MAIN MICROORGANISMS ASSOCIATED WITH INFECTIONS IN AN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT (ICU)

Abstract

Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) are an important challenge to the safety of patients hospitalized in Intensive Care Units (ICUs), particularly due to clinical severity, the use of invasive devices, prolonged hospitalization, and the circulation of multidrug-resistant microorganisms. The present study aimed to identify and analyze the main microorganisms associated with infections in ICUs, highlighting their clinical relevance and their relationship with antimicrobial resistance. This is an integrative literature review conducted in the SciELO database, considering publications in Portuguese between 2016 and 2026. Descriptors related to multidrug resistance, hospital-acquired infections, and adult Intensive Care Units were used. Of the 902 articles initially identified, after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, six studies were selected and analyzed in full. The results showed the recurrent presence of clinically relevant microorganisms, particularly Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii, as well as resistance profiles, especially to carbapenems. Multiple factors associated with HAIs were also identified, such as the use of mechanical ventilation, catheters and other invasive devices, prolonged hospitalization, and exposure to the hospital environment. Contamination of surfaces and equipment was also observed as a possible source of dissemination. Therefore, it is concluded that the prevention of HAIs and antimicrobial resistance requires continuous surveillance, responsible use of antimicrobials, proper hand hygiene, adequate environmental cleaning and disinfection, appropriate management of invasive devices, and collaborative nursing actions to prevent the spread of microorganisms.