ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMITTEE TO CONTROL HOSPITAL INFECTION IN A VETERINARY HOSPITAL OF SÃO PAULO NORTHWEST REGION

Abstract

The veterinary hospitals present characteristics that distinguish them from human hospitals. However, the basic principles of asepsis, disinfection, sterilization and antibiotic use are similar. The objective of this work was to implement a Committee to Control Hospital Infection (CCHI), to monitor and reduce the rates of Hospital Infections (IH) and the development of resistant strains. The implementation of CCIH and its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) occurred in the period from March 2 to September 30, 2009, at the Veterinary Hospital ‘Dr. Halim Atique ‘, in São José do Rio Preto - SP. The main measures implemented were the use 70% alcohol in the pharmaceutical form of gel and training program proper hand hygiene. The main action was the adequateness of the use of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate for aseptic surgery to replace 10% povidone-iodine, because of their greater residual effect. Other actions were the change of 2% glutaraldehyde for 35% peracetic acid for disinfection and sterilization materials chemistry, and the use and monitoring of sterilization processes in autoclaves by using of chemical and microbiological controls. Although there is no legislation for CCIHs in veterinary hospitals, they are indispensable tools for the reduction of infections, should be implemented and monitored properly.