ABSTRACT
Nosocomial infections (NIs) are an unfortunately common and important com-
plication in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The overall risk of acquiring
nosocomial infections for patients admitted to ICUs is estimated to be five to
10-fold higher than that of other hospitalized patients. Altogether, ICU-acquired
infections account for more than 20% of all hospital acquired infections,
although admissions to ICUs represent only 8-15% of hospital admissions
(1-3).
