[Aetiology of surgical infections in patients undergoing craniotomy].

Background: Postoperative infections in patients undergoing craniotomy constitute significant complications associated with increased hospital stay and patient morbidity and mortality. Knowing the aetiology of surgical infections after craniotomy may contribute to improving antibiotic prophylaxis and empirical treatment.

Method: Information relating to surgical infections in patients undergoing craniotomy was obtained from a series of annual surveys on prevalence of infections in Spanish hospitals (EPINE) during the period 1999-2006.

[Susceptibility to measles and varicella in healthcare workers in a tertiary hospital in Catalonia].

Introduction: To estimate the susceptibility to measles and varicella (chickenpox) in healthcare workers in a public tertiary level teaching hospital, in Catalonia.

Methods: A prevalence study was conducted from January 2006 to December 2008 on 2,752 workers who had serology performed for the determination of measles or varicella by ELISA test during a health examination. Data were analysed by, sex, age, professional category and work unit.

[Microbiology of surgical site infections in abdominal tract surgery patients].

Introduction: Knowledge of the microbiology of surgical infections after abdominal surgery can be of use when prescribing effective empirical antibiotic treatments.

Method: Analysis of surgical infections after abdominal surgery in patients enrolled in the Prevalence of Infections in Spanish Hospitals (EPINE) corresponding to the years 1999-2006.

Results: During the period of the study, 2,280 patients who were subjected to upper or lower abdominal tract surgery were diagnosed with an infection at the surgical site (SSI).

[Patient characteristics and health care burden during the influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic in the university Hospital Vall d'Hebron of Barcelona].

Background And Objective: The influenza A (H1N1) 2009 pandemic initially had a mild impact in Catalonian hospitals, but in the autumn there was an important pandemic wave. We describe the main characteristics of patients seen in the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona (HUVH) during this pandemic, the risk factors associated with hospitalization and the health-care burden generated.

Material And Method: We included all cases of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 with laboratory confirmation seen in the HUVH from July 2, 2009 to January 22, 2010.

[Epidemiology of influenza A (H1N1) worldwide and in Spain].

On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization declared an established pandemic due to a new influenza virus A (H1N1) of swine origin. Initial cases were detected in Mexico in March and within 6 weeks the virus had spread worldwide. The transmissibility of influenza A (H1NA) is slightly higher than that of the seasonal virus, but its pathogenicity and virulence are low.

Effectiveness of varicella vaccines as postexposure prophylaxis.

Background: Although chickenpox is usually a mild disease, it is not always free of complications, especially in adolescents and adults. Previous studies of postexposure prophylaxis conducted with experimental vaccines showed the vaccine to be highly effective if administered in the first 3 to 5 days after exposure. However, studies carried out with commercialized vaccines yielded discordant results.

[Prevalence of infection by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in Spain (1999-2005)].

Introduction: This study determines the prevalence of infections by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) in Spain, and identifies trends over time, geographical variations, and factors associated with resistance.

Methods: Yearly prevalence surveys (EPINE, Estudio de Prevalencia de las Infecciones Nosocomiales en España) during 1999 to 2005 were analyzed, including data on the site of infection, culture, and antimicrobial susceptibility, and characteristics of the patients and hospitals.

Results: On average, 246 hospitals/year participated in the survey.

Nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus during contrast-enhanced computed tomography scanning.

We have investigated two cases of acute hepatitis C that occurred in patients who underwent digestive endoscopy and contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scanning at two different centers. Investigations to identify the sources of infection included an on-site review of diagnostic procedures, interview of the involved healthcare staff, serological testing of the patients who underwent the procedures before and after the index cases and a molecular analysis of viral isolates from the patients and from potential viremic sources. In both cases, the epidemiological investigation identified a chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) carrier who had been subjected to CT-scanning immediately before the index patient.

[Antimicrobial use in Spanish hospitals (EPINE, 1990-1999)].

Background: Monitoring of antimicrobial use and knowledge of prescription habits are some of the strategies recommended to contain the resistance to antimicrobials in hospitals.

Method: We analyzed a series of 10 annual studies of prevalence during the period 1990-1999 (EPINE project) in Spanish hospitals. Estimates of antimicrobial use were calculated as the percent distribution of every antimicrobial related to the overall antimicrobials prescribed.

[Etiology of hospital-acquired infections in Spanish hospitals (EPINE, 1990-1999)].

Background: Clinical and demographic characteristics of patients, their interaction with pathogens and antimicrobial therapies are prompting changes in the epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections (HI). The knowledge of the etiology of hospital-acquired infections is valuable for the treatment of infected patients and for the prevention of HI.

Patients And Method: We analyzed a series of 10 annual prevalence studies during the period 1990-1999 (EPINE project) in Spanish hospitals.