title: Epidemiology of infections acquired in intensive care units.
abstract: Infections acquired in the intensive care unit (ICU) are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Using surveillance data collected in the United States and internationally, we describe contemporary rates, sites, and pathogens responsible for common ICU-acquired infections. Emerging pathogens are outlined, including a systematic review of published ICU infection outbreaks from 2005 to 2010. Compared with a similar review of outbreaks conducted in 2003, multiresistant gram-negative bacteria (eg, ACINETOBACTER and PSEUDOMONAS species) were more commonly reported, whereas resistant STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS was reported less frequently. Advances in ICU infection prevention, including central line bundles, chlorhexidine body wash, and hand hygiene interventions occurred during this period. We also describe how changes in the pattern of antimicrobial use can affect the prevalence of multiresistant pathogens.
authors.affiliation: Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, VIC Australia.
authors.forename: Joseph S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Doyle
authors.forename: Kirsty L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Buising
authors.forename: Karin A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Thursky
authors.forename: Leon J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Worth
authors.forename: Michael J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Richards
mesh_terms: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000382:microbiology; D055499:Catheter-Related Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D024901:Drug Resistance, Multiple, Bacterial; D006235:Hand Disinfection; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D009181:Mycoses / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology; D014777:Virus Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D002710:Chlorhexidine