Inappropriate Antimicrobial Therapy Research Articles

Association between inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy and mortality in gram-negative bloodstream infections in patients with febrile neutropenia and hematological malignancy

Background and objectiveInappropriate initial antimicrobial therapy has been associated with high mortality in patients with gram-negative bacilli bloodstream infections during febrile neutropenia following chemotherapy for hematological malignancies. The aim of this study is to determine this association in our hospital. MethodsA single center, retrospective, cohort study of bloodstream infection due to gram-negative bacilli and febrile neutropenia was conducted. Clinical characteristics, microbiological etiology, antimicrobial resistance profile, empirical and targeted antibiotic therapy, intensive care unit admission, persistent bacteremia and mortality were analyzed. ResultsOf the 171 episodes of bloodstream infection due to gram-negative bacilli, empirical antimicrobial therapy was inappropriate in 43 episodes (25.1 %). There was a significant difference in mortality at 7 and 30 days between patients who received appropriate versus inappropriate empirical treatment (4.6 % versus 13.9 %, p = 0.04; 15.6 % versus 32.5 %, p = 0.016). Inappropriate empirical treatment (RR, 2.97 [95 % CI, 1.01–8.74]), shock at the time of febrile neutropenia diagnosis (RR, 6.5 [95 % CI, 1.83–23.05]) carbapenem-resistant microorganism (RR, 3.73 [95 % CI, 1.14–12.24]) and persistent bacteremia (RR, 84.6 [95 % CI, 11.3–629.4]) were associated with an increased mortality at 7 and 30 days. In the multivariate analysis, shock (RR, 4.85 [95 % CI, 2.10–11.65]) and persistent bacteremia was independently associated with increased 30-day mortality, but inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy was not an independent prognostic determinant (RR, 1.66 [0.53–4.82]). ConclusionShock at the time of febrile neutropenia diagnosis contributes to mortality in patients with gram-negative bacilli bloodstream infection, in this scenario, appropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy should be encouraged.

Mortality Risk and Antibiotic Therapy for Patients with Infections Caused by Elizabethkingia Species-A Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: Patients with infections caused by Elizabethkingia species require prompt identification and effective antibiotic treatment since these spp. are typically resistant to multiple antibiotics and variable susceptibility patterns. Understanding the mortality risk of this disease is difficult because of the relatively low incidence of infections caused by Elizabethkingia spp. and the lack of published systematic evaluations of the risk factors for mortality. The aim of the present study was to investigate risk factors for mortality in patients with infections caused by Elizabethkingia spp. by conducting a meta-analysis of existing studies on these infections. Materials and Methods: Studies comparing patients who died from infections caused by Elizabethkingia spp. with patients who survived were considered for inclusion. Studies that reported one or more risk factors for mortality were considered. Clinical predisposing variables, predisposing comorbidities, and clinical outcomes of antibiotic treatment were among the risk factors for mortality. Results: The meta-analysis included twenty studies with 990 patients, and 298 patients (30.1%) died. The following risk factors for mortality were identified: intensive care unit admission, the need for mechanical ventilation, immunosuppressive or steroid therapy use, pneumonia, comorbid liver disease, and the use of inappropriate antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: The use of appropriate antimicrobial therapy is critical for the effective management of infections caused by Elizabethkingia spp. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing would be a more reliable means of guiding treatment. The identification of the best antimicrobial drugs is needed to ensure optimal treatment recommendations for treating Elizabethkingia-related infections.

Retrospective analysis of Acinetobacter baumannii bacteraemia risk factors, complications and mortality in a tertiary university hospital in Saudi Arabia.

Introduction. There are many multidrug-resistant isolates of the nosocomial pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii, causing severe healthcare-acquired infections in terminally ill patients with high mortality and morbidity rates. Aim. This study aims to retrospectively analyse A. baumannii bacteraemia (ABB) cases in Saudi Arabia, where the information is sparse regarding the prevalence, risk factors, clinical disease, antibiotic regimen, antibiotic susceptibility, treatment outcomes and mortality associated with this infection. Methods. A retrospective chart review was conducted between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2022 to identify all patients aged 14 years and above with ABB. Demographic and clinical data, as well as results from laboratory analyses, were collected from patients' electronic charts. Statistical analyses were performed on the data to identify factors associated with 90-day mortality. Results. Of the 122 ABB cases, 71 (63.4%) died. The factors that were found to be associated with 90-day mortality were the Charlson Comorbidity Index, Pitt bacteraemia score, quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score (P<0.001 for each), hospital ward (P<0.02), short duration of antibiotic treatment (P<0.01) and higher age (P<0.05). The most common source of infection was central line-associated bloodstream infection in 52.7%. Also associated with mortality were inappropriate antimicrobial therapy (P<0.02) and empirical use of colistin (P<0.05). In many patients, ABB was caused by carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii [(CRAB), 69.6%], and 74.4% of those patients died. Conclusion. To prevent ABB-associated mortality, an appropriate regimen and duration of treatment are necessary. Hospitals should also practice proper hygiene to prevent the spread of ABB. CRAB is a growing threat in hospitals in Saudi Arabia, especially in the critical care setting, and carries a very high risk of mortality.

Reduced mortality with antimicrobial stewardship guided by BioFire FilmArray Blood Culture Identification 2 panel in critically ill patients with bloodstream infection: A retrospective propensity score-matched study

ObjectivesTo investigate whether using the BioFire® FilmArray® Blood Culture Identification 2 panel (BCID2) leads to timely antimicrobial therapy and improves patient outcomes in critically ill patients with bloodstream infections (BSIs). MethodsThis retrospective observational study included patients with BSIs admitted to the intensive care unit from July 1, 2021, to August 31, 2023. Patients were divided into groups receiving appropriate or inappropriate antimicrobial therapy. Those receiving inappropriate therapy underwent adjustments using standard-of-care (SOC) testing or BCID2. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed on the original cohort (Model 1) and a time-window bias-adjusted cohort (Model 2). Clinical impact of BCID2-guided antimicrobial adjustment was analysed in both models. ResultsA total of 181 patients received inappropriate antimicrobial therapy, with 33 undergoing BCID2 testing and 148 undergoing SOC testing. Following PSM and time-window bias adjustment, 66 patients were analysed in Model 1 and 46 patients in Model 2. BCID2 significantly reduced the median time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy (40.8 vs. 74.0 h in Model 1; 42.8 vs. 68.9 h in Model 2) and the day-28 mortality rate (27.8% vs. 77.1%, P < 0.001 in Model 1; 23.5% vs. 58.6%, P = 0.021 in Model 2). In multivariate regression analysis, BCID2-guided antimicrobial adjustment was an independent prognostic factor for day-28 mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.07 in Model 1 and aOR 0.12 in Model 2). ConclusionBCID2-guided antimicrobial stewardship was associated with a shorter time to appropriate antimicrobial therapy and reduced day-28 mortality in critically ill patients with BSIs receiving inappropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Empirical antifungal therapy for health care-associated intra-abdominal infection: a retrospective, multicentre and comparative study

BackgroundCurrent guidelines recommend using antifungals for selected patients with health care-associated intra-abdominal infection (HC-IAI), but this recommendation is based on a weak evidence. This study aimed to assess the association between early empirical use of antifungals and outcomes in intensive care unit (ICU) adult patients requiring re-intervention after abdominal surgery.MethodsA retrospective, multicentre cohort study with overlap propensity score weighting was conducted in three ICUs located in three medical institutions in France. Patients treated with early empirical antifungals for HC-IAI after abdominal surgery were compared with controls who did not receive such antifungals. The primary endpoint was the death rate at 90 days, and the secondary endpoints were the death rate at 1 year and composite criteria evaluated at 30 days following the HC-IAI diagnosis, including the need for re-intervention, inappropriate antimicrobial therapy and death, whichever occurred first.ResultsAt 90 days, the death rate was significantly decreased in the patients treated with empirical antifungals compared with the control group (11.4% and 20.7%, respectively, p = 0.02). No differences were reported for the secondary outcomes.ConclusionThe use of early empirical antifungal therapy was associated with a decreased death rate at 90 days, with no effect on the death rate at 1 year, the death rate at 30 days, the rate of re-intervention, the need for drainage, and empirical antibiotic and antifungal therapy failure at 30 days.

Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Due to Elizabethkingia anophelis: Case Report and Literature Review on Pediatric Infections

Elizabethkingia anophelis is an opportunistic pathogen causing lifethreatening infections in humans, particularly in immunocompromised patients, neonates and the elderly. We report a case of central line-associated bloodstream infection by E. anophelis in a 2.5-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia successfully treated with a combination of piperacillin/tazobactam and amikacin. The literature was also reviewed on pediatric infections caused by E. anophelis, focusing on clinical manifestations, underlying medical conditions, treatment and outcome. Accurate identification with MALDI-TOF, or using molecular techniques, is of the utmost importance because treatment and prognosis differ depending on the species. Considering that E. anophelis is multiresistant to antibiotics and that inappropriate antimicrobial therapy is an independent risk factor for mortality, the early, accurate identification of bacterial species and prompt effective treatment are essential to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Surveillance and Resistance of Community-Onset Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumonia in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Site Infections.

Background: The prevalence of community-onset infections of extended spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing strains has increased globally, yet surveillance and resistance in patients with oral and maxillofacial surgery site infections is less investigated. Patients and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was performed to investigate risk factors and resistance of ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) and ESBL-producing Klebsiella pneumonia (ESBL-KP) among community-onset patients with oral and maxillofacial surgery during January 2010 to December 2016. Demographic features, predisposing factors, clinical outcomes, and antibiotic agent costs were analyzed. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of nine antimicrobial agents against ESBL-KP and ESBL-EC were measured. Results: Among 2,183 cultures from infection sites in patients with oral and maxillofacial surgery site (45 cases [2.06%]) were confirmed with community-onset ESBL-KP (24; 1.10%) or ESBL-EC (21; 0.96%) infection. Multivariable analysis showed the independent risk factors for ESBL-producing bacterial infection were prior history of hospitalization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 10.984; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.965-59.879; p = 0.025) and malignant condition (aOR, 3.373; 95% CI 2.947-7.634; p = 0.024). Based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing, 57.8% ESBL-KP and ESBL-EC were found receiving inappropriate antimicrobial therapy, and antibiotic agent costs were higher than non-ESBL-producing bacterial infections ($493.8 ± $367.3 vs. $304.1 ± $334.7; p = 0.031). Conclusions: Infections caused by ESBL-KP and ESBL-EC among patients in sites with oral and maxillofacial surgery are associated with prior history of hospitalization and malignant conditions. Prompt detection and appropriate antibiotic administration for community-onset infections of ESBLs are necessary for such populations.

Effect of Inappropriate Treatment in Hospitalized Patients with Pyelonephritis Treated with Cefuroxime: A Cohort Study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inappropriate therapy in adult patients with community-acquired pyelonephritis caused by Escherichia coli receiving empirical treatment with cefuroxime during hospital stay and readmission. A retrospective cohort study was performed. Inappropriate treatment was considered treatment for a nonsusceptible isolate according to the results of the urine culture. Adjustment for confounding factors was performed with propensity score-derived inverse probability of treatment weighting. Between 2013 and 2020, 747 patients were included, 102 (13.7%) of whom received inappropriate therapy. Compared to appropriate therapy, inappropriate therapy was associated with a shorter length of stay in the adjusted analysis (Hazard Ratio = 0.34; 95% CI = 0.23-0.49). After 735 patients were discharged from the hospital, 66 were readmitted in the following 30 days. In comparison with appropriate therapy, inappropriate antimicrobial therapy was not related to readmission (OR 1.47; 95% CI = 0.35-2.79). Inappropriate therapy was not related to a longer hospital stay or readmission due to pyelonephritis after adjusting for confounders and covariates.

Acinetobacter baumannii: assessing susceptibility patterns, management practices, and mortality predictors in a tertiary teaching hospital in Lebanon

BackgroundAcinetobacter baumannii is a major nosocomial pathogen capable of causing life-threatening infections. This bacterium is highly resistant to antibiotics and associated with high mortality rates. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate A. baumannii's susceptibility patterns to antimicrobials, assess the appropriateness of the initiated antimicrobial therapy, determine the mortality rate, and identify predictors associated with mortality.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted among patients infected with A. baumannii at a university hospital in Lebanon through the revision of medical records. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and log-rank tests were used to analyze time-to-mortality. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify predictors of mortality.ResultsThe records of 188 patients were screened, and 111 patients with A. baumannii infection were enrolled. Almost all isolates were resistant to carbapenem, and 43% of the isolates were extensively-drug resistant. Almost half of the patients received initial inappropriate antimicrobial therapy (n = 50, 45.1%). The 30-day mortality rate associated with A. baumannii infection was 71.2% (79/111). The time to mortality in patients who received inappropriate antimicrobial therapy (5.70 ± 1.07 days) was significantly shorter than in those who received appropriate antimicrobial therapy (12.43 ± 1.01 days, P < 0.01). Binary logistic regression revealed that inappropriate antimicrobial therapy (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 16.22, 95% CI 2.68–9.97, P = 0.002), mechanical ventilation (AOR = 14.72, 95% CI 3.27–6.61, P < 0.001), and thrombocytopenia (AOR = 8.82, 95% CI 1.12–9.75, P = 0.003) were more likely associated with mortality.ConclusionsA. baumannii exhibits an alarming mortality rate among infected patients. Thrombocytopenia, mechanical ventilation, and inappropriate antibiotic administration are associated with mortality in patients infected with A. baumannii. The prompt initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapy, infection control measures, and effective stewardship program are crucial to reduce the incidence of A. baumannii and improve the treatment outcomes.

Impact of Irrational Use of Antibiotics Among Patients in the Intensive Care Unit on Clinical Outcomes in Sudan.

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a specialized ward where critically ill patients are admitted to provide intensive health care Inappropriate antimicrobial therapy (AMT) and high mortality rates were documented in the ICU. The influence of irrational use of empiric antibiotics on clinical outcomes in ICU patients is not well studied in Sudan. This study aims to determine the rational use of antibiotics and its impact on clinical outcomes among ICU patients. Using data collection form, a retrospective longitudinal study was conducted among ICU patients at Omdurman Military Hospital, Khartoum State. Patients admitted from January 2019 to December 2019 were included in the study. Patients who stayed in ICU < 48 hr were excluded. Appropriateness of AMT is assessed using culture sensitivity test (CST) and the American Society of Infectious Diseases (IDSA) guideline. Among 102 patients, 54.9% male, one-third of patients developed nosocomial infections, 80.4% received empiric therapy with broad-spectrum antibiotics. The CST is done in 19%, and 43% patients are prescribed inappropriate AMT. Inappropriate AMT is associated with recurrent infections 38.4% (p=0.028) and high mortality 33.8% (p=0.014). Overall mortality rate 63.7% ICU patients. Elevated mortality in nosocomial 57.8%, decreased with inappropriate AMT in 21.6% patients. Significantly higher mortality rates 90.7% among uncontrolled infections (p<0.001), 80.6% nosocomial infections (p=0.001), and 76.7% renal compromised (p=0.002). Empirical AMT reduces the frequency of nosocomial infections, which has an impact on mortality. Inappropriate AMT is significantly associated with uncontrolled infections and lower mortality. Implementing a restrictive infectious control system and effective stewardship programs in hospital ICU wards is recommended.

Clinical presentation and outcome of hemodialysis tunneled catheter-related bloodstream infection in older persons.

The use of a tunneled catheter as the primary vascular access among old hemodialysis patients is frequent. Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is a common complication, associated with increased mortality. Data regarding the clinical presentation and outcomes of CRBSI among old hemodialysis patients is limited. All chronic hemodialysis patients hospitalized between 2010 and 2022 with CRBSI were included. Patients were classified into two groups: old adults (≥ 75) and younger patients.Clinical, microbiological, and outcome data were collected and analyzed. One hundred and fifty-four patients with CRBSI were identified. Fifty-seven were aged ≥ 75years.Mean age in the older and younger groups was 81.2 ± 5 and 59.7 ± 12.7, respectively. Male gender was predominant (64%). Charlson comorbidity score and Pitt bacteremia score were comparable among both groups. Norton score < 14 was more common among old persons (n = 24, 67% versus n = 21, 31%, p < 0.001), as well as nursing-home residence. Gram-negative pathogens and Staphylococcus aureuswere common in both groups. The frequency of inappropriate empirical antimicrobial treatment was higher among older persons. Overall, in-hospital and 90-day mortality was high (age ≥ 75, 36.8%, age < 75, 24.7%, p = 0.14).Age was not significantly associated with mortality after adjustment for low Norton score, residence, and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy as well as resistance patterns of bloodstream isolates [OR = 1.2 (95% CI 0.4-3.3),p = 0.76]. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of CRBSI were comparable among old and young hemodialysis patients.However, the high mortality rate in this cohort suggests that the use of tunneled catheters as a permanent vascular access should be discouraged in both patient groups.

The European committee on antimicrobial susceptibility testing disc diffusion susceptibility testing method for frequently isolated anaerobic bacteria

ObjectivesAntimicrobial resistance in anaerobic bacteria is increasing and there is a link between inappropriate antimicrobial therapy and poor clinical outcome in the treatment of infections caused by anaerobic bacteria. Accurate and timely antimicrobial susceptibility testing of anaerobic bacteria is therefore of critical importance. The European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) has recently described a disc diffusion susceptibility testing method for anaerobic bacteria using fastidious anaerobe agar (FAA) supplemented with 5% defibrinated horse blood (HB). This method was previously validated for Bacteroides spp. only. The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of FAA-HB for disc diffusion and also for frequently isolated anaerobic bacteria. MethodsClinical isolates, including 54 Bacteroides/Phocaeicola/Parabacteroides spp., 49 Prevotella spp., 51 Fusobacterium necrophorum, 58 Clostridium perfringens, and 54 Cutibacterium acnes were evaluated against six antimicrobial agents. MICs were determined by agar dilution following Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute methodology, modified to use FAA-HB as recommended by EUCAST, instead of supplemented Brucella agar, and disc diffusion was performed on FAA-HB following EUCAST methodology. ResultsResults for quality control strains were reproducible, with 99.3% of zones within range. Disc diffusion by EUCAST methodology was able to distinguish between susceptible and resistant isolates of anaerobic bacteria for benzylpenicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, meropenem, clindamycin, and metronidazole (98.7% correct categorization). No isolates resistant to vancomycin were tested, but zone diameters correctly categorized the susceptible isolates, and there was a logical relationship between MICs and inhibition zones. DiscussionThe recently published EUCAST method for disc diffusion for anaerobic bacteria based on FAA-HB is a reproducible and accurate method for susceptibility testing of frequently isolated anaerobic bacteria.

Utility of the BioFire® FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel plus assay for syndromic testing of lower respiratory tract infections in a low/middle-income setting.

Determining lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) aetiology is complex. Culture-based methods are laborious with poor sensitivity. Molecular assays improve detection of potential pathogens, but incorrect interpretation of results may lead to inappropriate antimicrobial therapy. The utility of the BioFire® FilmArray® Pneumonia Panel plus (FA-PP) to detect LRTI pathogens, and the potential impact on antimicrobial stewardship in a low-resource setting, were assessed. Routine LRT samples were included from adult patients with clinically suspected LRTI or with a concomitant blood culture at Groote Schuur Hospital and referring facilities. Culture and FA-PP results were compared, and pharmacy data analysed to determine appropriateness of antibiotic therapy. There was an 80% correlation between cultured LRTI pathogens and the FA-PP bin ≥107 results. Compared with culture, the FA-PP detected substantially more pathogens (86.6% versus 17.9%) and produced a combined 100% positive percent agreement, and 88% negative percent agreement. The FA-PP detected bacterial/viral coinfections in 27% of samples. Correlation of FA-PP results with pharmacy data (n = 69) indicated a potential antibiotic change in 75% of cases, but this is difficult to accurately characterize without a 'gold standard' for treatment or complete clinical data. The FA-PP increased the number of positive samples with typical bacteria, but the semi-quantitative reporting algorithm does not describe the correlation between the different bin values and colonization versus infection. This complicates result interpretation and may lead to inappropriate antimicrobial treatment. This study highlights the potential positive impact of rapid molecular assays for routine care in lower-income settings, but also underscores the interpretive challenges associated with these tests.

Guidance of empirical antimicrobial therapy by surveillance cultures in high-risk neutropenic patients: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundIn neutropenic patients, bloodstream infections (BSI) significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality. Appropriate empirical antibiotic therapy (EAT) of BSI is essential, at the same time overconsumption of very broad-spectrum antibiotics should be avoided. We investigated: (1) whether surveillance cultures can predict BSI with third-generation cephalosporin –resistant Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (3GC-R), (2) the effect of inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy (IEAT) on clinical outcome and (3) the potential reduction of carbapenem use when using surveillance cultures to guide therapy.MethodsRetrospective study of adult patients with haematological malignancies with febrile episodes during chemotherapy-induced high-risk neutropenia in whom surveillance cultures were collected weekly. IEAT was defined as the absence of in vitro susceptibility of blood-isolates to the administered EAT. Clinical outcome (ICU admission and death) was evaluated within 30 days.ResultsA total of 673 febrile episodes occurred among 372 high-risk neutropenic patients. BSI was present in 20.1% (135/673), of which 25.9% (35/135) were due to Enterobacterales and P. aeruginosa. Of these, 17/35 were 3GC-R and 70.6% (12/17) were preceded by 3GC-R colonization. Negative predictive value of surveillance cultures for 3GC-R BSI was 99.1%. IEAT due to (3GC-R) BSI was not significantly associated with clinical outcome. Using surveillance cultures to guide EAT could potentially reduce carbapenem use by 82.8%, when compared to standard EAT with carbapenem.ConclusionsThis retrospective analysis shows that in patients with high-risk neutropenia, surveillance cultures can potentially reduce the use of carbapenems with infrequent IEAT for 3GC-R BSI and no negative impact on clinical outcome.

Development of a risk prediction model for bloodstream infection in patients with fever of unknown origin

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a significant cause of mortality among patients with fever of unknown origin (FUO). Inappropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy increases difficulty in BSI diagnosis and treatment. Knowing the risk of BSI at early stage may help improve clinical outcomes and reduce antibiotic overuse. We constructed a multivariate prediction model based on clinical features and serum inflammatory markers using a cohort of FUO patients over a 5-year period by Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) and logistic regression. Among 712 FUO patients, BSI was confirmed in 55 patients. Five independent predictors available within 24 h after admission for BSI were identified: presence of diabetes mellitus, chills, C-reactive protein level of 50-100 mg/L, procalcitonin > 0.3 ng/mL, neutrophil percentage > 75%. A predictive score incorporating these 5 variables has adequate concordance with an area under the curve of 0.85. The model showed low positive predictive value (22.6%), but excellent negative predictive value (97.4%) for predicting the risk of BSI. The risk of BSI reduced to 2.0% in FUO patients if score < 1.5. A simple tool based on 5 variables is useful for timely ruling out the individuals at low risk of BSI in FUO population.

Antimicrobial Sensitivity Pattern from Hospitalized Pneumonia Patients in National Referral Infectious Disease Hospital in Indonesia.

Background Pneumonia is still a major global problem with high morbidity and mortality. The increasing number of pneumonia cases caused by bacteria, especially multidrug-resistant pathogens, increasing age of the population, patients with chronic disease (comorbid), and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy at initial administration make the treatment become less effective. These issues finally contribute to higher morbidity and mortality in cases of hospitalized pneumonia patients. Therefore, it is crucial to know the microbial pattern and select the therapy according to local antimicrobial sensitivity patterns. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted for hospitalized pneumonia patients between January 2015 and December 2016 in Indonesia National Referral Infectious Disease Hospital. Data were collected from medical records to show patient characteristics, antimicrobial treatment data, culture examination, and bacterial sensitivity. Results A total of 99 pneumonia patients required hospitalization and underwent sputum culture examination. The patients were mostly above 65 years old (32.3%) and male (57.6%). The most common comorbidities were pulmonary tuberculosis (21%), and the others were heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and HIV/AIDS. Based on the sputum culture, fungi were identified in most specimens (56%), while the bacteria identified were Klebsiella pneumoniae (14%), Acinetobacter sp. (12%), and Pseudomonas sp. (8%). Third-generation cephalosporin, such as ceftriaxone (50%), was commonly used as an antibiotic for pneumonia treatment. Conclusion Most common bacteria isolated from sputum culture were Klebsiella pneumoniae which were more sensitive to the beta-lactam and aminoglycoside groups. The higher risk factors were age above 65 years old, being male, and having tuberculosis.

Antimicrobial use and mortality among intensive care unit patients with bloodstream infections: implications for stewardship programs

BackgroundBloodstream infections (BSIs) are one of the most critical illnesses requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. Antimicrobial therapy (AMT) is one of the vital management strategies for the treatment of BSIs; it should be chosen appropriately to reduce mortality. ObjectivesThis is the first study to investigate the types of antimicrobial agents administered in the ICU setting and the predictor variables associated with mortality. MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted at King Abdullah University Hospital (KAUH). All hospitalized patients admitted to the ICU and received at least one antimicrobial agent over 3 years period (January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2019) were included in the study. Electronic patients' medical records were used to collect patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, patient general health status, events that occurred during hospitalization, and events after obtaining the blood culture. Descriptive analysis was done to identify the types of antimicrobials used and the distribution of the microorganisms among the study participants. The susceptibility test of the bloodstream culture was checked for each patient. Moreover, crude mortality and its associated factors were investigated. ResultsA total of 1051 patients were enrolled in the study, where 650 patients (61.84%) were treated with three or more antimicrobial agents. The most frequent antimicrobials used were piperacillin/tazobactam followed by teicoplanin, meropenem, and levofloxacin. About half of the patients died within 30-days of BSI, which was associated with several factors including advanced age, presence of co-morbidities, nosocomial infections or healthcare-associated infections, length of ICU stay, respiratory tract infections, receiving vasopressor during the hospital stay, concurrent positive culture other than blood with BSI, receiving combination antimicrobial therapy, those who were complicated with septic shock or renal failure, receiving total parenteral protein (TPN) nutrition, and inappropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy. ConclusionIn conclusion, the administration of the antimicrobials among ICU patients was highly based on a combination of three or more agents covering a broad spectrum of microorganisms. The mortality rate was high among patients which were associated with inappropriate empirical therapy. Therefore, the antimicrobial stewardship (ASP) protocol has to be evaluated in the hospital for ICU patients. Moreover, we suggest recommending that hospital policies should apply the ASP protocol, infection control, implement the antimicrobial de-escalation protocol, and do best controlling on the co-morbid conditions, especially for ages 65 years or more to reduce the mortality rate in the ICU.

Infectious keratitis: A review.

Globally, infectious keratitis is the fifth leading cause of blindness. The main predisposing factors include contact lens wear, ocular injury and ocular surface disease. Staphylococcus species, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Fusarium species, Candida species and Acanthamoeba species are the most common causal organisms. Culture of corneal scrapes is the preferred initial test to identify the culprit organism. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests and in vivo confocal microscopy can complement the diagnosis. Empiric therapy is typically commenced with fluoroquinolones, or fortified antibiotics for bacterial keratitis; topical natamycin for fungal keratitis; and polyhexamethylene biguanide or chlorhexidine for acanthamoeba keratitis. Herpes simplex keratitis is mainly diagnosed clinically; however, PCR can also be used to confirm the initial diagnosis and in atypical cases. Antivirals and topical corticosteroids are indicated depending on the corneal layer infected. Vision impairment, blindness and even loss of the eye can occur with a delay in diagnosis and inappropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Prognostic Effects of Inappropriate Empirical Antimicrobial Therapy in Adults With Community-Onset Bacteremia: Age Matters.

BackgroundStudies have reported the effects of delayed administration of appropriate antimicrobial therapy (AAT) on the short-term prognosis of patients with bloodstream infections; however, whether there is an age-related difference in these effects remains debated.MethodsIn this 4-year multicenter case-control study, patients with community-onset bacteremia were retrospectively categorized into the “middle-aged” (45–64 years), “old” (65–74 years), and “very old” (≥75 years) groups. Two methods were adopted to investigate the prognostic effects of delayed AAT in each age group. First, its effects were, respectively, investigated, after adjustment for the independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Second, patients in each age group were matched by the closest propensity-score (PS), which was calculated by independent predictors of mortality; the survival curves and Pearson chi-square tests were adopted to disclose its effects in each PS-matching group.ResultsEach hour of delayed AAT resulted in an average increase in the 30-day crude mortality rate of 0.2% (P = 0.03), 0.4% (P < 0.001), and 0.7% (P < 0.001) in middle-aged (968 patients), old (683), and very old (1,265) patients, after, respectively, adjusting the independent predictors of mortality in each group. After appropriate PS-matching, no significant proportion differences in patient demographics, bacteremia characteristics, severity of bacteremia and comorbidities, and 15-day or 30-day crude mortality rates were observed between three matched groups (582 patients in each group). However, significant differences in survival curves between patients with delayed AAT > 24 or >48 h and those without delayed administration were demonstrated in each age group. Furthermore, the odds ratios of 30-day mortality for delayed AAT > 24 or >48 h were 1.73 (P = 0.04) or 1.82 (P = 0.04), 1.84 (P = 0.03) or 1.95 (P = 0.02), and 1.87 (P = 0.02) or 2.34 (P = 0.003) in the middle-aged, old, and very old groups, respectively. Notably, the greatest prognostic impact of delayed AAT > 24 or >48 h in the very old group and the smallest impact in the middle-aged group were exhibited.ConclusionFor adults (aged ≥45 years) with community-onset bacteremia, the delayed AAT significantly impacts their short-term survival in varied age groups and the age-related differences in its prognostic impact might be evident.

The epidemiology of bloodstream infection contributing to mortality: the difference between community-acquired, healthcare-associated, and hospital-acquired infections

BackgroundThe epidemiology of bloodstream infection (BSI) is well-established; however, little is known about the contribution of different pathogens to mortality. To understand true burden of BSI, pathogens contributing to mortality were investigated and compared according to where the BSI was acquired.MethodsData from deceased patients in two teaching hospitals in the Republic of Korea were collected. BSI contributing mortality was defined as BSI within 2-weeks before death. Cases were grouped by acquisition sites: community-acquired (CA)-, healthcare-associated (HCA)-, and hospital-acquired (HA)-BSI. Drug resistance, BSI focus, and appropriateness of empirical antimicrobial therapy were also compared.ResultsAmong 1849 deceased patients in the hospitals, 280 (15.1%) patients experienced BSI within 2-weeks before death. In all, 71, 53, and 156 patients in the CA-, HCA-, and HA-BSI groups, respectively, with 316 total isolated pathogens were analyzed. The three most common pathogens were Klebsiella pneumoniae (17.1%), Escherichia coli (16.4%), and Staphylococcus aureus (11.4%). While K. pneumoniae and E. coli were the most common pathogens in CA- and HCA-BSI, Acinetobacter baumannii and Candida species were in HA-BSI. 26.3% (41/156) of patients experienced breakthrough HCA-BSI during administration of carbapenem and/or vancomycin. The proportion of central venous catheter-related infection (0%, 3.4% and 28.3%), carbapenem resistant-Gram negative bacilli (0%, 6.9% and 21.9%), and inappropriate empirical antimicrobial therapy (21.1%, 37.7% and 51.9%; all P < 0.001) were more frequently observed in HA-BSI.ConclusionThe epidemiology of BSI related to mortality had unique characteristics according to the acquisition site. Given the epidemiology of HA-BSI, infection control and antibiotics stewardship programs should be emphasized.