Current situation in nosocomial infections

Wide-spectrum betalactam producers: A French survey demonstrated that Enter obacter aerogenes is currently the preferential host for this plasmid, appa rently more so in general hospitals than in University hospitals. Candidemia: The highest rate of positive blood tests for candida was found in anticancer centers. Vancomycin-resistant strains: Reduced susceptibility of methicillin-resista nt staphylococci to vancomycin appears to be rather frequent (approximately 10% of mains isolated in one Japanese hospital). It is important to recogn ize germ populations with a homogeneous or heterogeneous pattern of resista nce. In addition, a Spanish survey demonstrated that a large number of inpa tients or outpatients harbor vancomycin-resistant enterococci. The Acinetobacter issue: In order to limit the emergence of multiresistant strains and control epidemics, a strong prevention program must be associat ed with an adapted policy for antibiotic use. Presse Med 1998; 27:S47-50 (C ) 1998, Masson, Paris.