title: Guideline for the management of nosocomial infections in South Africa.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: brinka@ampath.co.za
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Brink
authors.forename: Charles
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Feldman
authors.forename: Adriano
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Duse
authors.forename: Dean
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gopalan
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Grolman
authors.forename: Mervyn
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mer
authors.forename: Sarala
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naicker
authors.forename: Graham
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Paget
authors.forename: Olga
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Perovic
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Richards
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents