Kessy C. Shija a , Alphonce B. Chandika a , Bushi Lugoba a , Reuben S. Mkala a ,
Hawa Mustapha a , Humphrey Kiwelu a , Susu J. Susu a , Catherine A. Masalu a ,
Benjamin C. Kipilipili a , Japhet D. Chanzu a , Devota Mputi a , Joyce Z. Ndosi a ,
Anthony Gyunda a , Thomas Mponzi a and Emanuel J. Shansi a
Background: Patients suffering from chronic kidney diseases (CKD) on dialysis are
at risk of dying mainly due to cardiovascular complication or infections. Infections are
the second leading cause of death and hospitalization among hemodialysis (HD)
patients. Blood stream infection is the main source of infection through the vascular
access. Factors attributed to this are mainly patient characteristics and principle of
Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) of the Hospital or unit. The risk of bacteremia
in hemodialysis patients is 26-fold higher than in the general population, and gram-
positive bacteria are the causative organisms. The most common site of infection
causing bacteremia is internal prostheses. Infection control principle is recommended
by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in reducing bacteremia in
hemodialysis patients with either a Central Venous catheter (CVC) or Arterio venous
Fistula (AVF). Objectives: To determine prevalence, Antimicrobial Susceptibility
Testing Pattern sand risk factors of Access related infection among hemodialysis
patients at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital (BMH).
