RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Some studies point out that around 30%-50% of the nosocomial infections (NI) are multiple (MNI) and are found in 21%-30% of the patients with NI. The significance of these data and their potential consequences have led the authors to perform this study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A longitudinal descriptive study was carried out on the incidence and characteristics of NI (MNI and single nosocomial infection [SNI]) in 26,977 patients admitted to a county hospital from 1991 to 1993. RESULTS: NI was detected in 1,246 patients with 31% presenting MNI appearing in 15% of the patients. MNI predominated in males, had a mean age were 5 to 12 years higher than the patients with SNI with a mean hospital stay of between 13-28 days more than the SNI group. The MNI were significantly less frequent in the Urology, Gynecology and Obstetrics Departments and were more frequent in the Intensive Care Unit. The localization of the infection varied significantly among the patients with one or several infections. Bacteremia, pneumonia and soft tissue infections were significantly more frequent in MNI patients. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple nosocomial infections are frequent and their basic characteristics are significantly different from those of single nosocomial infections. The patients who acquire SNI should be carefully followed to avoid the appearance of MNI.