Comparative Analysis of Healthcare-Associated Infections in Gastroenterology and Gastro surgery: A Two-Year Retrospective Study at GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi

Background: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) pose significant challenges in gastroenterology and gastrosurgery. This study aimed to compare infection characteristics between these two patient populations at a tertiary care center in India, focusing on gastro-specific samples. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 824 patients (412 each in gastroenterology and gastrosurgery) over 24 months at GB Pant Hospital, New Delhi. Infections were defined using CDC criteria. Microbiological identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed on gastro-specific samples. Risk factors were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Infection rates were significantly higher in gastrosurgery patients (18.4% vs. 7.5%, p<0.001). Escherichia coli was the predominant pathogen in both groups (gastroenterology: 30.6%, gastrosurgery: 28.9%). Antimicrobial resistance was more prevalent in gastrosurgery isolates, with 48.7% ESBL- producing Enterobacteriaceae compared to 27.3% in gastroenterology. Independent risk factors for infection differed between groups, with proton pump inhibitor use significant in gastroenterology (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.5-3.5) and prolonged operative time in gastrosurgery (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.9-4.2). Conclusion: Significant differences in infection profiles between gastroenterology and gastrosurgery patients necessitate tailored prevention and treatment strategies.