The relationship between patient characteristics and the development of a multi-resistant healthcare-associated infection in a private South Australian hospital

Abstract

Background: The prevention of healthcare-associated infections (HAI) and the rise of multi-resistant organisms are significant public health issues. Infections caused by multi-resistant organisms (MRO) can have similar clinical manifestations to infections caused by non-multi-resistant organisms (non-MROHAI) but antibiotic treatment options are more limited, which can result in treatment failure. This study aimed to reduce the incidence of MRO HAI in a specific South Australian hospital setting by identifying factors that are associated with MRO transmission. Methods: Using a case-control design, we analysed data from 1017 adult patients who developed an HAI in the 9-year period from 2003 to 2011 in a private South Australian hospital. We compared risk factors in patients who developed MRO HAI (cases) with risk factors in patients who developed non-MRO HAI (controls). Data were collected from the hospital’s patient management database and individual medical records, and analysed using univariate and multivariate techniques. Results: Independent predictors for the development of MRO HAI were the presence of an indwelling urinary catheter and renal disease. The development of a secondary infection was significantly more likely in MRO relative to non-MRO HAI, as was secondary bloodstream infection following a primary urinary tract infection. Conclusion: All effective interventions for reducing MRO, specifically in UTI, should be implemented where feasible. Increased healthcare worker education on aseptic non-touch technique, and safe insertion and management of an IDC, particularly important in patients with underlying renal disease, could assist in decreasing the risk of MRO HAI in this setting.