Prevalence of hospital-acquired infection in a Moroccan university hospital

Background Infection control and hospital-acquired infection (HAI) prevalence reports from developing countries are often not well established because of the lack of staff and resources. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HAI in a Moroccan hospital as well as to identify its predisposing factors. Methods A one-day prevalence survey was conducted in April 2005 at Ibn Sina University Hospital which included all inpatients who had been in the hospital for at least 48 hours. Results Among 658 patients surveyed, the prevalence of HAI was 17.8%. The prevalence was higher in intensive care units (50%). The most frequently infected sites were urinary tract (35%) and surgical wounds (32.5%). Microbiological documentation was available in only 31.6% of HAIs. The most frequently isolated organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (30%) and Proteus mirabilis (25%). Results of multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that HAI is linked to the surgical category, a hospital stay of more than 10 days, and the use of intravascular and urinary devices. Conclusions The prevalence of HAI is high at our center. This survey provided the principal information for future surveillance and prevention programs in Morocco.