Abstract not available

Les spores fongiques sont à l'origine d'infections nosocomiales affectant le pronostic vital de patients immunodéprimés, et peuvent se transmettre par l'air. C'est pourquoi nous nous sommes intéressé à la déposition et au réenvol de spores d'"Aspergillus", responsables de pathologies gravissimes comme l'aspergillose pulmonaire invasive. Nous avons lors de nos expérimentations utilisé deux méthodes d'aérosolisation : le nébuliseur Collison standard, nécessitant la mise en solution des spores, ainsi qu'un prototype permettant de souffler directement sur les cultures fongiques Ceci nous a permis de mesurer la vitesse de sédimentation des spores, et d'évaluer l'efficacité et la rémanence de traitements fongicides en utilisant un protocole original mettant en œuvre des conditions réalistes.Un dispositif expérimental a été mis au point afin de soumettre des spores déposées sur une surface à un flux d'air tangentiel, et de filmer leur réenvol ( http://tinyurl.com/bla9ynz ), et un critère prédictif théorique de détachement a été exhibé. Des simulations numériques de l'écoulement autour de sphères idéales ont complété cette étude en nous donnant accès à des paramètres critiques inaccessibles expérimentalement.Nous avons finalement appliqué les résultats de nos investigations à la problématique des infections nosocomiales aérotransmises, et découvert que les ventilateurs de refroidissement d'appareils électroniques sont un réservoir de pathogènes et une source de contamination croisée potentielle. Des expériences en milieu contrôlé associées à une campagne de prélèvements en milieu hospitalier ont mis à jour ce nouveau et important risque de contamination. / Fungal spores are a leading cause of lethal nosocomial infections affecting immunocompromised patients, and can be transmitted through the air. As such, we have studied the deposition and re-entrainment of "Aspergillus" fungal spores, which are responsible for invasive pulmonary aspergillosis, a severe disease with a high mortality rate among immunocompromised populations.In our studies two methods of fungal spore aerosolization are used; standard nebulization, and dry blowing using a homemade device. This enabled us to measure the spore settling velocity and to assess the efficiency of fungicide surface treatments using a newly developed test under realistic conditions. These tests have allowed us to quantify different surface treatment efficiencies and established their persistence.An experimental set-up has also been developed to expose spores deposited on a surface to a tangential flow, and to observe and record their removal ( http://tinyurl.com/bla9ynz ). These studies have lead to theoretical criteria for spore detachment. Furthermore, computational fluid dynamic simulations around ideal spherical particles exposed to a tangential flow were used to determine critical parameters needed to estimate particle detachment.Lastly, we have applied our findings to nosocomial infection concerns in the hospital environment and discovered that electronic fans are a pathogen reservoir and potential cross-contamination source. Systematic testing together with random sampling in hospital wards has revealed a new and important contamination risk.

Thesis (M.Med. (Paediatrics and Child Health)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Nosocomial infection constitutes a major health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. This study is aimed at investigating the prevalence of nosocomial infections in paediatric intensive care unit of Pietersburg hospital, Limpopo, South Africa and identify the pathogens responsible for such infections and determine their anti-microbial activity. The study applied a retrospective quantitative descriptive study design to execute the objectives of the study. Convenience sampling was applied to select 98 participants that met the selection criteria to collect the data set from the hospital files between 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2017 in a self-designed template. Results shows that the prevalence of nosocomial infections in children admitted from 1st January 2017–31st December 2017 at Pietersburg hospital was 13.27% where majority were females at 61,5% with the remaining 38,5% being male. Majority of participants that developed HAI were below 24 months of age (69%). Hospital stay was a mean of 23 days. The underlying conditions in participants who developed HAI were mostly HIV in 4 of 13 (31%) and had association with hospital stay (Chi-square = 140,14; pvalue=0,0034). Majority of patients that acquired HAI were admitted for a respiratory condition n=12; (92%) mainly Pneumonia and Bronchiolitis. Potential risks factors for developing HAI were endotracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation; central venous catheter (Chi- square =21,195; p value= 0,0035); Peripheral vascular catheter (Chisquare = 17,106; p-value= 0,0167); urethral catheter (Chi-square = 20,013; p-value= 0,0055) and surgery since admission (Chi-square = 27,649; p-value= 0,0003). There was a strong correlation between hospital stay and mortality rate (r=36%; p- value<0.0001). Klebsiella pneumonia was the most identified pathogen from the respiratory site (50%). Coagulase-negative staph aureus was the most identified organism in the bloodstream. The study found that the development of HAI was associated with increased length of hospital stay and an increased rate of mortality.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-07-29T15:30:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao Diana Christina P S Goncalves.pdf: 438422 bytes, checksum: 43edf5906fb5547aa85bb981cb94aaf2 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-02-18 / P. aeruginosa is frequently isolated in hospitals and the clinical importance has been increased due to gravity of infections. The metallo-beta-lactamase (MBL) production is an emergent mechanism of resistance in P. aeruginosa. The study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of P. aeruginosa isolated of patients admitted in a hospital in Goiânia, to verify the MBL production by diffusion test and detect MBL genes by PCR technique. A total of 75 samples were evaluated, isolated of various clinical samples, in the period of January/2005 to January/2007. The biochemical identification was performed by automation technique system (API 20E ®) and antimicrobial susceptibility profile by Kirby- Bauer method. The 75 P. aeruginosa presented multi-drug resistance and, the resistance profile was: 90.7% to ceftazidime: 30.7% to aztreonam, 97.3% to ciprofloxacin; 48.0% of resistance to piperacilin/tazobactam, 88.0% to cefepime; amicacin, gentamicin and tobramicina whit resistance profile of 78.7%, 84.0% and 77.4%, respectively. The MBL production by difusion disc method was 46.7% (35/75). The gene blaSPM-1 was detected in 39 (52.0%) and gene blaIMP-1 in three (4.0%) isolates. The high frequency of P. aeruginosa resistant and MBL production alert to necessity of control the dissemination of bacteria multi-drug resistant in hospital, as well as the adoption of preventive actions and explanation of the health workers about rational use of antibiotics. / P. aeruginosa é frequentemente isolada em ambientes hospitalares e sua importância clínica têm aumentado devido à gravidade das infecções. A produção de metalo-beta-lactamase (MBL) é um mecanismo de resistência emergente entre P. aeruginosa. O estudo teve como objetivo determinar o perfil de suscetibilidade antimicrobiana de P. aeruginosa isoladas de pacientes internados em um hospital de Goiânia, realizar a triagem fenotípica para verificar a produção de MBL e detectar genes que codificam MBL pela técnica de PCR. Foram avaliadas 75 amostras, isoladas de diversos sítios, no período de janeiro de 2005 a janeiro de 2007. A identificação bioquímica foi realizada pelo sistema API 20E e o antibiograma pelo método de Kirby-Bauer. Todos os 75 isolados de P. aeruginosa apresentaram multirresistência, 82,7% foram resistentes ao imipenem; ceftazidima 90,7%; aztreonam 30,7%; ciprofloxacina 97,3%; 48,0% de resistência a piperacilina/tazobactam, 88,0% ao cefepime; amicacina, gentamicina e tobramicina, com resistência de 78,7%, 84,0% e 77,4%, respectivamente. A produção de MBL pelo método de disco aproximação foi detectada em 46,7% (35/75). O gene blaSPM-1 foi detectado em 39 (52,0%) e o blaIMP-1 em três (4,0%) amostras através da técnica de PCR. A frequência elevada de P. aeruginosa multirresistentes e produtoras de MBL alerta para necessidade de controle da disseminação de resistência no ambiente hospitalar, bem como a adoção de medidas preventivas e esclarecimento das equipes de saúde sobre uso racional dos antimicrobianos.

Introdução - A urbanização desencadeia inúmeros transtornos, como a disseminação de artrópodes e, conseqüentemente, de doenças veiculadas pelos mesmos. As formigas são muito adaptáveis e se beneficiam com a convivência humana. Nos hospitais, elas podem ser vetores mecânicos de inúmeras bactérias, e a diversidade de espécies encontradas nestes ambientes, causam preocupação pelo risco potencial à saúde pública. O aumento das infecções hospitalares envolvendo micobactérias ambientais, com surtos no Brasil entre 1998 a 2009 em 23 estados alarmou os órgãos e profissionais de saúde pública. Objetivos - Avaliar o potencial de formigas como vetores de micobactérias em um hospital especializado no atendimento de doentes com tuberculose. Métodos - Foram realizadas seis coletas de formigas em diferentes áreas do hospital no período de 2009 a 2010, que foram semeadas em meios de cultura de Löwenstein-Jensen e de Stonebrink para isolamento de micobactérias. As culturas sugestivas foram submetidas à coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen para bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes e identificação por métodos moleculares (PRA para o gene hsp65 com o par de primers TB11 e TB12 gênero-específico e sequenciamento genético do DNA). Resultados - Do total de 247 amostras de formigas coletadas e semeadas, 70 por cento das formigas pertenciam à espécie Tapinoma melanocephalum, 25 por cento a espécie Dorymyrmex sp., 3 por cento a espécie Camponotus sp. e 2 por cento a espécie Pheidole sp., dados similares foram observados anteriormente em pesquisas realizadas em hospitais. Quinze amostras apresentaram bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes de crescimento rápido. Nos métodos moleculares, doze pertenciam ao Gênero Mycobacterium. No PRA-hsp 65, e no sequenciamento genético do DNA, quatro amostras foram identificadas quanto à espécie (duas Mycobacterium chelonae, uma Mycobacterium parafortuitum e uma Mycobacterium murale), quatro micobactérias com resultados idênticos no PRA e não identificadas no sequenciamento foram sugestivas de uma nova espécie, e duas amostras não foram identificadas. Mycobacterium chelonae isolada nesta pesquisa foi previamente descrita como agente causador de abscessos em humanos. Conclusão - Estes dados confirmam a presença de micobactérias veiculadas por formigas no ambiente hospitalar, representando um potencial vetor mecânico destas para pacientes e profissionais de saúde, principalmente em infecções nosocomiais / Introduction- Urbanization triggers numerous disorders, such as the dissemination of arthropods and, consequently, dissemination of diseases transmitted by them. Some ant species are very adaptable to the human environment. At hospitals, once they are mechanical vectors of bacteria, and the diversity of species found in these environments, they can represent a potential risk to public health. The increase of nosocomial infections involving environmental mycobacteria, with outbreaks in Brazil from 1998 to 2009 in 23 states called the interest of health professionals and health agencies. Purpose - Evaluate the potential of ants as vectors of mycobacteria in a hospital specialized in the care of patients with tuberculosis. Methods Samples of ants were collected from different areas of the hospital from 2009 to 2010, and workers were inoculated in Löwenstein-Jensen and Stonebrink media for mycobacteria isolation. The suggestive cultures were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen stain for acid-fast bacilli and identification were performed by molecular methods (PRA for the hsp65 gene with the pair of primers TB11 - TB12 and genetic sequencing). Results - The total of 247 samples of ants collected and sown, 70 per cent belonged to species of ants Tapinoma melanochepalum, 25 per cent Dorymyrmex sp.,3 per cent Camponotus sp. and 2 per cent Pheidole sp., data similar with previous studies conducted in hospitals. Fifteen fast-growing mycobacteria were isolated. In molecular methods, twelve belonged to the genus Mycobacterium. In PRA-hsp65, and the genome sequencing of DNA, four samples were identified at species level (two Mycobacterium chelonae, one Mycobacterium parafortuitum and one Mycobacterium murale), four mycobacteria with similar results in the PRA and not identified in the sequencing, suggestive of a new species and two unidentified samples. M. chelonae was previously reported as causative agent of abscess in humans. Conclusions - These results confirm the presence of mycobacteria carried by ants in the hospital, representing a potential mechanical vector for these patients and healthcare professionals, particularly in nosocomial infections

FUNDAMENTO: análisis de la aplicación de un ciclo de garantía de calidad sobre las tasas de infección nosocomial (IN) en una UCI polivalente de nivel II. MÉTODO: Estudio prospectivo de cohortes, de dos años de duración, sobre 568 pacientes; Grupo A (n=281), observacional y Grupo B (n=287), en el que se aplicaron medidas de mejora (administración de sucralfato, correcta profilaxis antibiótica quirúrgica y medidas estrictas de asepsia) Se comparan las tasas de IN asociada a ventilación mecánica (NAVM), sonda uretral, catéter venoso central e infección de herida quirúrgica en ambos grupos, así como la estancia y mortalidad intra-UCI. RESULTADOS Tras la aplicación del ciclo de mejora de calidad mediante el cumplimiento de criterios de calidad, obtuvimos una reducción significativa de las tasas de incidencia de todas las infecciones controladas. No apreciamos diferencias en la mortalidad global intra-UCI entre ambos grupos, aunque sí en los que desarrollaron una IN. Los pacientes con NAVM, mostraron una reducción no significativa de la mortalidad. El subgrupo de pacientes que recibió sucralfato presentó una disminución de la frecuencia de IN y mortalidad relacionada. Sin embargo, el grado de incumplimientos del protocolo de mejora se mostró elevado (diagrama de Pareto). CONCLUSIONES: La instauración de un sistema de vigilancia y la aplicación de medidas de mejora han logrado reducir tanto la incidencia como la mortalidad de la IN, no así la mortalidad global intra-UCI. / BACKGROUND: To analyze the effects of implementation of a quality assurance cycle on rates of nosocomial infection (NI) in a level II intensive care unit (ICU.) METHOD: Prospective cohort study of two years on 568 patients divided in Group A (n = 281, cohort observational control group) and Group B (n = 287; experimental cohort group), which were implemented improvement measures (administration of oral sucralfate, surgical prophylaxis and aseptic measures). We compare the rates of follow aspects: ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), urethral catheter, central venous catheter and surgical wound infections, length and ICU mortality in both groups. RESULTS: After the implementation of quality improvement cycle by meeting quality criteria, we obtained a significant reduction in incidence rates of all infections under control. We found no differences in overall mortality ICU between the two groups, except in those who developed one NI. Patients with VAP showed a non significant reduction in mortality. The subgroup of patients receiving sucralfate showed a decrease in the frequency of NI and related mortality. However, the degree of improvement protocol violations was high (analyzed by Diagram’ s Pareto). CONCLUSIONS: The establishment of a surveillance system and implementation of improvement measures have reduced both the incidence and mortality of NI, but not the overall ICU mortality.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-08-25T13:37:26Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Nathânia Dábilla Alves Silva - 2016.pdf: 1926312 bytes, checksum: 08f15d1c8a44d1ed6118f432a6917f2d (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2016-08-25T13:38:53Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Nathânia Dábilla Alves Silva - 2016.pdf: 1926312 bytes, checksum: 08f15d1c8a44d1ed6118f432a6917f2d (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-25T13:38:53Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Nathânia Dábilla Alves Silva - 2016.pdf: 1926312 bytes, checksum: 08f15d1c8a44d1ed6118f432a6917f2d (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-13 / The norovirus (NoVs) are important viral causative agents of acute gastroenteritis (AGE), affecting individuals of all ages in distinct parts of the word; however, the highest morbi-mortality rates occur mainly in children under five years of age and the elderly. The aim of this study was to to screening NoV by Polymerase Chain Reaction Post Reverse Transcription (RT-qPCR) and real-time (RT-qPCR) in fecal and nasal swab of children up to six years of age, with and without AGE symptoms. Samples were obtained at the Materno Infantil Hospital, from May/2014 to May/2015. Secretor status of children was also determined by enzyme immunoassay and genotyping (FUT2 gene) from the sediment of nasal swab epithelial cells. A global positivity index of 17% (37/219) for NoV in feces, and from these positive children, 48.6% (18/37) had AGE symptoms. Mean viral load in fecal samples was 2.59 x 1010 CG/g from symptomatic and 1.37 x 109 CG/g in asymptomatic. A higher positivity rate (70%) was observed GII NoV, compared to GI NoV (30%) and a higher positivity in children up to 24 month old (67.5%), although not statistically significant. As for the secretor status of children positive for NoV in fecal samples, 94.6% positive secretory status. The NoV were detected in practically every month of the study, and no particular pattern of circulation in relation to dry or rainy seasons was observed. Most children positive for NoV (70%) had the record they have received at least the first dose of the vaccine against Rotavirus, being the highest viral load detected among vaccinated children. The NoV RNA was detected in 8.7% of nasal swab samples of the children and of these, 58% had AGE symptoms. The mean viral load in swab samples from symptomatic children was 2.10 x 108 and in the asymptomatic children was 2.41 x 107 CG/mL. A high NoV genotype variability was found in the study (GI.2, GI.3, GI.5, GII.3, GII.4 and GII.6), with a predominance of GII.4 (28.6%), with this being the first report of NoV GI.5 in Brazil. The data obtained in this study reveal a high frequency, viral load, and genetic variability of NoVs among children attended in a hospital of Goiânia, Goiás. The results are important for a better understanding of NoV epidemiology in nosocomial environment, and may constitute useful information on the advent of the development of an effective vaccine. The viral load in nasal swab samples is a novel data that may contribute for the elucidation of a possible alternative rout of NoV transmission. / Os norovírus (NoVs) são importantes agentes virais causadores de gastroenterite aguda (GEA), atingindo indivíduos de todas as idades em diversas partes do mundo, porém os maiores índices de morbimortalidade ocorrem principalmente nas crianças menores de cinco anos e idosos. O objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar a pesquisa de NoV, através da Reação em Cadeia pela Polimerase Pós-Transcrição Reversa (RT-PCR) e por tempo real (RT-qPCR) em amostras fecais e swab nasal de crianças com até seis anos de idade, com e sem sintomas de GEA. As amostras foram coletadas no Hospital Materno Infantil, entre maio/2014 e maio/2015. Procedeu-se ainda à determinação do status secretor das crianças, por Ensaio Imunoenzimático e genotipagem (gene FUT2), em sedimento de células epiteliais do swab nasal. Foi observado um índice de positividade global de 17% (37/219) para NoV nas fezes, sendo que destas crianças positivas, 48,6% (18/37) apresentavam sintomas de GEA. A carga viral média nas amostras de fezes de crianças com sintomas foi 2,59 x 1010 CG/g e 1,37 x 109 CG/g nas assintomáticas. Observou-se maior positividade para NoV GII (70%) quando comparado ao GI (30%) e maior positividade nas crianças de até 24 meses de idade (67,5%), entretanto este dado não foi estatisticamente significativo. Quanto ao status secretor das crianças positivas para NoV nas fezes, 94,6% status secretor positivo. Os NoV foram detectados em praticamente todos meses do estudo, não sendo observado padrão de circulação definido em relação às estações seca e chuvosa. A maioria das crianças positivas para NoV (70%) tinham o registro de terem recebido pelo menos a primeira dose da vacina contra Rotavírus, sendo a carga viral mais elevada detectada entre crianças vacinadas. O RNA de NoV foi ainda detectado em 8,7% (19/219) das amostras de swab nasal das crianças e destas, 58% apresentavam sintomas de GEA. A carga viral média nas amostras de swab das crianças sintomáticas foi 2,10 x 108 CG/mL e nas assintomáticas 2,41 x 107 CG/mL. Foi observada elevada variabilidade de genótipos de NoV no estudo (GI.2, GI.3, GI.5, GII.3, GII.4 e GII.6), com maior predominância de GII.4 (28,6%), sendo este o primeiro relato de NoV GI.5 no Brasil. Os dados obtidos neste estudo revelam elevada frequência, carga viral e variabilidade genética de NoVs entre crianças atendidas em um hospital de Goiânia, Goiás. Os resultados são importantes para o melhor entendimento da epidemiologia dos NoVs em ambiente nosocomial, e poderão ser uteis como informação no advento do desenvolvimento de uma vacina eficaz. A determinação da carga viral de NoV em xii amostras de swab nasal é um dado novo, podendo este contribuir para a elucidação de uma possível rota alternativa de transmissão dos NoV.

Introdução - A urbanização desencadeia inúmeros transtornos, como a disseminação de artrópodes e, conseqüentemente, de doenças veiculadas pelos mesmos. As formigas são muito adaptáveis e se beneficiam com a convivência humana. Nos hospitais, elas podem ser vetores mecânicos de inúmeras bactérias, e a diversidade de espécies encontradas nestes ambientes, causam preocupação pelo risco potencial à saúde pública. O aumento das infecções hospitalares envolvendo micobactérias ambientais, com surtos no Brasil entre 1998 a 2009 em 23 estados alarmou os órgãos e profissionais de saúde pública. Objetivos - Avaliar o potencial de formigas como vetores de micobactérias em um hospital especializado no atendimento de doentes com tuberculose. Métodos - Foram realizadas seis coletas de formigas em diferentes áreas do hospital no período de 2009 a 2010, que foram semeadas em meios de cultura de Löwenstein-Jensen e de Stonebrink para isolamento de micobactérias. As culturas sugestivas foram submetidas à coloração de Ziehl-Neelsen para bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes e identificação por métodos moleculares (PRA para o gene hsp65 com o par de primers TB11 e TB12 gênero-específico e sequenciamento genético do DNA). Resultados - Do total de 247 amostras de formigas coletadas e semeadas, 70 por cento das formigas pertenciam à espécie Tapinoma melanocephalum, 25 por cento a espécie Dorymyrmex sp., 3 por cento a espécie Camponotus sp. e 2 por cento a espécie Pheidole sp., dados similares foram observados anteriormente em pesquisas realizadas em hospitais. Quinze amostras apresentaram bacilos álcool-ácido resistentes de crescimento rápido. Nos métodos moleculares, doze pertenciam ao Gênero Mycobacterium. No PRA-hsp 65, e no sequenciamento genético do DNA, quatro amostras foram identificadas quanto à espécie (duas Mycobacterium chelonae, uma Mycobacterium parafortuitum e uma Mycobacterium murale), quatro micobactérias com resultados idênticos no PRA e não identificadas no sequenciamento foram sugestivas de uma nova espécie, e duas amostras não foram identificadas. Mycobacterium chelonae isolada nesta pesquisa foi previamente descrita como agente causador de abscessos em humanos. Conclusão - Estes dados confirmam a presença de micobactérias veiculadas por formigas no ambiente hospitalar, representando um potencial vetor mecânico destas para pacientes e profissionais de saúde, principalmente em infecções nosocomiais / Introduction- Urbanization triggers numerous disorders, such as the dissemination of arthropods and, consequently, dissemination of diseases transmitted by them. Some ant species are very adaptable to the human environment. At hospitals, once they are mechanical vectors of bacteria, and the diversity of species found in these environments, they can represent a potential risk to public health. The increase of nosocomial infections involving environmental mycobacteria, with outbreaks in Brazil from 1998 to 2009 in 23 states called the interest of health professionals and health agencies. Purpose - Evaluate the potential of ants as vectors of mycobacteria in a hospital specialized in the care of patients with tuberculosis. Methods Samples of ants were collected from different areas of the hospital from 2009 to 2010, and workers were inoculated in Löwenstein-Jensen and Stonebrink media for mycobacteria isolation. The suggestive cultures were subjected to Ziehl-Neelsen stain for acid-fast bacilli and identification were performed by molecular methods (PRA for the hsp65 gene with the pair of primers TB11 - TB12 and genetic sequencing). Results - The total of 247 samples of ants collected and sown, 70 per cent belonged to species of ants Tapinoma melanochepalum, 25 per cent Dorymyrmex sp.,3 per cent Camponotus sp. and 2 per cent Pheidole sp., data similar with previous studies conducted in hospitals. Fifteen fast-growing mycobacteria were isolated. In molecular methods, twelve belonged to the genus Mycobacterium. In PRA-hsp65, and the genome sequencing of DNA, four samples were identified at species level (two Mycobacterium chelonae, one Mycobacterium parafortuitum and one Mycobacterium murale), four mycobacteria with similar results in the PRA and not identified in the sequencing, suggestive of a new species and two unidentified samples. M. chelonae was previously reported as causative agent of abscess in humans. Conclusions - These results confirm the presence of mycobacteria carried by ants in the hospital, representing a potential mechanical vector for these patients and healthcare professionals, particularly in nosocomial infections

Malgré les avancées en matière de prévention, Pseudomonas aeruginosa reste un pathogène fréquent et délétère en réanimation. Des facteurs de risque d’acquisition de ce micro-organisme ont déjà pu être identifiés, mais jamais dans un contexte multicentrique et rarement en ajustant sur des caractéristiques du service. Si l’analyse de la littérature était jusqu’alors en faveur d’une forte origine individuelle, la part du contexte d’hospitalisation et des caractéristiques de la réanimation paraît de moins en moins négligeable. Notre travail a permis non seulement de faire un état des lieux concernant les connaissances actuelles sur Pseudomonas aeruginosa en réanimation mais également d’identifier des profils type de patients et services de réanimation plus à risque vis à vis de ce micro-organisme. L’intérêt majeur est non seulement de pouvoir ainsi orienter les cliniciens face à une conjonction d’éléments mais surtout, là où les facteurs patients restent souvent peu modifiables, d’identifier des éléments contextuels d’acquisition sur lesquels il serait possible d’agir afin de réduire le risque infectieux. / Despite major advance in techniques and reinforcement of infection control measures, Pseudomonas aeruginosa remains frequent in intensive care unit (ICU) and is responsible for severe hospital-acquired infections. Several patient and pathogen-specific risk factors have been associated with acquisition of P. aeruginosa in ICUs Nevertheless those risk factors were identified in monocentric studies which rarely took in account the context of cares. If individual risk factors for P. aeruginosa acquisition have appeared to be predominant since then, the role of contextual variables seems to have been underestimated. This thesis provides insight into the epidemiology of P. aeruginosa in ICU, identifies individual and contextual risk factors for P. aeruginosa infection and P. aeruginosa acquisition and emphasizes the interest of contextual variables which gives new perspectives to P. aeruginosa prevention.

The overall aim of this thesis was to evaluate methods for urinary catheter handling in patients undergoing hip surgery. The intention was to gain knowledge in order to provide optimal and cost- effective care regarding urinary catheterisation in this group of patients. In Study I , 45 of the 86 catheterised patients (52%) contracted nosocomial urinary tract infections (UTIs). Diabetes was a risk factor for developing UTI, and cloxacillin as a perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis seemed to offer a certain protection. Study II was a randomised controlled trial on the effect of clamping (n = 55) or not (n = 58) of the indwelling urinary catheter before removal. No significant differences were found between the groups with respect to time to normal bladder function, need for recatheterisation, or length of hospital stay. Study III was a randomised controlled trial among patients with hip fracture and hip arthroplasty, in which the patients were randomised to intermittent (n = 85) or indwelling (n = 85) urinary catheterisation. No significant differences in nosocomial UTIs (9% vs. 12%) or cost-effectiveness were shown. The patients in the intermittent group regained normal bladder function significantly sooner after surgery. Fourteen percent of the patients in the intermittent group did not need any catheterisation. In Study IV , 30 patients were interviewed about their experiences of bladder emptying and urinary catheterisation. The patients’ views were described through the main category ‘An issue but of varying impact’. Both bladder emptying through micturition and bladder emptying through catheterisation were described as convenient, but also as uncomfortable and an intrusion on dignity. The patients were aware of risks and complications of urinary catheterisation. In conclusion, this thesis indicates that UTI is common in hip surgery patients. Clamping of indwelling catheters seems not necessary. There is no preference for either intermittent or indwelling urinary catheterisation according to the results of this thesis, either for the development of nosocomial UTI or, for cost-effectiveness, or from the patient perspective. Nurses should be aware that catheterisation might make the patients feel exposed, and it is essential that their practice reflect the best available evidence.