Neonatal Bloodstream Infections Research Articles

Machine learning applications on neonatal sepsis treatment: a scoping review

IntroductionNeonatal sepsis is a major cause of health loss and mortality worldwide. Without proper treatment, neonatal sepsis can quickly develop into multisystem organ failure. However, the signs of neonatal sepsis are non-specific, and treatment is labour-intensive and expensive. Moreover, antimicrobial resistance is a significant threat globally, and it has been reported that over 70% of neonatal bloodstream infections are resistant to first-line antibiotic treatment. Machine learning is a potential tool to aid clinicians in diagnosing infections and in determining the most appropriate empiric antibiotic treatment, as has been demonstrated for adult populations. This review aimed to present the application of machine learning on neonatal sepsis treatment.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for studies published in English focusing on neonatal sepsis, antibiotics, and machine learning.ResultsThere were 18 studies included in this scoping review. Three studies focused on using machine learning in antibiotic treatment for bloodstream infections, one focused on predicting in-hospital mortality associated with neonatal sepsis, and the remaining studies focused on developing machine learning prediction models to diagnose possible sepsis cases. Gestational age, C-reactive protein levels, and white blood cell count were important predictors to diagnose neonatal sepsis. Age, weight, and days from hospital admission to blood sample taken were important to predict antibiotic-resistant infections. The best-performing machine learning models were random forest and neural networks.ConclusionDespite the threat antimicrobial resistance poses, there was a lack of studies focusing on the use of machine learning for aiding empirical antibiotic treatment for neonatal sepsis.

The Epidemiology and Incidence of Bloodstream Infections (BSIs) in Under-Five Children in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Northern India – IGMC Shimla

Background: Clinical and diagnostic challenges are due to the result of a variable presentation of neonatal sepsis and bloodstream infections (BSIs) and uncertain disease epidemiology in children below five years of age. Although the criteria for achieving an adequate blood culture specimen in adults have been well described, there is much more equivocation in the pediatric population, especially for the under-five-year age group. Therefore, the present study is designed to evaluate the etiological profile of BSI among under-five children by the automated BACTEC systems. Materials and Methods: All blood culture samples received in the Department of Microbiology for culture falling in the age group were included in the study for a period of one year from 01 July 2015 to 30 June 2016 using the BD BACTEC FX except in the exclusion criteria. The blood culture was observed in the BD BACTEC FX system for at least five days before being reported as sterile. Results: A total of 1533 samples in the age group of < 5 years and suspected of BSIs were received in the Department of Microbiology, Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC), Shimla. Among them, 963 (62.8%) were males, while 570 (37.2%) were females. Among the total of 1533 samples, 604 (39.40%) were found positive in culture, 898 (58.57%) were negative, and 31 (2.02%) were contaminants. Among the 604 positive cases, 390 (64.6%) were men, while 214 (35.4%) were women. S. aureus was the highest among the gram-positive isolates 98 (16.22%), followed by coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, group B Streptococcus, and S. pneumoniae. Among the gram-negative organisms, E. coli 80 (13.24%) was isolated mostly followed by K. pneumoniae 70 (11.58%), P. aeruginosa 68 (11.25%), Salmonella typhi 50 (8.27%), Citrobacter koseri 18 (2.98%), Acinetobacter baumannii 12 (1.98%) and a group of organisms without fermentation 86 (14.23%). Conclusion: There was quite high positivity in culture in the preschool group. Positivity was significantly high in males as compared to females. It is essential to administer appropriate and synergistic antimicrobial agents empirically early and appropriately for treating children under five-year age with BSI.

Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci in Neonatal Blood: How Concerning?

Objective Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are being implicated as one of the leading causes of bloodstream infection (BSI). To study the spectrum, prevalence, and antimicrobial susceptibility of CoNS causing BSI in neonates. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was done in level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Blood samples in automated culture bottles were processed as per the standard technique. Previously validated methods were followed for the characterization of CoNS and for AST of standard antibiotics by Kirby Bauer disk diffusion and vancomycin by agar dilution. The prevalence of causative organisms and susceptibility of CoNS were statistically analyzed. Categorical variables were compared by chi-square or Fisher's exact probability tests. Result In total, 1,365 blood samples (1,365 neonates) were studied, of which 383 (28.05%) were positive and 982 (71.94%) were negative. Gram-positive organisms (GPC) predominated ( n = 238; 62.14%) ( p < 0.001) with 41.77% (160/383) S. aureus and 13.83% (53/383) CoNS. CoNS included S. epidermidis (19, 38%), S . haemolyticus (7, 14%), S. hominis (6, 12%), S. simulans (6,12%), S. capitis (5,10%), S. cohnii (4, 8%), S. warneri (1, 2%), and S. xylosus (1, 2%). The susceptibility to netilmicin, linezolid, and vancomycin was 100% ( p ≤ 0.001), and 54% ( n = 27) had vancomycin MIC of 0.125 μg/mL but methicillin-resistant CoNS (MRCoNS) was 70%. Methicillin-susceptible (MS) CoNS had lower MIC of vancomycin ( p < 0.05) than MRCoNS. Conclusion The spectrum of pathogens causing BSI in neonates is changing with predominance of GPC and among CoNS, S. epidermidis . Considerable proportion of MRCoNS with the emergence of MIC creep for vancomycin requires immediate attention.

Comparison of adverse pregnancy and birth outcomes using archival medical records before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: a facility-based, retrospective cohort study

BackgroundLittle research has been conducted on the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on either birth outcomes or the ability of archival medical records to accurately capture these outcomes. Our study objective is thus to compare the prevalence of preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), congenital microcephaly, and neonatal bloodstream infection (NBSI) before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).MethodsWe conducted a facility-based retrospective cohort study in which identified cases of birth outcomes were tabulated at initial screening and subcategorized according to level of diagnostic certainty using Global Alignment of Immunization Safety Assessment in pregnancy (GAIA) definitions. Documentation of any birth complications, delivery type, and maternal vaccination history were also evaluated. The prevalence of each birth outcome was compared in the pre-COVID-19 (i.e., July 2019 to February 2020) and intra-COVID-19 (i.e., March to August 2020) periods via two-sample z-test for equality of proportions.ResultsIn total, 14,300 birth records were abstracted. Adverse birth outcomes were identified among 22.0% and 14.3% of pregnancies in the pre-COVID-19 and intra-COVID-19 periods, respectively. For stillbirth, LBW, SGA, microcephaly, and NBSI, prevalence estimates were similar across study periods. However, the prevalence of preterm birth in the intra-COVID-19 period was significantly lower than that reported during the pre-COVID-19 period (8.6% vs. 11.5%, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, the level of diagnostic certainty declined slightly across all outcomes investigated from the pre-COVID-19 to the intra-COVID-19 period. Nonetheless, diagnostic certainty was especially low for certain outcomes (i.e., stillbirth and NBSI) regardless of period; still, other outcomes, such as preterm birth and LBW, had moderate to high levels of diagnostic certainty. Results were mostly consistent when the analysis was focused on the facilities designated for COVID-19 care.ConclusionThis study succeeded in providing prevalence estimates for key adverse birth outcomes using GAIA criteria during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kinshasa, DRC. Furthermore, our study adds crucial real-world data to the literature surrounding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and neonatal services and outcomes in Africa.

Estimation Of Interleukin 27 And Interleukin 33 Serum Levels In Iraqi Neonatal Sepsis

Bloodstream infections in neonates are one of the most life-threatening infections in them . In this study, a total of 140 blood samples werecollected from neonates at AL-Batoul Teaching Hospital for Gynecology and Pediatrics in Baqubah/Diyala, their ages ranging from 1 dayto 28 days during the period from November 2021 to March 2022. The samples were subjected to a culture study as well as hematologicaland immunological tests (CRP, measuring the level of IL-27 and IL-33). Out of total cultured samples 45 give a positive blood culture, 45specimens from blood culture negative was chosen to become (control group) to be comparable to positive culture specimens. The resultsof the CRP test showed in the Gram-negative bacteria group, the positive result was 76.92% (10 of 13). In the Gram-positive bacteria group,the positive CRP percentage was 84.85% (28 of 33). While in the control group the positive result was 13.33% (6 of 45) , significantdifferences appeared between the compared groups. The results showed the mean levels of IL-27 in the sepsis patient group and controlgroup were (21.14 ± 1.01 and 14.49 ± 0.34 pg/ml, respectively). also showed the mean levels of IL-33 were in the sepsis patient group andcontrol group (250.28 ± 15.75 and 101.16 ± 3.38 pg/ml, respectively). There was a significant increased level of IL-27 and IL-33 in the sepsispatients’ group compared to the control group.

P333 Candidemia due to Candida pelliculosa in neonates admitted in SNCUs of district hospitals of Chhattisgarh: first state-wide study from secondary-level health care facilities in Central India

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ObjectivesTo study the Candida pelliculosa isolates, from the blood culture of neonates admitted to district hospital SNCUs in the state of Chhattisgarh, their antifungal susceptibility pattern, risk factors, and clinical co-relation. Although Candida species remain the leading cause of invasive fungal infections (IFI), there are certain rare species like C. pelliculosa, that can cause fungemia. Various studies reveal that infants, children, and immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to bloodstream infections of C. pelliculosa. Few cases of fungemia caused by this rare species of Candida have been reported worldwide. We have found a few cases of C. pelliculosa bloodstream infection in neonates admitted to special newborn care units (SNCUs).MethodsThis is an observational study on the Candida isolates from blood cultures of neonates admitted in SNCUs of the state of Chhattisgarh, over a period of 4 years from March 2018 till March 2022. Blood culture isolates of Candida were identified and their AFST was performed on an automated Bacterial ID-AST system by BioMerieux (VITEK -2) and also manually using standard laboratory protocols. Demographic and clinical data of the patients having Candida pelliculosa candidemia were taken from laboratory records.ResultsPaired blood culture samples of total 4997 SNCU neonates were received in the laboratory. Out of these 25% were found positive for bacteria and or Candida spp. Among these positive blood cultures, Candida spp. was isolated in 18.76% patients. Amongst the isolates of Candida, C. pelliculosa was found to be the predominant Candida spp., isolated in 60 neonates, thus comprising of 25.64% of all Candida spp. Further analysis of neonates having C. pelliculosa infection revealed that 40% (24/60) neonates were either low birth weight, very low birth weight (VLBW), or extremely low birth weight (ELBW) babies, 25% cases had respiratory distress, 21.6% neonates were premature and 10% cases had hypoglycemia, as risk factors.Antifungal susceptibility pattern showed 99% isolates of C. pelliculosa as susceptible to amphotericin B, 100% being susceptible to voriconzole, and 95% and 100% isolates were susceptible to fluconazole and flucytosine respectively. More resistance was observed for Echinocandins. Caspofungin was found to be least susceptible in 88.9% of isolates. Various indications for blood culture were also analyzed. Only one neonate, out of 60, succumbed to C. pelliculosa infection.Conclusion Candida pelliculosa is found to be an emerging pathogen responsible for candidemia among neonates in SNCUs, which has shown relatively poor in-vitro susceptibility to Echinocandins. It is of extreme clinical importance that neonates of secondary-level health care facilities should also have access to quality laboratory support in the form of culture and sensitivity, so that pathogen profile and antibiogram data are available from such high-risk units as well, which would prove useful in timely institution of targeted therapy, thereby reducing neonatal mortality.

P367 Candida sepsis in neonates a neglected pathogen: study from neonatal intensive care unit tertiary care hospital

Poster session 3, September 23, 2022, 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM IntroductionSignificance of Candida species in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) is increasingly being recognized. It is the third most common cause of late-onset sepsis in NICU patients and accounts for 9 to 13% of bloodstream infections (BSI) in neonates. Although Candida albicans has historically been the most frequently isolated species, recently non-albicans Candida (NAC) have emerged as an important opportunistic pathogen, notably Candida tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C. glabrata, and C auris. This changing trend and the increasing use of azoles agents is now a matter of concern due to the emerging resistance of the non-albicans species to azoles.AimTo evaluate the Candida sepsis in neonates from neonatal intensive care units from a tertiary care hospital.Material and MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, East Delhi, India, during the period of July 2021 to December 2021. Overall, 30 suspected Candida sepsis patients from neonatal intensive care units were enrolled in the present study. The Candida spp. Isolated was identified as per standard mycological techniques. Preliminary identification was done by colony morphology on SDA, chromogenic media (Hichrome, Himedia Pvt. Ltd.), grown at 45°C, germ tube test, chlamydospore formation, and was confirmed by carbohydrate fermentation and assimilation tests. Antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) was performed for Fluconazole (25 μg), and amphotericin B (AMB, 100 units) using the disc diffusion method on Muller-Hinton agar supplemented with 2% glucose and methylene blue (5 mg/ml). Zone diameters were interpreted as per the approved Clinical Laboratory Standards (CLSI-M44-A) guidelines. Quality control for AFST was performed using C. albicans-ATCC 90028 and C. parapsilosis-ATCC 22019.Statistical analysisThe statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version. The P-value ˂0.05 were considered as statistically significant.ResultOut of 30 Candida species from suspected septicemia neonates, non-albicans Candida (NAC) species accounted for (87%) compared to C. albicans (13.4%). Candida tropicalis was predominant at 9 (30%) followed by C. glabrata 8 (27%), C.parapsilosis 4 (13.3%), and C. krusei 3(10%), Pichia species (4.2%), and C.auris (3.4%). Antifungal sensitivity of the NAC isolates demonstrated >85% resistance to fluconazole amongst C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, though amphotericin B had 100% sensitivity in all Candida species. The risk factor for candidemia as observed in our study were low birth weight 26(87%), use of broad-spectrum antibiotics 25 (83.4%), presence of an orogastric tube 18 (60%), and total parental nutrition 9 (30%) were significantly associated statistically (P <.05, paired t-test). The overall mortality amongst these neonates was 16.6%.ConclusionFungal BSI has emerged as an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Reporting of fungal bloodstream infections and the spectrum of species involved are essential measures in neonatal intensive care units in order to implement appropriate preventive and therapeutic strategies.

S1.3c Diversity and hybridization in Malassezia furfur

S1.3 Malassezia: genetics, genomics, and biology, September 21, 2022, 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM The Basidiomycetous yeast Malassezia is the most abundant fungal genus on healthy human skin but may also cause various skin disorders such as seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and pityriasis versicolor. In recent years, Malassezia has increasingly been implicated in health and disease beyond the skin: as an underestimated cause of Malassezia bloodstream infections (BSIs) in immunocompromised patients and neonates, associated with Crohn's disease, promoting pancreatic oncogenesis, and exacerbating cystic fibrosis. Malassezia furfur is the number one Malassezia BSI cause and is also implicated in many skin disorders. With these new discoveries of Malassezia’s impact on human health, the need for a better understanding of its evolution and pathobiology also became more pressing. Hybridization has been suggested as a biological mechanism of adaptation to new hosts, and may lead to increased pathogenicity. Many examples of major hybrid yeast pathogens exist, such as Candida albicans, C. orthopsilosis, C. metapsilosis, and multiple examples in the Cryptococcus gattii/Cryptococcus neoformans species complex. Here the multiple hybridization events of the Malassezia furfur species complex will be discussed. Two distinct hybridization events occurred between the same parental lineages, and these parental strains were originally also hybrids. The identification of a pseudobipolar mating system and the analysis of the mating-type loci provide evidence that sexual liaisons of mating compatible cells from these parental lineages led to a diploid/aneuploid state in the hybrid lineages. Sequence similarity percentages suggest that both parental lineages in fact are two different species. The genetic diversity of ca 300 strains belonging to this species complex is evaluated in relationship to host background and phenotype.

Risk factors for the development of peripherally inserted central catheter-related bloodstream infection in neonates: Prospective cohort study

This study aimed to analyze the factors associated with catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in newborns undergoing infusion therapy using a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). A prospective cohort of 281 newborns who underwent installation of 483 PICCs in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) was followed from catheter insertion until 72 h after removal. Risk factors were assessed by analyzing the association between variables using the chi-square test and relative risk (RR) using the Poisson regression model. The significance level was 5%. Most of the patients were preterm infants with inadequate weight, respiratory disorders, and heart disease, but these variables were not associated with CRBSI. There was a significant association between CRBSI and PICC insertion in the upper limbs of newborns who received infusion therapy in the NICU (RR = 2.84; 95% confidence interval 1.02–6.85).

Susceptibility Pattern of Blood Stream Infections in Neonatal Sepsis: Striking Alarm in Era of Antibiotic Resistance

Neonatal blood stream infections are significantly associated with increased morbidity and mortality in the recent years. In this study, we aim to determine the bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility pattern of culture positive neonatal sepsis in the NICU of a tertiary teaching hospital in Kolkata. This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Kolkata between August, 2020 to July, 2021. All the neonates [both inborn / out born] admitted to NICU with the clinical diagnosis of sepsis during the specified period were screened for BSI. The blood was cultured in BACTAlert and analysed by VITEK 2. Out of 200 neonates with sepsis, 30 had culture positive sepsis of which 60% were Gram positive, rest were Gram negative. Staphylococcus aureus and Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CoNS) were predominant (35.2%), Klebsiella was the predominant Gram negative organisms. Babies with birth weight ≤ 2 kg and gestational age 33 to 37 weeks were affected. Mortality was seen in 36.3% babies. Significant proportion of multidrug resistant isolates posed a great threat to neonatal survival. Hence modification of therapy based on anti-microbial surveillance pattern of the Institution with implementation of proper escalation and de-escalation of therapy is warranted. Keywords: antibiotic resistance, blood stream infections, culture positive sepsis

Culture-confirmed neonatal bloodstream infections and meningitis in South Africa, 2014–19: a cross-sectional study

SummaryBackgroundFew population-level estimates of invasive neonatal infections have been reported from sub-Saharan Africa. We estimated the national incidence risk, aetiology, and pathogen antimicrobial susceptibility for culture-confirmed neonatal bloodstream infections and meningitis in South Africa.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study of neonates (<28 days of life) admitted to neonatal or paediatric wards of 256 public sector health facilities in South Africa during 2014–19. Diagnostic pathology records from Jan 1, 2014, to Dec 31, 2019, were extracted from a national pathology data warehouse. A case was defined as a neonate with at least one positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture during a 14-day period. Incidence risk was calculated using annual numbers of registered livebirths. Among the causative pathogens identified, we calculated the proportion of cases attributed to each of them, as well as the rates of antibiotic susceptibility of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.FindingsAmong 43 438 records of positive cultures, there were 37 631 incident cases of neonatal infection with at least one pathogen isolated. The overall incidence risk of culture-confirmed infections was 6·0 per 1000 livebirths (95% CI 6·0–6·1). The incidence risk of late-onset sepsis (days 3–27 of life) was 4·9 per 1000 livebirths (4·9–5·0) and that of early-onset sepsis (days 0–2 of life) was 1·1 per 1000 livebirths (1·1–1·1); risk ratio 4·4 (95% CI 4·3–4·5). The cause of infection differed by syndrome, timing of infection onset, facility, and province, although Klebsiella pneumoniae (26%), Acinetobacter baumannii (13%), and Staphylococcus aureus (12%) were the dominant pathogens overall. Gram-negative bacteria had declining susceptibility to most antibiotics over the study period.InterpretationWe found a high incidence risk of late-onset sepsis with provincial variations, predominance of K pneumoniae, and declining antibiotic susceptibility among Gram-negative bacteria. This national surveillance in an upper-middle-income country provides a baseline burden of neonatal infections against which the impact of future clinical and public health interventions can be measured.FundingBill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Whole Genome Sequencing of Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Neonatal Bloodstream Infections at a Neonatal Care Unit, Algeria

Aims: Neonatal bloodstream infections (BSIs) are an important cause of mortality among neonates. Besides, extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-Kp) is one of the most frequent pathogens causing neonatal BSIs. This study aimed to characterize ESBL-Kp strains recovered from neonatal BSI and to investigate risk factors associated with ESBL-Kp BSI at the neonatal care unit of Elmeki Hospital, Bejaia, Algeria. Methodology: After isolation, identification, and antibiotic susceptibility testing, the ESBL-Kp strains were characterized by whole genome sequencing. The genomes were then analyzed using bioinformatic tools to determine the resistome, virulome, and phylogenetic relatedness. Results: From September 2019 to May 2020, 27 (8.2%) out of 328 neonates were infected by ESBL-Kp strains. These strains displayed a multidrug-resistant phenotype, and on further investigation, were found to carry an array of antibiotic resistance genes. All ESBL-Kp strains harbored the blaCTX-M-15 gene. Using in silico multilocus sequence typing analysis, six sequence types (STs) were detected with ST268 being the most frequent (56%, n = 15) indicating a local outbreak, confirmed by single nucleotide polymorphism analysis. The yersiniabactin and colibactin gene clusters were identified in six and two ESBL-Kp strains, respectively. Conclusion: This study showed a high prevalence of CTX-M-15-producing K. pneumoniae strains coharboring different antibiotic resistance mechanisms from neonatal BSIs in Algeria. Screening of health care personnel and mothers for ESBL carriage before delivery, isolation of carriers, barrier precautions, antimicrobial usage, and control of hygiene are needed to prevent the dissemination of these pathogens.

Emerging Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Pune, India: A 2-Year Retrospective Study.

Objective:Treating neonatal bloodstream infections and meningitis in South Asia remains difficult given high rates of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To evaluate changing epidemiology of neonatal infections, we assessed pathogen-specific and clinical features of culture-proven infections in neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Pune, India.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was performed in the King Edward Memorial Hospital and Research Center NICU over 2 years between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2018. We included all neonates admitted to the NICU with positive blood or cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Demographic, clinical, and microbiologic data were collected from the medical record. We reviewed antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) of all isolates.ResultsThere were 93 culture-positive infections in 83 neonates, including 11 cases of meningitis. Fifteen (18%) neonates died. Gram-negative pathogens predominated (85%) and AST showed 74% resistance to aminoglycosides, 95% resistance to third/fourth generation cephalosporins, and 56% resistance to carbapenems. Resistance to colistin was present in 30% of Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates. Birth weight <1,000 g [odds ratio (OR) 6.0, p < 0.002], invasive respiratory support (OR 7.7, p = 0.001), and antibiotics at the time of culture (OR 4.2, p = 0.019) were associated with increased risk of mortality. Rates of AMR to all major antibiotic classes were similar between early onset and late onset infections. There was no association between carbapenem resistance and mortality.ConclusionIn our NICU in India, there are high rates of AMR among Gram-negative pathogens that are predominantly responsible for infections. Given higher colistin resistance in this cohort than previously reported, hospitals should consider routinely testing for colistin resistance.

The hospital environment versus carriage: transmission pathways for third-generation cephalosporin-resistant bacteria in blood in neonates in a low-resource country healthcare setting

Neonatal bloodstream infections (BSI) can lead to sepsis, with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in low-income settings. The high prevalence of third-generation cephalosporin-resistant organisms (3GC-RO) complicates the management of BSI. Whether BSI is linked to carriage of 3GC-RO, or to acquisition from the hospital environment is important for infection prevention and control, but the relationship remains unclear, especially in low-income settings. At a tertiary hospital in Mwanza, Tanzania, we screened neonatal blood and rectal samples from 200 neonates, and 400 (hospital) environmental samples. We used logistic regression to identify risk factors, and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests and randomisation analyses to compare distributions of species and resistance patterns to assess potential routes of transmission. We found that BSIs caused by 3GC-RO were frequent (of 59 cases of BSI, 55 were caused by 3GC-RO), as was carriage of 3GC-RO, particularly Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Acinetobacter species. In the 28 infants with both a carriage and blood isolate, there were more (4 of 28) isolate pairs of the same species and susceptibility profile than expected by chance (p < 0.05), but most pairs were discordant (24 of 28). Logistic regression models found no association between BSI and carriage with either 3GC-RO or only 3GC-R K. pneumoniae. These analyses suggest that carriage of 3GC-RO is not a major driver of BSI caused by 3GC-RO in this setting. Comparison with environmental isolates showed very similar distributions of species and resistance patterns in the carriage, BSI, and the environment. These similar distributions, a high frequency of Acinetobacter spp. isolations, the lack of strong association between carriage and BSI, together with the high proportion of 3GC-RO in BSI all suggest that these neonates acquire multidrug-resistant carriage and blood isolates directly from the hospital environment.

Carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii at a tertiary-care hospital in Botswana: Focus on perinatal environmental exposures

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSIs) due to carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) are difficult to treat and are associated with high mortality, particularly in neonates. Healthcare-associated CRAB infections have been linked to environmental reservoirs and are associated with seasonal clustering. CRAB outbreaks are being reported more frequently in sub-Saharan Africa, but published reports from this region that incorporate comprehensive surveillance data and environmental investigations are rare. Methods: We reviewed microbiology surveillance records at a 530-bed, public, tertiary-care hospital in Botswana from January 1 to December 13, 2021, and we collected data regarding age, specimen type, and onset date for all cultures from unique patients growing Acinetobacter spp. An automated blood-culture system was used for organism detection, manual biochemical tests were used for identification, and disc and agar diffusion methods were used for antimicrobial sensitivity testing. During this time, we conducted 4 point-prevalence environmental sampling surveys at this hospital’s 36-bed neonatal unit from January through June 2021 in addition to 3 neonatal CRAB cluster investigations. Environmental samples from surfaces, hands of caregivers and healthcare workers, and equipment were collected using flocked swabs. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase–producing organisms from environmental samples were identified using selective and differential chromogenic media (CHROMagarTM ESBL). Results: Overall, 48 Acinetobacter infections were identified, including 28 BSIs (among 3,699 blood cultures processed, approximately one-third of which were from neonates). More than half of cases were perinatal, which included 16 neonatal BSIs (median age, 4 days; case fatality rate, 56%), and 1 fatal case of postpartum sepsis in a 37-year-old mother. Among isolates tested, 35 (92%) of 38 demonstrated carbapenem resistance. Treatment information was not available for all neonatal patients, but delays in appropriate antimicrobial therapy were cited in all fatal cases. Most neonatal CRAB cases clustered in time and space (Fig. 1). For example, 15 (71%) of 21 neonatal cases occurred in the same unit and same week as another case. In the neonatal unit, CRAB clusters were associated with increased Acinetobacter recovery during environmental point-prevalence surveys (Fig. 1). Acinetobacter contamination was identified on feeding equipment (breast pumps, feeding tubes), respiratory equipment (suction machines or catheters, ventilator humidifiers), and hands of caregivers and healthcare workers. Conclusions: We report hyperendemic rates of CRAB infections with evidence of spatotemporal clustering, especially among neonates. Higher CRAB incidence coincided with increased Acinetobacter recovery during environmental sampling. We identified plausible transmission vehicles (respiratory or feeding devices, hands) in the neonatal care environment highlighting the value of environmental sampling to support CRAB investigations and reinforcing the importance of comprehensive and consistent disinfection practices, especially in resource-limited settings where equipment is shared or reused.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Assessing the feasibility of passive surveillance for maternal immunization safety utilizing archival medical records in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

IntroductionSince the establishment of the Global Alignment of Immunization Safety Assessment in pregnancy (GAIA) case definitions in 2015, there has been an urgent need for field validation of pharmacovigilance feasibility in low- and middle-income countries. In this study, we assess the availability and quality of archival medical records at ten randomly selected high-traffic maternity wards in Kinshasa province, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). MethodsA retrospective cohort of mother-child pairs was established from all recorded births taking place at study sites between July 1, 2019 to February 28, 2020 through digitization of medical records. Adverse birth outcomes and maternal vaccination status, where available and linkable, were defined according to GAIA. Basic demographic information on mothers and newborns was also tabulated; birth outcomes were assessed for both intra-site prevalence and a pooled prevalence. ResultsA total of 7,697 mother-newborn pair records were extracted, with 37% of infants screening positive as cases of adverse outcomes. Maternal vaccination information was linkable to 67% of those cases. In total, 51% of stillbirths, 98% of preterm births, 100% of low birthweight infants, 90% of small for gestational age infants, 100% of microcephalic infants, and 0% of neonatal bloodstream infections were classifiable according to GAIA standards following initial screening. Forty percent of case mothers had some indication of tetanus vaccination prior to delivery in their medical records, but only 26% of case mothers met some level of GAIA definition for maternal vaccination during the pregnancy of interest. ConclusionsArchival birth records from delivery centers can be feasibly utilized to screen for stillbirth and maternal tetanus vaccination, and to accurately classify preterm birth, low birthweight, small for gestational age, and congenital microcephaly. Assessment of other neonatal outcomes were limited by inconsistent postpartum infant follow-up and records keeping.

Clinical and Microbiological Characteristics of Neonates with Candidemia and Impacts of Therapeutic Strategies on the Outcomes.

Neonatal candidemia is associated with significant morbidities and a high mortality rate. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics of Candida bloodstream infections in neonates and the impact of therapeutic strategies on the outcomes. We identified all the neonates with candidemia from a medical center in Taiwan over an 18-year period (2003–2021) and analyzed them. Clinical isolates were confirmed by DNA sequencing, and antifungal susceptibility testing was performed. The prognostic factors associated with clinical treatment failure (30-day, all-cause mortality and persistent candidemia > 72 h after antifungal agents) and in-hospital mortality were analyzed using logistic regression modeling. A total of 123 neonates with 139 episodes of candidemia were included in the study. The median (IQR) gestational age and birth weight of the neonates with candidemia were 29.0 (26.0–35.0) weeks and 1104.0 (762.0–2055) g, respectively. The most common Candida spp. was Candida albicans (n = 57, 41.0%), followed by C. parapsilosis (n = 44, 31.7%), Candida guilliermondii (n = 12, 8.6%), and C. glabrata (n = 11, 7.9%). The overall susceptibility to fluconazole was 81.3%, and the resistant rates against other antifungal agents were less than 3%. The cumulative mortality rate at 7 and 30 days after the first episode of candidemia was 11.3% and 32.3%, respectively. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 42.3%. The treatment outcomes did not change over the study period and were not affected by delayed initiation of antifungal agents. Multivariate analysis showed that delayed catheter removal (odds ratio [OR], 5.54; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.93–15.86, p = 0.001), septic shock (OR, 7.88; 95% CI: 2.83–21.93, p < 0.001), and multiple chronic comorbidities (OR, 8.71; 95% CI: 1.82–41.81, p = 0.007) were independently associated with the final in-hospital mortality. We concluded that the overall mortality of neonatal candidemia has remained consistently high over the past decade. Prompt early catheter removal and an aggressive treatment strategy for neonatal candidemia with septic shock would be critical to improving patient outcomes.

Use of Meropenem and Other Antimicrobial Lock Therapy in the Treatment of Catheter-Related Blood Stream Infections in Neonates: A Retrospective Study

(1) Background: Newborns admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) often require the placement of central vascular catheters (CVC), which are a major risk factor for hospital infection. Numerous strategies exist to prevent central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSIs) and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), with only a few offering options to save the catheter when it is impossible to replace. CRBSIs continue to be a major problem for neonates in NICUs. Most CRBSIs are resistant to systemic antibiotics due to the presence of intraluminal bacterial biofilm. Therefore, catheter removal is frequently necessary when a CRBSI occurs. The so-called Antibiotic Lock Therapy (ALT) is an antimicrobial therapeutic strategy which seems to be promising in neonates when catheter removal is difficult due to critical conditions. To date, evidence about the use of ALT in the neonatal period is still fragmentary, since only poor and heterogeneous data exist. (2) Methods: We report our successful experience with ALT in seriously ill neonates with CRBSI for whom the replacement of the catheter could have been life threatening. (3) Results: ALT repetitively performed for at least 12 h was effective in 11 out of 13 infants (84.6%). It was not effective in two infants in whom ALT was performed for only 6 h. Moreover, we present new data about the stability testing of meropenem for its use during ALT in neonates. (4) Conclusions: When CRBSI occurs—bearing in mind that the optimal management is catheter removal if antibiotic therapy is not effective within 48 h—ALT seems to be a valid alternative therapy when removal is impractical due to critical conditions.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Dwell Time as a Risk Factor of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection in Neonates

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Dwell Time as a Risk Factor of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection in Neonates

Epidemiology and Drug Resistance of Neonatal Bloodstream Infection Pathogens in East China Children's Medical Center From 2016 to 2020.

IntroductionTo analyze the pathogen distribution and drug resistance of newborns with bloodstream infection (BSI) to help clinicians choose the appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy for clinical infection control.MethodsA total of 707 neonatal BSI cases were retrospectively analyzed. The bacteria in blood culture-positive samples were cultured, identified, and analyzed for drug sensitivity by routine methods. Statistical software was used to compare and analyze the basic data, pathogenic information, and drug resistance of the main bacteria.ResultsThe 5-year average positive rate of neonatal blood culture was 2.50%. The number of specimens submitted for inspection in 2020 significantly decreased. The top five infectious pathogens with the highest proportion were coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (67.35%), of which Staphylococcus epidermidis had the highest proportion (31.26%), followed by Escherichia coli (12.87%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (9.05%), Streptococcus agalactiae (8.63%), and Staphylococcus aureus (3.25%). Gram-positive (G+) bacteria were dominant, accounting for 69.45%. The main G+ bacteria had a higher rate of resistance to erythromycin and penicillin G. The main Gram-negative (G–) bacteria had a high resistance rate to a variety of antibacterial drugs, especially cephalosporin antibiotics. The overall resistance of K. pneumoniae was higher than that of E. coli. The top two fungi detected were Candida parapsilosis and Candida albicans. C. parapsilosis did not appear to be resistant to antibiotics, while C. albicans was resistant to multiple antibiotics. The type of microbial infection had a statistically significant difference in the positive rate among the age at delivery and wards (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the detection of fungi among these groups (p < 0.05). The positive rate of G+ bacteria in the term newborns was significantly higher than that in the preterm newborns (p < 0.05). Preterm newborns are more susceptible to pneumonia.ConclusionG+ bacteria are the main pathogens of neonatal BSI. Preterm newborns are more likely to be infected with G– bacteria. E. coli and K. pneumoniae are the most common G– bacteria, and both have a high resistance rate to a variety of antibacterial drugs. According to the distribution characteristics and drug resistance, it is very important to select antibiotics reasonably.