Prevention of Nosocomial Infections (CleanKids)

This study is designed as a cross-sectional, non-randomized, two-site, four-phase study: an initial baseline period, two intervention periods, and a final interruption period.

This is a descriptive study to collect information on the risk of HCAIs in the MSF-supported inpatient nutritional treatment centers. Information on key clinical indicators will be collected regularly according to the routine program procedures from the time of admission to discharge. All children will undergo a blood draw for culture at time of admission and at the time of any suspected hospital-acquired bloodstream infection. As part of active surveillance for bacterial colonization, including multi-drug resistant organisms, all children will undergo nasal and rectal swabs at the time of admission, suspected infection, and discharge. Data will provide an estimate of nosocomial infection incidence under routine circumstances and inform sample size calculations if further study is warranted.

Inclusion criteria

• 6 to 59 months old
• severe acute malnutrition with medical complications
• parent / caregiver signing written informed consent

Exclusion criteria

• health condition that does not allow blood draw
• contraindication to the use of soap or Chlorhexidine gluconate, as recommended by the product
• refusal to discontinue the use of skin care products that are incompatible with Chlorhexidine gluconate according to the product's directions for use