ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTI) are highly preventable and have significant clinical and financial impact on the patient and the health care system. OBJECTIVE: To investigate UTIs in critically ill adult patients and the relationship of antimicrobial consumption and multidrug-resistant isolate. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cohort study performed in a Brazilian tertiary-care university hospital in the city of Uberlandia (MG), located at the Federal University of Uberlandia, southeast region of the country. METHODS: We analyzed a cohort of 363 patients with first episode of UTIs from the adult intensive care unit (ICU), from January 2012 to December 2018. The daily doses of antimicrobial administered were calculated. RESULTS: The incidence rate of UTI was 7.2/1000 patient days, with 3.5/1000 patient-days of bacteriuria, and 2.1/1000 patient-days of candiduria. Of 373 microorganisms identified, 69 (18.4%) were Gram-positive cocci, 190 (50.9%) Gram-negative bacilli, and 114 yeasts (30.7%). Escherichia coli and Candida spp. were the most common. Patients with candiduria had higher comorbidity score (Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥ 3), longer length of stay (P = 0.0066), higher mortality (P = < 0.0001) severe sepsis, septic shock, and were immunocompromised when compared with patients with bacteriuria. We observed correlation between antibiotics consumption and multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms. CONCLUSION: The UTIs incidence was high and was mainly caused by Gram-negative bacteria that were resistant to common antibiotics. We observed increase in the consumption of broad-spectrum antibiotics in ICU correlating with MDR microorganisms. In general, ICU-acquired candiduria may be associated with critical illness and poor prognosis. BACKGROUND (UTI system OBJECTIVE multidrugresistant multidrug isolate SETTING tertiarycare tertiary MG, MG , (MG) country METHODS 36 ICU, (ICU) 201 2018 calculated RESULTS 721000 7 2 1000 7.2/100 days 351000 3 5 3.5/100 patientdays bacteriuria 211000 1 2.1/100 37 identified 6 18.4% 184 18 4 (18.4% Grampositive Gram positive cocci 19 50.9% 509 50 9 (50.9% Gramnegative negative bacilli 11 30.7%. 307 30.7% . 30 (30.7%) spp Charlson 3, 3) P 0.0066, 00066 0.0066 0 0066 0.0066) 0.0001 00001 0001 sepsis shock (MDR CONCLUSION broadspectrum broad spectrum general ICUacquired acquired prognosis (MG (ICU 20 72100 100 7.2/10 35100 3.5/10 21100 2.1/10 18.4 (18.4 50.9 (50.9 30.7 (30.7% 0006 0.006 006 0.000 0000 000 7210 10 7.2/1 3510 3.5/1 2110 2.1/1 18. (18. 50. (50. 30. (30.7 0.00 00 721 7.2/ 351 3.5/ 211 2.1/ (18 (50 (30. 0.0 72 7.2 35 3.5 21 2.1 (1 (5 (30 0. 7. 3. 2. ( (3

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The present study aimed to determine the incidence of health care-associated infections (HCAIs) and identify the main resistant microorganisms in intensive care unit (ICU) patients in a Brazilian university hospital. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in a Brazilian teaching hospital between 2012 and 2014. RESULTS: Overall, 81.2% of the infections were acquired in the ICU. The most common resistant pathogenic phenotypes in all-site and bloodstream infections were oxacillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. (89.9% and 87.4%; 80.6% and 70.0%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There is an urgent need to focus on HCAIs in ICUs in Brazil.

Abstract Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes frequently nosocomial infections, currently becoming more difficult to treat due to the various resistance mechanisms and different virulence factors. The purpose of this study was to determine the risk factors independently associated with the development of bacteremia by carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa, the frequency of virulence genes in metallo-β-lactamases producers and to evaluate their ability to produce biofilm. We conducted a case–control study in the Uberlândia Federal University – Hospital Clinic, Brazil. Polymerase Chain Reaction was performed for metallo-β-lactamases and virulence genes. Adhesion and biofilm assays were done by quantitative tests. Among the 157 strains analyzed, 73.9% were multidrug-resistant, 43.9% were resistant to carbapenems, 16.1% were phenotypically positive for metallo-β-lactamases, and of these, 10.7% were positive for blaSPM gene and 5.3% positive for blaVIM. The multivariable analysis showed that mechanical ventilation, enteral/nasogastric tubes, primary bacteremia with unknown focus, and inappropriate therapy were independent risk factors associated with bacteremia. All tested strains were characterized as strongly biofilm producers. A higher mortality was found among patients with bacteremia by carbapenem-resistant P. aeruginosa strains, associated independently with extrinsic risk factors, however it was not evident the association with the presence of virulence and metallo-β-lactamases genes.

Aim:We assessed late onset sepsis (LOS) rates of neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) before and after implementing an evidence-based bundle to prevent these infections in a country with poor resources.Methods:We evaluate trends of LOS between October 2010 and August 2012 in a large tertiary hospital in Brazil. We designed a protocol based of CDC guidelines for insertion of maintenance of central venous catheter targeted to reduction of bloodstream infections. During this period two major events occurred: a great increase of LOS rates in January months and relocation of the unit to a provisory place. Additionally we evaluated the risk factors and etiology of these infections.Results:A total of 112 (20.3%) cases defined as LOS were found. The overall incidence rate of LOS in the study was 16.1/1000 patient/days and 23.0/1000 CVC-days. Our monthly rates data of LOS/1000 patient-day reveal fluctuations over the studied period, with incidence rates of these infections in staff vacation period (January 2011 and 2012) significantly higher (59.6/1000 patients-days) than compared with the other months rates (16.6/1000 patients-days) (IRR = 3.59; p< 0.001). As opposite, the incidence rates of LOS during relocation period was lower (10.3/1000 patients-days) when compared with baseline period 26.7/1000 patients-days (IRR = 2.59; p= 0.007). After the intervention period, these rates decreased in the post intervention period, when compared with preintervention 14.7/1000 patients-days and 23.4/1000 patients-days, respectively (IRR = 1.59; p= 0.04).Conclusion:Through simple infection control measures, LOS can be successfully controlled especially in NICUs of limited resources countries such as ours.

This study evaluated the relationship between previous colonization of the oropharynx and development of ventilator-associated pneumonia through the classification of genomic fingerprint pattern by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis of both oxacillin-resistant and oxacillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus isolates obtained from hospitalized patients in an intensive care unit.

Introduction Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is among the most important pathogens of nosocomial infections, mainly in intensive care units (ICUs), and accounts for 40-60% of all healthcare-associated S. aureus infections. We evaluated the incidence of nosocomial infection by S. aureus, identified the risk factors for MRSA infection, and evaluated the effect of resistance to methicillin on mortality in patients. Methods We conducted MRSA surveillance at a university hospital in Brazil from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2010, and performed a retrospective case-control matched study to evaluate the frequency of subsequent MRSA bacteremia and death among patients. We evaluated and compared the risk factors between patients with MRSA and methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) infection. Results Sepsis was the most common cause of infection (17.7/1,000 patient-days), followed by surgical site (11.4/1,000 patient-days), pneumonia (4.1/1,000 patient-days), and urinary tract infection (2.4/1,000 patient-days). The significant risk factors were time of hospitalization, use of central vascular catheter (CVC), urinary catheter, nasogastric tube, parenteral nutrition, tracheostomy, mechanical ventilation, and previous antibiotic administration, the latter of which was the only independent risk factor for MRSA infection. Mortality was significantly higher in patients with MRSA. The number of antibiotics tested was not related to increases in the frequency of MRSA/1,000 patient-days. The incidence of mortality attributable to MRSA (bloodstream infection) BSI was 50%. Conclusions Surveillance results showed that the use of high levels of antibiotics was directly related to the development of MRSA infection, and the mortality attributable to MRSA in patients with bacteremia was significant.

OBJETIVO: analisar o grau de contaminação bacteriana da mesa de instrumentais cirúrgicos, após o uso de campo plástico esterilizado por óxido de etileno ou a desinfecção com solução de álcool a 70% e iodo a 1%, em procedimentos cirúrgicos limpos. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de experimento clínico randomizado, com coletas de amostras das superfícies das mesas de instrumentais cirúrgicos, antes e depois de cada procedimento, com posterior análise microbiológica para identificação dos microrganismos e sua resistência antimicrobiana. RESULTADOS: nas cirurgias em que o plástico esterilizado foi utilizado, o crescimento bacteriano foi de 5,71% antes e 28,6% após a cirurgia, enquanto que nas desinfecções com solução de álcool a 70% e iodo a 1%, o crescimento foi de 2,9% antes e 45,7% após, sem diferença significativa entre os métodos empregados. CONCLUSÕES: os dois métodos têm poder de proteção semelhante, considerando que o álcool a 70% e iodo a 1% não geram resíduos sólidos.

OBJECTIVE: to compare the degree of bacterial contamination of surgical instrument tables used in clean surgical procedures, either protected with plastic fields, sterilized with ethylene oxide, or disinfected with 70% alcohol and 1% iodine solutions. This is a randomized clinical trial in which samples were collected from the surfaces of surgical instrument tables before and after each procedure. Microbiological analysis was performed to identify microorganisms and their respective antimicrobial resistance. RESULTS: Bacterial growth in the surgeries using sterilized plastic was 5.71% before and 28.6% after surgery and, 2.9% and 45.7% respectively in surgeries using disinfection with 70% alcohol and 1% iodine solutions; no statistical difference was found between the methods. CONCLUSION: both methods present similar protection, however, 70% alcohol and 1% iodine do not generate solid waste.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el grado de contaminación bacteriana de la mesa de instrumentos quirúrgicos en dos casos, después del uso: cubierta protectora plástico de la mesa quirúrgica esterilizada con óxido de etileno o desinfección con solución de alcohol a 70% y yodo a 1%, en procedimientos quirúrgicos limpios. Se trata de un experimento clínico aleatorio, con recolección de muestras de las superficies de las mesas de instrumentos quirúrgicos, antes y después de cada procedimiento, con posterior análisis microbiológica para identificar los microorganismos y la resistencia antimicrobiana. En las cirugías en que el plástico esterilizado fue utilizado, el crecimiento bacteriano fue de 5,71% antes y 28,6% después de la cirugía, en cuanto que en las desinfecciones con solución de alcohol a 70% y yodo a 1%, el crecimiento fue de 2,9% antes y 45,7% después, lo que indica que no hubo diferencia significativa entre los métodos empleados. Los dos métodos tienen poder de protección semejante, considerando que el alcohol a 70% y yodo a 1% no generan residuos sólidos.

OBJECTIVE: to compare the degree of bacterial contamination of surgical instrument tables used in clean surgical procedures, either protected with plastic fields, sterilized with ethylene oxide, or disinfected with 70% alcohol and 1% iodine solutions. This is a randomized clinical trial in which samples were collected from the surfaces of surgical instrument tables before and after each procedure. Microbiological analysis was performed to identify microorganisms and their respective antimicrobial resistance. RESULTS: Bacterial growth in the surgeries using sterilized plastic was 5.71% before and 28.6% after surgery and, 2.9% and 45.7% respectively in surgeries using disinfection with 70% alcohol and 1% iodine solutions; no statistical difference was found between the methods. CONCLUSION: both methods present similar protection, however, 70% alcohol and 1% iodine do not generate solid waste.

El objetivo del estudio fue analizar el grado de contaminación bacteriana de la mesa de instrumentos quirúrgicos en dos casos, después del uso: cubierta protectora plástico de la mesa quirúrgica esterilizada con óxido de etileno o desinfección con solución de alcohol a 70% y yodo a 1%, en procedimientos quirúrgicos limpios. Se trata de un experimento clínico aleatorio, con recolección de muestras de las superficies de las mesas de instrumentos quirúrgicos, antes y después de cada procedimiento, con posterior análisis microbiológica para identificar los microorganismos y la resistencia antimicrobiana. En las cirugías en que el plástico esterilizado fue utilizado, el crecimiento bacteriano fue de 5,71% antes y 28,6% después de la cirugía, en cuanto que en las desinfecciones con solución de alcohol a 70% y yodo a 1%, el crecimiento fue de 2,9% antes y 45,7% después, lo que indica que no hubo diferencia significativa entre los métodos empleados. Los dos métodos tienen poder de protección semejante, considerando que el alcohol a 70% y yodo a 1% no generan residuos sólidos.

OBJETIVO: analisar o grau de contaminação bacteriana da mesa de instrumentais cirúrgicos, após o uso de campo plástico esterilizado por óxido de etileno ou a desinfecção com solução de álcool a 70% e iodo a 1%, em procedimentos cirúrgicos limpos. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de experimento clínico randomizado, com coletas de amostras das superfícies das mesas de instrumentais cirúrgicos, antes e depois de cada procedimento, com posterior análise microbiológica para identificação dos microrganismos e sua resistência antimicrobiana. RESULTADOS: nas cirurgias em que o plástico esterilizado foi utilizado, o crescimento bacteriano foi de 5,71% antes e 28,6% após a cirurgia, enquanto que nas desinfecções com solução de álcool a 70% e iodo a 1%, o crescimento foi de 2,9% antes e 45,7% após, sem diferença significativa entre os métodos empregados. CONCLUSÕES: os dois métodos têm poder de proteção semelhante, considerando que o álcool a 70% e iodo a 1% não geram resíduos sólidos.

INTRODUCTION : Antimicrobial resistance is an increasing threat in hospitalized patients, and inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy is known to adversely affect outcomes in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The aim of this study was to evaluate antimicrobial usage, incidence, etiology, and antimicrobial resistance trends for prominent nosocomial pathogens causing ventilator-associated pneumonia in a clinical-surgical intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS : Gram-negative bacilli and Staphylococcus aureus causing VAP, as well as their antimicrobial resistance patterns and data on consumption (defined daily dose [DDD] per 1,000 patient days) of glycopeptides, extended-spectrum cephalosporins, and carbapenems in the unit were evaluated in two different periods (A and B). RESULTS: Antimicrobial use was high, mainly of broad-spectrum cephalosporins, with a significant increase in the consumption of glycopeptides (p < 0.0001) and carbapenems (p < 0.007) in period B. For Acinetobacter baumannii and members of the Enterobacteriaceae family, 5.27- and 3.06-fold increases in VAPs, respectively, were noted, and a significant increase in resistance rates was found for imipenem-resistant A. baumannii (p = 0.003) and third-generation cephalosporins-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (p = 0.01) isolates in this same period. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that there is a link between antibiotics usage at institutional levels and resistant bacteria. The use of carbapenems was related to the high rate of resistance in A. baumannii and therefore a high consumption of imipenem/meropenem could play a major role in selective pressure exerted by antibiotics in A. baumannii strains.

INTRODUÇÃO: O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a epidemiologia das três infecções hospitalares (IH) mais comuns - sepse, pneumonia e infecção do trato urinário (ITU) - em uma unidade de terapia intensiva pediátrica (UTIP) de um país em desenvolvimento e definir os fatores de risco associados com IH. MÉTODOS:Nós desenvolvemos um estudo prospectivo de incidência de IH em uma única UTIP, entre agosto/2009 e agosto/2010. Foi conduzida uma vigilância ativa pelo National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) na Unidade e as crianças com IH (casos) foram comparadas com um grupo (controles) em um estudo caso-controle. RESULTADOS: Nós analisamos 172 pacientes, 22,1% com IH, 71,1% adquirida na Unidade. A densidade de incidência de sepse, pneumonia e ITU por 1.000 pacientes/dia foram 17,9, 11,4, e 4,3, respectivamente. Os agentes mais comuns na sepse foram Enterococcus faecalis e Escherichia coli (18% cada), e Staphylococcus epidermidis foram isolados em 13% dos casos. Nas pneumonias Staphylococcus aureus foram os agentes mais comuns (3,2%), e nas ITUs os agentes mais frequentes foram os fungos (33,3%). A presença de IH foi associada com tempo de hospitalização prolongado, uso de procedimentos invasivos (CVC, sonda nasogástrica) e uso de antibióticos. Os dois últimos foram fatores independentes para o desenvolvimento de IH. CONCLUSÕES: A incidência de IH adquirida na Unidade foi alta, associada a fatores de risco extrínsecos.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of the three most common nosocomial infections (NI), namely, sepsis, pneumonia, and urinary tract infection (UTI), in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) in a developing country and to define the risk factors associated with NI. METHODS: We performed a prospective study on the incidence of NI in a single PICU, between August 2009 and August 2010. Active surveillance by National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) was conducted in the unit and children with NI (cases) were compared with a group (matched controls) in a case-control fashion. RESULTS: We analyzed 172 patients; 22.1% had NI, 71.1% of whom acquired it in the unit. The incidence densities of sepsis, pneumonia, and UTI per 1,000 patients/day were 17.9, 11.4, and 4.3, respectively. The most common agents in sepsis were Enterococcus faecalis and Escherichia coli (18% each); Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated in 13% of cases. In pneumonias Staphylococcus aureus was the most common cause (3.2%), and in UTI the most frequent agents were yeasts (33.3%). The presence of NI was associated with a long period of hospitalization, use of invasive devices (central venous catheter, nasogastric tube), and use of antibiotics. The last two were independent factors for NI. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of NI acquired in this unit was high and was associated with extrinsic factors.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii (Acb) is a rapidly emerging pathogen in healthcare settings. The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictors of poor outcome in patients with MDR Acb. This is the first report documenting factors influencing survival in patients with MDR Acb in this tertiary hospital. This study is a prospective of the hospital epidemiology database. A total of 73 patients with 84 Acb isolates were obtained between August 2009 and October 2010 in this hospital. In the present study, the 30-day mortality rate was 39.7%. Of 84 Acb isolates, 50 (59%) were MDR, nine (11%) were pan-resistant, and 25 (30%) were non-MDR. The non-MDR isolates were used as the control group. The factors significantly associated with multidrug resistance included previous surgeries, presence of comorbidity (renal disease), use of more than two devices, parenteral nutrition, and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy. Significant predictors of 30-day mortality in the univariate analysis included pneumonia, diabetes mellitus, renal disease, use of more than two devices, and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy administered within two days of the onset of infection. The factors associated with mortality in patients with MDR Acb infection in this study were: age > 60 years, pneumonia, diabetes mellitus, renal disease, use of more than two invasive procedures, and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy. Vigilance is needed to prevent outbreaks of this opportunistic and deadly pathogen.

INTRODUÇÃO: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), se disseminou nos hospitais em diferentes regiões do globo, e é atualmente o principal agente de infecções hospitalares causando infecções de pele, tecidos moles, pneumonia e sepse. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar fatores de risco para resistência à meticilina em infecções de corrente sanguínea por Staphylococcus aureus e fatores preditivos de mortalidade. MÉTODOS: Uma coorte de 51 pacientes apresentando bacteremia por S. aureus, entre setembro de 2006 a setembro de 2008 foi analisada. Amostras de S. aureus foram obtidas a partir de hemoculturas realizadas pelo laboratório de microbiologia do hospital de clínicas da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia. A resistência à meticilina foi determinada pelo crescimento no agar triagem para oxacilina e a sensibilidade aos antimicrobianos pelo método de difusão em agar. RESULTADOS: Infecções por MRSA (56,8%) e methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (43,2%) foram similares e a taxa de mortalidade hospitalar foi de 47%, predominantemente no grupo infectado por MRSA (70,8% vs. 29,2%) (p=0,05). Idade (p=0,02) e a presença de cateter vascular central (p=0,02) foram significantes no grupo de infectados por MRSA. A evolução demonstrou que o uso de dois ou mais agentes antimicrobianos (p=0,03) e tempo de internação prévio à bacteremia superior a sete dias (p=0,006) foram associados à morte. Altos valores de odds ratio foram observados para cardiopatia como comorbidade. CONCLUSÕES: Embora vários fatores de risco tenham sido associados a infecções por MRSA e MSSA e mortalidade o uso de dois ou mais agentes antimicrobianos foi a única variável independente para mortalidade.

INTRODUCTION: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is spread out in hospitals across different regions of the world and is regarded as the major agent of nosocomial infections, causing infections such as skin and soft tissue pneumonia and sepsis. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for methicillin-resistance in Staphylococcus aureus bloodstream infection (BSI) and the predictive factors for death. METHODS: A retrospective cohort of fifty-one patients presenting bacteraemia due to S. aureus between September 2006 and September 2008 was analysed. Staphylococcu aureus samples were obtained from blood cultures performed by clinical hospital microbiology laboratory from the Uberlândia Federal University. Methicillinresistance was determined by growth on oxacillin screen agar and antimicrobial susceptibility by means of the disk diffusion method. RESULTS: We found similar numbers of MRSA (56.8%) and methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) (43.2%) infections, and the overall hospital mortality ratio was 47%, predominantly in MRSA group (70.8% vs. 29.2%) (p=0.05). Age (p=0.02) was significantly higher in MRSA patients as also was the use of central venous catheter (p=0.02). The use of two or more antimicrobial agents (p=0.03) and the length of hospital stay prior to bacteraemia superior to seven days (p=0.006) were associated with mortality. High odds ratio value was observed in cardiopathy as comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS: Despite several risk factors associated with MRSA and MSSA infection, the use of two or more antimicrobial agents was the unique independent variable associated with mortality.

INTRODUÇÃO: Este estudo avaliou o consumo das principais classes de antibióticos, a colonização de orofaringe de pacientes sob ventilação mecânica e o risco de pneumonia associada à ventilação (PAV) causada por Staphylococcus aureus em uma unidade de terapia intensiva (UTI) de adultos. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo caso-controle, sendo caso os pacientes colonizados pelo oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (ORSA), e controle aqueles pelo oxacillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (OSSA), no período de maio de 2009 a agosto de 2010. A ocorrência de PAVs por S. aureus também foi avaliada no mesmo período. O consumo de antibióticos foi expresso pelo número de doses diárias definidas (DDDs)/1.000 pacientes-dia para glicopeptídeos, carbapenêmicos e cefalosporinas de amplo espectro. RESULTADOS: Trezentos e quarenta e seis (56,1%) dos pacientes foram submetidos à ventilação mecânica com uma frequência de colonização de orofaringe de 36,4%, correspondendo a 63,5% e 36,5% de ORSA e OSSA, respectivamente. O risco de adoecimento por este microrganismo foi significativo (p<0,05), considerando se a colonização/infecção foi por ORSA ou OSSA. O consumo de antibióticos foi alto, principalmente para cefalosporinas de amplo espectro (551,26 DDDs/1.000 pacientes-dia). A elevada densidade de uso de glicopetídeos (269,56 DDDs/1.000) foi relacionada com a colonização pelo ORSA (Pearson r=0.57/p=0.02). Adicionalmente, idade > 60 anos, terapia antibiótica prévia e uso prévio de carbapenêmicos foram estatisticamente significantes por análise multivariada. CONCLUSÕES: Foi observada uma relação significativa entre a colonização da mucosa de orofaringe e o risco de PAV por ambos fenótipos. O uso de glicopeptídos foi relacionado com a colonização pelo ORSA.

INTRODUCTION: his study evaluated the consumption of major classes of antibiotics, the colonization of the oropharynx of patients on mechanical ventilation, and the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) caused by Staphylococcus aureus in an intensive care unit for adults. METHODS: A case-control study was carried out using colonized patients (cases) by oxacillin-resistant S. aureus (ORSA) and (controls) oxacillin-sensitive S. aureus (OSSA) from May 2009 to August 2010. The occurrence of VAP by S. aureus was also evaluated in the same period. Antibiotic consumption was expressed as the number of defined daily doses (DDD)/1,000 patient-days for glycopeptides, carbapenems, and extended-spectrum cephalosporins. RESULTS: Three hundred forty-six (56.1%) patients underwent mechanical ventilation with a frequency of oropharyngeal colonization of 36.4%, corresponding to 63.5% for ORSA and 36.5% for OSSA. The risk of illness for this organism was significant (p<0.05), regardless of whether colonization/infection was by ORSA or OSSA. The consumption of antibiotics was high, mainly for broad-spectrum cephalosporins (551.26 DDDs/1,000 patient-days). The high density of use of glycopeptides (269.56 DDDs/1,000 patient-days) was related to colonization by ORSA (Pearson r=0.57/p=0.02). Additionally, age >60 years, previous antibiotic therapy, and previous use of carbapenems were statistically significant by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant relationship between the colonization of the oropharyngeal mucosa and the risk of VAP by both phenotypes. The use of glycopeptides was related to colonization by ORSA.

Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are important hospital pathogens and have become increasingly common in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). To determine the incidence and the risk factors associated with VRE colonisation among ICU patients, active surveillance cultures for VRE faecal carriages were carried out in patients admitted to the ICU of the University Hospital of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Risk factors were assessed using a case-control study. Seventy-seven patients (23.1%) were found to be colonised with vanC VRE and only one patient (0.3%) was colonised with vanA VRE. Independent risk factors for VRE colonisation included nephropathy [odds ratio (OR) = 13.6, p < 0.001], prior antibiotic use (OR = 5.5, p < 0.03) and carbapenem use (OR = 17.3, p < 0.001). Our results showed a higher frequency (23.1%) of Enterococcus gallinarum and Enterococcus casseliflavus, species that are intrinsically resistant to low levels of vancomycin (vanC), without an associated infection, associated with prior antibiotic use, carbapenem use and nephropathy as comorbidity. This study is the first to demonstrate the risk factors associated with vanC VRE colonisation in ICU hospitalised patients. Although vanA and vanB enterococci are of great importance, the epidemiology of vanC VRE needs to be better understood. Even though the clinical relevance of vanC VRE is uncertain, these species are opportunistic pathogens and vanC VRE-colonised patients are a potential epidemiologic reservoir of resistance genes.