Surveillance of device-associated infections at a tertiary care hospital of Punjab

Background: Surveillance of health-care-associated infections (HAIs) plays a key role in the hospital infection control programme and reduction of HAIs. Device-associated infections (DAIs) are an important cause of excessive stay and mortality. The prevalence of HAIs is underreported from developing nations due to a lack of systematic surveillance. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to know the rate and microbiological profile of DAIs. Materials and Methods: This surveillance study was conducted over a period of 2 years. Patients with indwelling devices were included. The data were collected and analysed by infection control team and labelled DAIs as per the CDC guidelines. The rates of HAIs and the profile of pathogens isolated were analysed. Results: A total of 294 patients developed DAIs, of which 181 were male and 113 were female. A total of 239 device-associated infections were reported in 2019 and 55 in 2020 and overall rate of DAIs was 1.81 and 0.58/1000 device days, respectively. Among DAIs, 50 were ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), 71 central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and 173 catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI) cases. Overall, the rate was 2.02,1.21,1.21/1000 device days for VAP, CLABSI and CAUTI, respectively. In DAI's, majority were males and maximum cases developed after 6–10 days, 15 days and 11–15 days of device use in VAP/CAUTI and CLABSI, respectively. Gram-negative isolates (85.1%) were predominant, and among these, most common were Klebsiella spp, Acinetobacter spp and Escherichia coli. A high rate of multidrug resistance was observed. Conclusions: The present surveillance shows high resistance pattern of Gram-negative organisms causing DAIs. To reduce the risk of infection in hospitalised patients, DA-HAI surveillance is of primary importance as it helps in implementing preventive measures.