Infection Control Practices and Incidence of Infections among Hemodialysis Patients: A Historical Benchmark Study from Sharkia Governorate, Egypt

Background: Infections are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis (HD) patients worldwide, second only to cardiovascular disease. In Egypt, the burden of infection-related complications remains substantial, particularly due to high prevalence of HCV and frequent use of central venous catheters (CVCs).
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate adherence to CDC recommendations on infection control in a local HD unit and to assess the incidence and risk factors of infections among chronic HD patients.
Methods: A prospective cohort study that involved 123 patients undergoing maintenance HD. It was conducted in 2015. Infection control practices were audited using CDC checklists. Patients were followed for six months for new infections, including vascular access infections and HCV seroconversion. Associations with demographic and clinical variables were analyzed using Chi-square tests and independent t-tests.
Results: The incidence proportion of infections was 16.2% (20/123), corresponding to an incidence rate of 0.027 cases per patient-month. The most frequent infections were cellulitis (6.4%), abscesses (4.8%), and bacteremia (3.2%). Female sex and lower serum albumin levels were significantly associated with infection (p < 0.05). Compliance with CDC infection control measures was generally high, although use of masks during catheter procedures and soap cleansing before AVF cannulation were not routinely performed.
Conclusion: This study provided a historical snapshot of infection control practices and outcomes in an Egyptian HD unit at 2015. The findings served as a valuable baseline for future evaluations of infection prevention efforts in similar settings.