[Hospital-acquired infections in a university health centre: prospective analysis of 39 802 patients (author's transl)].

The proportion of hospital-acquired infections in a university health centre varied between 0.03 and 26.8%. The average rate of hospital infection was 4.37%. Highest infection rates were found in surgical departments, newborn and premature baby units and in intensive care units. Urinary tract infections, wound infections, pneumonia, infections of the skin, subcutis and mucous membranes, as well as septicaemia, were found most commonly. Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently found agent of hospital-acquired infections. The incidence of these infections can be markedly reduced by making use of specially trained hygiene staff and by intensive measures to control spread of infections.