Introduction
The most important way to prevent infections in the ICU is to respect asepsis during the numerous invasive procedures to which patients are exposed (central venous catheter, urinary catheter, orotracheal tube (OTT), fibrobronchoscopy (FOB), surgical drainages, patients nursing, surgical medications).
Methods
The contaminations from Staphylococcus epidermidis have been valued in main infection centres on 951 patients admitted to our ICU for more than 72 hours from 1996 to 2005. From 2000, rigid asepsis protocols have been introduced for the cleansing of staff hands with the use of disinfectants such as Clorexidina and alcoholic gel.
Results
From 1996 to 2005 the percentage of contamination from S. epidermidis has been 24.7% (22% in respiratory tracts, 8% in the urinary system, 41% in central venous catheter, 19% in the blood, 10% in other places). From 2000 to 2005 there has been a sensible reduction of 3%.
Conclusion
The introduction in the last 5 years of strict protocols in order to control asepsis in our ICU, combined with the use of Clorexidina and alcoholic gel, have drastically reduced the contamination from S. epidermidis.