ObjectiveTo evaluate characteristics and related risk factors of nosocomial infection (NI) in patients with cerebral infarction (CI), so as to find effective control measures. MethodsData of 1 192 hospitalized patients with CI between  January, 2003 and  December, 2008  were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsAmong 1 192 patients, 225 developed 238 cases of NI, NI rate was 18.88%, NI cases rate was 19.97%, which  was significantly increased compared with 4.3% of  average NI rate (χ2=550.11, P<0.01). The main infection sites were respiratory tract (58.92%), urinary tract (15.55%),  gastrointestinal tract (10.93%), and skin and soft tissue(10.08%). The related factors for NI were the elderly, long length of hospitalization time, disturbance of consciousness, complications, and invasive operation. The mortality and disability occurred in patients with CI increased significantly (P<0.01). ConclusionCerebral infarction has a high incidence of NI, and the prognosis after developing NI is poor;  in order to reduce the occurrence of NI,  relevant risk factors should be controlled on the basis of active treatment for primary diseases and complications .