Hospital infection risk: 77% patients died within 30 days

CNN Central News & Networks / ITDC India ePress / ITDC News /Agencies/ Bhopal: Hospital infection risk: 77% patients died within 30 days

Patients admitted to hospitals expect to recover through treatment, but infections that spread in hospitals can often become a serious threat to their lives. A study conducted at a private hospital in Karnataka has revealed a worrying case linked to infection by bacteria resistant to antibiotic drugs. In the study conducted between July 2021 and December 2023, Acinetobacter baumannii bacteria was found in the blood of 154 patients. Of these, 118 patients, or about 76.6 percent, died within 30 days of the infection being detected.

Large number of deaths in first seven days too According to the study, about 57.1 percent of patients died within the first seven days of the infection. This bacterium can be particularly dangerous for critically ill patients and those admitted to ICUs. Some of its types are resistant to several antibiotic drugs, making treatment of the infection challenging.

Infections linked to lungs and catheters According to the report, in about 51 percent of patients, the bacteria reached the bloodstream through lung infection, while in around 29 percent of cases, the infection was found to be linked to an intravenous catheter tube. Catheters are used to give medicines and fluids to patients.

Strict measures needed to prevent infection Hand hygiene in hospitals, regular cleaning of equipment, safe use of catheters and other medical devices, and timely identification of infection are extremely important. Antibiotic drugs should also be used on the basis of tests and medical advice.

This study is based on 154 patients at one private hospital. Therefore, its figures cannot be applied to all hospitals in the country or all infected patients. Even so, it underlines the need for strong arrangements for infection control and patient safety in hospitals.

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