Factors influencing the occurence of nosocomial bloodstream infections observed in thoracic and cardiosurgical postoperative care units.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to analyse the epidemiology and aetiology of laboratoryconfirmed bloodstream infections (LC-BSI) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) after pulmonary and coronary surgery, in postoperative intensive care units in 2009.

METHODS: Sources of infections were identified by the hospital Infection Control Team in cooperation with ITU personnel using the CDC definitions.

RESULTS: A total of 37 LC-BSI and 21 CLA-BSI cases in 3.096 patients were detected. Central line device utilization ratio was 0.50. The total cumulative LC-BSI incidence rate was 1.2% and CLA-BSI rate 8.7 per 1,000 central line days. The most common causes of LC-BSI were Gram-positive cocci (Staphylococcus aureus - 5.9%, CNS - 50.0%, Enterococcus faecium - 5.9%).

CONCLUSIONS: We found that in those units in which surveillance of CLA-BSI had been conducted since 2002, BSI incidence rates were higher than those reported in the NHSN programme.