Incidence and Clinical Characteristics of Nosocomial Infections in COVID Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: Although there is limited data on the frequency of nosocomial infections in patients followed up in the intensive care unit due to COVID-19, the rate of empirical antibiotic use in these patients is quite high. In our study, it was planned to determine the fre- quency of nosocomial infections in patients hospitalized in intensive care units due to COVID-19, the pathogens isolated in nosocomial infections, and to investigate the characteristics of these infections. Materials and Methods: Our study is a retrospective study in which the records of 590 adult patients hospitalized in the COVID-19 intensive care unit and followed prospectively between April 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021 were examined. Results: In our study, nosocomial infection developed in 7.28% of patients hospitalized in the intensive care unit due to COVID-19, and mortality was 93% in patients who developed nosocomial infections. Of these infections, 67.44% were lower respiratory tract infections, 25.58% were bloodstream infections, and 6.97% were urinary tract infections. While the median number of toatl hospital stay was 20 days, the median time since admission to infection was 12 days. Infections often developed with a single microorganism, and the most frequently isolated microorganisms are A. baumannii and K. pneumoniae. Conclusion: Nosocomial infections that develop in patients followed in the intensive care unit due to COVID-19, are seen in approxi- mately 7% of patients, but are mortal. In this patient group, regular microbiological follow-up and implementation of strict infection control measures especially for the prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia; It is recommended to review the antibiotics frequently used in the follow-up and treatment of COVID-19 and to be selective in the decision to start empirical antibiotics in order to prevent the development of antimicrobial resistance.