Nosocomial infection outbreaks: Investigation and epidemiological methods

The purpose of this paper was to detail the different steps of a nosocomial infection outbreak investigation. The first steps of an investigation are infection and outbreak confirmation, cases definition and exhaustive case identification. A descriptive study is useful to generate hypotheses on the source or on the routes of transmission that should be tested in an analytical study. At the same time, appropriate control measures based on investigation results should be established as soon as possible to control outbreak extension. Collaborative work between health professionals is required for an efficient outbreak investigation and is a determining factor of its control. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.