Surveillance of device-associated infection rates and mortality in 3 Greek intensive care units.

Background: Several studies suggest that device-associated, health care-associated infections (DA-HAIs) affect the quality of care in intensive care units, increasing patients' morbidity and mortality and the costs of patient care.

Objectives: To assess the DA-HAIs rates, microbiological profile, antimicrobial resistance, and crude excess mortality in 3 intensive care units in Athens, Greece.

Methods: A prospective cohort, active DA-HAI surveillance study was conducted in 3 Greek intensive care units from July 2009 to June 2010.