Objectives: To investigate the risk factors for the acquisition (infection and/or colonization) of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is frequently associated with nosocomial infections, in a surgical intensive care unit in Dijon.
Method: A retrospective case-control study was performed on 57 cases matching with 114 controls, between December 1996 and February 1999. The statistical method used was a conditional multiple logistic regression model.
Results: Three groups of variables were studied (patient characteristics--invasive procedures--previous administration of antibiotics). The multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed 3 risk factors: duration of sedation, infection with another bacteria and cranio-encephalic trauma. These factors are commonly involved in nosocomial infections.
Conclusion: This study confirms the interest of infection control measures and the prevention of nosocomial infections, especially in cranio-encephalic trauma. The hypothetical relationship between acquisition of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and previous administration of antibiotics was not confirmed. A more powerful study would perhaps specify this relationship.