The objectives of this study were to define the epidemiology of nosocomial bacterial colonization and infection and to define predictors of nosocomial infection among a cohort (n=423) of admissions to an acute rehabilitation unit. Overall, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and enterococci were the most commonly identified colonizing organisms. Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were the most commonly identified colonizing gram-negative bacilli. During 70 (16.5%) of the 423 hospitalizations in the unit, 94 nosocomial infections occurred. The most common infections were those of the urinary tract (30% of 94 infections) or a surgical site (17%), Clostridium difficile diarrhea (15%), and bloodstream infection (12.8%). Antibiotic-resistant bacteria most commonly caused bloodstream infection (41.7%) and surgical site infection (56.3%). Independent predictors of nosocomial infection at the time of admission were functional status (measured with the functional independence measure), APACHE III score, and spinal cord injury. In conclusion, gram-positive organisms were the predominant strains causing nosocomial colonization and infection. The logistic model, if verified, may be useful in defining patients who should be targeted for measures to prevent nosocomial infection.

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Several variables were identified as contributing to a longer LOS or to a smaller improvement in functional status among patients admitted for the first time to an acute rehabilitation unit. Of these variables, only nosocomial infection has the potential for modification. Studies of new approaches to prevent infections among patients undergoing acute rehabilitation should be pursued.

Approximately 80 million women worldwide have undergone surgery for circumcision. A variety of health risks resulting from the procedure have been reported in the literature including: bleeding, infection, shock, difficulties with menstruation and urination as well as painful intercourse. Prolonged labor and perinatal difficulties have also been noted. After an extensive literature review, a description of gynecological and obstetrical complications is provided. We had the opportunity to survey 12 Somali refugee women who were temporarily residing in a refugee center in Western New York about their personal experience with circumcision. We were interested in determining whether this convenient sample of women substantiated the clinical sequelae of circumcision reported in the literature. Structured interviews were conducted and included questions on sociodemographic, circumcision and health factors. Our findings, however limited, support the presence of heavy bleeding at the time of the surgery as a complication arising from circumcision.