Risk Factors for Nosocomial Bacteremia in a Large Spanish Teaching Hospital: A Case-Control Study

Abstract

Although five variables are not modifiable, the remaining two relate to the use and duration of devices. Our data give strong support for the value of testing strict guidelines for limiting vascular catheters and evaluating the need for prolonged urethral catheterization. If effective infection control measures are identified, we could target hospital-wide surveillance to patients whose risk factors are amenable to intervention.