[Epidemiology and prevention of health care associated infections].

Abstract

Epidemiology and prevention of health care associated infections. Nosocomial infections (NI) are infections contracted in a healthcare facility. This definition has become unsuited to current care practices where initially the distinguishing criterion was the place of acquisition of infection (nosocomial versus community). It has therefore been updated in November 2007 and was integrated more broadly within healthcare associated infections. The prevalence of nosocomial infections (NI) in France is located in the lower limits of other countries in Europe around 5.3%. The most frequent infections are urinary tract infections, pneumonia, surgical site infection and bloodstream infection. These NI are favored by the presence of invasive devices or invasive procedures. Bacteria represent the most frequently microorganisms isolated in NI. The most commonly involved are Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The major problem of these bacteria is the multidrug resistance (eg, S. aureus resistant to methicillin). NI prevention is based on greater respect for hygiene precautions. The NI remains a public health major concern both in terms of morbidity and mortality cost.