Survey on Prevalence of Hospital-acquired Infection from 2012 to 2016

  Objective  To investigate the prevalence of hospital-acquired infection (HAI) in a hospital and its change over time, so as to better prevent and control HAI.

  Methods  A cross-sectional survey on prevalence of HAI was carried out among all hospitalized patients in Peking Union Medical College Hospital on December 12, 2012, December 4, 2013, May 21, 2014, May 20, 2015, and May 11, 2016, respectively. The data related to HAI in these five years were analyzed.

  Results  The prevalence rate of HAI in the five years from 2012 to 2016 was 6.67%, 6.33%, 5.66%, 5.16%, and 4.65%, respectively, appearing to be reducing over time. The intensive care unit(ICU) had the highest infection prevalence. The top infection site was lower respiratory tract, accounting for 40.88% of all the HAI; followed by urinary tract(10.81%) and surgical site(9.97%). Gram-negative bacteria were the main pathogens of HAI, accounting for 63.16%. Multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) accounted for 32.85% of the total detected bacteria.

  Conclusions  The prevalence of HAI appears to be decreasing year by year, suggesting the effect of hospital infection management and control. ICU and lower respiratory tract infection are still the focus of HAI control. HAI control is currently faced with the threat of MDROs. Contact isolation for patients with MDROs infection is equally important as rational use of antimicrobial drugs.