Episodes Of Bloodstream Infection Research Articles

The Impact of the FilmArray-Based Detection of Microbial Pathogens from Positive Blood Culture Vials on the Time to Optimal Antimicrobial Regimen in Intensive Care Units of the Helios University Clinic Wuppertal, Germany.

The role of empirical therapy and time to first effective treatment, including the antimicrobial stewardship program, are decisive in patients presenting with bloodstream infections (BSI). The FilmArray® Blood Culture Identification Panel (FA BCID 1.0) detects 24 bacterial and fungal pathogens as well as 3 resistance genes from positive blood cultures in approximately 70 min. In this paper, we evaluate the impact of the additional FA BCID analysis on the time to an optimal antimicrobial therapy and on the length of stay in the ICU, ICU mortality, and PCT level reduction. This retro-/prospective trial was conducted in BSI patients in the ICU at a German tertiary care hospital. A total of 179 individual patients with 200 episodes of BSI were included in the prospective intervention group, and 150 patients with 170 episodes of BSI in the retrospective control group. In the intervention group, BSI data were analyzed including the MALDI-TOF MS (matrix assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry) and FA BCID results from January 2019 to August 2020; the data from the control group, including the MALDI-TOF results, were collected retrospectively from the year 2018. The effective and appropriate antimicrobial regimen occurred in a median of 17 hours earlier in the intervention versus control group (p = 0.071). Furthermore, changes in the antimicrobial regimens of the intervention group that did not immediately lead to an optimal therapy occurred significantly earlier by a median of 24 hours (p = 0.029). Surrogate markers, indicating an earlier recovery of the patients from the intervention group, such as length of stay at the ICU, duration of mechanical ventilation, or an earlier reduction in PCT level, were not significantly affected. However, mortality did not differ between the patient groups. A postulated reduction of the antimicrobial therapy, in those cases in which coagulase-negative Staphylococcus species were identified, did occur in the control group, but not in the intervention group (p = 0.041). The implementation of FA BCID into the laboratory workflow can improve patient care by optimizing antimicrobial regimen earlier in BSI patients as it provides rapid and accurate results for key pathogens associated with BSI, as well as important antimicrobial resistance markers, e.g., mecA or vanA.

Infections of Venetoclax-Based Chemotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Rationale for Proper Antimicrobial Prophylaxis.

Simple SummaryVenetoclax (VEN)-based combination chemotherapy has been a promising option for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) treatment. However, the risk of infections and strategies of prophylaxis are not yet established. This study aimed to evaluate the severe infectious complications of VEN-based chemotherapy and to clarify the evidence for antimicrobial prophylaxis. The incidence of invasive fungal infections (IFIs) and bloodstream infections (BSIs) was 6.6/100 cycles and 12.7/100 cycles respectively. Secondary and therapy-related AML was an independent risk factor for IFIs (odds ratio, 3.859; 95% confidence interval, 1.344–11.048, p = 0.012). Patients with IFIs showed significantly poorer outcomes, but there was no statistically significant difference in patients with BSIs. Mold-active antifungal agents as prophylaxis are generally recommended in high-risk patients with AML who are treated with VEN-based combination chemotherapy.Although venetoclax (VEN)-based combination chemotherapy in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) results in prolonged and profound neutropenia, data regarding infectious complications and antimicrobial prophylaxis are lacking. We investigated the infectious complications in 122 adult patients with AML under the same standard of care for prevention. The prophylaxis protocol was fluconazole 400 mg/d without antibacterial agents. The incidence of proven or probable invasive fungal infections (IFIs) was 6.6/100 cycles, and 22 patients (18.0%) were diagnosed (median, second cycle; interquartile range, 1–2). All IFIs were caused by Aspergillus and significantly influenced the overall mortality (odds ratio (OR), 2.737; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.051–7.128; p = 0.034). In the multivariate analysis, secondary or therapy-related AML was an independent risk factor for IFIs (OR, 3.859; 95% CI, 1.344–11.048, p = 0.012). A total of 39 bloodstream infection (BSIs) episodes occurred in 35 patients (28.7%), with an incidence of 12.7/100 cycles. High-dose steroid administration within 90 days was associated with the occurrence of BSIs (OR, 7.474; 95% CI; 1.661–3.631, p = 0.008), although BSIs themselves did not have an impact on the outcomes. Our findings suggest evidence for the need for mold-active antifungal agents as antifungal prophylaxis, rather than fluconazole, especially in patients with secondary or therapy-related AML.

Comparison Between the Yield of Different Number of Blood Cultures in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients With Suspected Septicemia.

Objective: Our study aimed to evaluate the optimal and financially efficient numbers of blood cultures (BC) required in our chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with suspected bloodstream infections (BSI).Design: This is a prospective, cross-sectional study.Place and duration of study: Department of Nephrology, The Kidney Center Post-Graduate-Training-Institute, Karachi from July 2020 to December 2020.Methods: Single, two, or three BC were taken from CKD patients with suspected BSI within the first 24 hours and were incubated in the BACTEC 1050 CMBCS for five days. A positive culture was reported as per standard protocol.Results: Four hundred and eighty-three BC sets were collected from 272 patients. A single set of BC was obtained from 111 (40.8%), two sets from 111 (40.8%), and three from 50 (18.4%) patients. BC from 93 patients showed growth of organisms in at least one set. Fifty-six (60.2%) episodes of BSI were detected with the first set, 34 (36.5%) with the second set, and 03 (3.2%) with the third set of BC. The detection rate of BSI was 60.2% with the first set, 97.7% with the first two sets, and 100% with the first three sets of BC. The most common source of infection was central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) (33.3%), followed by urinary tract (29%), lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) (16%), and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) (7.5%). 93.5% episodes of BSI, were monomicrobial. The most common monomicrobial organism was methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (22.6%).Conclusion: Two properly collected BC sets might be sufficient for an adequate diagnosis of BSI, in CKD patients especially in resource-limited settings.

A longitudinal population-based study of predictors of mortality from bloodstream infections in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

Aim: To study the predictors of mortality from nine major pathogens causing approximately70% of cases over a 7-year period. Materials & methods: A population-based surveillance cohort of all adult and pediatric patients in the Calgary Zone with an initial episode of bloodstream infections (BSI). Results: The 1-year mortality was 29.2% among 9524 patients (5164 males [54%]). Incidence rates for BSI increased annually to 119.7/100,000 persons by 2016. Distinct survival curves were found for each specific pathogen. Age, comorbidity burden and infecting organism were significantly associated with increased hazard of death. No relationship occurred between the time to positivity for blood cultures and overall mortality. Conclusion: BSI has a high mortality, but overall survival depends on underlying host health and the type of pathogen acquired.

166. Evaluation of Daptomycin Prescribing Practices Based on Microbiologic Susceptibility Determination of “Susceptible-Dose Dependent” (SDD)

BackgroundRecent changes in CLSI microbiologic interpretations of daptomycin and enterococci include the “susceptible-dose dependent” (SDD) category. The effectiveness of SDD for directing clinicians to employ higher dosing of daptomycin is unknown. The study objective was to determine if implementation of SDD paired with a comment recommending higher doses of daptomycin (8-12mg/kg) and ID consultation in 2019 was associated with changes in rates of daptomycin use and prescribed doses for enterococcal bloodstream infections (BSI). MethodsSingle-center, retrospective cohort study of adult inpatients with enterococcal BSI and daptomycin susceptibility results reported from Aug 2016-Jul 2020. Chart review was performed to collect demographics, source of infection, and clinical management strategy. Rate of daptomycin use for definitive therapy (antimicrobial on day 4 after final susceptibilities) and median prescribed dose were compared for BSI caused by S and SDD isolates. Annual (Aug 1-Jul 31) trends in infections and daptomycin use were tabulated. Results189 blood cultures were reviewed, yielding 56 unique episodes of enterococcal BSI. Patients had a mean age of 59 years and majority had an immunocompromising disease or medication. Of the cases in which it was a clinically appropriate option, clinicians selected daptomycin for definitive treatment in 81% of S and 71% of SDD cases (p = 0.46, Chi-square). Median daptomycin dose prescribed was 10mg/kg for both interpretations; dose range was 6-12mg/kg for S and 9.5-12mg/kg for SDD isolates. No temporal trend in prescribed dose noted over the 4-year study period. Repeat blood cultures performed in 50/56 (89%). Within 90 days, rates of relapse were low but mortality was 26/56 (46%). Table 1. Infection and Treatment Characteristics Chart 1. Frequency of prescribed daptomycin dose (mg/kg) for susceptible (A) and SDD (B) enterococci BSI isolates. ConclusionNo difference detected in rate of daptomycin use nor median prescribed dose based on microbiologic interpretation. While the majority of doses were adequate (10mg/kg) based on current guidance for enterococcal BSI, the use of a directive comment to guide dosing and ID consultation may have recused outliers. Additional data is needed to characterize the impact of specific microbiologic interpretations on clinician prescribing and determine the most effective messaging strategies. Disclosures David J. Weber, MD, MPH, PDI (Consultant)

Impact of Empirical Antibiotic Regimens on Mortality in Neutropenic Patients with Bloodstream Infection Presenting with Septic Shock.

We analyzed risk factors for mortality in febrile neutropenic patients with bloodstream infections (BSI) presenting with septic shock and assessed the impact of empirical antibiotic regimens. A multicenter retrospective study (2010 to 2019) of two prospective cohorts compared BSI episodes in patients with or without septic shock. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for mortality in episodes with septic shock. Of 1,563 patients with BSI, 257 (16%) presented with septic shock. Those patients with septic shock had higher mortality than those without septic shock (55% versus 15%, P < 0.001). Gram-negative bacilli caused 81% of episodes with septic shock, Gram-positive cocci caused 22%, and Candida species caused 5%. Inappropriate empirical antibiotic treatment (IEAT) was administered in 17.5% of septic shock episodes. Empirical β-lactam combined with other active antibiotics was associated with the lowest mortality observed. When amikacin was the only active antibiotic, mortality was 90%. Addition of empirical specific Gram-positive coverage had no impact on mortality. Mortality was higher when IEAT was administered (76% versus 51%, P = 0.002). Age of >70 years (odds ratio [OR], 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2 to 4.7), IEAT for Candida spp. or Gram-negative bacilli (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.3 to 11.1), acute kidney injury (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.4 to 4.9), and amikacin as the only active antibiotic (OR, 15.2; 95% CI, 1.7 to 134.5) were independent risk factors for mortality, while the combination of β-lactam and amikacin was protective (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.18 to 0.57). Septic shock in febrile neutropenic patients with BSI is associated with extremely high mortality, especially when IEAT is administered. Combination therapy including an active β-lactam and amikacin results in the best outcomes.

Efficacy of antibiotic short course for bloodstream infections in acute myeloid leukemia patients with febrile neutropenia: A retrospective comparative study

ObjectivesThere is no specific recommendation about antimicrobial treatment length for documented infections in chemotherapy induced febrile neutropenia (FN). Practices have changed along time in our center regarding length of antibiotic treatment. The aim of this study was to compare long versus short antibiotic course for bloodstream infection (BSI) treatment in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients during FN. MethodsThis monocentric retrospective comparative study included all consecutive BSI episodes among AML patients with FN for 3 years (2017–2019). Episodes were classified regarding the length of antibiotic treatment, considered as short course if the treatment lasted ≤ 7 days, except for nonfermenting bacteria and Staphylococcus aureus or lugdunensis for which the threshold was ≤ 10 days and ≤ 14 days, respectively. The primary outcome was the number of BSI relapses in both groups within 30 days of antibiotic discontinuation. ResultsAmong 71 AML patients, 104 BSI episodes were included; 48 (46%) received short course treatment. Only 8 (7.6%) BSI episodes relapsed within 30 days of antibiotic discontinuation, 5 having received short course treatment. No association was found between risk of relapse and short course of antibiotic treatment (p = 0.37). The only risk factor significantly associated with BSI relapse was neutropenia duration (p = 0.005). ConclusionAntibiotic short course seemed as effective as prolonged treatment for BSI in AML patients during FN, with very few relapses at day 30. These encouraging findings should be confirmed through prospective studies.

Risk factors for bloodstream infection by multidrug-resistant organisms in critically ill patients in a reference trauma hospital

Bloodstream infections (BSI) by multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms are responsible for significant mortality in critically ill trauma patients. Our objective is to identify the risk factors for BSI by MDR agents and their resistance mechanisms in a trauma reference hospital. During 18 months, all patients admitted in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU) were enrolled in this prospective cohort. We included the first episode of BSI by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin resistant enterococcus. Demographic and clinical data were compared among patients with and without BSI and variables with P < .05 were tested in a multivariate analysis. We performed PCR for identification of carbapenemase and SCC mec genes and Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis for clonality. Out of 1,528 patients, 302 (19.8%) were trauma and 66 (4.3%) had a MDR-BSI (19.5% were trauma). The multivariate analysis showed that mechanical ventilation (OR3.16; 95% CI 1-8; P=.02), hemodialysis (OR3.16; 95% CI 1-5; P=.0003) and surgery (OR1.76; 95% CI 1-3; P=.04) were independent risk factors for MDR-BSI. The most frequent MDR were Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=26) and MRSA (n=27). Regarding K pneumoniae strains (n=24), 20 (83.8%) harbored bla KPC gene and 1 bla NDM. The majority of KPC isolates belonged to a predominant clone; while the MRSA were polyclonal and SCC mec type II. Mechanical ventilation, surgery and hemodialysis were independent risk factors for MDR-BSI in our cohort, but trauma was not. KPC was the main mechanism of resistance among carbapenem-resistant K pneumoniae that belonged to a predominant clone which could indicate cross-transmission.

Effectiveness and antimicrobial susceptibility profiles during primary antimicrobial prophylaxis for pediatric acute myeloid leukemia

Limited data are available on antimicrobials exposure and microbiology evolution in pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients underwent antimicrobials prophylaxis. To assess the effectiveness of antimicrobials prophylaxis, antibiotic susceptibilities of bacteria, and exposure of antimicrobials during intensive chemotherapy for AML patients, 90 consecutive de novo AML patients aged 0–18 years between January 1, 1997 and March 31, 2018 were enrolled. Vancomycin, ciprofloxacin and voriconazole prophylaxis was administered from January 1, 2010. During the preprophylaxis period, January 1997 to December 2009, 62 patients experienced a total of 87 episodes of bloodstream infection (BSI) and 17 episodes of invasive fungal infection (IFI) among 502 courses of chemotherapy. In contrast, 16 episodes of BSI occurred and no IFIs were reported to occur in 28 patients who received 247 courses of chemotherapy in the prophylaxis period. Patients who received antimicrobial prophylaxis had a significant reduction of BSI, IFI, and febrile neutropenia in comparison with patients without prophylaxis. Exposure to amikacin, carbapenem, amphotericin B was reduced in the prophylaxis period. Imipenem susceptibility of Enterobacter cloacae as well as vancomycin susceptibility of Enterococcus species were reduced in the prophylaxis period. At the time of the last follow up, patients with prophylaxis had a better subsequent 5-year overall survival rate than those without prophylaxis. Prophylactic antimicrobials administration in children with AML who undergo chemotherapy can significantly reduce the rates of life-threatening infection, exposure to antimicrobials, and might result in a better outcome.

Application of mNGS to describe the clinical and microbial characteristics of severe burn a tanker explosion at a tertiary medical center: a retrospective study patients following

BackgroundMultiple organ dysfunction syndrome secondary to infection is the leading cause of death in burn patients. Bloodstream infection (BSI) and the prognosis of burn patients are negatively correlated. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) can detect many potential pathogens and may be more valuable for patients with severe burns.MethodsWe retrospectively explored the utility of mNGS in describing the clinical and microbial characteristics of severely burned patients with BSI. We compared mNGS with blood culture.ResultsFourteen patients (127 blood samples) developed 71 episodes of BSIs with 102 unique causative pathogens. The median total body surface area was 93%. The overall 90-day mortality was 43%. In total, 17 (23.9%) episodes were polymicrobial, and 61 (86.1%) episodes originated from the wound. In total, 62/71 cases (87%) showed positive findings by mNGS, while 42/71 cases (59%) showed positive findings using blood culture. We found that mNGS outperformed culture, especially in terms of fungi (27% vs. 6%, p < 0.0001).ConclusionsThe incidence of BSI and polymicrobial in patients with large-area severe burns is high. mNGS has potential value in the diagnosis of fungal infections and coinfections in such patients. In addition, mNGS may provide unique guidance for antibiotic therapy in complicated BSI.

Bloodstream Infections and Outcomes Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation: A Single-Center Study

This study investigated the single-center incidence and risk factors for bloodstream infections (BSIs) in 651 adults who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) between 2015 and 2019 and explored the impact of these BSIs on post-transplantation outcomes. Antibiotic prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin was given during the aplastic phase. Overall, the median patient age was 57 years, 79.7% of patients received an alternative donor graft, and 68.7% received post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) as part of their graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis. Of the 651 patients, 358 (55.0%) had at least 1 episode of BSI, and the overall mortality rate secondary to this complication was 7.5% (12.6% among those diagnosed with at least 1 episode of BSI). BSI was more often diagnosed during the first 30 days (58.7%), and gram-positive bacteria were the most prevalent microorganisms isolated during the entire post-transplantation follow-up (62%). A high Disease Risk Index (hazard ratio [HR], 1.47; P < .029) and receipt of PTCy-based GVHD prophylaxis (HR, 3.33; P < .001) were identified as risk factors for BSI. Additionally, univariate analysis showed that patients diagnosed with a BSI during post-transplantation follow-up had worse overall survival (HR, 2.48; P < .001) and higher nonrelapse mortality (HR, 2.68; P < .001) than those without BSI. In conclusion, alloHCT recipients with a BSI had a higher risk of mortality compared with those who did not develop BSI. The inclusion of PTCy as part of GVHD prophylaxis was identified as an independent risk factor for BSI during early post-transplantation follow-up. Single-center analyses focused on reporting the incidence and risk factors for BSI highlight the need for active implementation of preemptive strategies to decrease BSI incidence in the alloHCT setting. © 2021 American Society for Transplantation and Cellular Therapy. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Bacterial bloodstream infections and patterns of resistance in patients with haematological malignancies at a tertiary centre in Lebanon over 10 years

ObjectivesBacterial bloodstream infections (BSIs) with resistant pathogens in patients with haematological malignancies are rising due to increased use of novel chemotherapeutic agents and prophylactic antibiotics. Our goal was to understand the epidemiology and resistance patterns of bacterial pathogens in patients with haematological malignancies to help tailor empirical antibiotics and to limit resistance. MethodsThis was a retrospective chart review looking at bacterial BSI episodes between 2007–2017 in patients previously diagnosed with haematological malignancy at a tertiary-care centre in Lebanon. ResultsAmong 165 hospitalised patients with haematological malignancy and bacterial BSI over 10 years, Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) caused 65.0% of all episodes, with the most common pathogens being Escherichia coli (45.6%), 79.6% of which were ESBL-producers, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (7.5%) and Acinetobacter baumannii (4.0%). The majority of the organisms (61.0%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR), with ANC < 100 neutrophils/μL (OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.03–0.54) identified as an independent marker for increased multidrug resistance. The risk factors associated with increased mortality included recent use of amikacin (p<0.001) and infections with organisms resistant to amikacin (p<0.001) or ciprofloxacin (p=0.04). Our results reflect a persistent pattern of Gram-negative predominance with E. coli remaining the most common isolated pathogen in bacterial BSIs in patients with haematological malignancies. The relative frequency of GNB to Gram-positive bacteria remains similar to our data from 2007. ConclusionThe persistent divergence between worldwide data and the results observed in our centre and the increasing rates of MDR pathogens emphasise the importance of tailoring empirical antimicrobial therapy according to the centre's epidemiology.

Appropriateness of empirical antibiotic prescription for bloodstream infections in an emergency department from 2006 to 2018: impact of the spread of ESBL-producing Enterobacterales.

The spread of ESBL producers in the community may impact the management of patients with bloodstream infections (BSI) involving Enterobacterales in emergency departments. Thus, from 2006 to 2018, data for all BSI episodes involving Enterobacterales from the emergency department of a French teaching hospital were retrospectively included. Antimicrobial susceptibility test results and empirical antibiotic regimens were recorded. Treatment was considered as appropriate if all isolates were susceptible in vitro to at least one prescribed antibiotic. A total of 1369 BSI episodes in 1321 patients was included. Urinary tract infection was the main source of BSI (61%). The prevalence of ESBL producers increased from zero to 9.2/100 Enterobacterales BSI cases (p < 0.001), mainly Escherichia coli (6.9 cases/100 BSI in 2018); and no Klebsiella. Third-generation cephalosporins (3GC) were used most frequently (71.8%) and their use as monotherapy increased during the study period (p < 0.001). The rate of appropriate treatment decreased from 95.8 to 89.2% (p = 0.023). Appropriateness of treatment was greater using two drugs vs one (97.3% vs 89.3%, p < 0.001). Treatments with 3GC were appropriate in 92% and 98.3%, when used alone or with another antibiotic, respectively (p < 0.001). Among inappropriate treatments, 45% concerned 3GC, with 74.6% of them attributable to ESBL production. The spread of ESBL producers in the community had a direct impact on the rate of inappropriate empirical treatment. Local antimicrobial resistance monitoring is required to optimize the management of BSI in emergency departments.

Risk Factors for Extended-Spectrum-β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli in Community-Onset Bloodstream Infection: Impact on Long-Term Care Hospitals in Korea.

BackgroundThe prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) in the community has increased worldwide due to multifactorial reasons. ESBL-EC bloodstream infection (BSI) complicates the decision for proper antimicrobial administration. In this multicenter study, we investigated the prevalence, risk factors, and molecular background of community-onset (CO) ESBL-EC BSI.MethodsWe included data for all episodes of ESBL-EC BSI of community origin from May 2016 to April 2017 obtained from the Korean national antimicrobial resistance surveillance system, which comprises six sentinel hospitals. Data, including previous history of admission and use of antimicrobials and medical devices before BSI, were collected, along with microbiological analysis results.ResultsAmong 1,189 patients with CO BSI caused by E. coli, 316 (27%) were identified as ESBL producers. History of admission, especially to a long-term care hospital (LTCH), and previous use of β-lactams/β-lactamase inhibitors, carbapenem, lincosamide, aminoglycoside, and extended-spectrum cephalosporin were independent risk factors for CO ESBL-EC BSI; admission to an LTCH showed the highest odds ratio (3.8, 95% confidence interval 2.3-6.1). The most common genotype was CTX-M-15 (N=131, 41%), followed by CTX-M-14 (N=86, 27%). ST131 was the most common sequence type among ESBL-EC groups (57%).ConclusionsIn Korea, 27% of CO E. coli BSI were caused by ESBL producers. From perspectives of empirical treatment and infection control, history of admission to an LTCH and antimicrobial use should be noted.

Risk Factors of Death in Bloodstream Infections Caused by AmpC β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales in Patients with Neoplasia.

PurposeThe infections caused by ESCPM Enterobacterales (Enterobacter spp., Serratia spp., Citrobacter spp., Providencia spp. and Morganella spp.) have limited therapeutic options. Patients with neoplastic diseases are particularly vulnerable to bloodstream infections (BSIs).ObjectiveTo analyze determinant factors of death in patients with neoplasia complicated with BSI caused by ESCPM Enterobacterales.Patients and MethodsA cohort study of patients aged 18 years or older with neoplasia and BSI due to ESCPM group was conducted at the Cancer Hospital I of the National Cancer Institute, Brazil, from September 2012 to December 2017. The variables associated with death were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsOf the 103 patients included in the cohort, 67.0% were male, the median age was 63 years and 67.0% had solid tumors. Of the 107 BSI episodes evaluated, 70.1% were hospital-acquired infections, 54.2% were secondary to extravascular focus of infection, gastrointestinal tract (19.6%), mainly. Enterobacter spp. (n: 49, 45.4%) was the most frequent agent isolated followed by Serratia spp. (n: 34, 31.5%), Morganella morganii (n: 16, 14.9%), Citrobacter freundii. (n: 7, 6.5%) and Providencia spp. (n: 2, 1.8%). Ten (9.3%) BSI episodes were caused by multidrug-resistant ESCPM Enterobacterales (MDR-ESCPM). The 7-day and 30-day mortality were 9.3% and 21.5%, respectively. The BSIs caused by MDR-ESCPM were independently associated with 7-day death (OR = 21.62 95% CI: 1.81–258.51 P = 0.01). Monotherapy with piperacillin-tazobactam tended to be associated with 7-day death (OR = 10.46 95% CI: 0.97–112.91 P = 0.05) and 30-day death (OR = 2.73 95% CI: 0.96–7.70 P = 0.05).ConclusionBSIs due to ESCPM group have high mortality and when caused by MDR-ESCPM are independently associated with 7-day death. The possible association of piperacillin-tazobactam monotherapy for BSI-ESCPM with death needs to be better studied.

Epidemiology of clinically suspected and laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections at a South African neonatal unit.

Data from Africa reporting the epidemiology of infection in hospitalised neonates are limited. A prospective study with convenience sampling was conducted to characterise neonates investigated with blood culture/s for suspected infection at a 132-bed neonatal unit in Cape Town, South Africa (1 February-31 October 2018). Enrolled neonates were classified as having proven bloodstream infection (BSI) (blood culture-positive with a pathogen) or presumed infection (clinically suspected but blood culture-negative) or as potentially at risk of infection (maternal risk factors at birth). Of 1299 hospitalised neonates with >1 blood culture sampling episode, 712 (55%) were enrolled: 126 (17.7%) had proven BSI; 299 (42%) had presumed infection and 287 (40.3%) were potentially at risk of infection. Neonates with proven BSI had lower birth weight and higher rates of co-existing surgical conditions versus the presumed/potential infection groups (p < 0.001). Median onset of proven BSI versus presumed infection was at 8 (IQR = 5-13) and 1 (IQR = 0-5) days respectively (p < 0.001). Most proven BSI were healthcare-associated (114/126; 90.5%), with Klebsiella pneumoniae (80.6% extended-spectrum β-lactamase producers) and Staphylococcus aureus (66.7% methicillin-resistant) predominating. Mortality from proven BSI (34/126; 27%) was substantially higher than that observed in presumed (8/299; 2.7%) and potential infections (3/287; 1.0%) (p < 0.001). The odds of death from proven BSI was 3-fold higher for Gram-negatives than for Gram-positive/fungal pathogens (OR = 3.23; 95% CI = 1.17-8.92). Proven BSI episodes were predominantly healthcare-associated and associated with a high case fatality rate. Most neonates with presumed infection or at potential risk of infection had favourable 30-day outcomes.

The impact of ageing on the incidence and mortality rate of bloodstream infection: A hospital-based case-cohort study in a tertiary public hospital of Brazil.

Over the past few decades, life expectancy in Brazil has increased from 48years in 1950s to 76years in 2017. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ageing on: (1) the frequency of hospitalisations due to bloodstream infection (BSI); (2) the incidence of hospital-acquired BSI (H-BSI); (3) the incidence of BSI caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) agents and (4) the mortality rate of BSI in a public hospital. A hospital-based case-cohort study was conducted between 1 December 2013 and 31 December 2015. The data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression. A total of 500 BSI episodes were detected, among 11,102 hospitalizations. The incidence of hospitalisations resulting from BSI was significantly higher in older than younger patients (3.7/100 vs. 2.0/100, p<0.01). Similarly, the incidence of hospital-acquired BSI was significantly higher in older patients (2.7/100 vs. 0.9/100, p<0.01). Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.9%), Staphylococcus aureus (14.3%), Escherichia coli (13.1%) and Acinetobacter spp. (12.1%) were the most common agents isolated. MDR agents caused 37.6% of the BSI episodes; enteric Gram-negative bacilli resistant to third- or fourth-generation cephalosporins (9.7%) and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter spp. (9.2%) were the most common MDR agents. The following complications were independently associated with ageing: Charlson comorbidity index (OR=1.16; 95% CI=1.09-1.24); BSI secondary to urinary tract infection (OR=2.14; 95% CI=1.29-3.55); BSI secondary to pneumonia (OR=1.77; 95% CI=1.07-2.93) and 30-day mortality following BSI (OR=2.19; 95% CI=1.43-3.36). These data suggest ageing has a significant impact on hospitalisations due to BSI, H-BSI incidence and mortality from BSI in older patients attending a Brazilian public hospital. Age was not significantly associated with MDR-related BSI. These results indicate that age plays an important role in the increase in morbidities and mortality resulting from BSI in Brazil and that with the increased life expectancy observed over recent decades in Brazil, the burden of BSI will be expected to continue to increase. This dynamic needs to be better understood with additional studies.

Emergence of non-susceptibility during persistent Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteraemia in haematopoietic cell transplant recipients and haematological malignancy patients.

BackgroundSystematic studies pertaining to the emergence of resistance during therapy of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections (BSIs) in haematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients and haematological malignancy (HM) patients are lacking.ObjectivesTo determine how frequently non-susceptibility emerges during therapy of P. aeruginosa BSIs and to compare these findings with non-HCT/HM patients.Patients and methodsP. aeruginosa BSIs that occurred at our institution between 1 July 2012 and 31 October 2019 in HCT/HM patients and non-HCT/HM patients were identified. Episodes in which bacteraemia persisted while on appropriate therapy (‘persistent BSI’) were evaluated for emergence of non-susceptibility during therapy.ResultsIn total, 96 BSI episodes among 86 HCT/HM patients were analysed. Eight persistent BSI episodes (8.3%) occurred in eight patients (9.3%). Repeat susceptibility testing was performed in seven (87.5%) of these episodes. Non-susceptibility to the treatment agent emerged in five (71.4%) episodes and to any antipseudomonal agent in seven (100%) episodes. The 21 day mortality rate associated with persistent BSI was 87.5% (seven of eight), and it was 80% (four of five) among persistent BSI episodes in which non-susceptibility to the treatment agent emerged on therapy. Non-susceptibility to any antipseudomonal agent during persistent BSI emerged significantly more frequently in HCT/HM patients compared with non-HCT/HM patients.ConclusionsNon-susceptibility emerges frequently during persistent P. aeruginosa BSIs in HCT/HM patients, and this is associated with a high mortality rate. Our findings have implications for the management of persistent P. aeruginosa BSIs in these patients. Larger studies are needed to confirm and expand on our findings.

Immunomodulatory therapy, risk factors and outcomes of hospital-acquired bloodstream infection in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia: a Spanish case–control matched multicentre study (BACTCOVID)

ObjectivesThe effect of the use of immunomodulatory drugs on the risk of developing hospital-acquired bloodstream infection (BSI) in patients with COVID-19 has not been specifically assessed. We aim to identify risk factors for, and outcomes of, BSI among hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia. MethodsWe performed a severity matched case–control study (1:1 ratio) nested in a large multicentre prospective cohort of hospitalized adults with COVID-19. Cases with BSI were identified from the cohort database. Controls were matched for age, sex and acute respiratory distress syndrome. A Cox proportional hazard ratio model was performed. ResultsOf 2005 patients, 100 (4.98%) presented 142 episodes of BSI, mainly caused by coagulase-negative staphylococci, Enterococcus faecalis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Polymicrobial infection accounted for 23 episodes. The median time from admission to the first episode of BSI was 15 days (IQR 9–20), and the most frequent source was catheter-related infection. The characteristics of patients with and without BSI were similar, including the use of tocilizumab, corticosteroids, and combinations. In the multivariate analysis, the use of these immunomodulatory drugs was not associated with an increased risk of BSI. A Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) model showed that after adjusting for the time factor, BSI was associated with a higher in-hospital mortality risk (HR 2.59; 1.65–4.07; p < 0.001). DiscussionHospital-acquired BSI in patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonia was uncommon and the use of immunomodulatory drugs was not associated with its development. When adjusting for the time factor, BSI was associated with a higher mortality risk.

An Artificial Intelligence Approach to Bloodstream Infections Prediction.

This study aimed to develop an early prediction model for identifying patients with bloodstream infections. The data resource was taken from 2015 to 2019 at Taichung Veterans General Hospital, and a total of 1647 bloodstream infection episodes and 3552 non-bloodstream infection episodes in the intensive care unit (ICU) were included in the model development and evaluation. During the data analysis, 30 clinical variables were selected, including patients’ basic characteristics, vital signs, laboratory data, and clinical information. Five machine learning algorithms were applied to examine the prediction model performance. The findings indicated that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of the prediction performance of the XGBoost model was 0.825 for the validation dataset and 0.821 for the testing dataset. The random forest model also presented higher values for the AUROC on the validation dataset and testing dataset, which were 0.855 and 0.851, respectively. The tree-based ensemble learning model enabled high detection ability for patients with bloodstream infections in the ICU. Additionally, the analysis of importance of features revealed that alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) and the period of the central venous catheter are the most important predictors for bloodstream infections. We further explored the relationship between features and the risk of bloodstream infection by using the Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) visualized method. The results showed that a higher prothrombin time is more prominent in a bloodstream infection. Additionally, the impact of a lower platelet count and albumin was more prominent in a bloodstream infection. Our results provide additional clinical information for cut-off laboratory values to assist clinical decision-making in bloodstream infection diagnostics.