Prevalence of nosocomial infection and infection control in Denmark

Two centrally planned cross-sectional prevalence surveys were conducted in several Danish hospitals to estimate rates of nosocomial and community-acquired infection, and antibiotic consumption. Twenty-one per cent of patients presented with an infection at the time of the surveys. Half were considered to be associated with hospitalization. Fifteen per cent received antibiotic treatment. The frequent use of bacteriological examination indicated a need for a further study on the use of bacteriological reports for the surveillance of nosocomial infection in this country. National prevalence studies are suitable for promoting and setting standards for surveillance.