We aimed to determine the prevalence of HAI in medical Tunisian ICUs. Secondary endpoints were to identify the predominant infecting microorganisms and evaluate independent risk factors of HAIs.

In Tunisia, there is no national or regional monitoring system of HAI. It is worth noting that HCAIs in intensive care unit (ICU) are more common and life threatening than in general ward because of the frequent use of invasive procedures and multiple therapies.

Controlling this fatal scourge should begin with greater awareness of HAI frequency and ICU ecology. That is why conducting multi-center Tunisian studies is necessary to guide control measurements against HAI and to improve surveillance and infection-control practices. NOSOREA1 study (Tunis Med. 2018 Oct-Nov;96(10-11):731-736) was conducted in 2017 and showed that HAI prevalence within Tunisian ICUs was 25.2% CI 95% [15-35]. Five years later, it is high time to update our finding.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients occupying an ICU bed over a 48-hour period
• Age >=18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• no criteria

One-day point-prevalence study (September 27th, 2022) All medical ICUs across Tunisia are invited to participate, excluding cardiologic and paediatric care units.

All patients occupying an ICU bed over a 48-hour period are eligible.