Abstract
Background/aim Bloodstream infections are the major cause of morbidity, increased cost, prolonged hospitalization, and mortality in pediatric patients. Identifying the predominant microorganisms and antimicrobial susceptibilities in centers helps to select effective empirical antimicrobials which leads to positive clinical outcomes. We aimed to identify the causative microorganisms and their antimicrobial susceptibilities in patients with bloodstream infections.Materials and methods Data belonging to patients with hematological and/or oncological diseases admitted to our hospital with fever between January 2010 and November 2015 were analyzed. Results In total, 71 patients who had 111 bloodstream infection episodes were included. Responsible pathogens were detected as follows: 35.1% gram-positive microorganisms, 60.5% gram-negative bacteria, and 4.4% fungi. The most common causative gram-negative pathogen was Escherichia coli and the most commonly isolated gram-positive microorganism was coagulase-negative staphylococci.Conclusion Gram-negative microorganisms were predominant pathogens in bloodstream infections. Escherichia coli and coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most commonly isolated responsible pathogens. Beta-lactam/lactamase inhibitors were suitable for empirical treatment. However, in critical cases, colistin could have been used for empirical treatment until the culture results were available. Routine glycopeptide use was not required. By identifying the causative microorganisms and their antimicrobial resistance patterns, it will be possible to obtain positive clinical results.
Highlights
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are the main cause of morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, increased cost, and mortality in patients [1,2]
In critical cases, colistin could have been used for empirical treatment until the culture results were available
In our study we aimed to identify the microorganisms that were isolated from blood culture during the febrile period in pediatric hematology and oncology patients, their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, and clinical outcomes
Summary
Bloodstream infections (BSIs) are the main cause of morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, increased cost, and mortality in patients [1,2]. Underlying diseases, applied chemotherapy protocols, central venous catheter (CVC), radiation therapy, surgical procedures, and mucositis may predispose patients to infections [3]. More than 80% of pediatric patients receiving cancer treatment have long-term CVCs [4]. The majority of BSIs are related to the use of these catheters in children. Diagnosis and empirical antibiotic treatment may help improve the prognosis of BSIs. the choice of empirical antibiotic treatment must be based on the patient’s clinical status, frequently detected isolates, and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in the region [5].
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