This editorial examines the epidemiology of nosocomial infection in trauma intensive care. Specifically, ventilator-associated pneumonia, central line-associated blood stream infection, and catheter-associated urinary tract infection rates are described. Two important trends are observed. Firstly, nosocomial infection rates have fallen with time. This trend is evident in all intensive care populations and is thought to be principally due to the adoption of preventative bundle strategies. Secondly, rates remain consistently higher in trauma patients than in other intensive care populations. The reasons for this are likely to be multifactorial. Recognizing the particular vulnerability of this patient group should prompt especially rigorous efforts at prevention, early diagnosis, and management.
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