CICLOS ESTACIONALES, CALOR Y HUMEDAD: factores para el incremento de infecciones nosocomiales.

Over time, the seasonal cycles of infectious diseases have been attributed to three specific factors: changes in atmospheric conditions, prevalence and/or virulence of the infectious agent and behavior of the host. However, environmental changes --particularly those related to climate-- represent the most evoked factor to explain the seasonality of infectious diseases. Acinetobacter species remain important nosocomial pathogens in hospitals and they are associated with a unique and persistent seasonal variation in infection rates. Knowing that certain clinically important infections are substantially more frequent in certain seasons of the year, can facilitate epidemiological surveillance and empirical treatment of infections. It is necessary to conduct more studies that emphasize the climatic conditions, the humidity and the potential risk factors, in addition to the traditionally identified risk factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]