Nosocomial bacterial infections in Victoria decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background:A number of infection control interventions were implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to reduce the spread of this virus. Objective:The purpose of this study was to determine if these interventions were associated with reduced nosocomial bacterial infections in Victoria, Australia. Methods:Observational data were obtained from the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) based on admitted hospital patients in two 6-month timeframes representing pandemic and pre-pandemic hospital practices. Data were collected for surgical site infections, Staphylococcus aureusClostridioides difficileResults:There was a significant reduction in the rates of S. aureuspC. difficilepDiscussion:The increased emphasis on infection control and prevention strategies during the pandemic period was associated with reduced transmission of S. aureusC. difficile