Epidemiology of nosocomial infections in selected neonatal intensive care units in Colombia, South America.
OBJECTIVE
The epidemiology of nosocomial infections (NI) in neonatal intensive care units in developing countries has been poorly studied. We conducted a prospective study in selected neonatal units in Colombia, SA, to describe the incidence rate, causative organisms, and interinstitutional differences.


METHODS
Data were collected prospectively from February 20 to August 30, 2001 from eight neonatal units. NI was defined as culture-proven infection diagnosed after 72 h of hospitalization, resulting in treatment with antibiotics for >3 days. Linear regression models were used to describe associations between institutional variables and NI rates.


RESULTS
A total of 1504 infants were hospitalized for more than 72 h, and therefore, at risk for NI. Of all, 127 infections were reported among 80 patients (5.3%). The incidence density rate was 6.2 per 1000 patient-days. Bloodstream infections accounted for 78% of NIs. Gram-negative organisms predominated over gram-positive organisms (55 vs 38%) and were prevalent in infants < or =2000 g (54%). The most common pathogens were Staphylococcus epidermidis (26%) and Klebsiella pneumonia (12%).


CONCLUSIONS
Gram-negative organisms predominate in Colombia among infants <2000 g. The emergence of gram-negative organisms and their associated risk factors requires further study.
Efird
Meica M
MM
University of North Carolina (M.M.E., M.A.R., C.L.B.), Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA.
Rojas
Mario A
MA
Lozano
Juan M
JM
Bose
Carl L
CL
Rojas
María X
MX
Rondón
Martín A
MA
Ruiz
Gloria
G
Piñeros
Juan G
JG
Rojas
Catherine
C
Robayo
Guillermo
G
Hoyos
Angela
A
Gosendi
Maria E
ME
Cruz
Hernan
H
Leon
Angela
A
D003105:Colombia / Q000453:epidemiology; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016014:Linear Models; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies