Health care-associated infections and antimicrobial use: The third point prevalence survey on 42 acute care hospitals in Piedmont, Italy, 2022.

Background: Health care-associated infections (HAIs), antibiotic use (AMU), and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) are critical indicators of health care quality and antimicrobial stewardship. Point prevalence surveys provide essential data for optimizing infection prevention and control strategies. We aimed to describe the prevalence of HAIs, AMU, and AMR in Piedmont, Italy, highlighting associations with hospital complexity and patient characteristics.

Methods: Data included hospital characteristics, demographics, HAI, AMU, AMR, and clinical characteristics. Prevalence ratios were calculated to compare rates across subgroups.

Results: The prevalence of HAIs was 8%. AMU prevalence decreased to 40% from 42.8% in 2016. Trends in AMU aligned with the "Italian National Action Plan to contrast AMR" (PNCAR) goals, showing reduced fluoroquinolone use and increased amoxicillin prescriptions. AMR trends showed improvements in oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Conclusions: The results highlight the critical importance of sustained investment in infection prevention and control measures and robust antimicrobial stewardship programs.