Point-prevalence surveys of hospital-acquired infections in 42 Chinese hospitals in Weifang, China: from 2015 to 2020

Abstract

Abstract Background Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are a major health challenge, especially for developing countries. Therefore, this study investigated the prevalence of HAIs in 42 Chinese hospitals in Weifang, China. Methods The definition of HAIs was identified using the Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China. One-day cross-sectional surveys were annually performed from 2015 to 2020. The trained staff collected information on the prevalence of HAIs, isolated pathogens, and antibiotic use. Results Among the surveyed inpatients, 1.66% developed HAIs, with a significant decline in HAI prevalence from 2015 (1.84%) to 2020 (1.55%) (Z = -4.206, P < 0.001). The ICU exhibited the highest prevalence of HAIs at 19.04%. Lower respiratory tract infections accounted for 46.32% of total cases. Moreover, a total of 1,297 bacterial isolates were identified, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (218 isolates, 16.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (199 isolates, 15.3%), and Escherichia coli (133 isolates, 10.3%) being the most prevalent. The most frequently detected resistant pathogen was Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae(218 isolates,37.20%).Antimicrobial usage reached 35.19%, accompanied by a notable increase in pathogen testing submissions over the study period (Z = 4.287, P < 0.001). Conclusions The overall prevalence of HAIs across 42 hospitals shows a declining trend. The prevention and control of healthcare-associated pathogens and multidrug-resistant organisms remain key priorities. Ensuring the rational use of antimicrobial agents is also a critical focus for future efforts.

Keywords

• Hospital-acquired infections
• Point prevalence survey
• Antimicrobial use
• China