Nosocomial infection in a general hospital

Abstract EN

o determine the incidence of nosocomial infection and the pathogens involved a two-year active surveillance was made in the wards of the King Hussein Medical Center (KHMC) Amman, Jordan.

The overall rate of nosocomial infection was 4.6% with a range of 1.9% to 27.5% depending upon the location of the patient.

The highest rates were seen in the Burns Unit (27.5%) and the Intensive Care Unit (9.4%).

The major sites of nosocomial infections were the urinary tract (30%) and postoperative wound infection (23%).

Staph, aureus (21%) and Pseudomonas spp.

(17%) were the pathogens isolated most frequently.

We conclude that nosocomial infection is a problem in Jordan, as in other countries, and continual efforts must be made for its prevention and control.