Prevalence and characteristics of nosocomial infections in a Turkish university hospital

Background: The purpose of this study is to estimate the prevalence of nosocomial infections in a university hospital, as well as determining the groups at high risk of such infections. Materials and methods: Two surveys based on a modification of the British National Survey protocol for nosocomial infection were conducted in July and December 1998. Results: In the first survey, hospital infections were found in 41 (13.4 %) of the patients, and in the second survey in 34 (10.9 %). The study showed that the risk of nosocomial infection was associated with being in the intensive care unit, undergoing surgery, and invasive procedures. Conclusion: Prevalence data are consistent with results reported in many other regions of the world. These findings provide the principal information for future surveillance in association with prevention programs in Turkish hospitals.