Epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections in Ecuador (2018-2023): analysis of indicators and risk factors
Keywords:
CONTROL DE INFECCIONES; EPIDEMIOLOGÍA; INFECCIÓN HOSPITALARIA., INFECTION CONTROL; EPIDEMIOLOGY; CROSS INFECTION., CONTROLE DE INFECÇÃO; EPIDEMIOLOGIA; INFECÇÃO INTRA-HOSPITALAR.Abstract
Introduction: healthcare-associated infections constitute a critical indicator of hospital quality and an increasing challenge for public health.
Objective: to analyze the epidemiology of hospital-acquired infections in Ecuador between 2018 and 2023, evaluating their indicators and risk factors.
Methods: a literature review was conducted using a search algorithm, complemented by a manual “snowball” strategy. Inclusion criteria focused on studies on healthcare-associated infections in Ecuador during the specified period, followed by critical analysis of the identified sources.
Development: results show progressive epidemiological surveillance through the Integrated Epidemiological Surveillance System, with an increase in reporting hospitals between 2018 and 2022. The incidence of healthcare-associated infections showed variations, with a significant increase in 2021 attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. The most frequent infections were ventilator-associated pneumonia and central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections, followed by urinary tract and surgical site infections. Risk factors include advanced age, immunodeficiency, invasive procedures, and antimicrobial use, promoting bacterial resistance. Comparisons with Chile and Peru reveal higher rates in Ecuador, especially in pediatric and neonatal services.
Conclusions: surveillance of healthcare-associated infections in Ecuador has advanced, but high incidence rates and microbial resistance persist, making it necessary to define annual reduction targets and optimize preventive strategies.
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