Objective: To report types and rates of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) as well as
pathogen distribution from HAI surveillance system of Zagazig University Hospitals.
Method: Active prospective surveillance was conducted from March 2016 through
November 2017 in intensive care hospitals (ICUs) in Zagazig university hospitals. Definitions
were adapted from the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network. Data collection was
performed by trained healthcare workers in the participating ICUs, and data was recorded on
clinical symptoms, radiological and laboratory investigations. A convenience sample of
clinical isolates was tested for quality control at a central reference laboratory. Results:
Fifteen (15) ICUs from 7 hospitals collected 106,028 patient-days of surveillance data. Of 290
HAIs identified, 56.6% % were bloodstream infections followed by urinary tract infection
32.4%. The highest rate of device-associated infections was reported for central lineassociated
Blood stream infection (3.39 CLABSIs/1,000 central line-days) followed by
ventilator-associated pneumonia (1.13 VAP/1,000 ventilator-days). Out of 280 isolates of
ICU acquired organisms, Klebsiella was the most common isolated organism (38.2%)
followed by staphylococcus and E. Coli (11.4 % and 10.4%). The most common obstacles
identified were work overload and lack of cooperation of ICU staff. High levels of
satisfaction of surveillance team for surveillance program training course, data collection
tools (logbooks and smart devices, and overall usefulness of the program in reducing HAIs)
were reported. Conclusions: HAIs have great threat to patient safety in Zagazig University
ICUs. Continuation of surveillance activities and implementation of preventive bundles
should become a priority for the Infection control team.