Prevalence surveys as part of a strategic plan to prevent healthcare associated infections. The experience of the University Hospital "Federico II" of Naples, Italy

BACKGROUND

The care-associated infections (HAI) are the most serious complication associated with medical care. They are the cause of diseases for patients and economic damage to public health. The University "Federico II" of Naples decided to monitor the HAI, repeating the prevalence survey conducted earlier in 2011 in order to analyze the phenomenon of infection and to evaluate the possible correlation with risk factors.

METHODS

The Survey was conducted according to ECDC criteria. Considered that the study carried out in 2011 was conducted following the same methodology, to compare the results of the year 2012 the prevalence rates of both years were standardized.

FINDINGS

For the year 2012, the number of patients enrolled in the study and stratification of patients by age and sex were similar to data collected in 2011. It was very interesting to find the prevalence of HAI standardized reduced in 2012 compared to 2011. As a matter of fact, in fact, that the standardized prevalence of HAI for the year 2012 was 3.1%, one percentage point lower than in 2011 (4.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

The practical training and direct regarded as the most appropriate approach in order to make health professionals aware in the field of health care-associated infections, as well as the system of selfcontrol peripheral for the correct application of the procedures, as well as epidemiological surveillance active, measured through rates of incidence, at the same time allow the monitoring of the phenomenon is infectious and the application of corrective measures that prevent its onset. The choice to make again an epidemiological study of prevalence with the same methodology ensures, in fact, two advantages: the comparability of the data, both at intra-company both at regional, national and international evaluation of the effectiveness of corrective actions.

Prevalence survey of healthcare-associated infections in the University Hospital Federico II of Naples, Italy

BACKGROUND

Healthcare Associated Infections (HAI) are the most serious complication associated with health care. They cause diseases for patients and economic damage for Public Health. A prevalence survey at the University Hospital "Federico II" of Naples was conducted according to ECDC criteria in order to analyze the infectious phenomenon of healthcare assistance and assess possible correlations with risk factors as healthcare procedure and clinical condition of patients.

METHODS

Were enrolled 450 patients. The collected data were then analyzed using univariate and multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

It was found a prevalence rate of infections of 9.3%, with a prevalence rate of HAI of 4.4%. Statistical analysis showed correlation between HAI and ultimately-fatal-disease (P <0.04) and between HAI and the use of invasive devices as CVC (P<0.005), PVC (P<0.004) and intubation (P<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The epidemiological surveillance strategies are part of preventive measures and monitoring of the HAI, implemented to ensure safety and quality of care.

Effect of one booster dose in antirabies vaccination

The antibody response obtained after one booster dose of rabies vaccine prepared in suckling mice brains at Serviço de Saúde Pública da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro is described. Four prime vaccinal groups were used: group I, persons who had received 16 doses 10 years before this investigation; group II, persons who had received 5 doses of the vaccine 10 years before; group III, persons who had received 9 doses 5 years before; and group IV, persons who had received 16 doses 5 years before. One booster dose of the vaccine was administered to all persons involved in the study. Blood samples were collected before vaccination (day 0), then 7 and 30 days after vaccination. Antibody titres were determined by seroneutralization test in mice (SWM). The results demonstrated that all persons who had been treated with 5, 9 or 16 doses of the vaccine 5 to 10 years before had their antibody titres increased on the 7th and 30th days after one booster dose.

[New heterocentric, aplanatic surgical contact lenses for the anterior eye segment]

A heterocentric arrangement of optical radii in surgical contact lenses and the extremely eccentric mirror placement which this makes possible guarantee a wide field angle for the observer and the therapeutic laser beam, and thus represent an optimized optical system with minimal optical aberration. The monobloc glass lens systems were developed in cooperation with Dr. Schirmer specifically for glaucoma surgery in the anterior chamber angle. A mirrored chamber angle contact lens and an iridotomy lens for use in argon laser trabeculoplasty, YAG laser iridotomy, YAG laser capsulotomy, and YAG goniosynechiectomy are designed to facilitate therapy with greatly reduced laser energy and optimized image conditions. The lenses have been evaluated, with positive results, at university eye hospitals in Montreal (Dr. Schirmer), Tübingen (Dr. Jean), Berlin (Dr. Seiler), and Munich (Dr. Fabian).