Contagios Hospitalarios

Abstract

Despite the advances made through modern techniques of disinfection and isolation in hospitals and through the use of chemotherapeutic and antibiotic agents, "hospital strain" infections continue to pose serious problems which require solution

An interesting experience is that of the Hospital of Infectious and Tropical Diseases in Asuncion, Paraguay, which shows what can be done even with modest means. It also shows how the hospital acquired Teaching center status in the short time it has been in existence, and attracted young students and graduates not only because of the cases it handles, but also because of its useful file of over 10,000 case histories recorded since its inception in 1945

The study in question was made of these files and disclosed many and varied diagnoses, suspect contacts, and apparent contagions within the hospital. Among the last-mentioned were several cases of chickenpox, alastrim, and diarrheal diseases, as well as infections by venous catheter and occupational hazards, all of which were studied and analyzed

Although the authors do not consider their work sufficient for reaching any definitive conclusions, their contribution will no doubt be useful when a more exhaustive study is made of hospital contagion and the preventive measures it requires(AU)