found in only two patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The increased burden of operated patients in understaffed long-term care facilities may have caused an increasing rate of infections. Staffing with sufficient and competent personnel and intensified infection control work is needed.
Andersen
Bjørg Marit
BM
Avdeling for sykdomsforebygging hos risikogrupper, Klinikk for forebyggende medisin, Medisinsk divisjon, Ullevål universitetssykehus, 0407 Oslo. bjorgmarit.andersen ulleval.no
Rasch
Mette
M
D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission; D024881:Drug Resistance, Bacterial; D006801:Humans; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D009735:Nursing Homes; D015995:Prevalence; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission; D014552:Urinary Tract Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000635:transmission; D000078329:Workforce