DefinePK

Research Objective

To determine the frequency of nosocomial transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) in a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Methodology

A cross-sectional, analytical study was conducted from June to August 2021 in Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan. Consecutive patients aged 18 years and above, admitted for conditions other than COVID-19 with a negative rapid antigen test for COVID-19 at admission, were included. Patients with respiratory symptoms or those hospitalized in the preceding six weeks were excluded. Rapid antigen tests were repeated at discharge or upon symptom onset. Patients testing positive were considered to have acquired nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Patient Admission Non-COVID-19"] --> B["Rapid Antigen Test"Admission""];
    B -- Negative --> C["Inclusion in Study"];
    B -- Positive --> D["Exclusion"];
    C --> E["Repeat Rapid Antigen Test"Discharge/Symptom Onset""];
    E -- Positive --> F["Nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 Infection"];
    E -- Negative --> G["No Nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 Infection"];
    F --> H["Data Analysis"];
    G --> H;
    H --> I["Conclusion"];                    

Discussion

The study suggests that nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 was infrequent in the studied tertiary care hospital. The longer hospital stay for infected patients highlights a potential risk factor. The lower frequency compared to some international studies might be attributed to the use of rapid antigen tests (lower sensitivity than RT-PCR), a lower disease burden during the study period, and ongoing vaccination programs. The younger average age of participants compared to other studies might also contribute to the observed lower frequency.

Key Findings

The frequency of nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was 2.7% (13/482). Patients with nosocomial COVID-19 had a significantly longer hospital stay (7.5±4.0 days) compared to those who tested negative (4.8±3.6 days; p=0.006). Age, gender, department of inpatient stay, major/minor surgery, and visits to the radiology department did not significantly affect nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 spread.

Conclusion

Nosocomial transmission of COVID-19 was infrequent in this study, accounting for 2.7% of participants. A longer inpatient hospital stay was associated with an increased risk of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 spread.

Fact Check

1. Date of Study: The study was conducted from June to August 2021. (Confirmed in Methodology)
2. Frequency of Nosocomial Transmission: The frequency of nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was 2.7%. (Confirmed in Results)
3. Length of Stay Comparison: Patients with nosocomial COVID-19 stayed longer (7.5±4.0 days) than those who tested negative (4.8±3.6 days). (Confirmed in Results)

Mind Map