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Control of cross-infection in an intensive care unit

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 May 2009

D. M. Harris ,
J. M. Orwin ,
J. Colquhoun  and
H. G. Schroeder
D. M. Harris
Affiliation:
From the Department of Bacteriology and the Intensive Therapy Unit, Royal Hospital, Sheffield
J. M. Orwin
Affiliation:
From the Department of Bacteriology and the Intensive Therapy Unit, Royal Hospital, Sheffield
J. Colquhoun
Affiliation:
From the Department of Bacteriology and the Intensive Therapy Unit, Royal Hospital, Sheffield
H. G. Schroeder
Affiliation:
From the Department of Bacteriology and the Intensive Therapy Unit, Royal Hospital, Sheffield
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Summary

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In a survey undertaken in an intensive care unit, coliform bacilli were found to be responsible for most infections, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus being isolated much less frequently. Tracheostomy or endotracheal intubation predisposed to infection, but in our experience intermittent positive pressure ventilation did not significantly affect its incidence. Little cross-infection has occurred, and it has never been possible to incriminate the ventilators in its transmission.

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance we have received from colleagues in the Intensive Therapy Unit and the Department of Bacteriology during the course of this investigation.

Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Hygiene , Volume 67 , Issue 3 , September 1969 , pp. 525 - 532
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1969

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