Nosocomial infections among COVID-19 patients: an analysis of intensive care unit surveillance data

Ong, Clara Chong Hui; Farhanah, Sharifah; Linn, Kyaw Zaw; Tang, Ying Wei; Poon, Chu Ying; Lim, Allie Yin; Tan, Hui Ru; Binte Hamed, Nur Hafizah; Huan, Xiaowei; Puah, Ser Hon; Ho, Benjamin C. H.; Soon, Margaret M. L.; Ang, Brenda S. P.; Vasoo, Shawn; Chan, Monica; Leo, Yee Sin; Ng, Oon Tek; Marimuthu, Kalisvar

Surveillance of nosocomial infections, like catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CAUTI), central line-associated bloodstream infection, possible ventilator-associated pneumonia and secondary bloodstream infections were observed to study the impact of COVID-19 outbreak in ICUs from Tan Tock Seng Hospital and National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore between February and June 2020. Higher nosocomial infection rates were observed in COVID-19 patients, although it was not statistically significant. Moreover, COVID-19 patients seem to be more predisposed to CAUTI despite a higher proportion of non-COVID-19 patients having urinary catheters. Thus, continued vigilance to ensure adherence to IPC measures is needed. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-021-00988-7.