Objective: Evaluate host and pathogen factors associated with mortality in those with hospital acquired infections (HAI) in a tertiary intensive care unit in Brazil. Methods: Observational and analytical cohort single center study in a general intensive care unit (ICU) in Northeastern Brazil between January 2016 and August 2018, including those over 18 years of age admitted to the ICU found to have a HAI. Results: A total of 165 patients were included, with a mean age of 72 years and male predominance (53.3%) and observed mortality of 46%. Mortality in those with HAI was significantly associated with older age, increased ICU length of stay and readmission to the ICU in univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that development of septic shock and obtundation during ICU admission was significantly associated with an increased risk of death (OR: 6.94, 95% CI 1.23–39.27, OR: 2.48, 95% CI 1.17–5.29, respectively). A trend towards mortality risk was noted in those with increased age and prior cardiovascular disease. Surprisingly, mortality risk was independent of site of infection, type of pathogen and antibiotic resistance. Furthermore, having more than one HAI over the course of the ICU admission did not impact mortality. Conclusion: Risk of death in those with HAI is associated with obtundation and septic shock, in addition to vasopressor use. Host factors, rather than pathogen-specific characteristics or infecting site, impact risk of death related to HAI in the ICU.