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Escherichia coli bacteraemia in Canberra: incidence and clinical features

Karina J Kennedy1, Jan L Roberts, Peter J Collignon

  • 1Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, The Canberra Hospital, Canberra, ACT, Australia. karina.kennedy@act.gov.au

The Medical Journal of Australia
|February 19, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteraemia is common in Canberra, Australia, with incidence increasing with age. Many infections are community-associated but linked to healthcare, highlighting the need for ongoing surveillance.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Microbiology
  • Epidemiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a leading cause of bacteraemia globally.
  • Understanding population incidence and clinical features is crucial for public health.
  • Canberra, Australia, provides a unique setting for epidemiological studies due to its population size and geographical isolation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the population incidence of E. coli bacteraemia in Canberra, Australia.
  • To describe the clinical features and sources of E. coli bacteraemia.
  • To identify trends and risk factors associated with E. coli bacteraemia in the studied population.

Main Methods:

  • Population-based retrospective study using microbiology laboratory records and population statistics.
  • Analysis of E. coli bacteraemia episodes in Canberra residents from January 2000 to December 2004.
  • Prospective collection of clinical data for episodes occurring in three major hospitals.

Main Results:

  • An overall incidence of 28 E. coli bacteraemia episodes per 100,000 population per year was observed.
  • The highest incidence rates were in elderly males (aged > or = 80 years) and in males under 1 year.
  • Genitourinary (50%) and gastrointestinal (28%) sources were most common; 7-day case-fatality rate was 5%.

Conclusions:

  • E. coli is the most frequent cause of bacteraemia in Canberra, with incidence rising with age.
  • While most cases are community-onset, a significant proportion are linked to healthcare procedures.
  • Continuous surveillance is essential for identifying modifiable risk factors to reduce the burden of E. coli bacteraemia.
Abstract

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