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Updated: May 23, 2026
08:32
Development and Assessment of Intracellular Infection Models for Staphylococcus aureus
Published on: January 17, 2025
Predictors of mortality in Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Sebastian J van Hal1, Slade O Jensen, Vikram L Vaska
1Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Sydney South West Pathology Service—Liverpool, South Western Sydney Local Health Network, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Sebastian.vanHal@sswahs.nsw.gov.au
Clinical Microbiology Reviews
|April 12, 2012
Summary
Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) remains a significant cause of death. Optimizing management through timely antibiotics and further research into contributing factors is crucial for improving patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is a serious infection with a high mortality rate, exceeding deaths from AIDS, tuberculosis, and viral hepatitis combined.
- While age and comorbidities are known mortality predictors, the influence of other host factors remains unclear.
- Pathogen-host interactions, shock, and the source of infection significantly impact SAB outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review factors influencing mortality in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.
- To identify key predictors of outcomes and areas for improved management.
- To highlight the need for further research in optimizing patient care.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing data on Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia.
- Analysis of factors affecting patient outcomes, including host characteristics, pathogen-host interactions, and treatment strategies.
- Evaluation of the current understanding of antibiotic resistance and its impact on mortality.
Main Results:
- Mortality in SAB patients ranges from 10% to 30%, with older age being a primary predictor of death.
- Shock and the source of bacteremia are strong indicators of patient outcomes.
- The role of antibiotic resistance and vancomycin effectiveness requires further investigation.
Conclusions:
- Despite declining mortality rates, SAB remains a critical public health concern.
- Timely initiation of appropriate antibiotics improves outcomes in specific patient groups.
- International collaborative studies are essential to elucidate mortality factors and optimize SAB management.
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