Agentes Etiológicos Relacionados a Infecciones Asociadas en pacientes de las unidades de cuidados Intensivos. Revisión sistemática

Abstract

Background: Infections in patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are frequent and constitute a significant problem in public health. They have a substantial impact on healthcare, the economy, and society, affecting patient integrity and safety as well as the quality of medical services. Objective: To describe the main etiological agents related to infections associated with patients admitted to the ICU, encompassing the risk factors and the incidence of these conditions. Methodology: A systematic literature review was performed from 2019 to the present, using databases such as "UpToDate," "Scopus," "PubMed," "Google Scholar," and "Web of Science." It includes literature from journals in quartiles Q1 to Q4 and 1a, 1b, 1c, and 2a evidence levels, according to the Oxford scale, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Results: After two phases of selection, 35 articles in English published in 2021 were identified, mainly in PubMed, and most are found in Q3 quartile journals. Gram-negative bacteria were the most common microorganisms, with the highest incidence of infection being ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and comorbidities being the leading risk factor. Conclusions: It was concluded that gram-negative bacteria are the dominant etiological agents. The highest incidence was observed in VAP, followed by central venous catheter-related bacteremia and urinary tract infection related to bladder catheter. Primary risk factors include comorbidities, a history of previous medical device placement, antibiotics, and glucocorticoids.