Guideline for the management of nosocomial infections in South Africa.
OBJECTIVE
To write a guideline for the management and prevention of nosocomial infections in South Africa in view of the following: Nosocomial infections are a common and increasing problem globally, including South Africa. Widely varying standards of prevention and management of these important infections. Increasing and emerging antimicrobial resistance among commonly isolated pathogens. The significant economic burden of these infections on the health care system as well as their impact on patient morbidity and mortality. The main aims of the guideline are to provide recommendations for the initial choice of antimicrobial agents and the appropriate management of these infections encompassing the following conditions: (i) nosocomial pneumonia, health care-associated pneumonia and ventilator-associated pneumonia; (ii) nosocomial bloodstream infections; (iii) nosocomial intravascular infections; (iv) nosocomial urinary tract infections; (v) nosocomial intra-abdominal infections; and (vi) nosocomial surgical skin and soft-tissue infections.


METHODS
Working group of clinicians from relevant disciplines, following detailed literature review.


CONCLUSIONS
These include details of the likely pathogens, an appropriate diagnostic approach, antibiotic treatment options and appropriate preventive strategies.


BACKGROUND
The guideline document was endorsed by the South African Thoracic Society, the Critical Care Society of Southern Africa and the Federation of Infectious Diseases Societies of Southern Africa.
Brink
Adrian
A
brinka@ampath.co.za
Feldman
Charles
C
Duse
Adriano
A
Gopalan
Dean
D
Grolman
David
D
Mer
Mervyn
M
Naicker
Sarala
S
Paget
Graham
G
Perovic
Olga
O
Richards
Guy
G
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003140:Communicable Disease Control / Q000592:standards*; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000592:standards*; D013019:South Africa / Q000453:epidemiology
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents