NOSOCOMIAL INFECTION IN GERMANY - EPIDEMI OLOGY IN THE OLD AND NEW FEDERAL LANDS

Objective: To determine the prevalence rate of nosocomial infections i n different parts of Germany. Patients and methods: The study involved 14966 patients (45.9% medical, 35.9% surgical, 74.7% obstetrical/gyna ecological and 3.5% intensive care) in 72 randomly chosen German hospi tals (59 in the old [i.e. previously West German] and 13 in the new [i .e. East German] Federal Lands). Using the CDC criteria for the diagno sis of nosocomial infections specially trained doctors determined whet her the infection was in fact nosocomial. Results: There was a 3.5% pr evalence rate of nosocomial infections in the entire population (95% c onfidence interval 3.1 -3.9%). In View of the chosen methods and the i n part incorrect indication of microbiological diagnosis in the includ ed hospital, this rate of nosocomial infection is likely to be a minim um number. The prevalence rate for the most important nosocomial infec tions was lower in the new Lands of Federal Germany than the older one s (total prevalence of 2.7 vs 3.6%). The difference is mainly due to t he less frequent employment of various devices (e.g. peripheral vascul ar catheters), rather than different hygienic standards in their use. Conclusion: The lower prevalence Fate of nosocomial infections in the new Lands, because fewer devices are employed, underlines the need con stantly to test the indications for their use.