Epidemiological Characteristics of Healthcare-Associated Infections in St. Marina University Hospital, Varna, for the Period 2022–2023

Introduction: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are a major problem in modern healthcare due to the widespread distribution of strains with high levels of antibiotic resistance, as well as their significant burden on morbidity and mortality. The aim of the study is to analyze the frequency and epidemiological structure of HAIs in St. Marina University Hospital, Varna for the period 2022–2023. Materials and M ethods: A retrospective study of the registered HAIs from the monitoring system of St. Marina University Hospital, Varna was conducted during the period 2022–2023. The results were processed using descriptive statistical analysis, documentary methods, and graphic methods. Results: During the monitored period, 125,864 patients were hospitalized in St. Marina University Hospital, Varna. Of these, 36.29% (n=45,597) of patients received antibiotic therapy. A total of 1,263 cases of HAIs were registered, accounting for 1% of the total number of hospitalized patients. The leading etiological agent of HAIs was Escherichia coli (18.28%, n=229). The most common site of HAIs was surgical site infections (SSI), comprising 30.74% (n=391) of the cases. Conclusion: The analysis of the results shows an increase in the number of hospitalized patients, a decrease in antibiotic use, and a rise in the relative share of identified HAIs in St. Marina University Hospital, Varna. These findings highlight effective supervision and control of HAIs in the university hospital.