ABSTRACT
Urinary tract infections [UTI] are the most common acquired infections in hospitalized patients. The most common nosocomial infections in hospitals occur in intensive care units. Occurrence of UTI in severely compromised patients significantly increases the hospitalization period and treatment costs. The aim of the present study was the epidemiologic and etiologic evaluation of acquired UTI in cardiac surgery ICU patients. In this descriptive cross-sectional study, 500 patients in the cardiac surgery ICU in Tabriz Madani hospital were evaluated for a period of 1 year. The acquired UTI was diagnosed by the positive urine culture result [number of microorganisms<105/mL] 48 hours after hospitalization or 48 hours after discharge from ICU. In patients with positive culture results, anti-bactrial sensitivity test was carried out by modified Kriby-Bauer method in relation to Amikacin, Gentamicin, Co-Trimoxazole, Ciprofloxacin and Ceftazidime. A total of 500 patients, 309 males and 191 females, with a mean age of 48.95 +/- 22.83 years were included in the study. All the patients had urinary catheters. Acquired UTI diagnosed in 8 subjects [1.6%], 7 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 62.88 years [mean standard error=40.7; age range=41-78 years]. All the subjects were married. From each patient one microorganism was isolated: Enterobacter aerogenes [37.5%]; Candida albicans [25%]; Escherichia coli [25%] and Klebsiella pneumoniae [12.5%]. Antimicrobial sensitivity test revealed only one case of E coli resistant to Co-Trimoxazole. The results of the present study showed a low prevalence of acquired UTI in the ICU under study. Although the microorganisms isolated were similar to those reported in other studies, a low rate of resistance to commonly used antibiotics was observed