Prevalence of nosocomial infections in intensive care units and the role of the infection prevention and control team in implementing protective measures – a case study of a university hospital in Morocco

Abstract

Introduction: Despite their small number of beds, intensive care units are major reservoirs of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDRO) and experience a high frequency of nosocomial infections. This study aims to estimate their prevalence, identify risk factors, determine the microorganisms responsible, and highlight the preventive measures taken to control these risks. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of the prevalence of nosocomial infections in all intensive care units in three university hospital centers, including all patients hospitalized for at least 24 hours. Results: Among the 50 patients included, 30% had a nosocomial infection, the most common of which was pneumonia. Of the 18 bacteria species isolated in 15 patients, 66.7% were MDRO. The most frequently isolated species was Acinetobacter baumannii (44.4%), with a resistance rate of 100% against imepenem. Conclusion: The survey identified the frequency, risk factors and microorganisms responsible for nosocomial infections. This approach helped to guide preventive measures and prioritize efforts, making it a pragmatic and appropriate solution for enhancing the efforts against these infections in contexts where resources are limited.