Nosocomial sinusitis: the silent infection of the intensive care unit

Long neglected in infection surveillance protocols, nosocomial sinusitis is now emerging as a serious threat in the ICU, particularly in ventilated or polytraumatized patients. Often discovered by chance, this insidious infection is nevertheless a potential source of serious complications: pneumonia, septicemia and abscesses.This book explores a series of hospital cases revealing predominantly male sinus infections, with a polymicrobial bacterial profile dominated by Gram-negative bacilli such as Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the majority of which were multi-resistant to antibiotics.In the light of these worrying data, this book highlights the importance of early diagnosis, targeted antibiotic therapy and a rigorous preventive strategy to limit the morbidity and mortality associated with this all-too-frequently overlooked infection. Essential reading for clinicians, resuscitators and microbiologists involved in the management of nosocomial infections.