Background: To estimate the influence of a change in the hospital environment on a hospitalacquired urinary tract infection (HAUTI), we analyzed and compared the rates of HAUTI and the associated risk factors between an old hospital (Phil-dong) and a new hospital (Heucksuck-dong) of Chung-Ang University.

Methods: Retrospective studies of patients with urinary tract infection were conducted at the old and new hospital during the period from July 2003 to June 2004 and from January to December 2005, respectively. HAUTI was defined as the isolation of one or two microorganisms at greater than CFUs/mL from urine at 48 hours or more after admission. The risk factors of HAUTI included sex, age, duration of hospitalization, as well as malignancy, chronic disease, diabetes mellitus, intensive care unit care, immune deficiency, renal function, Foley catheterization, and immobility.

Results: The rates of HAUTI at the old and new hospital were 2.9% (206 cases per 7,088 patients) and 2.0% (289 per 14,704), respectively (P<0.05), but there were no statistical differences in the associated risk factors between the two hospitals (P>0.05).

Conclusion: Although both the old and new hospitals were served by the same health-care staff and inspectors using the same methods, the rate of HAUTI was significantly lower at the new hospital. This suggests that a change of the hospital environment, including new instruments and equipment, has an influence on the rate of HAUTI. (Korean J Clin Microbiol 2006;9(2):90-95)