Impact of multiresistance of gram-negative bacteria in bloodstream infection on mortality rates and length of stay.

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSI) with gram-negative bacteria (GNB) are one of the most serious infections in the hospital setting, a situation compounded by the increasing antibiotic resistance of gram-negative bacteria causing BSI. The aim of the study was to assess the impact of antibiotic multiresistance of GNB in BSI on mortality rates and length of stay (LOS).

Materials And Methods: The setting was the University Hospital Aachen, a 1,500-bed tertiary-care hospital with over 100 ICU beds providing maximal medical care in all disciplines.

Evaluation of postdischarge surveillance of surgical site infections after total hip and knee arthroplasty.

Background: Artificial joint replacement of hip (HPRO) and knee (KPRO) are 2 of about 20 categories of operative procedures of the surveillance of surgical site infection (SSI) as stated by nosocomial infections surveillance systems in the United States and in Germany. Periprosthetic SSI can manifest itself after a long period.

Methods: Seven hundred fifty-six orthopedic patients from 2 centers were evaluated after HPRO (n = 508) or KPRO (n = 248).

Surveillance of nosocomial infections in a neurologic intensive care unit.

Objective: To assess data on the epidemiology of nosocomial infection (NI) among neurologic intensive care patients.

Design: Prospective periodic surveillance study.

Setting: An 8-bed neurologic intensive care unit (ICU).

Periodic surveillance of nosocomial infections in a neurosurgery intensive care unit.

Background: We assessed data on the epidemiology of nosocomial infections (NIs) in a 14-bed neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU) and used surveillance data for the promotion of quality improvement activities.

Patients And Methods: Prospective periodic surveillance was performed over five 3-month periods between July 1998 and October 2002 on all patients admitted with a length of stay > 24 hours.

Results: 763 patients with a total of 4,512 patient days and a mean length of stay of 5.

[Fulminant meningoencephalitis associated with Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in adults. Aggressive treatment enabled a good outcome].

Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pn.) commonly causes respiratory tract infections in humans.