AbstractCardiac surgery creates a high risk for the development of post operative infections. Aims: The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence, characteristics and risk factors for nosocomial infections after cardiac surgery. Methods and Material: All patients who underwent cardiac surgeries under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) were enrolled in this study. Preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative variables were collected and examined as possible risk factors for development of infections. Results: Infection occurred in 18 of 171 patients (10.5%). Five members with infection died. Infections occurred at different sites like sternal wound infection 11.5%, pneumonia 30.7%, bacteremia 23%, mediastinitis 15.3%, surgical site other than sternotomy 11.3% and central venous catheter infections contributing to 7.6% of infections. Conclusions: Use of IABP, reintubation and reexploration are independent risk factors for the development of postoperative infection in cardiac surgery patients.