Acquired Bloodstream Infections Research Articles

Incidence of healthcare-acquired infections among patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Background Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a well-recognized therapeutic modality for the treatment of bone marrow or immune systems that are damaged or defective either because of malignant or nonmalignant causes. Patients receiving HSCT are at high risk for infection for the following reasons: induced suppression of the body’s immune system, administration of massive chemotherapy and immunosuppressive drugs, and use of antibiotic therapy as prophylaxis before and after transplantation. Aim This study aimed to assess the incidence of healthcare-acquired infections among patients with HSCT. Design A descriptive/exploratory research design was used to carry out this study. It is one of the nonexperimental research designs, which are an efficient means of collecting a large amount of data in a relatively short time. The main purpose of a descriptive research design is to describe, observe, and document in detail some processes, events, risk factors, and outcomes. Sample A convenient sample of 62 adult male and female patients after HSCT were recruited to achieve the aim of the study. Setting This study was conducted in the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at Nasser Institute for Research and Treatment in Cairo, Egypt. Tools: data was collected using three tools: Personal and Medical Background Data Form, The adopted Infection Prevention Checklist, and (c) Healthcare-Acquired Infection Checklists. Results Study findings denoted that the mean age was 35.5±12.9, and more than half of the study sample was males, revealing that 87.8% of the study participants acquired infection during hospitalization, while 12.2% did not acquire infection. However, 50% of study participants acquired bloodstream infection, 19.4% had pneumonia, 12.9% of them had urinary tract infection, and 1.6% had two types of infection perceptively. Conclusion This study concluded that bloodstream infection is the most common and serious healthcare infection among patients with HSCT. Recommendations Nurses should follow the guidelines for aseptic technic during implied central venous line care and drug administration to reduce BSI infection within hospitalization, and patients with HSCT should maintain oral care and self-hygiene regularly to reduce the incidence of healthcare-acquired infections. Also, further studies should be conducted to assess different types of infections.

Impacts of Hospital Acquired Bloodstream Infections in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis Through a Central Venous Catheter

Background: Hospital acquired infections (HAI) are of interest given their resultant morbidity, mortality, and hospital utilization. Among HAIs, central line associated bloodstream infections result in the highest rates of mortality and additional costs. While all central venous catheters (CVC) carry risk for BSI, long-term catheter use is at increased risk. One population that utilize CVCs for extended durations are those undergoing hemodialysis. While data are available characterizing BSI impacts on outpatient hemodialysis patients, little data exist describing inpatients. The purpose of this study was to characterize the demographics, outcomes, and economics associated with the development of hospital acquired BSI (HA-BSI) in patients undergoing hemodialysis through a CVC (HD-CVC). Methods: All admissions of adult patients in the Premier Healthcare Database with hospital stays including HD-CVC with discharge dates during 2020-2022 were retrospectively evaluated. BSIs were identified by ICD-10 codes and blood culture collection dates. A BSI was deemed hospital acquired if the blood culture date was ≥3 calendar days after admission. Descriptive analyses were undertaken for HA-BSI patients including: baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes. Length of stay (LOS), ICU utilization, and estimated costs were evaluated for HAI-BSI and non-BSI populations. Results: 166,394 admissions from 91,448 patients were identified. Of these, 5,722 patients (6.3%) had 5,842 admissions with a HA-BSI. These patients were 58.9% white, 28.3% black, 56.8% male, and 62.9% were aged ≥60years. Patients had considerable comorbidities at baseline with 88.9% having ≥2 Charlson comorbid conditions and 46.9% with ≥6. During the study period, all-cause mortality was 27.8% for HA-BSI patients with 85.5% of deaths occurring while inpatient. Median LOS for patients with HA-BSI was 25 days compared with 6 days for HD-CVC without BSI; patients with HA-BSI were also more likely to require the ICU (65.6% vs. 27.6%). The median ICU LOS was 12 days for HA-BSI versus 34 days for HD-CVC without BSI. Greater intensity of healthcare utilization was reflected in median costs of $402K for HA-BSI, compared with $43K for HD-CVC without BSI. Discussion: We described the characteristics of HD-CVC patients that developed HA-BSI. These patients had many comorbidities and relatively high rates of all-cause in-hospital mortality. Patients were likely to have long LOS, both in-hospital and within the ICU. Collectively, care of these patients was associated with considerable healthcare costs, particularly as compared with HD-CVC patients not developing a HA-BSI. Future studies should characterize risk factors and evaluate potential prevention strategies for this high-risk population.

Examining pancreatic stone protein response in ICU-acquired bloodstream infections: a matched event analysis.

Pancreatic stone protein (PSP) exhibits potential as a plasma biomarker for infection diagnosis and risk stratification in critically ill patients, but its significance in nosocomial infection and intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired bloodstream infection (BSI) remains unclear. This study explores the temporal responses of PSP in ICU-acquired BSI caused by different pathogens. From a large cohort of ICU patients, we selected episodes of ICU-acquired BSI caused by Gram-negative rods (GNRs), enterococci, or Candida species. Events were matched on length of ICU stay at infection onset, Severe Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, presence of immune deficiency, and use of renal replacement therapy. PSP concentrations were measured at infection onset (T0) and at 24, 48 and 72h prior to infection onset as defined by the first occurrence of a positive blood culture. Absolute and trend differences in PSP levels between pathogen groups were analysed using one-way analysis of variance. Sensitivity analyses were performed in events with a new or worsening systematic inflammatory response based on C-reactive protein, white cell count and fever. We analysed 30 BSI cases per pathogen group. Median (IQR) BSI onset was on day 9 (6-12). Overall, PSP levels were high (381 (237-539) ng/ml), with 18% of values exceeding the assay's measurement range. Across all 90 BSI cases, there was no clear trend over time (median change 34 (- 75-189) ng/ml from T-72 to T0). PSP concentrations at infection onset were 406 (229-497), 350 (223-608), and 480 (327-965) ng/ml, for GNR, enterococci, and Candida species, respectively (p = 0.32). At every time point, absolute PSP levels and trends did not differ significantly between pathogens. PSP values at T0 correlated with SOFA scores. Eighteen (20%) of 90 BSI events did not exhibit a systemic inflammatory response, primarily in Candida species. No clear change in PSP concentration before BSI onset or between-group differences were found in sensitivity analyses of 72 cases. Against a background of overall (very) high plasma PSP levels in critically ill patients, we did not find clear temporal patterns or any pathogen-specific differences in PSP response in the days preceding onset of ICU-acquired BSI.

Predicting community acquired bloodstream infection in infants using full blood count parameters and C-reactive protein; a machine learning study

Early recognition of bloodstream infection (BSI) in infants can be difficult, as symptoms may be non-specific, and culture can take up to 48 h. As a result, many infants receive unneeded antibiotic treatment while awaiting the culture results. In this study, we aimed to develop a model that can reliably identify infants who do not have positive blood cultures (and, by extension, BSI) based on the full blood count (FBC) and C-reactive protein (CRP) values. Several models (i.e. multivariable logistic regression, linear discriminant analysis, K nearest neighbors, support vector machine, random forest model and decision tree) were trained using FBC and CRP values of 2693 infants aged 7 to 60 days with suspected BSI between 2005 and 2022 in a tertiary paediatric hospital in Dublin, Ireland. All models tested showed similar sensitivities (range 47% – 62%) and specificities (range 85%-95%). A trained decision tree and random forest model were applied to the full dataset and to a dataset containing infants with suspected BSI in 2023 and showed good segregation of a low-risk and high-risk group. Negative predictive values for these two models were high for the full dataset (> 99%) and for the 2023 dataset (> 97%), while positive predictive values were low in both dataset (4%–20%). Conclusion: We identified several models that can predict positive blood cultures in infants with suspected BSI aged 7 to 60 days. Application of these models could prevent administration of antimicrobial treatment and burdensome diagnostics in infants who do not need them.What is Known:• Bloodstream infection (BSI) in infants cause non-specific symptoms and may be difficult to diagnose.• Results of blood cultures can take up to 48 hours.What is New:• Machine learning models can contribute to clinical decision making on BSI in infants while blood culture results are not yet known.

Association between blood culture turnaround time and clinical prognosis in emergency department patients with community acquired bloodstream infection: A retrospective study based on electronic medical records

ImportancePrevious investigations have found that time to positive blood culture (TTP) is a prognostic factor for clinical outcomes. In fact, what the emergency physician sees from the medical information system is TAT (turnaround time) defined as time required to post a bacterial culture report. We propose a definition of blood culture TAT that more closely aligns with clinical considerations by measuring the time from starting specimen culture to the release of an official blood culture report.We were curious to know whether the duration of TAT is as intricately linked to the prognosis of bacteremia as TTP. ObjectivesTo examine the association between TAT and outcomes of adult patients who present to the ED with community acquired bacteremia. DesignSetting, and Participants: This retrospective study utilized electronic medical records from Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital (KVGH), a 1000-bed tertiary medical center in Taiwan. Patients were adults aged 18 years and older who presented to ED (Emergency department) for initial diagnosis of community acquired bacteremia from January 1, 2016 to March 31, 2021. Data analysis was performed from December 2022 to January 2023.Main outcomes and measures.The primary outcomes included mortality in the ED, all-cause in-hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, and all-cause 30-day mortality in relation to the individual first report of positive blood culture TAT. ResultsA total of 4011 eligible patients with bacteremia were evaluated, of which 207 patients had a blood culture TAT of ≤48 h. The overall 30-day all-cause mortality rate was 13%. Contrary to expectation, no statistically significant differences were observed in clinical prognosis between the TAT groups (≤48 versus >48 h). Subgroup analyses indicated that the length of TAT did not have a significant effect on clinical prognosis in patients who underwent lactate level assessment. Furthermore, no difference in clinical outcome was noted between TAT groups (≤48 versus >48 h) in terms of Gram-negative bacilli or Gram-positive cocci bacteremia. However, in patients with delayed antibiotic treatment (>3 h), a shorter TAT was significantly associated with a fatal outcome. ConclusionIn adults with community-acquired bacteremia, this study did not observe a significant association between blood culture TAT and clinical prognosis, except in cases of delayed antibiotic treatment.

Machine learning-derived blood culture classification with both predictive and prognostic values in the intensive care unit: A retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesDiagnosis and management of intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired bloodstream infections are often based on positive blood culture results. This retrospective cohort study aimed to develop a classification model using data-driven characterisation to optimise the management of intensive care patients with blood cultures. Setting, methodology/designAn unsupervised clustering model was developed based on the clinical characteristics of patients with blood cultures in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC)-IV database (n = 2451). It was tested using the data from the MIMIC-III database (n = 2047). Main outcome measuresThe prognosis, blood culture outcomes, antimicrobial interventions, and trajectories of infection indicators were compared between clusters. ResultsFour clusters were identified using machine learning-based k-means clustering based on data obtained 48 h before the first blood culture sampling. Cluster γ was associated with the highest 28-day mortality rate, followed by clusters α, δ, and β. Cluster γ had a higher fungal isolation rate than cluster β (P < 0.05). Cluster δ was associated with a higher isolation rate of Gram-negative organisms and fungi (P < 0.05). Patients in clusters γ and δ underwent more femoral site vein catheter placements than those in cluster β (P < 0.001, all). Patients with a duration of antibiotics treatment of 4, 6, and 7 days in clusters α, δ, and γ, respectively, had the lowest 28-day mortality rate. ConclusionsMachine learning identified four clusters of intensive care patients with blood cultures, which yielded different prognoses, blood culture outcomes, and optimal duration of antibiotic treatment. Such data-driven blood culture classifications suggest further investigation should be undertaken to optimise treatment and improve care. Implications for clinical practiceIntensive care unit-acquired bloodstream infections are heterogeneous. Meaningful classifications associated with outcomes should be described. Using machine learning and cluster analysis could help in understanding heterogeneity. Data-driven blood culture classification could identify distinct physiological states and prognoses before deciding on blood culture sampling, optimise treatment, and improve care.

42: Acquired blood stream infections during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults: risk factors and outcomes.

42: Acquired blood stream infections during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in adults: risk factors and outcomes.

Prevention of acquired invasive fungal infection with decontamination regimen in mechanically ventilated ICU patients: a pre/post observational study

Background Invasive fungal infections acquired in the intensive care unit (AFI) are life-threating complications of critical illness. However, there is no consensus on antifungal prophylaxis in this setting. Multiple site decontamination is a well-studied prophylaxis against bacterial and fungal infections. Data on the effect of decontamination regimens on AFI are lacking. We hypothesised that multiple site decontamination could decrease the rate of AFI in mechanically ventilated patients. Methods We conducted a pre/post observational study in 2 ICUs, on adult patients who required mechanical ventilation for >24 h. During the study period, multiple-site decontamination was added to standard of care. It consists of amphotericin B four times daily in the oropharynx and the gastric tube along with topical antibiotics, chlorhexidine body wash and nasal mupirocin. Results In 870 patients, there were 27 AFI in 26 patients. Aspergillosis accounted for 20/143 of ventilator-associated pneumonia and candidemia for 7/75 of ICU-acquired bloodstream infections. There were 3/308 (1%) patients with AFI in the decontamination group and 23/562 (4%) in the standard-care group (p = 0.011). In a propensity-score matched analysis, there were 3/308 (1%) and 16/308 (5%) AFI in the decontamination group and the standard-care group respectively (p = 0.004) (3/308 vs 11/308 ventilator-associated pulmonary aspergillosis, respectively [p = 0.055] and 0/308 vs 6/308 candidemia, respectively [p = 0.037]). Conclusion Acquired fungal infection is a rare event, but accounts for a large proportion of ICU-acquired infections. Our study showed a preventive effect of decontamination against acquired fungal infection, especially candidemia. Take home message Acquired fungal infection (AFI) incidence is close to 4% in mechanically ventilated patients without antifungal prophylaxis (3% for pulmonary aspergillosis and 1% for candidemia). Aspergillosis accounts for 14% of ventilator-associated pneumonia and candidemia for 9% of acquired bloodstream infections. Immunocompromised patients, those infected with SARS-COV 2 or influenza virus, males and patients admitted during the fall season are at higher risk of AFI. Mechanically ventilated patients receiving multiple site decontamination (MSD) have a lower risk of AFI.

Frequency, Causative Organisms, Excess Cost and Short-Term Outcomes of Peripheral and Central Line Associated Nosocomial Blood Stream Infection in Adult Patients Admitted in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Hospital acquired Blood Stream Infections is one of the major type of nosocomial infection. As compared to 1.3-2.1 per 1000 central line days in high income nations, CLABSI occurs more frequently in middle- and low-income countries, with rates ranging from 7.4 to 12.2 per 1000 central line days. The incidence of both type of BSI is also reported to be different in different regions. Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, enterococcus species, and candida species are some examples of common causative organisms. Objective: The primary objective: • To study the incidence of CLABSI per 1000 line days among patients with inserted central line during hospital stay • To study the incidence of PLABSI per 1000 line days among patients with inserted peripheral line during hospital stay The secondary objective: • Frequent pathogens isolated from patients • Additional length of stay in patients with blood stream infection (CLABSI and PLABSI) • Excess cost incurred from excess investigations and medications Material and Methods: Total 250 patients of age ≥15 years and acquired CLABSI or PLABSI during hospital stay after 48 hours of admission were included. Sensitivities of the cultured organism were recorded. Antibiotics and other drugs for management of blood stream infection were recorded with dosage, duration and excess cost. Excess length of hospital stay due to blood stream infection along with total length of in hospital stay was checked. Finally outcome of every patient was analyzed. Descriptive statistics were calculated. Independent T test / Man Whitney U test was applied to compare the length of hospital stay and cost among patients with and without BSI (CLABSI/PLABSI). P value of less than or equal to 0.05 was considered significant. Results: There were 44% male and 56% female patients. Mean hospital stay was 11.30±7.24 days. Mortality rate was 17.2% while 8.8% patients were found with infection. Most common isolated organisms were pseudomonas (31.8%), staphylococcus aureus (18.2%), klebsiella (9.1%), acenatobacter (9.1%) and candida tropicalis (9.1%). Sixteen patients have excess hospital stay from infection acquisition day with average of 9.31±4.97 days. Majority (40.9%) of patients spends more than 35,000 PKR (7,062 PKR to 70,988 PKR) as excess cost in terms of treatment. Mortality rate among infected patients was 50%. Conclusion: Patients had to bear a heavy burden as a result of infections contracted when using central venous catheters, which lengthened hospital stays and raised treatment costs. Keywords: Central line, Peripheral, Blood Stream Infections, pathogens, length of stay, excess cost

Bloodstream infections in Injecting drug users: A 15 year prospective single-centre study

• IDUs accounted for nearly 8% of all community acquired bloodstream infections. • S . aureus and S. pyogenes were the most common pathogens. • The commonest foci of infection were skin/soft tissue and septic thrombophlebitis. • Infective endocarditis was relatively uncommon but was associated with mortality. • Septic thrombophlebitis caused more septic pulmonary emboli than endocarditis. To describe the microbiological and clinical characteristics of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in Injecting Drug Users (IDUs). All episodes of community-acquired BSI in IDUs were reviewed. Demographic, clinical and microbiological data were analysed. Detailed analyses were performed for septic thrombophlebitis and infective endocarditis (IE). Historical analysis of microbiological characteristics of BSIs from 1970 to 2018 was performed. There were 406 episodes of BSI in IDUs accounting for 7.8 % of community-acquired BSIs from 2004 to 2018. Patients were male in 77.3 % of episodes. Median age was 38.1 years. Positive HIV status was confirmed in 14 % of episodes. The commonest infecting species were Staphylococcus aureus (45.8 %) and Streptococcus pyogenes (11.8 %). Polymicrobial BSIs accounted for 20.2 % of infections; other streptococci (12.8 %), gram-negative bacilli (4.9 %) and anaerobes (2.7 %) accounted for most of the remainder. The commonest foci of infection were skin and soft tissue (26.4 %), septic thrombophlebitis (20.4 %), bone and joint (17.5 %) and IE (11.8 %). Overall inpatient mortality was 5.9 %. IE and necrotizing fasciitis were associated with increased risk of death. IDUs accounted for a significant proportion of community-acquired BSIs. Skin and soft tissue infection and septic thrombophlebitis were the commonest foci of infection. IE is rare, but mortality is high.

Six-Year Surveillance of Acquired Bloodstream Infection in a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit in Israel

We studied profile of the bloodstream infections (BSI) in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and identified predictors of mortality. The study collected data from hospital records for children younger than 18-years who developed BSI during their PICU stay between 2014 and 2019. In 114 patients, 136 PICU-acquired BSIs with 152 pathogens were documented. The incidence of BSI was 47.12/1,000 PICU admissions and 7.95/1000 PICU hospital days. Gram-negative rods accounted for 75% of isolates, Gram-positive cocci accounted for 21.7% of isolates, and fungi accounted for 3.3% of isolated pathogens. ICU mortality was observed in 25 (21.9%) patients with a BSI compared to 94 (3.1%) patients without a BSI (P<0.001). Hemodynamic instability (P=0.014, OR 4.10, CI 1.33-12.66), higher blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (P=0.044), and lower albumin levels (P=0.029) were associated with increased risk of ICU mortality. BSI in the PICU is associated with increased mortality. Early identification and management of risk factors independently associated with poor clinical outcomes in these patients should be aimed to ensure improved survival.

406. Incidence of Community and Hospital Acquired Infections in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients in the Dominican Republic

BackgroundThe disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, has caused a global public health crisis. COVID-19 causes lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) and hypoxia. There is a paucity of data on bacterial and fungal coinfection rates in patients with COVID-19 at low and middle income countries (LMICs). Our objective is to describe the clinical characteristics of critically ill patients with COVID-19 in the Dominican Republic (DR)MethodsWe performed a retrospective review of patients admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 from March 14th to December 31st 2020, at a 296-bed tertiary care level and teaching Hospital in the Dominican Republic. Demographic and clinical information was collected and tabulated. Laboratory confirmed bacterial and fungal infections were defined as community acquired infections (CAI) if diagnosed within 48 hours of admission and hospital acquired infections (HAI) when beyond 48 hours. Microbiologic data was tabulated by source and attribution. ResultsOur cohort had 382 COVID-19 patients. Median age was 64 and most were male (64.3%) and 119 (31.1%) were mechanically ventilated and 200 (52%) had central venous catheters. A total of 28 (7%) laboratory confirmed community acquired infections and 55 (14%) HAIs occurred. Community acquired infections included 13 (46%) bloodstream infections (BSIs), 11 (39%) urinary tract infections (UTI) and 6 (21%) LRTIs. HAIs included 39 (70%) BSIs, 11 (20%) UTIs and 6 (11%) ventilator associated pneumonias (VAP). Causal organisms of community and hospital acquired BSI and UTI are in Figure 1 and Figure 2 respecively. All-cause mortality was 35.3% (135/382) in our cohort, and 100% mortality (76) in those with coinfections. Figure 1. Community acquired and hospital acquired bloodstream infections in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU Figure 2. Community acquired and hospital acquired urinary tract infections in COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU ConclusionCommunity and hospital acquired infections were common and in the ICU and likely contributed to patient outcomes. More than two thirds of HAIs in the ICU were BSIs. Central venous catheter device utlization and maintenance may play a role in BSIs, along with immunosuppression from COVID-19 therapeutics and translocation from mucosal barrier injury. Mortality in patients with coinfections was higher than those without. Infection prevention strategies to reduce device utilization during COIVD-19 in LMICs may have an impact on HAIs.Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Characteristics and prognosis of bloodstream infection in patients with COVID-19 admitted in the ICU: an ancillary study of the COVID-ICU study

BackgroundPatients infected with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV 2) and requiring intensive care unit (ICU) have a high incidence of hospital-acquired infections; however, data regarding hospital acquired bloodstream infections (BSI) are scarce. We aimed to investigate risk factors and outcome of BSI in critically ill coronavirus infectious disease-19 (COVID-19) patients.Patients and methodsWe performed an ancillary analysis of a multicenter prospective international cohort study (COVID-ICU study) that included 4010 COVID-19 ICU patients. For the present analysis, only those with data regarding primary outcome (death within 90 days from admission) or BSI status were included. Risk factors for BSI were analyzed using Fine and Gray competing risk model. Then, for outcome comparison, 537 BSI-patients were matched with 537 controls using propensity score matching.ResultsAmong 4010 included patients, 780 (19.5%) acquired a total of 1066 BSI (10.3 BSI per 1000 patients days at risk) of whom 92% were acquired in the ICU. Higher SAPS II, male gender, longer time from hospital to ICU admission and antiviral drug before admission were independently associated with an increased risk of BSI, and interestingly, this risk decreased over time. BSI was independently associated with a shorter time to death in the overall population (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 1.28, 95% CI 1.05–1.56) and, in the propensity score matched data set, patients with BSI had a higher mortality rate (39% vs 33% p = 0.036). BSI accounted for 3.6% of the death of the overall population.ConclusionCOVID-19 ICU patients have a high risk of BSI, especially early after ICU admission, risk that increases with severity but not with corticosteroids use. BSI is associated with an increased mortality rate.

Community acquired bloodstream infection caused by Elizabethkingia meningoseptica treated successfully with linezolid - A case report

Community acquired bloodstream infection caused by Elizabethkingia meningoseptica treated successfully with linezolid - A case report

Antibiotic sensitivity/resistance pattern of hospital acquired blood stream infection in children cancer patients: A retrospective study.

The literature shows a growing emphasis on understanding the local patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We aimed to evaluate the spectrum of local microorganisms that cause bloodstream infections (BSI) and their AMR patterns in an Egyptian institution treating children with cancer. We conducted a single-centre, retrospective, study on children with confirmed primary, hospital-acquired, BSIs over one year. The microbiological examination of blood samples was done according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. The antibiotic sensitivity test was done using VITEK® 2 system. We retrieved the data of 607 children with a median age of 5 (0.25-18) years old. The most encountered diagnosis was acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (40%). Most identified microorganisms were gram-negative bacilli, mainly Escherichia coli (27.8%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.2%). Gram-negative bacilli showed high resistance to piperacillin/tazobactam, levofloxacin, and meropenem. The lowest resistance rates for Gram-negative bacilli isolates were noted for colistin and tigecycline. Similarly, the gram-positive cocci showed high resistance to ampicillin/sulbactam, cefoxitin, and clindamycin; and low resistance regarding vancomycin and linezolid. Resistance proportions (pattern) were similar to those reported in other countries with a higher distribution of E coliand a growing resistance to levofloxacin. Further investigation of the predisposing factors and the development of more effective strategies for the prevention of BSI should be a significant public health priority.

Attributable mortality of ICU acquired bloodstream infections: a propensity-score matched analysis.

The mortality attributable to ICU-acquired bloodstream infection (BSI) differs between studies due to statistical methods used for cohort matching. Propensity-score matching has never been used to avoid eventual bias when studying BSI attributable mortality in the ICU. We conducted an observational prospective study over a 4-year period, on patients admitted for at least 48 h in 2 intensive care units. Based on risk factors for death in the ICU and for BSI, each patient with BSI was matched with 3 patients without BSI using propensity-score matching. We performed a competitive risk analysis to study BSI mortality attributable fraction. Of 2464 included patients, 71 (2.9%) had a BSI. Propensity-score matching was highly effective and group characteristics were fully balanced. Crude mortality was 36.6% in patients with BSI and 21.6% in propensity-score matched patients (p=0.018). Attributable mortality of BSI was 2.3% [1.2–4.0] and number needed to harm was 6.7. With Fine and Gray model, a higher risk for death was observed in patients with BSI than in propensity-score matched patients (sub distribution Hazard Ratio (sdHR) = 2.11; 95% CI [1.32–3.37] p = 0.002). Patients with BSI had a higher risk for death and BSI attributable mortality fraction was 2.3%.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10096-021-04215-4.

Hospital Acquired Bloodstream Infection by Multi Drug Resistant Organisms-Alarming and Challenging Issue in the Intensive Care Units at Present Era

Hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (BSIs) cause high mortality in the intensive care units (ICUs) compared to wards. Furthermore, the isolation of multidrug resistant (MDR) organisms in ICUs add to the gravity of the condition making the treatment a bigger challenge. The present study was aimed to evaluate the prevalence, spread, and the possible MDR organisms contributing to ICU-acquired BSI &amp; the source of the secondary BSI in the ICUs. A prospective study was conducted in four ICU of tertiary teaching hospital over a period of six months. Patient that developed features of BSI within 48 hours after hospital admission were included in the present study Blood culture was performed by an automated BacT/ALERT®3D system. The source of secondary BSI was identified by analysing culture results for the samples other than blood. These samples were taken within 48 hours of the patient’s blood culture test being positive. A total of 50 patients (25%) had an ICU acquired bloodstream infection. Out of 50 patients, 74% of them had bacterial etiology. Thirty one patients (62%) among them developed multidrug resistant bacteraemia. Fifty six percent of Gram negative bacilli were multi drug resistant. The resistance to carbapenem was 42%. The most common MDR Gram negative isolate was identified as Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=12; 38.7%,) and the most common source was pulmonary infection (26.7% (n=12). 42% of isolates in our study were carbapenem resistant suggesting the need for a proper antibiotic policy in the ICUs. Prolonged stay in the ICU with mechanical ventilation was the critical risk factor and ICU mortality was high (38%).

Total antibiotic use in a state-wide area and resistance patterns in Brazilian hospitals: an ecologic study

IntroductionUse of antibiotic and bacterial resistance is the result of a complex interaction not completely understood. ObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of entire antimicrobial use (community plus hospitals) on the incidence of bloodstream infections in intensive care units adjusted by socioeconomic factors, quality of healthcare, and access to the healthcare system. DesignEcologic study using a hierarchical spatial model. SettingData obtained from 309 hospitals located in the state of São Paulo, Brazil from 2008 to 2011. ParticipantsIntensive care units located at participant hospitals. OutcomeHospital acquired bloodstream infection caused by MDRO in ICU patients was our primary outcome and data were retrieved from São Paulo Health State Department. Socioeconomic and healthcare indexes data were obtained from IBGE (Brazilian Foundation in charge of national decennial census) and SEADE (São Paulo Planning and Development Department). Information on antimicrobial sales were obtained from IMS Brazil. We divided antibiotics into four different groups (1–4). ResultsWe observed a direct association between the use of group 1 of antibiotics and the incidences of bloodstream infections caused by MRSA (1.12; 1.04–1.20), and CR-Acinetobacter sp. (1.19; 1.10–1.29). Groups 2 and 4 were directly associated to VRE (1.72; 1.13–2.39 and 2.22; 1.62–2.98, respectively). Group 2 was inversely associated to MRSA (0.87; 0.78–0.96) and CR-Acinetobacter sp. (0.79; 0.62–0.97). Group 3 was inversely associated to Pseudomonas aeruginosa (0.69; 0.45–0.98), MRSA (0.85; 0.72–0.97) and VRE (0.48; 0.21–0.84). No association was observed for third generation cephalosporin-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli. ConclusionsThe association between entire antibiotic use and resistance in ICU was poor and not consistent for all combinations of antimicrobial groups and pathogens even after adjusted by socioeconomic indexes. Selective pressure exerted at the community level seemed not to affect the incidences of MDRO infection observed in intensive care setting.

A Decade in Trying to Increase Hand Hygiene—Finally Success

Background: Over the past 10 years, a rural health system has tried 10 different interventions to reduce hospital-associated infections (HAIs), and only 1 intervention has led to a reduction in HAIs. Reducing HAIs is a goal of nearly all hospitals, and improper hand hygiene is widely accepted as the main cause of HAIs. Even so, improving hand hygiene compliance is a challenge. Methods: Our facility implemented a two-phase longitudinal study to utilize an electronic hand hygiene reminder system to reduce HAIs. In the first phase, we implemented an intervention in 2 high-risk clinical units. The second phase of the study consisted of expanding the system to 3 additional clinical areas that had a lower incidence of HAIs. The hand hygiene baseline was established at 45% for these units prior to the voice reminder being turned on. Results: The system gathered baseline data prior to being turned on, and our average hand hygiene compliance rate was 49%. Once the voice reminder was turned on, hand hygiene improved nearly 35% within 6 months. During the first phase, there was a statistically significant 62% reduction in the average number of HAIs (catheter associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), central-line–acquired bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), and Clostridiodes difficile experienced in the preliminary units, comparing 12 months prior to 12 months after turning on the voice reminder. In the second phase, hand hygiene compliance increased to &gt;65% in the following 6 months. During the second phase, all HAIs fell by a statistically significant 60%. This was determined by comparing the HAI rates 6 months prior to the voice reminder being turned on to 6 months after the voice reminder was turned on. Conclusions: The HAI data from both phases were aggregated, and there was a statistically significant reduction in MDROs by 90%, CAUTIs by 60%, and C. difficile by 64%. This resulted in annual savings &gt;$1 million in direct costs of nonreimbursed HAIs.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Bloodstream infections in critically ill patients with COVID-19.

BackgroundLittle is known about the incidence and risk of intensive care unit (ICU)‐acquired bloodstream infections (BSI) in critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).Materials and methodsThis retrospective, single‐centre study was conducted in Northern Italy. The primary study objectives were as follows: (a) to assess the incidence rate of ICU‐acquired BSI and (b) to assess the cumulative risk of developing ICU‐acquired BSI.ResultsOverall, 78 critically ill patients with COVID‐19 were included in the study. Forty‐five episodes of ICU‐acquired BSI were registered in 31 patients, with an incidence rate of 47 episodes (95% confidence interval [CI] 35‐63) per 1000 patient‐days at risk. The estimated cumulative risk of developing at least one BSI episode was of almost 25% after 15 days at risk and possibly surpassing 50% after 30 days at risk. In multivariable analysis, anti‐inflammatory treatment was independently associated with the development of BSI (cause‐specific hazard ratio [csHR] 1.07 with 95% CI 0.38‐3.04 for tocilizumab, csHR 3.95 with 95% CI 1.20‐13.03 for methylprednisolone and csHR 10.69 with 95% CI 2.71‐42.17 for methylprednisolone plus tocilizumab, with no anti‐inflammatory treatment as the reference group; overall P for the dummy variable = 0.003).ConclusionsThe incidence rate of BSI was high, and the cumulative risk of developing BSI increased with ICU stay. Further study will clarify if the increased risk of BSI we detected in COVID‐19 patients treated with anti‐inflammatory drugs is outweighed by the benefits of reducing any possible pro‐inflammatory dysregulation induced by SARS‐CoV‐2.