Nosocomial infection in kidney transplant recipients : a retrospective analysis of a single-center experience

Posttransplant bacterial infections are important because of their influence on patient and graft outcomes. Therefore, prevention of infection as well as prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial. In this retrospective analysis, we reviewed all posttransplant bacterial infections occurring during the admission of kidney transplant patients from January 2000 to May 2004. Of our patients, 25% had at least one episode of infection. Patients with immunosuppression based on an mTOR inhibitor showed the highest rate of wound infections compared to those receiving a calcineurin inhibitor (odds ratio 5.6, P < .001). Patients with renal failure caused by a urologic disease revealed a increased risk of a urinary tract infections (odds ratio 5.9, P < .001). Although infection complications are an important cause of morbidity in renal transplantation, the extensive use of antibiotics should be avoided in favor of a strict policy for infection prevention and control. (copyright) 2005 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.