Transient bacteremia associated with barium enema

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Infectious Diseases
• Medical Diagnostics

Background:

• Barium enema is a common diagnostic imaging procedure for the lower gastrointestinal tract.
• The potential for inducing bacteremia during barium enema has not been extensively studied.
• Understanding transient bacteremia is important for interpreting blood cultures in clinical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and duration of bacteremia following barium enema.
• To identify bacterial species associated with post-barium enema bacteremia.
• To assess the relevance of barium enema-induced bacteremia in patients with suspected endocarditis.

Main Methods:

• 175 patients undergoing barium enema were enrolled.
• Blood cultures were collected immediately before and after the procedure, as well as at 5, 10, 15, and 30 minutes post-procedure.
• Patient data on lower intestinal tract disorders were recorded.

Main Results:

• Bacteremia was detected in 20 (11.4%) of the 175 patients.
• Bacteremia persisted for up to 15 minutes after the barium enema, with all cultures negative at 30 minutes.
• Commonly identified bacteria included Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, enterococci, Proteus morganii, Bacteroides, and Veillonella.
• The incidence of bacteremia did not significantly differ across various lower intestinal tract disorders.

Conclusions:

• Barium enema can transiently induce bacteremia in a significant portion of patients.
• The presence of bacteria in the bloodstream typically resolves within 30 minutes post-procedure.
• A history of recent barium enema should be considered in the clinical evaluation of patients with endocarditis.